Motorhomes and campervans: everything you need to keep in mind when travelling with them

Summer is a good time to travel by caravan, motorhome or camper van. It is an economical way to spend your holidays, since the vehicle and the accommodation are combined. However, travelling with these trailers or vehicles is not free of obligations that must be taken into account, and which can result not only in a fine, but also in a risk while driving.

In this case, it is Legalitas that reminds us of the precautions we should take and what we must keep in mind when travelling with this type of leisure vehicle. We already know that it can normally be parked anywhere, like any other vehicle. It is even possible to spend the night in the vehicle or the trailer, but only as long as the road is not obstructed and no noise is made that could disturb the neighbours.

If the road is obstructed with any furniture or awning, or if elements are placed that extend beyond the perimeter of the vehicle, it is considered camping, which may lead to some sanction or fine. To settle down for one or several days, you must park in a place where this is permitted, such as a motorhome area, which usually has the minimum services, or a campsite.

Driving with a caravan

In the case of caravans, it is an articulated vehicle, made up of a towing vehicle and a trailer. To tow this trailer, a B licence is often all that is needed. This will be sufficient if the trailer does not exceed 750 kg of Maximum Authorised Mass. The combined weight of vehicle and trailer must not, in any case, exceed 4,250 kg. If the M.M.A. of the trailer exceeds 750 kg and reaches up to 3,500 kg of M.M.A., a B+E licence is required.

The greater the M.M.A. of the trailer, the more a driving licence adapted to that mass will be required. For example, the driver may need a C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1, D1+E, D or D+E licence. You must know which of these is needed in order to drive without problems.

In the case of motorhomes, the usual rule applies. That is, if the vehicle has an M.M.A. of up to 3,500 kg, only a B licence is required. Above 3,500 kg of M.M.A., a C licence is already required.

Maximum permitted speed

Caravans are articulated vehicles, so their maximum speed is set at 90 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways and 80 km/h on conventional roads. In the case of motorhomes, if it has an M.M.A. of up to 3,500 kg, it may travel at a maximum speed of 120 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways and 90 km/h on conventional roads, according to the limits of each.

If the motorhome exceeds the M.M.A. of 3,500 kg, the limits are reduced to 90 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways and 80 km/h on conventional roads.

How to travel in a caravan or motorhome

You may be tempted by the idea of taking a nap during the journey, or sitting at the table to enjoy a good lunch. But this is not permitted. During the journey, all occupants of the motorhome must be seated in their respective seats, wearing seat belts. Of course, you may not travel in the caravan.

Each passenger must travel normally, in their seats and, if they are children, in their child restraint systems. In this way many risks are avoided and safety while driving is increased. So, however attractive it may seem, you must forget about travelling in a mobile home and remember that you are in a vehicle. Once it has stopped and parked, you can then enjoy its equipment, as long as it is permitted to do so.