Archive for the 'Motorhomes' Category

Winter camping challenges - water

Winter camping

Winter camping

Freezing water is a common problem in winter camping. Fresh water tanks are usually located under the seats in motorhomes, so they stay warm when the heating is on. Some caravans may have the fresh water tank inside the gas bottle locker, which is not heated. These caravans are not suitable for winter camping.

Most caravans do not have a built-in waste water tank, but all motorhomes do have it. It is most often placed under the vehicles floor and near the rear axel. This is a good position considering the weight distribution, since it helps to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. However the position also means that the tank is outside and freezes up easily.

Heated water tank

Electric heating and some insulation around the tank is the most common way to prevent the waste water tank to freeze up. This is available for most motorhome models with a cost of few hundred Euros. The solution really does not make a motorhome winter proof. An outlet pipe hangs in the air under the motorhomes floor and gets covered on snow and ice. The valve mechanism gets jammed and it’s impossible to get the heated waste water out of the tank. There’s no point to pay any extra to get only the tank heated and insulated.

Frozen water outlet

Frozen water outlet

Heated outlet pipe

Some motorhome brands provide insulation and heating also for the outlet pipe. The outlet pipe and valve still tend to freeze up, so this is not a completely reliable solution, but helps to some extent. Electric foils or wires are used to implement the heating, so mains supply is always needed. The system is not on while driving, so snow and ice may clog up the pipe. The heating power may not be sufficient for very cold days. This approach helps through some cold nights, but it is not enough for serious winter camping.

Winter proof solution

The most reliable way to solve the waste water tank freezing problem is to position the tank in a heated part of a motorhome. A natural position can be for example between a heated double floor area. Some motorhomes use Truma’s warm air outlet to keep the tank warm. The outlet pipe and the valve mechanism should be also placed inside a heated area. A separate hatch can be provided to enable easy access to the valve handle.

This solution does not require any additional heating for the waste water system. No extra energy gets wasted to keep the tank warm and mains electricity is not needed. The waste water system is fully functional when a motorhome heating is on - even while driving. The user experience is excellent, since there’s no need to worry about turning the system on or off. This could be also referred to as a low energy solution, which keeps the environment happy.

Winter camping challenges - cold start

Winter camping has some additional challenges and cold start is one of them. The ambient temperature was -22.5 degrees Celsius (-8.5 Fahrenheit) when I tried to start up my Carado. I did not have an electric engine block heater or Webasto or Eber in use. The battery was so cold that it could barely run the start. You can hear how the engine is coughing and lights are blinking. The cold start was a success with a first try. I’m sure the battery could not have survived a second try.

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Adria motorhomes 2010 preview


Adria has introduced their motorhome offering for 2010 season. All the body types are available: vans, semi-integrated, integrated, and overcabs. The Slovenian company has been successful in building their product offering and their motorhomes are generally regarded as a good value for the money. The company has especially invested into their luxury equipped models for 2010.

Vans

There are two familiar and very popular models: Twin and 4Twin. They both are built on Fiat Ducato base and body length is 5.99 meters. All three Ducato engines are available 100 hp, 120 hp, and 160 hp. The difference is in the layout. 4Twin has 4 berths and Twin provides 3 berths. There are 8 different exterior colors available, so the van does not have to be the casual white. The furniture finish style is new in 2010

Semi-integrated

The semi-integrated range includes Compact (4 layouts), Coral (4 layouts), Coral Supreme (4 layouts), Polaris (2 layouts), and Matrix (1 layout). The Compacts have a narrow body (212 cm) and they provide up to 3 berths. They are ideal for couples. The base is Fiat Ducato and there are four exterior colors available: White, Silver, Grey, and Red.

The Coral range is also tailored for couples, but they are larger than Compacts. The body width is 2.29 cm and the lengths go up to 7.29 meters. All models are 3 berths. Coral has polyester body and Ducato base just like the Compact. The body should be very damage resistant.

Coral Supreme has 4 layouts, which are different from Coral. Supreme models have high accessory level.

Polaris is a new luxury model, which is targeted to survive in winter conditions. The base is Mercedes-Benz with AL-KO and layouts are 3 berth. Alde floor heating comes as a standard. Waste water tank is heated and refrigerator provides generous 150 litres of room. Panoramic window is operated with electricity.

Matrix is a semi-integrated model, but it has a double bed on top of the seating area. The bed is lowered from the roof for a night. The seating area cannot be used in night mode, but there are 4 berths to use. This is a new concept in Adria line-up. Previously this type of a cross model combining semi-integrated and integrated features has been introduced by Frankia.

Overcabs

Coral is the only range that provides overcab family models. There are 4 layouts and up to 7 berths. Waste water tank is heated and a large 150 litre refrigerator suits well to family layouts.

Integrated

Vision is the name of the integrated model and it uses a rare Renault Master base with 150 hp engine. The base has been equipped with AL-KO chassis. Air suspension should give a smooth ride. There are 3 layouts all providing 4 berths. Double floor and heated waste water tank gives good winter characteristics.

Carado 2010 motorhome preview

Carado A 160

Carado A 160

Carado has been successful in challenging economic climate. The company sold over 1500 motorhomes and caravans during the past financial year. Carado’s focus is reasonably priced motorhomes and caravans with “Made in Germany” quality guarantee.

There are big changes in Carado’s 2010 motorhome line-up. All the vehicles use Fiat Ducato base. Ford Transit is not available although it was the only available base last year. There are 4 alcove and 5 semi-integrated models in the line-up. Exterior uses smooth plate as standard.

Carado A 160

Carado A 160

The washrooms have more storage space, which is a very welcome change. The aesthetic of the washrooms has been improved. Fixed beds have cold form mattress as a standard.

Truma C 6002 heater comes as a standard with integrated 12-litre boiler. Truma EH heater is available as an option if you want electric heating. A good news for winter campers if that the waste water tank heating available as an option. Wall and roof insulation is 34 mm thick and floor insulation 41 mm.

Carado T 344

Carado T 344

The basic engine is 2.2-litre Multijet with 100 hp. A more powerful 130 hp model is available as an option. The optional chassis package includes manual air conditioning for the driver’s cab, passenger airbag, electric mirrors, cruise control, and radio kit.

Carado T 345

Carado T 345

A-models

The A-models’ alcove is large with measures of 160 x 210 cm.

A 160

Length: 594 cm
Width:
232 cm
Height:
310 cm
Basic price:
35999 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: A completely new compact motorhome. Dinette can be converted into a bed, so A 160 accommodates 4 people.
a-160

A 361
Length: 698 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 310 cm
Basic price: 38999 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Accommodates 6 people. 150-litre refrigerator available as an option.
a-361

A 366

Length: 698 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 310 cm
Basic price: 38999 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Accommodates 6 people. Three 230 V sockets.
a-366

A 464

Length: 728 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 310 cm
Basic price: 38999 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Accommodates 5 people. The largest motorhome in the line-up. 150-litre refrigerator available as an option.
a-464

T-models

Carado calls semi-integrated vehicles as T-models. Optional panoramic roof is one of the most visible improvement. A roof rack with aluminum ladder is also optional.

T 134

Length: 623 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 290 cm
Basic price: 36499 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Accommodates 4 people.
t-134

T 135

Length: 623 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 290 cm
Basic price: 35499 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Double bed model. Accommodates 4 people. Three 230 V sockets.
t-135

T 345

Length: 678 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 290 cm
Basic price: 37999 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Double bed model. Accommodates 4 people.
t-345

T 337

Length: 693 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 290 cm
Basic price: 37999 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Twin beds. Accommodates 4 people. 150-litre refrigerator available as an option.
t-337

T 344

Length: 693 cm
Width: 232 cm
Height: 290 cm
Basic price: 37999 EUR (includes German VAT)
Description: Horizontal rear bed. Accommodates 4 people. 150-litre refrigerator available as an option.
t-344

Dethleffs Motorhomes 2009 preview

Dethleffs motorhome range for 2009 is huge as always. There are 12 different ranges and all the body types are available. There are Ford, Fiat, Iveco, Renault, and Mercedes available for the base.

Globebus

There are 4 low profiles and 5 integrated models. Globebus models are very compact with only 215 cm total width. The length ranges from 598 cm to 673 cm. These are ideal for cruising through old European cities with narrow streets. The low profile models are targeted for couples. The integrated versions can provide beds for 4. Pull-down beds of the integrated models are 140 x 190 cm, so they are not for tall people.

Dethleffs Globebus

Dethleffs

Fortero

Fortero is based on Ford Transit and there are 3 low profiles and 4 over-cab models available. Forteros are family vehicles with wide chassis (width: 233 cm and length: 724 cm). Airplus improves the ventilation and warm air distribution. Some models have rear wheel drive with double tyres, which makes them good for towing a trailer.

Dethleffs Fortero A6975

Dethleffs Fortero A6975

Esprit

Esprits are higher priced models for couples and families. Fiat base and a double floor is used in both low profile and integrated vehicles. AL-KO low frame chassis improves road handling. The body width is 233 cm and the length varies between 731 cm and 838 cm. Alde warm water heating comes as a standard.

Esprit RT

Esprit RT means 4 layouts with Renault Master base. They are targeted for couples with the option to have a third or fourth bed. Body width is 232 cm and lengths are 705 cm and 727 cm. Alde heating is an option for the RT models.

Dethleffs Esprit RT

Dethleffs Esprit RT

Globetrotter L

Globetrotter L has three over-cab layouts and a double floor Iveco base. These family models have beds for five. The body width is 235 cm and length is either 690 cm or 735 cm. Although Globetrotter L has Iveco chassis these are rated as under 3500 kg vehicles.

Dethleffs Globetrotter L A6878

Dethleffs Globetrotter L A6878

Globetrotter XL

XL provides three medium size Globetrotter layouts with Iveco base and a double floor. These over-cab models are 235 cm wide and 847 cm or 890 in length. XL provides quality interior space and good winter performance. Truma takes care of the heating and Alde is available as an option. All layouts have double floor. Iveco is a rear wheel drive base, so Globetrotter are good for towing.

Dethleffs Globetrotter XL

Dethleffs Globetrotter XL

Globetrotter XXL

XXL is a large luxury home on the road. Three layouts are all designed for 6 persons. 235 cm wide body and length 848 cm or 892 cm gives a lot of room for rainy days. Heated double floor gives good winter performance. Alde warm water heating comes as a standard.

Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL

Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL

Advantage

Advantage is one of the most popular ranges and it also shows in the layouts. There are 7 integrated layouts, 7 low profiles, and 8 over-cabs available. Advantage series provides good compromise of performance and price. Lengths range from 598 cm to 838 cm. Some over-cab models have a double floor, so they are good for winter use. The Airplus system keeps the warmth equally distributed.

Dethleffs Advantage T 6504

Dethleffs Advantage T 6504

Globeline

Globelines have been built on top of Mercedes Sprinter base. They also use AL-KO low frame chassis to improve road handling. The standard engine is 150 hp CDI. There are 4 layouts optimized for couples. Body width is 233 cm and lengths 698 cm and 728 cm.

Dethleffs Globeline

Dethleffs Globeline

Summer Edition Van

Summer Edition Vans provide an affordable and quality motorhome for summer use. These are Ford based small vans for couples and their length is close to 6 meters.

Dethleffs Summer Edition Van

Dethleffs Summer Edition Van

Premium Liner

This is the flagship of the 2009 range and the largest motorhome that Dethleffs has ever produced. There’s one layout for couples and it is based on Iveco. This 6.7 ton vehicle has measures: width 230 cm, length 897 cm, height 343 cm.

Dethleffs Premium Liner

Dethleffs Premium Liner

Magic Edition

Magic Edition is basically an accessory and style package. It is available for selected low profiles and integrated motorhomes in two different variants: Silver and Black. The cost of the Magic Edition is about 10000 Euros and it includes accessories worth around 20000 Euros.

Bürstner 2009 preview

Bürstner Argos

Bürstner Argos

Bürstner has three new motorhome model ranges for the 2009: Viseo, Prismo, and City Car.

Viseo

Viseo is the most affordable integrated motorhome in the Bürstner line-up. It uses Fiat base and the basic engine is 2.2-litre 100 hp MultiJet. Also 2.3-liter and 3.0-litre engines are optionally available. The Maxi version of the Fiat base is an option. It will increase the gross weight from 3500 kg to 4000 kg.

There are 5 layouts to choose from:

  • i 595, length 5.98 m.
  • i 620 G (garagel), length 6.58 m.
  • i 694 G (garage), length 6.98 m.
  • i 696, length 6.98 m.
  • i 715, length 7.29 m.

The body width is 230 cm. The accessory level covers all the basic needs. Heating system is Truma 4 Combi. There’s a large list of optional accessories available, so Viseo can be tailored to custom needs. Viseo can be thought of as a slightly downgraded Aviano. They are very similar models.

Prismo

Prismo is a new low profile that uses Ford base with rear wheel drive. The engine options are 2.4-litre 115 hp and 2.4-litre 140 hp. The rear wheel drive means strong towing capacity of 2000 kg. The sporty outlook is combined with narrow 218 cm wide body. There’s only one floor plan t 626 G. The overall length is 6.26 meters and there’s a garage under the double bed.

Prismo is a 3 berth design. There are seatbelts for four. Diesel operated Truma takes care of the heating.

City Car

City Car is a compact travel van with Fiat base. Length is just under six meters (5.99 m). Webasto provides the heating and also hot water. There are three berths and seatbelts for four. Fresh and waste water tanks are both 100 litres, which is very good for a vehicle this small. Fridge is 97 litres.

Other motorhome models

Other models in the Bürstner 2009 range are:

  • Travel Van (3 layouts, Fiat)
  • Nexxo (3 layouts, Ford)
  • Marano (3 layouts, Fiat)
  • Ixeo (4 layouts, Fiat)
  • Ixeo fifty (1 layout, Fiat, 50th year special edition)
  • Solano (6 layouts, Fiat)
  • Aviano (5 layouts, Fiat)
  • Nexxo Family (6 layouts, Ford)
  • Argos (2 layouts, Fiat)

Bürstner caravans

There are 5 caravan ranges:

  • Premio
  • Averso
  • Averso fifty (50th year special edition)
  • Belcanto
  • Trecento

Premio is the entry level caravan with 5 floor plans. There are 2 to 4 berth models. Averso range is a mid priced and there are 11 floor plans with 2 to 5 berths. Belcanto adds more style and price. There are 10 layouts from 2  to 6 berths. Trecento is a luxury caravan with all 6 layouts designed for two persons.

Kabe motorhomes 2009


Kabe will have two motorhome ranges for 2009. Travel Master 750 is a familiar line-up from last year. Travel Master 700 is a completely new range. They both use Fiat Ducato base.

All Travel Masters are designed for winter use. Heating uses Alde 3010 with 3 kW electric element. The floor heating is based on warm water pipes. Furnitures are designed so that air can circulate freely and warmth is distributed equally.

Travel Master 700

There are 4 layouts and they all have the same external measures: Length 707.5 cm, Width 235 cm, Height 280 cm. The maximum gross weight is 3500 kg or 4000 kg depending on customer requirement. The engine is 2.3-litre 130 hp MultiJet.

Kabe Travel Master 700

700L model has an L-shaped kitchen with double bed. 700B offers separate beds. The 700GL and 700GL models have large garage. 700 GL has separate beds and 700GT has double bed. 700 range is more affordable and has less accessories than the Travel Master 750.

Kabe Travel Master 700 Interior

Fresh and waste water tanks are located inside to prevent them to become frozen. Their capacity is 90 litres.

Travel Master 750

There are 10 different layouts to choose from. External measures are the same for each model: Length 752 cm, Width 235 cm, Height 280 cm. The maximum gross weight is either 3500 kg or 4250 kg. This range uses Al-Ko chassis. The engine is 3-litre 157 hp MultiJet.

Kabe Travel Master 750

Kabe Travel Master 750 Interior

Rapido 2009 motorhomes

Rapido has published 2009 models and there are several new layouts available.

Serie 7

Serie 7 is a low profile range and it’s based on Fiat Ducato. There are 4 models available: 703 (length 5.99 m), 707 (length 5.99 m), 746 (6.49 m), and 783 (6.99 m). Layouts are the same than last year. The rear of the Serie 7 is newly designed with new rear lights. This is the most economical range in Rapido line-up. Still the models are very well equipped. For example waste water tank is insulated and heated with air. All models have pre-installed cables for reverse camera and DVD player. The basic engine is 2.3 litre MultiJet with 130 hp.

Serie 70

Serie 70 is a low profile range and it’s based on Fiat Ducato with Al-ko base. There are the same 4 models available than last year: 7086, 7090, 7097, and 7099. The shortest one (6.99 meters) is the 7086. Other models are 7.39 m in length. Furniture style is updated and kitchen is newly designed. Reversing camera with 7 inch color display comes as a standard. Refrigerator is 150 litre unit in all models. The basic engine is 2.3 litre MultiJet with 130 hp.

Serie 70dF

70dF range has double floor in all models. All the available 4 models are new for 2009. Base is Fiat Ducato with Al-ko. The length of 7083dF is 6.9 meters. Other models (7066dF, 7092dF, and 7095dF) are 7.39 meters. Furniture style is the same with Serie 70. The double floor is divided into compartments of various sizes. They can be accessed from both the indoors and outside. Water, electricity and gas circuits utilize the double floor. The basic engine is 2.3 litre MultiJet with 130 hp.

Rapido 70+

Serie 70+

Serie 70+ has one new model 7099+ for the 2009. The rest of the range is 7065+, 7090+, and 7096+. These low profile motorhomes use Fiat Ducato base with Al-ko. Kitchen and furniture are newly designed as in other 70 models. The kitchen has a back-lit bar for glasses. Reversing camera comes as a standard accessory. The Fiat front grill has a new Rapido smile look. Metallic gray bodywork is available. Bed cover is new. There’s pre-installed wiring for EFOY fuel cell (CaravanPress: Rapido provides EFOY fuel cell as a standard equipment). The basic engine is 2.3 litre MultiJet with 130 hp.

Rapido 9F

Serie 9F

Serie 9F has only two models. 903F is new for 2009 and 983F is familiar from last year. The length of 903F is only 5.99 meters. 983F is 6.99 meters. 9F is A-class range. Kitchen is newly designed and it has a back-lit bar. Rear light pillars and the face are also newly styled. Bed cover is new. The basic engine is 2.3 litre MultiJet with 130 hp

Serie 90dF

Serie 90dF is massive with 12 different models. These A-class models use Fiat Ducato base with Al-ko. New models for 2009 are 9010dF, 9065dF, 9092dF, 9095dF, 9099dF, and 9009dFH. Other models are 9048dF, 9083dF, 9086dF, 9090dF, 9096dF, and 9097dF. Four different available lengths are 6.49 m, 6.99 m, 7.39 m, and 7.99 m. 90dF models have new face just like 9F models. Furniture and kitchen are newly designed. The cabin seats offer super comfort with additional foam, which is good news for all who like extra soft seats. The double floor has several compartments and they can be accessed from indoors and outside. There is an option to replace the cabin bed with cupboards. 90dF has also new bed cover.

Alde heating, which perates via water pipes and radiators is available on the 9086dF and 9090dF. The benefit of Alde heating is the even distribution of the heat. 9009dFH is a Heavy model and it has EFOY fuel cell, 190 litre fresh water tanks, and second leisure area battery as a standard.

Rapido 9M

Serie 9M

Serie 9M has also 12 models and they all use Mercedes base. New models for 2009 are 991M, 966MH, and 996MH. Other models are 966M, 983M, 986M, 990M, 992M, 996M, 997M, 999M, and 992MH. H designates heavy models. They all have EFOY fuel cell, 190 litre fresh water tanks (except 996MH 90 litres), and second leisure area battery as a standard. Furniture and kitchen are new. There is an option to replace the cabin bed with cupboards. 90dF has also new bed cover.

Reverse camera comes as a standard. All models have gel coat finish to give luxurious look. Four cylinder engine provides 150 hp and torque of 330 Nm at 1200 rpm. The six cylinder engine outputs 184 hp and 400 Nm torque at 1600 rpm.

2009 Motorhome & Caravan previews


We will be publishing 2009 model previews from several brands during the following days and weeks. You can find the updated preview list also from the sidebar. Here are currently published previews:

Rapido provides EFOY fuel cell as a standard equipment

Rapido provides EFOY fuel cell as a standard equipment in selected motorhome models in 2009. Integrated 9009Dfh and the whole 9MH line-up will receive fuel cells. All the models will get the most powerful EFOY 1600 device. It can produce 1600 Wh (130 Ah) charging per day. This means that the charging current is 5.4 Amps.

EFOY fuel cells use methanol as a fuel. The consumption is 1.1 l/kWh. The devices operate automatically to ensure that the battery is always full.

EFOY 1600 is available also as an option for all C class models of 70 series and all class A models of 9M series. Rapido will pre-equip the vehicles, so that it is easy to add a fuel cell later. Fuelcelltoday.com