A motorhome on wheels, and even equipped with your own hands, is the dream of many lovers of auto travel and outdoor activities. It provides its owner with amazing freedom when traveling, freeing him from the need to look for and book a hotel, purchase tickets, pack suitcases, etc. In addition, its own motorhome makes it easy to travel even with a large family, including pets - for this you need to use the appropriate furniture usually transforming.
When a caravan on wheels first appeared on the road, it is quite difficult to answer. The first such experience was implemented by the Jennings company back in the 38th year of the last century, although self-made models of motorhomes appeared much earlier. All motorhomes on wheels can be equipped with almost all the necessary attributes of a familiar and comfortable life - bathroom, shower, gas stove, full berth, which are present even in the smallest motorhomes, which are often based on the budget gazelle in Russia.
Depending on what type of caravan belongs to, it can be:
- trailed;
- van;
- combined.
A fairly common practice at the present time is the hand-made re-equipment of a suitable vehicle, the same domestic gazelle, into comfortable motorhomes for travel. But before making a motorhome on wheels with your own hands, you need to determine the main purpose of the conversion - long or short-term residence in the motorhome, as well as select or make the appropriate furniture.
RV classes
According to the generally accepted classification, all motorhomes on wheels are divided into three main classes:
Attention! Any class "A" motorhome made on the basis of a bus or truck, according to the transport classification, requires the driver to have a category "C" license.
Speaking about the classification of motorhome trailers, the following concepts should be highlighted:
Trailer tent
A homemade motorhome on wheels does not have to be expensive and difficult to make, especially if it is used relatively rarely and for a small number of people. Some types of motorhomes do not even require furniture and are used as a sleeping place. In order to independently make a caravan trailer, you will need to make some effort and a sufficient amount of time.
The main "power" element of such a motorhome is a frame, which can be purchased ready-made, or assemble it yourself, which will require skill and certain technical knowledge. When self-manufacturing, special attention should be paid to anti-corrosion treatment of all steel elements of the future motorhome.
The frame mounted on the chassis prepared for the motorhome can be either steel or wood. When creating it, the main attention should be paid to the quality of the connection of parts, since when such a motorhome trailer moves, the entire structure will be subjected to serious dynamic and vibration loads. Inside such a motorhome, you can arrange a fairly comfortable sleeping place, and at the time of rest stops, the design of the motorhome unfolds, and a tent is quickly set up on top. Such a motorhome on wheels, the photo of which is presented below, is optimal for short trips and simple outdoor recreation.
Another option for the device of such a trailer can be viewed in the video:
How to make a motorhome on wheels with your own hands
In order to make a motor home on wheels with your own hands, you can use any minibus, truck or even a bus. In order to create it, it will take a lot of effort, time, and be ready for a fairly serious material investment, which later will more than pay off comfortably when traveling in your own motorhome.
The process of turning a standard gazelle into a motorhome on wheels will certainly be accompanied by a number of works that are mandatory:
In the event that a mobile home trailer is created for the purpose of long journeys, it is advisable to provide for a good audio-video system and satellite TV... If financial possibilities permit, it will be good option installation of solar panels, which will extend the life of the generator.
Attention! In most cases, re-equipment of a vehicle into a caravan trailer requires that all "alterations" be legalized in advance in order to avoid legal problems in the future.
Internal work
Many lovers of travel with comfort are interested in the question - how much does a motorhome on wheels cost in Russia, but having learned the cost of the finished version, they prefer to create a motorhome with their own hands. And this makes sense, since making a motorhome on wheels from a gazelle with their own hands is within the power of any person who is ready to put in a certain amount of effort and spend his time on it.
The first thing that needs to be done inside the cabin of the future motorhome on wheels is to dismantle the partition located behind the passenger seats. If it is bolted, there will be no problems; if a welded joint is used, a grinder is required. After dismantling, the interior should be completely freed from the interior decoration. In parallel with this, it is worth checking the metal parts for the presence of foci of corrosion. Take measures to eliminate them, keeping in mind that it will be much more difficult to disassemble a finished motorhome.
Before proceeding with the insulation and interior decoration of the motorhome, you should carefully consider the water and power supply system, since all pipes and electrical cables are best hidden under the casing - this will avoid accidental damage. After that, a motorhome on wheels based on a gazelle requires serious insulation. In addition to special materials with vibration and thermal insulation characteristics, you can use basalt mineral wool or extruded polystyrene foam for a motorhome.
An important point in finishing the motorhome on wheels inside and out is the protective treatment of the material used. Thus, additional metal elements outside the motorhome must have a high-quality anti-corrosion treatment. Internal cladding elements are usually made of wood. For their treatment, it is recommended to use a special fire-retardant impregnation, which will prevent the spread of flame, will not allow the formation of fungus, which may simply be impossible to get rid of.
Certain ideas for creating your own project can be "borrowed" from the manufacturers of such houses by watching the following video:
Gas and electrical equipment
Any motorhome on wheels - a Mercedes or a gazelle, requires a special attitude in terms of electricity and gas supply. Do not naively believe that without proper education, you can perform high-quality electrical wiring and install the appropriate equipment in a motorhome. The same applies to gas equipment.
For example, few people know that for a gas cylinder in any motorhome, it is necessary to "allocate" a separate closed area, in the lower part of which there should be openings that communicate with the outside atmosphere. This will allow propane, which is heavier than air, to escape from the RV, if it leaks, and will not cause poisoning or fire in the passenger compartment.
An important point for a motorhome is the correct calculation of the battery capacity. To ensure maximum autonomy, the daily energy consumption of all devices in the motorhome should be summed up. The resulting value in watts will need to be divided by 12 (V), resulting in a value in ampere-hours (Ah) - it is this value that is indicated on the battery and allows you to judge its power. So, when the energy consumption in a motorhome is 50-60 Ah / day, it is optimal to purchase a battery of 120-150 Ah... Such a motorhome on wheels will be able to function autonomously for two days. It is advisable to provide an external socket for recharging the battery of the motorhome in parking lots.
Furniture
Despite the fact that at present it will not be a problem to buy ready-made furniture for a motorhome, according to reviews, it is not able to satisfy all the needs of car owners, especially those who create a motorhome on wheels according to their own drawings. Therefore, the best option is either her self-production, or an individual order for furniture production.
In most cases, making your own furniture is more optimal for a motorhome. Since for a small motorhome, for example, based on a standard gazelle or UAZ, not so much furniture is required, and it does not differ in particular complexity, at this stage of work you can save money. For the proper level of comfort in a motorhome, as a rule, the following furniture structures are made:
- dining table, to save space in a small motorhome, it is better to use a folding option;
- kitchen table with sink and work surface;
- open shelves or drawers located under the ceiling of the motorhome;
- if you have a toilet in a motorhome on wheels, you will need to make a partition with a door.
When a KAMAZ or a bus is taken as a base for a motorhome, the amount of furniture listed above increases. When making a motorhome on wheels with your own hands, to facilitate the task of determining the type and quantity of furniture, you can use special computer programs, or draw a detailed plan for the future layout of the motorhome on paper, where you can clearly indicate not only the type of furniture, but also its location.
How the most expensive mobile home can be made out can be seen in the photo - clearly visible how sophisticated and comfortable interior furnishings can be.
When building a house on wheels with your own hands, you should pay attention to the quality of materials. So, for furniture it is advisable to use moisture-resistant materials that are resistant to household chemicals, since cleaning in any type of motorhome - from a bus, a trailer or a gazelle - will have to be done quite often.
On the roads of Europe and America, there are often cars with caravans or entire mobile homes. They are still rare in our country, but more and more people are thinking that it would be nice to have a house on wheels. Someone needs it to travel around their native country, someone wants to travel around Europe. About the features and types, the pros and cons of owning, and we'll talk further.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like every phenomenon or thing, a home on wheels has pros and cons. In order not to be disappointed later, you first need to carefully weigh the pros and cons, and then make an informed choice. And there is plenty to choose from. In addition to the type - a trailer for a car or a self-propelled camper - you need to choose a size. After all, there are mobile homes that can carry your car, have a rooftop pool. And there are those made on the basis of a three-wheeled moped.
Advantages
Those who dream of buying a mobile home can be conditionally divided into several groups. The first one - lovers of outdoor recreation, who are tired of the tent life and want a little more comfort. The second are those who like to travel around Europe, who are tired of paying hefty sums for hotels, fooling around with reservations, etc. And the third category is the owners of summer cottages who do not want to bother with the construction site.
It makes no sense to think too much only for summer residents. It is not a problem to find a suitable used model, which will only have to be transported / brought a couple of times a year. You can invest in a fairly modest budget (from $ 2000). Everyone else will need a much larger amount, so you need to think carefully. In this regard, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of the motorhomes themselves and travel by them. Let's start with the pros:
By and large, having a motor home is your own boss. It is a great degree of freedom and independence with a sufficiently high level of comfort that attracts.
disadvantages
Now about the disadvantages. A little more about them, so that unpleasant moments are not a surprise. So, here are the cons of traveling in a RV. It should be said right away that in Russia and the neighboring countries, camping sites with the possibility of replenishing resources are very rare. Yes, you can do this at some gas stations or parking lots. But not at all. And for a fee. A separate problem is the roads. Not everyone and not always travel on the trails. Many people drive off-road. Few of the mobile homes can handle our roads. There are such models, but their prices are….
In a trip to Europe, things are different and this is the part we will talk about further.
And one more general problem. If you live in an apartment, you do not have your own plot of land, the mobile home must be stored somewhere. The cost of annual storage is commensurate with the cost of traveling for two for a couple of weeks to not the cheapest country. Like this.
Here are all the pros and cons of owning and traveling in an auto-home in a nutshell. So there is something to think about. Reflections on the feasibility of such an acquisition are given below.
Types of mobile homes
A mobile home can be of two types:
- trailer;
- on the basis of a minibus or bus.
The second option is also called a motorhome or camper (or auto-home). They are not very large - on the basis of minibuses. The same Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat, Gazelles, UAZ-Pickup and Cargo are specially produced by various European and domestic firms. There are whole liners in which cars can fit.
The trailer house can be stationary or folding. There are also tent trailers. The first type is transported in a "residential" form, the second and third - folded. The folding trailer can only be folded out in the parking lot. Its advantages - less loosening on the way, less height, which means there are no travel restrictions. Cons - it takes time to unfold / fold. The whole procedure takes about five minutes, but you won't be able to rest immediately after stopping.
Tent trailer - a combination of a trailer with an "attached" tent. Since the dimensions mobile trailers usually small, there are few places and a big campaign will not work. The trailer tent usually has a dining area in the center in the part that is on wheels, two sleeping areas along the edges in the same place and a fairly spacious tent, the edges of which are attached to the body of the van. Often there is also a canopy in front of the tent so that you can spend time outdoors.
Difference between RV (background) and tent trailer (front)
In terms of comfort, bus-based RVs offer more comfort than any type of trailer. The camper can have a toilet with a shower, a small kitchenette. The trailer can only have berths, in some models there is a gas stove, and even then it is usually attached from the outside. If necessary, the bed can be transformed into a dining area - a small table and two sofas. This is all that mobile homes in trailers have to offer.
To have or not to have
First, about which type of mobile home is better to choose - a trailer or a campervan. For traveling in Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space, if you have a car of sufficient power and maneuverability, you should think about purchasing a mobile tent house. They have less weight and dimensions, and are easier to pull than a full-fledged caravan. If you don't want a trailer and need a greater level of comfort, you can take both a trailer and a motorhome. But models based on trucks and semi-trucks are more suitable. Particular attention should then be paid to the suspension and clearing, and also to the strength and reliability of the cabin / trailer assembly. This is if you like to drive in the outback and dirt roads are nothing new to you. If you plan to drive only on highways, you can look at less passable models.
It should be said that traveling in a motorhome in Russia is not very convenient, since there is no infrastructure. There are, of course, organizations that organize such tours and provide refueling points. But this is no longer a solitary journey and there is no talk of any autonomy and independence.
This is with regard to the use of a mobile home in Russia. If you need it to travel around Europe, then there are no restrictions on "cross-country ability", since the roads are excellent everywhere. But again the question arises about the expediency of ownership. You still have to get to the border, but the mobile home is good enough in any modification. So the cost of gasoline is more than ... Many come to a decision - to reach a certain point, and then take a motor home for rent. This option turns out to be no more expensive, but much more convenient.
This model was developed for the pampas - German Bimobil
In any case, if you have no experience of traveling in a caravan yet, but really want to have one, rent a car or trailer, spend a couple of weeks traveling. This is where your decision will take shape. At the same time, decide exactly on the characteristics and options that you would like to have.
Campers - a set of possible amenities and service on the road
To begin with, such a mobile home is large. Length - from 6 meters, width - 220-230 cm, height - at least three. If you have never driven such a car before, it will take time to get used to driving such a large and heavy vehicle. Difficulties can arise when parking - two parking spaces are required, as well as free space for maneuver. Campers are "summer" - without insulation and "winter" - with insulated walls. With equal parameters, the width of the latter is 5-10 cm larger - due to the greater thickness of the walls.
A travel van can have different "stuffing" and a complete set
Inside, a motor home based on a bus or minibus can have the following support systems:
- interior battery;
- external network for 230 V;
- water supply;
- gas cylinders (usually 2 pcs) to ensure the operation of a small stove, water heating and some other systems.
Inside there can be a shower with a water heater, a toilet (with a dry closet), a kitchen with a gas stove and a refrigerator, an air heater and several sleeping places - from two to six. With the rational use of resources, a mobile home can autonomously exist for two or three days. The water supply is consumed the fastest. V basic configuration the supply of liquid is designed for a day, while saving it can be enough for a day and a half. Therefore, when choosing a parking place, pay attention to the possibility of replenishing the water supply or carry an additional container with you. The second resource that is quickly depleted is the battery charge. The problem is solved by the presence of a generator (gasoline or diesel).
There are parking areas dedicated to campers where the camper van can be connected to the network using a carry. On such sites, posts with rosettes stick out. A mobile home is connected to them (for a fee).
Travel service
When traveling in a motorhome, you have to monitor the availability of water. The stock needs to be replenished, and the used water must be drained (there is a special container that is emptied through the drain hole). The water level is usually monitored on the driver's panel (indicators) and on a panel in the passenger compartment.
Another maintenance operation is cleaning and refueling. The container must be emptied (in Europe there are designated areas on campsites) and filled with funds depending on the type. So, on the road, we also need means for a dry closet and should not be forgotten. How often should this operation be performed? Once every two days with regular use and once a week if used only if absolutely necessary.
The kitchen compartment usually contains two gas cylinders. One worker, the second is a backup. Gas cylinders are connected not only to the stove. They still supply gas to heat the water in the shower, to the air heater. Also, gas ensures the operation of the refrigerator. If the cylinders are fully filled, they are enough for two weeks of moderate use.
The state of the electrical network of the RV interior is displayed on a special panel, which is usually located above the front door. Sometimes water level indicators are displayed immediately. This panel turns on / off the power of the passenger compartment. There is an opportunity to check the battery charge level of the car and the passenger compartment (there are two of them). When the battery is low, the warning light turns on (red light). There is light in the kitchen compartment, at the entrance to the bathroom, there are several lamps in the cabin, each berth has separate lamps with switches.
General arrangement and operation
The central place in the salon is a table with benches. The number of seats depends on the "human capacity" of the model. A gas stove and a sink are usually located opposite the table. Both the stove and the sink are closed with lids - you get a work surface. There are two or three 230 V sockets next to the stove.They work only if the camper is connected to the mains through a carrier. There is also a refrigerator. It usually runs on battery or mains power, but in some models it can also run on gas. There is a switch to select the power source. You can put a certain one or select the "auto" mode, in which the unit decides for itself which network to feed it from.
If there is an air heater. There are two options - gas and diesel. The heater can operate in two modes: summer and winter. In summer mode, only water heating is turned on (from 40 ° to 60 °), in winter mode, the air is still heated. The air temperature in the passenger compartment is regulated by a separate knob. The number of modes depends on the model, but usually there are at least five of them. The air is heated by a convector that heats up a small volume in a matter of minutes. The convector is switched off and on automatically - according to the readings of the temperature sensors located in the passenger compartment.
If the mobile home has a toilet and shower, this compartment is fenced off. In the normal state, a toilet and a washbasin, a cabinet for small things are available. To take a shower, you need to "take out" the shutters of the shower stall. At the same time, they will close the door, the sink will sink into the wall, there will be a little more space, but still not too spacious. Since the water supply is very limited, showers are usually rarely used.
Beds, windows and wardrobes
Camper is the most comfortable mobile home. There is enough space for a good rest. The number of berths depends on the model. There is a motorhome for two people, there is a motorhome for six, respectively, the number of beds is different. But, in any case, you can relax with a sufficient level of comfort. Sleeping places can be located:
The mobile home has several windows that are closed by blinds. Can be opened for ventilation. When driving, they should be closed, but when parked when daylight give enough light, and by opening all the windows, you can quickly ventilate the interior.
In the upper part there are cabinets with shelves for things and dishes. All doors have locks - so that things do not fly out when moving. So that the dishes do not rumble during maneuvers, it is advisable to put something soft and elastic in such cabinets before starting the movement (terry towels, for example).
Trailer Houses at a Glance
Trailer houses are also called a cottage on wheels. Because there are models with all the amenities. Such a mobile home can be placed in areas where construction is not permitted. It will be registered as a caravan, so it does not fall under the scope of the monitoring organizations. There are models of mobile homes in a trailer with only a minimum - berths and a dining area. Here everyone chooses according to their requirements. There are several types of trailers.
This is also a mobile home in a trailer ... Futuria with swimming pool, garage for a sports car, living room and bedroom
Stationary trailer with rigid walls
There are such trailers for a different number of berths - from 2 to 6. Length - from 3.6 meters, height - from 2.5 meters, width - from 2.2 m. They can be with or without insulation. In terms of a set of amenities, it may not be inferior to a motorhome: a kitchen with a sink and a refrigerator, a bathroom with a shower and a dry closet, and heating the room. But such a set can only be in a rather big trailer.
Mobile home in a trailer - a section and one of the possible layouts
The simplest models can only provide a place to eat and sleep. And keep in mind that you cannot be in the trailer during transportation. When choosing, in addition to a set of amenities, pay attention to the mass (loaded with water, gas, etc.). You need to assess whether your car can move such a mass.
Trailer tent
This type of folding mobile home. Almost all of them are for summer use, since there is no insulation. When folded, the height of the trailer is just over a meter. By the number of "rooms" and sleeping places, they are different. Sleeping places are usually organized in the trailer itself, and the rest of the rooms are under an awning, which is located on the ground. Such a mobile home is usually completed with a small gas stove and a sink. The stove is connected to a gas cylinder, water is supplied to the sink using a small submersible pump, which is lowered into a container of water. There are three varieties:
This category has its own price hierarchy. Not only do they differ in size and number of berths, there is also a significant difference in material consumption, which invariably affects the price. The most expensive are trailers-tents with rigid walls and a roof. The other two categories are roughly equal in cost.
Semi-truck trailer
This mobile home is called "blotch". This is because it is installed in a semi-trailer of certain car models - with an open trunk. Part of it hangs over the cab, part is in the body, and a small "tail" hangs down from behind.
Such models are still rare in our country, and there are not so many of them abroad. A very good solution for semi-truck owners.
And what should you choose?
A trailer-mounted mobile home is a good choice if you have a car with a powerful engine that can pull a lot of weight. Such a unit costs two or three times less than a camper (travel van) But when selecting, pay attention to the total weight and length of the caravan. If the norms are exceeded, another category is required driving license... And keep in mind that most trailers are not designed for off-road driving. There are models for bad roads, but their price tag is much higher.
A tent trailer is already a less comfortable holiday, but a larger number of models that can be pulled off-road. They are a great replacement for a regular tent. It's better to sleep in a trailer, not on the ground. And to have a rest, cook, swim, you can also under the awning.
In our rating, we do not consider specialized transport (motorhomes, campervans and minibuses), because our applicants should look equally natural in the parking lot in front of the office, and at the restaurant, and on the highway leading into the sky. These are the cars that our people keep in mind when purchasing them: "And in the summer I will drive it to Akhtuba!" Well, or something like that. Considering the current fuel prices, the efficiency of the engines also played an important role for us.
Minivans - Ford Galaxy
The minivan category seems to be created for active outings in nature and "near-combat" tours. And here our choice fell on the Ford Galaxy model. It has enough space to accommodate passengers, has a panoramic roof, and everything is in order with the trunk. Seven individual seats with horizontal folding system make it easy to move the road. But what is more interesting for the traveler is that he has a diesel power unit, which allows you to significantly save fuel on the way. With a 140-horsepower unit, the car consumes about 5.0 liters on the highway.
5
SUVs - SsangYong Stavic
The choice of off-road vehicles in Russia is the richest, and each competitor looks equally dignified. However, thanks to the functionality and price, SsangYong Stavic won our heart. This car combines the powerful arsenal of a real frame SUV with a plug-in all-wheel drive, a range multiplier and powerful diesel with the capacity of a minivan. Of course, the car is not burdened with modern systems, and there are no multimedia screens that are fashionable today to calm young people in the gallery. But Stavic can easily make his way along the forest path to the cherished lake, where the fish bite "soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Officially, a 149-horsepower turbodiesel consumes 6.9 liters of diesel fuel on the highway.
Crossovers - Nissan Qashqai
There are even more crossovers in Russia, so it was not easy to choose. The SUV Nissan Qashqai won our rating due to an acceptable price / quality ratio and a spacious interior. In the new generation, it is quite modern car able to "make friends" with passengers' gadgets, his navigation is not afraid of the Russian outskirts. And although the car is small, it can easily accommodate a young family, and the 430-liter trunk is enough for their travel bags. Well, as you understood, he also has a diesel unit, a priority for a long-distance driver. And this 130-horsepower engine consumes only 4.5 liters of "heavy" fuel per 100 kilometers. Sheer trifles!
Station wagons - Subaru Outback
Traveling in a station wagon is always pleasant: a lot of things are easily absorbed by the trunk, respectively, you can sit in the cabin in complete comfort. The SUV will envy the five-door body of the Subaru Outback - 4775 mm from bumper to bumper. But the most important thing is four-wheel drive, which allows you to bring an enviable landscape closer to lazy legs. Another plus of such a body is a long roof, on which you can install a trunk or fix bicycles or a three-seater kayak there. The boxer (167 hp) Outback consumes 6.7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, and the tank holds 65 liters of fuel, so for at least 900 kilometers you can forget about the gas station.
Large sedans - Honda Accord
The concept of "family sedan" is characteristic of the American consumer, but in our country it only recently began to enter circulation. The new generation Honda Accord is just about that. The soft, soothing suspension settings contribute to comfortable long-distance travel, which is why we opted for a Japanese car. The back of the Accord is quite spacious, the car is equipped with good navigation, and the multimedia system is ready to play the favorite music of the master's smartphones. 180-horsepower sedan engine on the highway consumes 6.2 liters of gasoline per “hundred”. And one more significant plus - AI-92 gasoline, the most common in our country, will work for you.
Compact sedans - Renault Logan
Better cars for Russian roads from the budget and not come up with. Baby Logan is quite nimble, and its suspension is capable of easily digesting the bumpy irregularities of some provincial stretch. In the new generation, Logan has become even more interesting in that it has acquired a touch screen with navigation and an advanced multimedia system. And he still manages to combine small dimensions with a roomy interior. And even if its basic motor (82 hp) does not differ with special agility, but it knows how to conserve fuel: outside the city, the consumption declared by the manufacturer is 5.8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.
Subcompacts - Smart Fortwo
Practice shows that sometimes the spaciousness of the car is not so important for a long trip. If only there was a decent company and a good mood. The atmosphere of the Smart Fortwo brings people together, to put it mildly. So, if you want to make a romantic voyage, then this kid - perfect option... And after all, such a short man even has a panoramic roof! And both seats in expensive versions are not much inferior in quality to the seats of business sedans, perhaps a little less, like everything in this car. The 220-liter trunk will definitely fit two small suitcases. A small gas tank (33 liters) partially compensates for the economy of Smart: outside the city, the consumption of its 71-horsepower engine is 4 liters of AI-95 per hundred.
Hatchbacks - Volkswagen Golf
The Wolfsburg car is rightfully called the trendsetter among hatchbacks. He feels equally well in the city and on the unlimited autobahn. It is easy to drive the five-door, the speed is not felt, and the noise of the road does not particularly bother passengers. In addition, the new adaptive chassis allows the car to accurately adapt to the driver's request. The new chassis of the seventh generation Golf has increased the space for rear passengers, so that now, long journeys by car are even more comfortable. With the base 1.2-liter engine, the hatchback consumes 4.2 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.
"Heels" - Peugeot Partner Tepee
The symbiosis of commercial and passenger vehicles gave us such a wonderful car as the Peugeot Partner Tepee. The cockpit of this car can comfortably accommodate a person of any height. The ceiling is high above your head, and convenient pockets and niches for travel stuff are scattered throughout the cabin. The transmission lever in Partner is located directly next to the steering wheel, and the center tunnel is virtually absent. The front passenger, with a certain skill, can easily move to the second row. In another car, this number is not so easy to carry out. Another plus is sliding rear doors facilitating access to the salon. It is also not bad that this car has a diesel engine (90 hp), which consumes only 5.2 liters of diesel fuel per credit hundred.
Coupe - BMW 2 Series
This type of body is least of all conducive to car travel. However, how to look at it. If the sights are lined up on the map in such a sequence that you do not have to open the massive compartment door too often and pull yourself out of a reclining state, then everything is real. And in this standings, the winner of our sympathies was the little
Which car to choose for long-distance travel? This question worries many fans of expeditions who take their first timid steps in the world of off-roading. What is your SUV? Let's try to answer.
Choosing an SUV for travel.
Answers to questions that worry many.
Choosing a car is a difficult and responsible business, so you should approach it as seriously as possible. I will not be able to tell you which SUV is the best, but I will try to identify the advantages that a car that is necessary for you should have.
Size matters
The further from home you climb, the more equipment is required for safety and comfort, so expedition vehicle must have sufficient carrying capacity to accommodate a supply of fuel and food, tourist belongings, a box with spare parts and, of course, ourselves. At the same time, it will not hurt if there is free space in the cabin for organizing a berth. Therefore, the machine must have a lifting capacity of 500–600 kg.
It is desirable that the cabin is one-volume and five-door - this will facilitate access to equipment, as well as allow maximum use of its interior space.
A pickup can also be considered as a travel car, but it has a number of disadvantages: the inability to organize a full-fledged berth in the cabin and difficult access to equipment. In addition, during winter travel in such a car, you should be prepared for the fact that the entire contents of the cargo compartment will be cooled to ambient temperature, and in the absence of a box or a lid above the trunk, it will also become very dirty.
By the way, in principle, I would not consider the option of a pickup truck with an open cargo compartment, since as soon as you gag for a minute, your equipment will be instantly stolen.
In addition, it will not be superfluous to think about the maintainability of your future car. In the city, this question is not raised - there are cars that are expensive to maintain and not very much. We can choose original or cheap spare parts, order them abroad, sometimes we allow ourselves to leave a car with a dealer for a month while waiting for a queue for repairs. For a few thousand kilometers from home, everything is different. It is likely that a tow truck will not arrive in the taiga using a GPS point and will not take you home. And most likely it will have to be repaired on the basis of machine operators, where the handy guy Nikolai will have a welding machine, a grinder and a set of heads at his disposal. But there will definitely be no air suspension control unit and electronic pump injectors. Therefore, if you plan to travel far from civilization, you should choose the most simple and not overloaded with electronics car. Unfortunately, the policy of the leaders of the world auto industry is such that at the moment only a few mass-produced cars do not have electronic control of the engine and transmission. But still there are such models, and I would recommend opting for them.
Gasoline or Diesel?
I will not "wave the flag", but just give the pros and cons of these or those motors. The choice is yours.
Engines with spark ignition more dynamic, have better heat transfer (which is important for winter expeditions) and are easier to repair than diesel ones. At the same time, their torque is lower, and, as a result, the dynamics of a loaded expeditionary will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. Moreover, the farther from civilization, the worse the quality of gasoline, and there is simply no fuel for engines with a high octane number. The lack of torque is especially noticeable when driving off-road - you have to load the car's clutch, which leads to its premature failure. And this often happens in the forest.
Diesel engines, as a rule, are more reliable and unpretentious, and also have a large motor resource. High torque erases the difference in dynamics between empty and laden cars, but overall acceleration dynamics is lower than that of a gasoline engine. Another advantage of a diesel engine: it can work without interruption for an unlimited amount of time, while it has a very modest fuel consumption, which allows, for example, not to jam the car throughout the entire route during winter expeditions. Problems with the availability of fuel usually do not happen - they can get hold of at any base of machine operators, from an oncoming truck driver or tractor driver. But at the same time, in winter you need to be very careful when refueling a car, because if the fuel turns out to be summer, it will paraffin fuel filter and the car will be immobilized. Therefore, in winter, at unfamiliar gas stations, you should always fill the tank with a fuel additive that prevents it from thickening. In addition, it should be noted that modern high-tech units with compression ignition, squeezed for ecology and equipped with a power system Common rail, are very demanding on fuel quality and level Maintenance... Other disadvantages of a diesel engine are increased vibration and noise.
New or used?
Should I buy a newer car or a used one? Discussions on this topic are prevalent in Internet conferences. If there was only one correct opinion, then there would be no controversy. One side, new car- this is good: warranty repair, perfect condition, everything is brand new, brand new. But, on the other hand, you are going on it on off-road trips - which means that it will quickly get scratched, therefore, the money you spent on shiny new paint will be thrown into the wind, and as for breakdowns, all cars break down on the road - and old ones and new ones.
In my purely personal opinion, the most correct option for expeditions would be a two- or three-year-old car with a range of up to 50 cape. km: he is in good condition, and you won't have to pay extra for its freshness. But, as I said, everyone has to choose for themselves.
You are not the first to travel by SUV, thousands of people are already doing this, and, as you know, "millions of flies cannot be wrong." Look at what they drive - they are mostly utilitarian examples of classic brands. SUVs and crossovers can also be used for off-road travel, most likely they will even come back, but subsequent repairs will cost an unpleasant amount. Difference between SUV and four-wheel drive vehicle is that the first one goes home after driving off-road, and the second one goes to the service.
The expeditionary must have the capacity for off-road training. Even if, when buying a car, you are sure that you will never seriously cook it, after several trips you will probably come to the conclusion that the wheels need more and more teeth, the bumpers are harder, and the winch is simply necessary. Therefore, before you finally decide on a particular car, study the Internet for useful experience in building this SUV. If it turns out that it is he who does not lend itself to alterations or this requires an amount disproportionate to his price, it is better to continue the search.
Luxury or necessity?
The equipment of the car should primarily depend on personal preference, but I still allow myself to give you a few tips.
The leather interior is beautiful, but not suitable for off-road expeditions. In the heat, it heats up very much and burns the skin, when it gets wet it dries for an extremely long time and very quickly becomes obscene, being damaged by dirty clothes. By such, I mean not dusty scuffs on my pants, but spots of swamp slurry, well flavored with sand and earth - this is how you get into the car after walking along a forest road at night in the rain.
Satellite navigation, which is standardly installed in new models of SUVs, is a beautiful thing, but useless in life, since, for example, a detailed map of Moscow with Latin street names will be replaced by a one-color screen as soon as you cross the Moscow Ring Road.
A satellite security system in the deep taiga can easily inform you that the connection with the satellites is lost and it (the alarm) suspects that they are trying to steal the car, after which it blocks the engine. An overly sophisticated anti-theft device can also "glitch" at the most inopportune moment, because its creators certainly did not arrange tests on the topic: will their security system work at a temperature of plus (minus) forty, in a snowstorm or a sandstorm?
To summarize my confusing and scattered recommendations, I will say: an SUV for travel is in many ways similar to a military truck. His task is to take you from point A to point B no matter what, and he has no right to break down on the way. The main difference between such a car and military equipment is the higher level of comfort that it is able to provide. True, as practice shows, nature cannot be fooled: comfort and cross-country ability are at opposite ends of the scale of characteristics of an SUV, and the result of the choice will depend on how you prioritize. Because there are no bad and good cars, but there are cars that meet or do not correspond to the tasks assigned to them.
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Article about 10 best cars mobiles for travel, their features and characteristics. At the end of the article - an interesting video about possible problems in a road trip.
Quite high requirements are imposed on vehicles for travel:
- roomy comfortable salon;
- spacious trunk;
- good technical characteristics;
- quite soft and comfortable suspension;
- profitability;
- safety and reliability;
- good speed.
Rating of the best cars for travel
In this TOP there will be no specialized vehicles (like American mobile homes). Of course, camper vans have everything for a normal life on the road, you can eat and sleep in them, but they are too expensive and not suitable for driving in the city. We will consider mainly universal cars in which on weekdays you can drive to work, and on weekends (or on vacation) - give up with your family or friends on a long journey.
The body of this car is placed on a spar frame, which is able to withstand heavy loads when driving off-road and country roads, and when transporting goods. This is exactly what you need to travel. After all, you often have to move along rural roads and carry a lot of things with you.
The open cargo platform can accommodate a wide variety of luggage (up to one ton). This can be camping equipment, an ATV, or a snowmobile. Just before that, you will have to equip the cargo compartment with a lifting lid, tarpaulin or shelter so that the load does not get wet.
The interior of the car is spacious, it looks beautiful, the lining is wear-resistant, the plastic is of high quality. In the rear seats, even very tall passengers will feel comfortable. And when driving over bumps, no one will bang their head against the ceiling. There is also plenty of legroom. What else do you need for a comfortable trip?
Behind the reclining backrests there is a mini-rack for various small things.
L200 is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbodiesel (136 "horses") and an "automatic". The engine is particularly reliable. Fuel system well digests domestic diesel fuel, which is very important. Diesel fuel consumption - 7-8 l / 100km. The maneuverability of the car is also excellent.
The machine is designed for people who value practicality, economy and outdoor activities.
This car has a comfortable spacious salon and a large trunk (492 liters) with additional seats for two passengers, movable and adjustable seats and plenty of pockets.
The KIA Carens chassis is great for long-distance travel, just at a relaxed pace, not a sporty one. Although the car will cope with sharp turns at high speed without problems.
A turbo diesel engine with a volume of 1.7 liters and a capacity of 136 "horses" is enough for normal movement. When driving quietly outside the city, the car consumes only 6 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. In the city, consumption increases to 8 liters, but we are considering cars for travel, which means that we will have to move mainly along the highway.
Kia has hidden pockets that come in handy on the road if you don't want to take a lot of things with you. These pockets are located behind the front seat backrests in the floor under the carpets.
The Carens cabin is very comfortable and the passengers will not be crowded. Therefore, many family people who love to travel buy this car.
If anyone does not know, then room in English means "room", and the design Skoda car Roomster strictly lives up to its name. This is a small mobile home, which will be convenient for passengers and you can arrange a lot of things for travel.
The Roomster is divided into three peculiar "rooms" - front seats for the driver and his companion, the middle purely passenger "room", and a rear compartment for things.
The rear passenger seats are located slightly higher than the front ones, which will allow passengers to admire the local scenery. The high body allows you to comfortably accommodate not only people of different heights, but also to load large things that will be useful on the journey (bicycle, stroller, and so on). If you need to take a lot of bulky things on a hike, then this will not be a problem for the owner of the Roomster. A special system for transforming passenger seats will allow you to compose the interior space for any needs. Thus, the luggage compartment from 530 liters can easily be increased to 1780 liters. In this case, the carrying capacity of the car will be 525 kg.
You can travel on this car with your whole large family, as well as transport a lot of things.
Only the French could create an art object out of a family minibus. According to the manufacturers, this car is intended for young families who love to travel.
With the advent of a child, young people have to give up sports cars... But why change them to something boring? The C4 Picasso combines beautiful design with convenience and comfort. With this car, you can take your children to kindergarten or go on a trip with your family.
The car has a sturdy body and is considered the safest in its class. The comfort of the cabin is also at a high level. All passengers will feel comfortable, and the panoramic glass in the half-roof will allow you to enjoy the ride. The "co-pilot" will be the most convenient, since the front passenger seat is equipped with a footrest and a pneumatic lumbar massager. This is the perfect solution for long distance travel. You can lie back like in a sun lounger and enjoy the surrounding views!
But passengers of the second row will not be deprived either. Separate adjustable chairs can easily accommodate three adults of different sizes. They will be able to take advantage of folding tables with book holders, adjustable ventilation deflectors, power outlets and sun shades.
In short, a trip in this car can be compared to a flight in business class.
True, on last row only children will fit. If you are traveling without children, you can fold down the third row and increase the luggage compartment (up to 2,181 liters).
The Grand C4 Picasso is equipped with a 1.6-liter petrol engine with 150 hp. Consumption - up to 7 liters.
This seven-seater car is perfect for traveling with a family or company.
The original interior allows the center seat of the second row to be folded down, thereby opening the passage to the rear row of seats. If the side seats are occupied by child car seats, this is very convenient. Sliding rear doors dramatically complement the silhouette of the Grand C-MAX and allow easy access to the rear of the vehicle.
The tailgate can be opened using a button on the key, which is convenient when your hands are very busy.
If passengers have forgotten to fasten their seat belts, the system will remind them with a sound signal, taking care of their safety.
The turbocharged gasoline engine is economical and environmentally friendly, so travel won't be a burden on your wallet.
This is a compact MPV from the French automaker that is great for travel.
Scenic looks elegant and dynamic. The owner of this car is provided with a comfortable and active ride. When driving off-road, passengers will not shake. Thanks to the successful combination of comfort and suspension stiffness, the car behaves quite predictably on the track, almost without swaying even at high speeds.
Renault Scenic II is an ideal family and corporate car at the same time. In such a car, it will be convenient to go on a trip, meet business partners or transport some kind of cargo. In short, this is a great option for friendly companies and large families.
This station wagon off-road looks courageous and brutal. Ground clearance is 213 mm, so this car is not afraid of snow, mud or sand.
The car is equipped with an innovative horizontally opposed engine (2.5 liters and 175 "horses"), working in conjunction with a continuously variable variator.
On such a car, you can safely go hiking without fear of off-road. Outback is not afraid of the most severe trials.
Convenient roof rails allow you to easily place a boat or other oversized cargo.
In the Outback, the rear seat tilt angle can be changed, which allows you to travel in comfort. There is plenty of legroom and headroom. All seats are heated. If you fold the backs of the back sofa, you get a flat two-meter platform that will allow you to spend the night in peace.
The trunk is huge (560 liters), but if you fold out the seats, you get even more (1801 liters), which will allow you to take everything you need on a trip.
Fuel consumption is approximately 7 liters.
The three leaders in our rating were the models of the Volkswagen concern. And for good reason! These vehicles are ideal for traveling.
The Touran is a spacious and practical five-door compact van with side hinged doors. The interior of the car is decorated with restraint, German rationality is felt. The finish is high quality and durable. Many different pockets, niches and glove compartments. The backrests of the front seats have comfortable reclining tables.
The functional interior transformation system allows you to solve any problem. The trunk is voluminous (695 liters), and if you fold the backrests, you get 1990 liters. This is enough for the transportation of bulky things.
The Touran can be purchased with a diesel or petrol engine. Diesel option it is particularly economical (up to 6 l / 100 km), so travel will not be very expensive.
This is a very popular camper van in Europe. If you attach an additional DoubleBack compartment to it, you will get a motorhome on wheels.
From the rear of the car, a special structure is pulled out, powered by electricity. The entire unpacking process takes 45 seconds. This device almost doubles the interior space of the van. Thus, a small kitchen, bed and wardrobe will fit inside your car. The roof of the car rises up, which allows passengers to stand inside. In this case, the front seats can be turned 180 degrees. towards the motorhome.
This car is ideal for travel enthusiasts. The T5 Doubleback costs $ 87,000, which is more expensive than a regular minibus, but cheaper than a small new mobile home.
This is a great vehicle for family travel. It is equipped with sleeping places, cupboards, side table, stove. There is also an outlet (220 V) and a water tank. There is a refrigerator and a washstand near the stove.
The front seats can be folded towards the table for a comfortable meal for the whole family. The back seat folds out into a one and a half bed. A pull-out compartment is located under the rear seats. There is a small table in the side door and two chairs in the back.
To shelter from the rain, you can pull up an awning. The roof can be lifted up, which will allow you to walk freely around the cabin while standing. There is an air conditioner, a built-in telephone, a multimedia system, built-in curtains, you can listen to the radio, watch a video. In fact, it is a mobile home that allows you to travel to different cities and countries without much worries.
At the same time, the car is quite economical. Consumption - 8 l / 100 km. There is on-board computer with a large display, a navigation system that informs about traffic jams.
Multivan California costs about 70 thousand euros. The price is high, but everything in the car is provided for comfortable travel. That is why this car has become the leader of our TOP.
Let's summarize
All vehicles shown above are suitable for travel. When choosing, you should take into account your financial capabilities and wishes. Whichever car you choose, a comfortable long-distance trip is guaranteed to you.
Car travel problems - in the video:
