17.8 Tips on staying overnight safely during travel
Prudent behaviour is the most important protective measure for insuring a safe
night in the motorhome.
The risk of thievery is reduced to a minimum when the following basic rules are
observed:
z Before commencing the journey, close and lock all windows, doors and sky-
lights.
z Secure the driver's cabin doors from the inside against opening from the out-
side using a tension belt or chain which passes through the handholds, arm-
rests etc.
z If present: Switch on or activate anti-theft alarm and special door securing
devices. Warning devices against gas assaults using anaesthetic gas are offered
at camping supply stores.
z During high season do not spend the night at highway rest stops or parking
areas located along typical vacation routes.
z If possible, stay overnight in large, occupied car parks, e.g. near a restaurant.
z Even if it is just for one night, go to a camping site.
z When parking on open space keep emergency routes clear. The way to the
driver's seat should be clear. The ignition key should always be within reach.
z Only take with you those valuables which are absolutely necessary for the
journey. If possible, store valuables in a small safe and not in the immediate
vicinity of windows or doors.
z Always lock up the vehicle.
z Do not use parking stays.
17.9 Tips for winter campers
The following tips will help make your winter camping experience as agreeable as
possible.
z Reserve your parking place in good time. Good winter camping sites are often
booked up early.
z Do not start your trip without winter tyres.
z Bring snow chains.
z Choose your parking place with care. Observe the ground beneath you. Snow
and ice may melt.
z When the vehicle has been positioned, release the handbrake to prevent
freezing.
z No snow walls should be allowed to cover the built-in forced ventilation.
z Keep the built-in forced ventilation free from snow and ice.
z Make sure the air circulation is good. Good air circulation prevents moisture
from collecting and makes it easier to heat the living area.
z Cover the single-paned driver's cabin window with insulation mats to avoid
thermal bridges.
z Follow the instructions in the section "Gas supply in European countries".
z Use a two-bottle system with automatic controller for the gas system, so that
the supply does not run out during the night.
z Only operate the gas system using propane gas.
z Do not use the space behind the heater as a storage compartment.
z Never operate catalytic ovens or infra-red gas radiators in the interior of the
vehicle, since they consume oxygen for burning.
z Lay the 230 V power cable in such a way that the cable cannot be frozen or be
damaged (e.g. during snow removal).
