Tips for Comfortable Travel for Silver Campers
From ingenious technology and app controls to theft protection: there are a number of comfortable solutions on the market for making life on the road in your motorhome or caravan even more relaxing.
We present a range of accessories that let you enjoy relaxed travel—and can help relieve physical stress, for example in the event of back problems or heart/circulatory issues—regardless of whether you are travelling alone or with company.
Why technical aids and safety-relevant extras are worthwhile
- Relief for the entire musculoskeletal system
- Protects the back, intervertebral discs and more
- Less physical effort required
- Reduced strain on heart and circulation
- More safety for greater relaxation
- Increased comfort and cosiness for well-being
Technical aids for greater comfort
AL-KO VT offers a wide range of technical accessories—including manoeuvring and support systems, as well as jacks and bicycle carriers.
Jacks for caravans
If you need to change a wheel while on the road, it may be annoying—but usually, you can handle it yourself if you have the right equipment. The AL-KO VT jack is tailored for AL-KO VT chassis. Thanks to the adapted jack mount, the forces acting on the chassis are optimally distributed. The clever plug-in system also prevents the jack from slipping during use. The mechanical jacks are suitable for trailers with a permissible gross weight of up to two tonnes. The hydraulic model supports up to three tonnes.
Fully automatic support systems
Support systems for caravans
You probably know the scene: parking up a caravan, kneeling down, and winding the legs. It works, but it's far more comfortable with an automatic support system such as the electronic UP4 or the hydraulic LevelC. These systems allow you to easily extend four (UP4) or six (LevelC) supports at the push of a button. With LevelC you can also level your caravan.
Another consideration: the Big Foot support plate. With an extra-large support area of 200 x 180 millimetres, it offers especially secure footing—even on soft surfaces such as sand or snow—and supports up to 1,250 kilograms statically. The Big Foot support plate can be retrofitted to caravans with AL-KO VT chassis and Stabilform/Premium supports. You will find detailed information on support systems for caravans here.
Support systems for motorhomes
Support legs are not only important for caravans—such systems are also available for motorhomes, providing more comfort and secure standing. Mechanical steady legs must be wound manually, whereas hydraulic models do almost all the work—meaning you need neither effort nor exertion to bring your motorhome to a secure, level position.
We offer the fully automatic HY4 hydraulic levelling system: it supports the panel van or motorhome and compensates for uneven ground and slopes. The electronic control system operates the four hydraulic units. The cylinders extend at the push of a button until they contact the ground, then lift the vehicle into a level position via the axles. Levelling is carried out precisely to the millimetre and completed within minutes. For a smaller van, just two legs may be enough—in which case the HY2 system would be suitable. Alternatively, there are the LevelM and LevelM Pro systems, each consisting of four steady legs.
Manoeuvring systems for caravans (movers)
When travelling with a caravan, you are bound to face the occasional tricky parking situation. To avoid relying on help from friendly campsite neighbours, it is worth fitting a manoeuvring system, such as the AL-KO VT MAMMUT.
Thanks to compact motors attached to the wheels of the caravan, you can manoeuvre and park your caravan to the exact millimetre by remote control, without any physical effort. Even obstacles of up to four centimetres or gradients of up to 28% are easily managed. This makes parking your caravan as a Silver Camper easy and comfortable—even with age-related or physical limitations.
Bicycle carrier systems
E-bikes make (longer) cycle tours possible at any age. But you do need the right bicycle carrier—since e-bikes are considerably heavier than conventional bikes. For easy operation and as little lifting effort as possible, the following bicycle carriers are recommended:
TRIGO-VAN for panel vans
For panel vans, or vans, swivel models are recommended so you always have access to the rear doors. If you want to carry e-bikes, the TRIGO-VAN is ideal: the access to your camper's interior remains clear and you can load up to three e-bikes.
VARIO and VELO III for motorhomes
The VARIO rear carrier is mainly made of aluminium and boasts a high payload of up to 150 kg. It also has a variable loading depth between 620 mm and 800 mm. The VELO III is suitable for two e-bikes or up to three regular bicycles and stands out for its low net weight: it weighs only 16 kg, yet offers a payload of up to 80 kg. Both bicycle carriers are mounted directly to the frame of the motorhome, offering low loading height and secure support for your e-bikes in the rails provided.
Both carrier systems can be folded up when not in use, giving you clear visibility when reversing or parking. For even easier loading, we also offer a bike ramp which can be securely attached to the bicycle rail on the carrier using a special mechanism.
VARIO SPACE low-frame chassis
Lower entry, more storage space and improved road holding: these are just some of the advantages of the VARIO SPACE low-frame chassis from AL-KO VT. The low frame height also makes loading and unloading efficient and comfortable.
Solar panels for reliable energy supply
Solar panels offer you greater independence while travelling—they are cost-effective, easy to use and environmentally friendly. AL-KO Vehicle Technology provides a complete range of photovoltaic modules, including classic modules in anodised aluminium grey and full black versions. The photovoltaic modules use PERC solar cells (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) for higher efficiency. They also feature special anti-reflective coatings and high-transparency glass, making them resistant to impacts and weather.
Heating in motorhomes and caravans
Now for the cosier side: Especially in colder seasons or depending on your destination, an effective heating system can provide a high level of comfort and cosiness—even in the summer months. There are a range of solutions on the camper market—from small fan heaters to permanent heating systems, and even retrofit heating units with towel dryers and convector fans in wardrobes and more.
Tip: Increase the payload of your caravan
Whether its a manoeuvring system, support system or bicycle carrier: All of these comfort extras add more weight to your caravan or motorhome. And theres no getting around it: payload is always limited, even though the range can be quite wide depending on your caravan or motorhomes weight class. If you approach the limit of your payload, we recommend that you look into the possibilities for an increase in permissible gross weight. On our information page about increasing permissible gross weight, we answer all your questions about how this process works at AL-KO VT.
Important to note: Additional equipment such as awnings, satellite systems and more can also increase the total weight!
App controls
The AL-KO VT apps make motorhomes smart. They are intuitive to use, require no expertise and offer convenient control and monitoring of numerous functions.
App: ONDA for a smart home feeling
Smart home for motorhome enthusiasts means: you can conveniently check the gas bottle levels, water tank or battery charge status; turn on equipment such as parking heating or air conditioning remotely, or extend and retract steady legs. In short: control as many vehicle components as possible from a single app—and thats what ONDA can do. Whether via Bluetooth, WiFi or voice command: control is wireless. You can also connect your vehicle to the cloud, of course in accordance with European data protection regulations.
App: Remote Control BDS-180 for battery monitoring
With this battery duo system you can manage two installation batteries and monitor them during charging and discharging, as well as their condition. Two installation batteries of different ages and capacities can be combined, as long as they have the same battery technology. If one battery is damaged, the device isolates it and sends a notification. The corresponding app allows you to conveniently control all functions via smartphone or tablet.
Safety on the road
Anti-snaking system for caravans and trailers
On narrow roads and winding passes, it can be reassuring to rely not only on your own driving skills but also on safe technology—such as the anti-snaking system ATC (AL-KO Trailer Control) for caravans and trailers. The ATC constantly monitors caravan behaviour and movement during your journey. Similar to ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) for cars, it intervenes much earlier—in fact, at the first sign of snaking. The system is fitted to the axle and connects to the wheel brakes.
Semi-active chassis COMFORT DRIVE
Greater driving comfort and safety: the high-tech, semi-active COMFORT DRIVE chassis for motorhomes automatically responds to driving manoeuvres such as braking, acceleration or cornering. With automatic shock absorber adjustment, it smooths out bumpy roads—helping you drive more relaxed, wherever you are.
The advantages at a glance:
- Compensates for jolts, oscillations, rumbling and more on uneven surfaces
- Reduces vibrations and accelerations by up to 20%
- Increases vehicle stability by reducing roll and lean
- Supports emergency braking by adjusting shock absorber operation
- Less driving noise thanks to reduced vibrations
- Choice of Normal and Comfort driving modes
- Adapts to different loading conditions for balanced handling
Reversing cameras
The benefit of a reversing camera for motorhomes and caravans is obvious: clear rearward view! Especially when parking or manoeuvring, the third eye at the back can support you and help you observe what is happening behind the vehicle and better judge distances. There are numerous wired and wireless solutions on the market, with single, twin or bird-view cameras. Note, however: a camera never replaces direct rearward vision or a second pair of eyes!
Comfortable seats
Seating from AGUTI offers space and flexible configurations for drivers and passengers, regardless of size or seating preferences—so long journeys are easy and comfortable thanks to a range of adjustments. In addition to lateral movement of the gang seat, including the headrest of our slide-out comfort bench, each single seat can also be moved forward. The backrest assumes a pleasantly reclined angle too. Ideal for long-distance trips!
Tips for safe travel
How can I best protect myself from burglary and theft while camping? What are the advantages of camping with a dog? And what should never be missing from your camping equipment? We have the answers!
Burglary and theft protection
Whether youre travelling alone, with a partner or with your family: a certain degree of prevention against burglary and theft is always advisable. There are plenty of technical solutions available on the market. We recommend considering which measures make sense for your personal travel situation. Generally, alarms, additional door locks or wheel clamps help protect your motorhome or caravan against theft. Specifically for caravans, there are, for example, drawbar locks or security locks for jockey wheels.
Travelling with a dog is everyday life for many campers and it can also increase the feeling of safety: dogs can hear noises much better than humans and often have a natural instinct to protect.
Technical essentials for emergencies
A well-stocked toolbox, user manuals and handbooks, plus a basic technical guide for campers: if you have all this with you, youre ready to handle minor repairs or temporary fixes yourself—so you can travel with peace of mind (especially if youre a solo Silver Bird).
