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Recreational vehicles
Recreational vehicles
Around one million Germans have a second home on wheels – the recreational vehicle offers a homey atmosphere and still the flexibility of traveling from one vacation spot to another.
True handymen love to customize their rolling vacation homes. However, a few rules should be observed when remodeling:
- With light materials, the empty weight is kept low. Take the permissible overall weight and the permissible axle load into account so that you have enough room for luggage and passengers. For recreational vehicles, which do not weigh more than 3.5 tons, the same speed limits are in effect in Germany as those for automobiles. With heavier vehicles, the maximum speed is 80 kilometers per hour.
- Use flame retardant and shatter-resistant materials. When using prefabricated conversion or upgrade parts, such as a plastic raised roof, ask the salesman for an appropriate parts assessment.
- When changing load-bearing body parts, the vehicle manufacturer must give his consent. Reinforcement struts may not be cut without approval in order to install windows or raised roofs. Experts can check the stability or help in contacting the manufacturer.
- Use furniture and other installations without sharp corners and edges. With finished components, the manufacturer has usually already thought of this. With your own components, we recommend refinishing, covering, or padding sharp edges.
- During emergency braking, the utensils in the cabinets become dangerous missiles. They should therefore be able to be securely locked. Secure tables or other objects that are not solidly anchored.
- If you lay electrical lines, protect them against mechanical damage. Small storage rooms are especially dangerous: Place protective conduits over the lines here or put the cables in the corners.
The book "Das Reisemobil-Praxisbuch - Umbauen - Einbauen – Selbermachen", printed by Motorbuchverlag, is also recommended for all those interested in remodeling.
Before going on vacation, however, experts should take a look at the recreational vehicle: have the brakes, the drawbar including coupling, and electrical equipment checked in a garage. A gas expert must also inspect the liquid gas system every two years. You should also check for cracks and porous areas on tires, including the spare tire. Tires, which are older than 6 years old, should be replaced by new tires- even if they still have enough tread.
