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If you love traveling and exploring new places, but don't want to leave your dog behind, then a caravan trip might be the perfect option for you. A caravan offers you the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace, while providing a comfortable and cozy home for you and your pet. However, traveling with a dog in a caravan also requires some planning and preparation to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some tips to help you make your caravan trip with your dog a success. 1. Check the rules and regulations of your destination . Before you hit the road, make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations regarding dogs in Turkey. For example, you will need to have a valid pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, and health certificate for your dog to enter Turkey. You will also need to check if there are any breed restrictions or quarantine requirements for dogs in Turkey. Additionally, you will need to find out if there are any pet-friendly caravan sites or campgrounds where you can stay with your dog. Some places may have specific rules or fees for dogs, so it is best to do your research beforehand. 2. Pack the essentials for your dog. Traveling with a dog in a caravan means that you will need to bring some extra items for their comfort and care. Some of the essentials include: - A crate or carrier that fits securely in your caravan - A leash, collar, harness, and ID tag - Food, water, bowls, treats, and toys - A bed or blanket - A first aid kit - Poop bags and cleaning supplies - Medications or supplements if needed 3. Keep your dog safe and comfortable in the caravan. When traveling with a dog in a caravan, it is important to ensure their safety and comfort at all times. Some of the things you can do are: - Make sure your dog is properly restrained in their crate or carrier while driving - Avoid leaving your dog alone in the caravan for long periods of time - Provide adequate ventilation and temperature control in the caravan - Keep windows closed or screened to prevent insects or wildlife from entering - Provide fresh water and shade for your dog when parked - Avoid feeding your dog right before or after driving to prevent motion sickness 4. Take regular breaks and exercise your dog. One of the benefits of traveling with a dog in a caravan is that you can stop whenever and wherever you want to enjoy some quality time with your furry friend. Taking regular breaks along the way will help prevent boredom, stress, and fatigue for both you and your dog. You can use these breaks to: - Let your dog stretch their legs and do their business - Give them some water and snacks - Play with them or give them some attention - Explore new sights and smells 5. Be respectful of other travelers and locals. Traveling with a dog in a caravan can be a great way to meet new people and experience different cultures. However, it is also important to be respectful of other travelers and locals who may have different opinions or preferences about dogs. Some of the ways you can show respect are: - Keep your dog on a leash when outside the caravan - Clean up after your dog wherever you go - Train your dog to behave well around strangers and other animals - Ask permission before letting your dog interact with others Traveling with a dog in a caravan can be an amazing adventure for both of you if done right. By following these tips, you can ensure that both you and your dog enjoy your trip.

When you want to travel in complete freedom, a caravan is the right choice. On the other hand, driving a motorhome can be intimidating for some people. In this case, they prefer to use a caravan. That said, there are a few things you should know about towing your trailer. Let's take a look at what you need to know so that you can set off with peace of mind. Which license and which car to tow a trailer? Did you know that a B permit is sufficient to tow a trailer? However, on one condition: that the combined total weight of the camper and the car does not exceed 3.5 tons. Note: If the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the caravan is less than 750 kg, the total can reach 4.25 tons. On the other hand, if the camper weighs more than 750 kg, but the overall GVWR is less than 4.25 tonnes, B96 training is required. And finally, if the GVW is exceeded by 4.25 tons, you have to pass the BE clearance. Regarding the car, one family car is enough to drive with a campervan. A minivan is the ideal choice. The important thing is to have a good braking system, strong drive power and excellent handling. It should be noted that as a general rule we are talking about rising weight or drawbar weight. This should be a maximum of 5% for a heavy caravan and 7% for others. Some tips before you hit the road with your RV Before going on a trip, there are some checks that need to be done. The first thing: check the condition and pressure of the tires of the car and the caravan. Because the slightest problem can lead to serious disasters. Both for you and for other drivers. Also pay attention to the weight: it should be well distributed in your caravan to make it easier to use. Don't forget to check if the traffic lights are working properly. In terms of insurance, know that a caravan weighing less than 500 kg can be included in your car insurance contract. Between 500 and 750 kg, the car will continue to be covered by your insurance (but must have proof of registration and registration). Beyond 750 kg, it is completely independent. Finally, the last thing you need to know if you plan to ride in a trailer: on the road, avoid braking and start as abruptly as possible. Instead, if necessary, opt for overtaking and engine braking as smoothly as possible. Would you like to buy a caravan? Discover our advertisements for new caravans and used caravans!

In order to be able to use your caravan for many years, you need to check and maintain your vehicle regularly. What are the right things to do on a daily basis? How often should you care? What accessories are needed? Follow the guide, we tell you everything! Exterior maintenance of your caravan Like any other vehicle, a caravan requires regular maintenance of its bodywork. Trips during your various stays lead to the appearance of various black spots, scratches, stuck insects... Therefore, it is necessary to undergo cleaning to preserve its original shine! But be careful not to damage the bodywork; for example, forget about karcher, as it can remove the paint. A sponge, a bucket of soapy water and a little elbow oil will do the trick. A telescopic broom for effortless cleaning without the risk of scratching the body will be especially appreciated. Below are a few products that will make your job much easier. Humidity control We have already mentioned here the importance of humidity control. This annual check is crucial to ensure the longevity of your vehicle and to prevent water ingress. To ensure good tightness, regularly inspect the gaskets, especially around windows and doors. We recommend applying a lubricant before winter to prevent the seals from cracking. Tyre care Good tyre care is a must! The pressure of your tyres should be checked regularly: excessive inflation accelerates wear, while low inflation increases the risk of explosions. Don't forget to check in at least once before each trip. Seasonal care: In summer, tires are damaged by the sun's rays. If you stop for a long time, it is advisable to protect them to prevent premature aging. During the winter months, you should overinflate your tires a little too much to prevent them from deforming. Indeed, the tire flattens when it is immobilized for a long time. It is also strongly recommended to regularly move the car or place it on wedges. Another solution that requires the intervention of a professional is the installation of hydraulic jacks. Our technicians are qualified to perform this installation. Ask us for more information. Caravan engine maintenance First of all, it is important that you read the maintenance booklet provided by the manufacturer for your vehicle. This booklet will list all checkpoints, maintenance to be performed and their frequency. As a general rule, engine maintenance should be carried out every 50,000 km. Self-care As with any vehicle, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your RVVAN's engine running smoothly: Check oil and coolant levels Check for any leaks or abnormal leaks Visually inspect belts, spark plugs, etc. Don't forget to disconnect the batteries when you're not using your RV. This will use your electricity unnecessarily to prevent them from draining. In general, you need to charge your batteries monthly in a 200V outlet. Maintenance in the garage Have your vehicle serviced every 50,000 km or every 2 years, whichever comes first Change the oil (engine and brake fluid) every two years Change the belt approximately every 4 years (see maintenance booklet)

The holidays are approaching and you are planning to go on a road trip with your family or friends. The car + caravan option is not suitable for you. Neither is the caravan. Both are too big for you. Fortunately, there is an alternative solution: the minibus or converted minibus. We give you 4 reasons to let yourself be tempted. Minibuses, off-road vehicles When we think about the converted minibus and its advantages, we immediately think about the proximity to the car. Obviously, this type of vehicle is longer than a conventional car. Still, not as long as a caravan. And most importantly, it is easy to drive. You just have to get used to its length. Once this is done, you will no longer see the difference with your regular vehicle. Especially since today, vans can show a consumption of less than 10L / 100. An interesting load 2-in-1 vehicle: on a daily basis and on the road to holiday What strikes you most when you enter a van or minibus is the space available. Obviously, when faced with a caravan or motorhome, there is no match. However, the carrying capacity can be up to 800kg. This is not nothing. Perfect for travelling on the roads of France or the world without denying comfort while taking everything you need (suitcases, bicycles, etc.) with you. Some even use the crossover for everyday tasks (shopping, going to work or helping a friend move). Another strong point of the converted minibus: the ability to open up anywhere. Imagine: you are in front of a beautiful view and you want to stop. You have the possibility to open a side door to enjoy the magnificent view offered to you while enjoying the comfort of your minibus. Contact with nature is what comes to mind when thinking about the minibus and its benefits. In addition, some models also benefit from a panoramic roof to let in sunlight and easily ventilate the interior. Ideal both on the road and in sedentary places. Many solutions for all desires On average, it takes € 45.000 for a motorhome. If, on the other hand, you want to buy a van or minibus, know that you find very interesting models starting at € 29,000. This is quite a big difference that makes some people want to invest without delay. Among the brands to favour, we recommend taking a look at the Klubber, Campster, Westfalia or Stylevan models. These are big names that offer more or less large vans and minibuses that answer all desires ... and all budgets.

WHICH PAPER TO GO TO THE NETHERLANDS? Entry into Dutch territory requires a valid national identity card or passport. Identity cards issued to adults between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 will be valid for 5 years from the expiration date indicated on the reverse, but no material changes to the plastic card will prove this. As a result, it is highly recommended to choose to use a valid passport rather than an expired CNI, even if it is still considered valid by the French authorities, to avoid any inconvenience during your trip. • Identity card or passport, valid. • Driving licence. • Registration certificate and green insurance card • A panel with diagonal red stripes to indicate rear ledge transport. • If you are not the owner of the vehicle, a power of attorney and permission to leave the territory. MAPS AND GUIDES Many guides are available, including • Netherlands guide published by Lonely Planet • The Dutch Green Guide published by Michelin. • Guide Bleu Pays Bass published by Hachette. • Dutch Backpacker's Guide, Hachette editions. HIGHWAY NETWORK The road network is excellent and has a very busy highway system. All cities are equipped with bike paths. It is therefore advisable to be very careful with cyclists, who are in large numbers and usually have priority above all else. In the Netherlands in general, and certainly in big cities, you have to pay to park in many places. Use a debit card, credit card or cash to pay. FUEL Drive on petrol, diesel or LPG (LPG), stations are all over the Netherlands. To deceive ! Fill in town as the price is higher on the highways. LPG is quite easy to find, but for security reasons, it is only sold at stations outside the city. The diesel price is about 1.20 €/litre. ADVANCE The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro. Be warned, very few vendors accept credit cards as bank charges are high. So if you insist on paying by credit card, it is possible that they will add a 5% fee. Therefore, you should bring cash or plan to withdraw from on-site ATMs. Few shops accept €500 notes and sometimes even €200 or €100 notes. When paying in cash, the amount is rounded up to the nearest € 0.05. ELECTRIC The electric current is 230 volts. Electrical sockets are the same as French sockets. It is therefore not necessary to provide an adapter or transformer. Terminals in campgrounds are usually equipped with blue European sockets. GAS If you need propane, you should know that Dutch bottles are compatible with German fixtures. It is possible to use the adapter or the corresponding Truma G12 floating head. Many stations supply LPG. ANIMALS If you wish to bring your pet, we recommend that you contact a veterinarian to find out the latest regulations in force in the country visited. Also, learn about veterinary conditions for your animal's return to the area. CLIMATE It is generally accepted that the ideal time to visit the Netherlands is the beginning of spring, the period when the bulbous plants bloom, the month of April and the first days of May. The average temperature in April/May is 12°.

If the caravan offers a certain freedom and allows you to travel comfortably, you should be very careful when deciding to buy a used caravan. This type of vehicle purchase is not done on a whim and you need to determine your needs and budget before you begin your research. Price criteria, but also technical criteria, purchase from a person or a professional, all this should be carefully considered. We help you see clearly. Everything you need to know before buying a used campervan Fully define your needs In order not to get a very spacious caravan for your needs or a second-hand caravan that is too sophisticated for your taste, you should first evaluate your needs. If you're a pair of young retirees traveling with your caravan all year round, it's clear that you won't have the same needs as a family of 5 who want to spend three or four months abroad and can buy a touring bike for everyone. . If needs are intensifying for a few months a year, you will need to consider an ideal place to park your caravan (wintering) even when you are not using it. If you don't have a garage, you will need to budget to rent a shelter for the months you don't use it. Unless you choose to rent? All this should be considered before buying a used campervan. A couple who want to travel in their caravan for a few months a year, Consider your caravan budget Be warned, when you look at used caravan ads, the models that flaunt it are attractive and you may forget some notions of reality. First off, what is your actual budget for buying a used campervan? In addition to buying a caravan that meets your needs, your budget should also consider additional costs (eg: replacing a part or installing additional accessories at a professional, etc.). Where can I find used caravan ads? You can buy your used caravan from an individual or a professional. It can be found in ads for individuals (example: sahibinden.com ) or on sites specializing in classified ads. To know if you choose to buy from a contact You can get a good deal by going through one person. This is especially true if you find a camper that meets your needs, if it is in excellent technical condition and has been meticulously maintained interior. Ideally, if the owner has kept all their bills, the technical inspection is OK, and the mileage is reasonable for the year the caravan was put into circulation, it is possible to trace the repair history. But in reality it is rare to be able to meet all these criteria when buying a motorhome from a private person. Therefore, you should carefully check the caravan and know enough not to make any mistakes. It goes without saying that you can't be a caravan owner without seeing it, seeing it up close, and meeting the owner. If the price is particularly attractive to you and you still want to buy your used caravan from a private person, be sure to do the necessary checks (vehicle registration and technical inspections) and be meticulous about payment terms (a bank check). Finally, unless the camper is very new, it will certainly no longer come with the original manufacturer's warranty. Advantages of buying a used caravan from a professional Often times, a used caravan purchased from a professional can have benefits that the person should not have. The caravan offered for sale may have been used, for example, during the rental periods, but as with car rentals, it will be systematically checked and meticulously maintained with each new rental. When it leaves the rental fleet it is generally in very good condition and has an extended warranty. It should be added that a dealer specializing in caravans has a dedicated technical team that can detect and fix the slightest technical problem. When you know very little about mechanics, it's often reassuring to buy a used campervan from a professional rather than an individual. Caravan controls Whether you buy your used caravan from an individual or a professional, you will need to check some important points such as water resistance, condition of the engine, various equipment inside (air conditioner, refrigerator, hotplate etc.). ), the state of the overall interior layout. Do not hesitate to sit on the bench, turn on the taps or turn on the electricity to see if all the lighting is working properly. Test drive your used caravan Unlike a used car that you can buy for short trips, the camper is more aimed at getting you to "see the country". That's why it's so important to have it on hand and test drive your future home on wheels. Take the time to test drive it at your dealer or the private person you purchased your used campervan from. This allows you to evaluate the ride and detect any technical faults (gearbox, steering wheel, suspension, etc.). Administrative documents and warranty to be closely supervised If you buy your caravan from a dealer, you can take advantage of an extended warranty. Check what it's about and the risks that will be covered under warranty. Purchasing a used caravan from a professional is fairly straightforward in terms of administrative paperwork, but you will have to be more careful if you buy from a private person. You'll need to request attestation of administrative status - the document formerly called a "no foreclosure certificate" confirming the sale - and you can check the correctness of the deed serial number with the one specified at the campsite. (must be placed on door, step or gas cabinet, as the case may be).

Not all dealers are ASSOCAMP members, but the purpose of this article is to allow you to make a better and more informed choice, so I would like to point out another certainly useful resource, APC, the Caravan and Camper Manufacturers Association . Among the many information that the site gives to those who visit it, the one I am now interested in showing you is the page with the APC associated camper manufacturers : Arca, Rimor, Laika, PLA, Elnagh, Molbilvetta, Roller Team, Adria, Benimar, Bürstner , Hymer, Vont Vendome, are just some of the names, Italian and otherwise, that you can find among the associated brands. Why is this page important? Because it contains links to the sites of each manufacturer , and there, on the specific site, you can find information on the models, construction technologies and dealers you find in Italy. It seems to me an important resource, always considering the advice I have already given you: don't go overboard with the comparisons, otherwise you risk never deciding .

The concessionaires are distributed throughout the national territory, sell new and used motorhomes, have workshops for the repair, installation and overhaul of accessories and components for initial installation, generally they also rent out. Do not confuse the dealer's workshop with that of the mechanic, as the skills are very different: the dealer's workshop takes care of everything concerning the living unit and its systems. Here you will find the list of ASSOCAMP associated dealers (there are around 200), you can search for them by region and filter them by type of services offered.

What better occasion to see what's around than to go to some motorhome fairs ? Among other things, fairs are often the best place to buy new campers , both because they allow you to compare various products and because sometimes there is some economic convenience. Here is a list of fairs, but don't forget … a critical eye! Tour.it Open Air Life in Carrara : for all outdoor enthusiasts Traveling in Padua : experiences, destinations, camper caravans and camping Freely in Bologna : free time, fun and life in the open air Italy Holidays in Novegro : motorhome, caravan, equipment and accessories for holidays Expo Camper in Naples : exhibition dedicated to campers, caravans, camping and outdoor holidays Free time in Bolzano : holidays, camping, outdoors, home and garden Salone del Camper in Parma : the Italian camper fair par excellence, the second most important in Europe A Tutto Camper in Turin : caravanning and outdoor Nature Tourism in Montichiari : campers, camping, nautical and outdoor, accessories

Whether you want to buy a new or used camper , take the time to decide and choose. However, while you know your needs or you can focus on them yourself, and in this my checklist will help you (please, make two lists: primary and secondary needs), the knowledge of what the motorhome market offers , especially in terms of proposed solutions, you have to acquire it. Go and see some campers , it doesn't matter if you buy them or not, you have to "touch" the differences between the various types of bed, go into the bathrooms, understand what a garage locker looks like, see the stove, boiler, fridge, kitchen. But I recommend: a critical eye , don't choose a camper because it has a display case for glasses, but for the convenience of the dinette, for the internal layout, for the air distribution, for the complete systems and for what you consider important. One last thing: don't go overboard with the comparisons, otherwise you risk never deciding. But where can you get a personal impression ?

Interesting matter, even if what actually rules is the wallet . The housing part of the camper, the cell , can be made in various ways and with various technologies, and the final products that are obtained are different from each other. But even if some cells are better than others, more insulating and less subject to specific problems, with a little organization and some intervention, all campers can be used , in normal situations, both in summer and in winter, both at the sea and in the mountains. What does "normal situations" mean? A few degrees below zero do not scare anyone , furthermore, knowledge of one's vehicle, its limits and its characteristics counts . My advice is to do things step by step and never put yourself in potentially dangerous situations. Do you want some advice for winter use of the camper? Read here . I had some snowfall in my camper life , I remember that from my first camper I was able to remove the snow from the roof easily, with a broom it slipped away immediately. In the second camper, on the other hand, it remained attached to the roof and I struggled a bit to remove it. Why? In the first case, the insulation wasn't "fantastic" , and the snow in contact with the roof (which lost some heat") softened and came off immediately, in the second case, the insulation was much better (one of the best on the market of those years), the heat did not reach the snow which, with the cold outside at night, froze and stuck together. But a few weekends in the mountains I did it with both the first and the second. Let's go back to the cells, I would divide them into three groups: those in sheet metal , typical of pure vans/campers, those monobloc in fiberglass , made by some specialized manufacturers, those in sandwich panels , used in all industrially produced campers. sheet metal . They have some undoubted pros: they are free from infiltrations, they are robust and have automotive characteristics, external maintenance and repairs can be done by any body shop. On the other hand, they are more difficult to insulate, they offer smaller internal spaces, the set-up is conditioned by the load-bearing structure and shape. Fiberglass monoblock . The cell is made of fiberglass in a single block, has no joints and is therefore free from infiltrations (if intact). The insulation is perfect, as these cells are formed by two shells, one inside the other, between which the insulating layer has been inserted. They are designed ad hoc by the fitter, the interior spaces are optimized for fitting out and often feature interesting interior solutions. They cost. Sandwich panels . The cell is formed by panels composed of an external covering, an internal frame, insulating material, an internal covering. Most motorhomes are built in this way, but what changes is the composition of the sandwich: externally it can be in aluminum ( Al ), or in fiberglass ( vtr , but do not confuse motorhomes in fiberglass panels with monobloc ones, they are completely different), Arca has its own external coating called AluFiber (aluminum + fibreglass, used for the walls); the internal frame can be made of wood (until a few years ago they were all like this), or in synthetic material , the latter to be preferred because it does not rot in case of infiltrations; the insulating layer can be EPS (expanded polystyrene), used by some manufacturers, XPS (extruded expanded polystyrene, more compact and insulating than EPS), used by many manufacturers, PU (expanded polyurethane), as far as I know, used only by Hymer, Styrofoam RTM (an evolution of extruded polyurethane foam), used, I understand, by Carthago, Niesmann+Bischoff, Concorde; internally the sandwich can be in fibreglass, aluminum or wood. Just a few examples of the composition of the sandwich walls (roof and floor may be different) from current productions : Arca Alufiber/xps/vtr, Laika Al/xps/wood, Elnagh vtr/xps/vtr, PLA vtr/eps/vtr, Burstner fiberglass/xps/wood, Hymer fiberglass/pu/wood, Carthago Al/rtm/Al.

Until recently, 4x4 traction was almost the exclusive prerogative of pure camper rigs or "reconnaissance" vehicles. Today there are some "price list" offers for more or less extreme "off-road" vehicles. Mechanical foundations are usually Ducato or Citroen or Ford Transit Trail, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Iveco Daily in the version developed by Dangel . These are normally pure campers (the most popular size is 6 metres) or special vehicles. I divide these vehicles into three categories: vehicles that use all-wheel drive to "get off the road" in critical situations or to overcome not-so-difficult dirt roads (usually they have all-wheel drive engaged), permanent off-road vehicles, more emphatic (usually permanent all-wheel drive and enhanced with ground clearance), extreme ones, real "reconnaissance" vehicles. Of course, it's always nice to think of your camper as "unstoppable", perhaps someone who can survive for a long time in a hostile environment. But the question is: do you need it? I opened this paragraph with a photo of my then camper (Laika in Fiat Ducato) on a dirt road (straight and tens of kilometers long) in Iceland, everything was fine. True, in Iceland it is nice to go "in", to the heart, to do some crossings: I rented a car to go to Landmannalaugar and made other trips in large cross-country cars (see the article about Iceland ) ) . Iceland has been one of my trips, of course if almost everyone was like that, maybe a 4x4 would be fine.