Travel safely and comfortably
Travelling with your caravan or motorhome and enjoying the feeling of freedom – that’s something we all love. But even die-hard motorhome and caravan tourists know that trips to your holiday destination can be exhausting. Long distances, endless traffic jams during peak season, a bumpy vehicle, or worry about thieves can put your patience to the test.
With a few simple behavioural rules, you can noticeably reduce stress and risks. We’ve put together some recommendations:
Set off calmly
Motorhome and caravan travellers are known for covering long distances – 600 kilometres or more in a day are not uncommon. But no matter how accustomed you are to such marathon journeys, they always take their toll, and concentration typically drops after two to three hours behind the wheel.
That's why some basic rules should be followed to avoid accidents, discomfort or stress:
Take a break after two to two and a half hours at the latest, and, if needed, enjoy a quick power nap (20 to 30 minutes). This gives you new energy for the next stretch.
Move during driving breaks: Stretch and loosen up, take a few steps – even small movements help to relieve poor posture and tension, and prevent back or neck pain.
Drink enough. To prevent dehydration and your brain slipping into standby mode on long routes, it's important to drink plenty during the journey and on breaks. Preferably mineral water, teas or fruit juices – and, if needed, a coffee for a wake-up boost.
Choose light snacks: While you can never drink enough, you should avoid hearty, heavy meals on longer trips. Digesting roast pork, grilled chicken or XXL pizza uses up a lot of energy. It's better to opt for fruit, salads or light meals such as chicken breast with rice.
Take turns at the wheel: If several passengers have a valid licence for the vehicle, switch drivers in stages. This relieves the strain on the main driver and gives them (or you) a chance to relax in between.
Motorhome: More comfort with suspension systems
Especially on longer journeys or on bumpy or even unpaved roads, travelling in many motorhomes can be an unpleasant affair – loud noises, unfiltered jolts and less than optimal cornering all put unnecessary strain on drivers and passengers.
Special suspension systems offer a solution. These can be easily retrofitted to vehicles with an AL-KO VT chassis or to some panel van models: From mechanical front axle comfort suspension such as the ACS through to Premium full air suspension like the X4 – at AL-KO VT you’ll find the right model for every need and budget.
For an even smoother driving experience, the semi-active suspension system COMFORT DRIVE is available. It calculates the expected movement of the vehicle and automatically adjusts the shock absorber settings accordingly, almost in real time. This noticeably smooths out potholes, bumps and corners.
To ensure your vehicle stands securely and level at your destination, a hydraulic levelling support system such as the HY4 with weighing function, LevelM with its almost unlimited payload, or the brand new lightweight LevelM Pro are all recommended. All three systems make it easy to support and automatically level your motorhome at the push of a button.
Caravan: Safe and sway-free travel
It's the same as building a house: a good foundation – in this case the caravan chassis – is extremely important. That's why the vast majority of caravans run on an AL-KO VT lightweight chassis. Thanks to its Delta trailing arm axle with patented hexagonal rubber suspension, it provides high self-damping. And the wide range of plug & play chassis accessories that can be easily retrofitted adds extra safety and comfort.
For caravan owners, the safety trio of stabiliser coupling, self-adjusting brake and anti-snake system ensures a relaxed journey.
AL-KO VT’s premium jockey wheel means caravan fans always have an eye on the nose weight – the current weight is reliably displayed at all times.
In addition, the right manoeuvring system is a great help on campsites or pitching sites, helping you to avoid back pain, strains or parking damage – with these helpers, even large caravans can be manoeuvred almost effortlessly into position!
Protecting your vehicle from theft
There is never 100% protection from resourceful thieves, but at least the risk of quick theft can be significantly reduced with simple means:
For caravans, a robust coupling head lock with the appropriate safety ball will often do the trick – it prevents anyone from unlawfully hitching the caravan with a hook. In addition, locks can be fitted to the steady legs.
Further security is provided by the new AL-KO VT PROSAFE wheel clamp, developed especially for caravans and utility trailers. Thanks to its multi-layer, solid build, thieves using angle grinders, picking tools or drills don’t stand a chance.
For motorhomes, wheel clamps can also be used, ideally in combination with telescopic bars. The former prevent quick getaways, while the latter keep the driver and passenger doors locked together so that they cannot be opened from outside or only with great effort.
An alarm system, grab handles on the entry doors of the caravan and motorhome, or reinforced window frames can also deter would-be thieves looking for a quick steal. And if the vehicle does go missing, a GPS tracker can help you find it again promptly.
Keep important documents securely stored
Even if you have secured your camper both inside and out, important documents that you don't take to the beach or on city tours should be locked away safely. Here, a solid safe which can be screwed down or fully glued into a storage compartment inside the vehicle offers a secure option.
Smoke and gas alarms can save lives
Whether or not reports of robberies using anaesthetic gas, which regularly appear in the media especially during peak travel periods, are true – you’re on the safe side with a combined gas alarm. This device not only warns against so-called knockout gases, but also the standard propane and butane gases used in camping.
Additionally, a standard smoke alarm is highly recommended, as all caravan and motorhome owners know how quickly these vehicles can burst into flames. In an emergency, just a few moments can make all the difference for the occupants.
Transporting bicycles securely
Last but not least, your e-bikes, bicycles or motorbikes need to be securely fixed in place. With a strong two-wheeler carrier, a practical pull-in system for the rear garage or a robust trailer, nothing stands in the way of unrestricted mobility at your destination!
Please note: In some countries (e.g. Spain, Italy), “overhanging loads”, such as a bicycle carrier, must be marked with warning signs. The relevant regulations are explained in more detail on the ADAC website.
More comfort with ergonomic seating
Seating from AGUTI offers space and flexible configurations for drivers and passengers, regardless of size or seating preferences – so long journeys become fast and comfortable thanks to a wide range of adjustments. Alongside the sideways adjustment of the gang seat and the headrest on our Komfortbank Slide-Out, every individual seat can be moved forwards. The backrest also tilts to a pleasant angle. Perfectly suited for long journeys!
ONDA: App for a smart home feel
The AL-KO VT apps make motorhomes smart. They are intuitive to use, require no special expertise, and allow convenient control and monitoring of numerous functions.
Smart Home for motorhome users means: easily check the gas bottle levels, water tank or battery charge, switch on equipment such as parking heater or air-conditioning remotely, or extend and retract steady legs. In short: controlling as many vehicle components as possible in one app – and that's what ONDA can do. Whether by Bluetooth, WiFi or voice command: wireless operation is possible. Connection to the cloud is also available, naturally in line with European data protection regulations.
