As one of the largest Caravan and Motor Home trade shows in Europe, the Caravan Salon Dusseldorf is held every August to celebrate the latest developments and vehicles in the industry. This past year, over 500 companies showcased their latest products, from brand new motor home models to the latest accessories, allowing thousands of enthusiasts to explore the very latest in Caravan offerings. Attracting nearly 1,000 official journalists from throughout the world, the even features a wide variety of motor home enthusiasts.
Some of the major offerings include a trade show that features a variety of top dealers and vehicle manufacturers, as well as makers of accessories and complementary parts. Related dealers and makers of outdoor equipment also attend the show, in addition to those who work on design and engineering in the industry. Another group who attends the shows are enthusiasts and site operators, including organizations who are building new sites, group travel organizers and industry leaders. A variety of groups and organizations which aim to sustainably develop new sites also can be found at the events, including DEKRA (the Germany Motor Home Association.)
As one of the largest industry gatherings, tens of thousands travel to Dusseldorf each year in search of the latest vehicles and industry offerings. Many Americans travel abroad to immerse themselves in the European motor home scene, which is much more active and developed.
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Most new motor homes come with a standard warranty that covers the first few thousands miles and incidents of repair, or a year-long option that gives broader coverage for potential repairs. Working with a reputable dealer and manufacturer, you can gain access to local dealers who can service your repair, as well as providing roadside assistance in the case of trouble. Always double check the details on your particular warranty, as widely in terms of their base and extended coverage. Many dealers will give you the option of an extended warranty, but double check what the deductibles and additional coverage that the policies might entail, including the ability to cover the life of the contract.
In general, major manufacturers will stand by their products for the life of the lease or the first few years of the purchase, as well as giving you the option to renew at the end of the contract. Be wary of 3rd party warranties, which may (potentially) conflict with your original warranty and limit the resale value. In general, try to go with direct warranty options and work with authorized repair shops. A solid warranty will provide funds for tuneups and preventative maintenance that will ensure your vehicle remains well functioning.
You’ll want to invest in a comprehensive warranty that provides coverage for the entire engine assembly, including the engine blog, bearings and blocks, so that the engine is protected. Full coverage for your transmission is also crucial, including the torque converted and modulator. Coverage for both drive axles will ensure that the shafts, bearings and joints are all protected. Full coverage for the suspension (including shafts and bearings), the steering box and gears, air conditioning system, fuel system, brakes and electrical wiring will ensure your vehicle will continue to operate properly. Expansive motor homes will also have heating and cooling, waste, water and electrical systems that will require full coverage.
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Motor homes emerged into the mainstream in the 1920, as an evolution of the traditional covered “caravan”. During the decade, the Winchester Caravan emerged as a motorized adaptation of traditional wagons. Founded by inventor Betram Hutchings, the early motor homes were ahead of there time when most individuals didn’t even own a basic motor vehicle, let alone a motorized home. During the Depression-era, they were considered a technical feat and luxury that would steadily gain notice over the decade, but never became practical or adopted outside of a small circle of early adopters.
When the Second World War began, production shifted to war-time tanks and machines, many of which borrowed from the advanced engineering that went into early versions of the covered wagons in order to produce mobile hospitals and transport vehicles on the front lines. While these vehicles were vulnerable to fire, they enabled improved logistics and transport over shorter distances (where air transport was unnecessary.)
By the 1950s, many motor companies recognized that consumers were demanding increased space in their vehicles and adapted coaches onto trucks for weekend excursions. With increased engine power, a number of major coach produces included Atlas, Volkswagen and Ford, which led the way to modern caravan technology. During the 1960s, the vehicles became mainstream for many families, building off of standard van chassis to provide additional towing and housing capacity. Over the years, a growing number of families invested in caravans and motor homes for leisure travel, while increasing luxury allowed for primary residences for singles and small families.
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Whether you are looking to expand the capacity of your existing truck on a daily basis, or looking for additional storage space during road trips, an add-on caravan can help to ensure that you get the most our of your road trip. Most common trucks are able to add on or tow a large capacity caravan, allowing you to extend your camping trip capacity to a period of several weeks. Modern caravans also give you the ability to add electrical outlooks, giving you access to modern communications and cooking, and helping you to truly enjoy your destination experience.
Once you add on a caravan, you’ll want to ensure that you put safety first: driving with an add-on requires you to limit your speed (try not to go above the speed limit and stick to the “slow” lanes.) Additionally, you’ll want to be extra cautious that you give additional distance between you and other drivers, and that you try to avoid dangerous road conditions such as ice, heavy rain and excess fog, as navigating a caravan add-on can be particularly difficult. Given the extended size of most caravans, you’ll want to stick to major roads and interstates, avoiding smaller roads, which may not be compatible with campers and caravans.
For those not used to driving extended caravans, take extra precautions on your turns: avoid wide turns, which may result in potential hazards that may include other turn lanes and pedestrian. Additionally, take extra time at stop signs and lights, so that you don’t take the risk of excess movement of momentum when you need to suddenly stop. When approaching hills, move to down gears and slow you speed, paying extra caution.
In advance of heading out, make sure that your tires, brakes and engine has been fully checked out, with an updated tuneup. The connection with your caravan is particularly important: always check the hitches, chains and connections before embarking on your trek.
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