Camping with kids

The destination is a decisive factor for a successful family vacation! Some campsites have a lot to offer little ones; others are more geared towards leisure activities for adults (and older children). At child-friendly campsites, your offspring are more likely to find vacation friends of the same age to play or explore with.

Particularly in the high season, it makes sense – in some countries it is even necessary – to book a pitch in good time to avoid unnecessary stress trying to find one when you arrive. Depending on how far you are going, it may make sense to break the journey into several stages or to plan an overnight trip.

Experienced campers either have a packing list ready or are just relaxed about the packing situation anyway. If you are traveling in a campervan for the first time, a detailed packing list is a good idea so you don’t forget anything (important), especially your child’s favorite toys.

When choosing clothes, our tip just has three words: functional and combinable. This means you can pack less, but get more out of it – especially if the items are easy to wash and, above all, quick-drying.

If you are not yet very experienced in packing a campervan, it is a good idea to make a note of where you have packed and stored things. But it will all work out over the course of the vacation.

Whether for long bike tours, the morning trip to the bakery or exploring large campsites: If you bring bikes on board, you can stay mobile and flexible at your vacation destination. And taking bike trips together usually ends up being a highlight for children on a family vacation. Bicycle carriers from SAWIKO offer numerous models for different requirements.

If you are traveling with a small child, you can take a balance bike or a child seat for your own bike. Depending on how many bikes you want to take with you and what type of camping vehicle you have, we at AL-KO have various rear carrier models for you:

• AGITO 120: Aluminum carrier system especially for panel vans, swiveling, can transport up to 4 bikes or e-bikes
• LIGERO III: For motorhomes, telescopic, can transport up to 4 bikes or a scooter and 2 bikes
• VARIO: Telescopic and foldable

Hydraulic support systems for motorhomes offer considerable added value when you are traveling with children. There will be days and evenings when the whole family is together in the motorhome, with the children running and jumping around. “Fully automatic, hydraulic support systems such as the HY4 system from AL-KO or the LevelM Pro from E&P Hydraulics save time when arriving and setting up: Automatic leveling instead of laborious cranking is the motto here – giving you time to spend with your family instead,” explains Matthias Ländle, product manager for hydraulic leveling systems at AL-KO.

The control system works electronically: The cylinders contact the ground at the touch of a button and lift the vehicle over the axles into a horizontal position. Leveling is conducted precisely to the millimeter and is completed within a few minutes. In addition, the HY4 system’s built-in weighing function protects against overloading by displaying the current weight.

One piece of special technical equipment may interest vacationers in panel vans: LevelVan, the new leveling support system for panel vans. The stable stance means little ones can sleep peacefully while you move freely around in the campervan. The carbon cylinders ensure a low net weight, so you don’t have to worry about the payload so much.

If you are traveling with the whole family, you as the driver are not only responsible for yourself, but also for all passengers in the vehicle. So, it can be reassuring when driving a caravan, especially on narrow roads and winding mountain passes, to rely not only on your own driving skills but also on safe technology – on the ATC (AL-KO Trailer Control) anti-snaking system for caravans and trailers. The ATC constantly monitors your caravan’s driving response and movements throughout the entire journey. It is comparable to the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) in a car, but intervenes much earlier – namely at the first slight swinging movement, and reliably balances it out.

The ATC deeply impresses mechanical engineer Martin Waldmann: “The ATC should really be required by law. For less experienced drivers in particular, who may only be on the road once a year, this is an enormous boost in terms of driving safety.”

If you are traveling with a small child, they won’t be much help with maneuvering. Even if teenagers are strong enough, they may not be in the mood to help or have other things on their minds. Maneuvering a caravan on the pitch can be hard work once you arrive at the campsite. To save your own strength – especially with large tandem axles – and to avoid having to rely on help and support from your camping neighbors, we recommend installing a maneuvering system or mover like the AL-KO MAMMUT.

Martin Waldmann participated in the development of the first MAMMUT and milled the prototype himself. “Thanks to the small motors attached to the caravan’s wheels, caravan owners can park and maneuver the caravan with millimeter precision using only a remote control. Even obstacles up to four centimeters high or gradients of up to 28 percent can be overcome with ease. It hugely increases comfort when parking.”

Just like in a motorhome, the advantages of a hydraulic support system for traveling in a caravan with children are clear: The Level C System from AL-KO or E&P for caravans has four corner supports and two corner steadies that can be conveniently extended at the touch of a button. You can also level the caravan. The Big Foot stands – included as standard with LevelC – ensure a particularly stable stand on all surfaces, from sand to mud to snow, with their extra-large footprint of 200 x 180 millimeters and a load capacity of up to 1,250 kilograms.

A certain level of protection against burglary and theft is recommended. In terms of technology, the market offers a wide range of anti-theft devices for motorhomes and caravans. Think about your personal travel situation and consider which measures could be useful for your vacation destination and your way of traveling. In general, alarm systems, additional door locks or wheel clamps such as the PROSAFE help to secure motorhomes and caravans against theft. There are also drawbar or safety locks for corner steadies available especially for caravans.

And if you prefer to travel without little ones, you can find suggestions here.