Frequently asked questions to CAMPWERK
Camping
Time and again we are asked the question: “And what do we do when it gets cold?”. The answer is very simple: we have been heating our homes when it gets cold since time immemorial.
For some reason, many people think that heating in a tent is useless, as the heat immediately dissipates. In fact, tents, caravans and motorhomes do not achieve the same level of insulation as houses. If it is cold outside and no heating is switched on, it quickly gets cooler inside – faster in a tent than in a motorhome.
In reality, however, it is almost irrelevant whether a motorhome takes ten minutes and a tent five minutes to cool down. What counts is that it cools down without heating.
For this reason, we have great heating systems for our tent trailers in our range, which keep the tent cozy and warm even in the snow. CAMPWERK mainly uses electric and kerosene heaters that have been developed and tested for outdoor use.
Electric heaters are always our first choice!
Compact, quick to set up, adjustable and, thanks to the flat-rate electricity rates at campsites, usually the cheapest choice.
Additional storage space for a power source is not required.
These small heaters are also useful at home, for example when the tent needs to be dried quickly.
We recommend kerosene and gas heaters if you want to be self-sufficient on the road. You can buy kerosene and gas in almost all DIY stores when you are out and about.
We recommend: Always take a heater with you!
Even in Italy there can be a chilly night and nothing lifts the mood like a little warmth.
By the way: an additional advantage of the heating is that the climate in the tent also improves to living room temperature.
Trailer
We have written a separate information page for this:
How much weight you are allowed to load on the various trailers depends on the tare weight and the maximum permissible total weight of your trailer.
However, you can easily work out for yourself how much you are allowed to load.
The following applies: max.
The following applies: max. permissible gross weight – unladen weight = payload.
Our unbraked trailers have a maximum permissible gross weight of 750 kg as standard, our braked trailers over 1,300 kg and our off-roaders over 1,500 kg.
We can reduce the permissible gross weight to any desired weight by reducing the load.
Tent trailer FAQ
The tent is wet from the rain ... Can I fold it up?
Yes, but of course. Close all the doors and windows and fold up the trailer tent. You can leave the tent packed up damp for a few days. On the third day at the latest, however, it should be set up somewhere to air out.
The trailer tent seems to be a little longer than necessary ?
This is correct and serves to ensure that the tent floor does not suddenly hang in the air on an uneven surface, e.g. a meadow.
Is the kitchen removable?
Yes, the kitchen is hung in the tailgate of the trailer using a special bracket.
If you ever want to transport something longer, you can unhook the kitchen in a few simple steps.
By the way: the kitchen also cuts a fine figure as a garden kitchen when not on vacation, in the garden or on the terrace next to the barbecue.
Why does the CAMPWERK tent trailer only have a fixed bed?
It is important to us that our customers get the best possible night’s sleep.
That’s why we offer the largest sleeping area in the camping industry.
We create additional sleeping areas for children or guests using foldaway beds or air mattresses.
This gives you the option of customizing the living space in your tent.
For example, if the children are old enough to have their own cave or are already traveling alone, the space can be used for a table and chairs.
If there is another fixed bed, this will eventually be a waste of space and can usually only be used as a storage area.
And always remember: what was good enough for us back then can’t be bad for guests and children either.
I have a tear in my tent, what should I do?
For these cases, we have included a small repair kit with every tent.
In this kit you will find one piece of each fabric used.
With this fabric and some conventional tent adhesive, you can quickly repair most minor damage yourself.
Are the tents also wind-stable?
CAMPWERK manufactures its products 30 minutes from the Dutch border, a very important market for us.
This means that we attach great importance to the wind stability of our products.
Thanks to the Rip-Stop (tear-resistant seams in the fabric) reinforced and very heavy 450g/m² fabric, we have one of the most tear-resistant materials on the market.
In addition, instead of using lightweight aluminum, which can bend even at low wind speeds, we prefer to use good old steel poles, which offer the best stability even at higher wind speeds.
With a possible payload of 900 kg, there should be no weight problems.
There are two of us, is the Family too big for us?
Many of our customers appreciate the enormous amount of space offered by the Family tent trailer.
If you are only staying somewhere for a short time, simply set up a table and chairs in the large main tent – and do without the setup of the awning.
If you are staying in one place for longer (more than three days), simply enjoy the huge feeling of space in the awning.
Are you traveling as a couple, a touring enthusiast and would like to be somewhere different every day?
Then we recommend switching to the Economy version.
Because you have the choice as a couple, but not as a family of five.
Mould stains on the tent, what should I do?
We have had very good experience with normal mildew stain removers.
You can find them in specialist camping stores or in our accessories store.
Why can't I fold up the tent platform like a lid?
There are several reasons for this.
Our tent trailers are designed for maximum storm resistance.
That’s why we only use the sturdiest materials such as stainless steel, steel and a very heavy and tear-resistant fabric.
Thanks to this solid construction, the tent has a very high dead weight of 180-230 kg.
To lift this weight like a lid, very powerful gas pressure springs with around 2,500 Newton meters are required.
This is enough to shoot people to the moon.
In the event of a defect in such a gas strut, it could be very dangerous – which is why we do not use it.
Let’s move on to the next problem: in order for these gas struts to have enough leverage to raise the tent platform, they must be mounted at an angle of up to 25 cm in the interior of the trailer.
Technically feasible.
But what happens to the load?
At the back of the tailgate, there would always be a gas strut in the way when loading and worse: the load, which consists mainly of heavy boxes, would constantly bang against these gas struts during the journey.
This brings us back to point one, durability and safety.
Let’s move on to the last point: certification.
As a responsible manufacturer, CAMPWERK has had the attachment of its tents certified by the trailer TÜV.
Approval for attachment with moving parts is currently not possible and therefore not permitted.
Oh God, how can I live without a lid?
Quite simple 😉 Let’s take a look at the loading/unloading behavior on a normal vacation: Before the trip, we load the closed tent trailer with boxes from the back and push them through to the front.
As soon as we arrive at our vacation destination, we first set up the main tent and can then open the floor flap under the bed to unload.
Before driving home, we can also use this flap and pack up the tent last.
The only problem is that when you get home, you might have to crawl into the trailer to get to the front boxes.
But we also have a tip here: get an “attic hook” from the DIY store.
This allows you to simply reach into the recessed grip of the boxes and pull them towards you.
How can the tent be cleaned?
Normally, the dirt rolls off generously on contact with water.
If this is not enough, we recommend our tent cleaner, which you can find in our shop.
Do I have to waterproof the tent?
Normally not, due to the special pressure impregnation, re-impregnation is not necessary.
Exception: if the tent is exposed to special environmental influences or has come into contact with chemicals such as cleaning agents.
After cleaning, you should rework these areas with an impregnation spray.
Important!
Do not use hairspray, deodorant spray or similar sprays in the tent.
The impregnation can be affected by the chemicals released.
Why can't I just buy your tent trailers "ready to go" in the shop?
Our tent trailers are as individual as the needs of every camper.
To find the right tent trailer for you, CAMPWERK gives you the choice between different sizes, chassis and equipment features.
It is simply impossible to show all the variants we offer in the shop.
So simply configure your tent trailer yourself online or contact us directly!
And you’ll be a big step closer to your dream trailer.
Trailer FAQ
How fast can I drive with a CAMPWERK tent trailer?
Our trailers are built and approved in accordance with EU directives.
Technically, this means that they are approved for speeds of up to 130 km/h.
However, the individual EU countries have their own maximum speed limits for car/trailer combinations.
In Germany, for example, you can drive up to a maximum of 100 km/h with a corresponding weight ratio between car and tent trailer.
You can find more information on 100 km/h registration here.
I have a small car, can I pull the trailer?
Thanks to their low tare weight, our trailers can be towed not only by common small cars such as the VW Polo, but also by many small cars such as Smarts and even some quads & ATVs or trikes.
Just have a look at the F.O1 field in your vehicle registration document.
If it says 400 kg or more, your vehicle is CAMPWERK-compatible.
Where can I park the trailer at home?
Stopping and parking tent trailers on public roads is permitted where it is not expressly prohibited by the StvO or its signs.
If parking spaces are signposted with a “Parking lot” sign, tent trailers may park if this is not prohibited by additional signs.
Camping equipment may be used in the vehicle when parked.
Camping-like activities, such as setting up a barbecue, are considered to be inappropriate and should not take place when parked or staying overnight.
How much weight am I allowed to pull with the braked tent trailer?
Our tent trailers have a basic weight of around 400 kg.
This means that you can load almost 900 kg.
With the off-road version, you even have over a tonne of load capacity thanks to the higher permissible total weight.
In practical terms, you can only push the tent trailer to its limits by loading it up with gold bars.
In this case, please get in touch with us!
Our team will be happy to help you load it 😉
What about the drawbar load?
The drawbar load indicates the weight that presses on the trailer coupling of your vehicle.
For our tent trailers, this value is around 15 kg when empty.
Trailer couplings normally have a permissible drawbar load of 85 to 130 kg.
You can influence the drawbar load by the load itself.
For example, if you load a heavier load at the front than at the rear, the drawbar load increases.
If you load more at the rear than at the front, the drawbar load is reduced.
In terms of driving, a higher drawbar load is preferable to a lower drawbar load, as the trailer is more stable in this case.
You can measure the drawbar load with a small drawbar load scale, a premium jockey wheel with integrated scales or “pi times thumb” by trying to lift the trailer at the front of the coupling. If you manage to lift it even just a few centimeters with a lot of force, the drawbar load is either less than 85 kg or your name is Schwarzenegger (in which case we’d be delighted to get your autograph!).
You can find the permissible drawbar load in your vehicle handbook or sometimes even stamped directly into the trailer coupling.
Oh God, I've never driven a trailer before!!!
Don’t worry, driving a trailer is fun!
Our trailers are so compact that you can still use the rear-view mirror thanks to the low height, allowing you to look over the trailer to the rear.
Due to the narrow width, you also don’t need extended side mirrors.
And because the trailer is so short, it almost always drives in the same lane as the tow vehicle.
Thanks to the specially tuned chassis, our trailers are very smooth-running even when driving at high speeds.
Taxes and insurance, what will it cost me?
Depending on how your home municipality has managed and whether it needs more or less money ;-), the annual tax varies between €22-35 depending on the municipality.
Liability insurance costs between 20-30 € per year.
The costs for partial or fully comprehensive cover vary between €40-100 depending on the insurance company.
Do I have to take the trailer to the TÜV?
Yes, the trailer must undergo a brief inspection every two years.
It is best to do this at the same time as your tow vehicle.
Do I need a driving license for trailers?
We have written a separate information page for this:
Can I also use the trailer outside of my vacation?
Our trailer base is perfect for all types of transportation, for example for:
– Garden waste
– furniture transportation
– DIY shopping
– firewood
– removals
– building rubble
– and much more…
How much load do I have free on my trailer?
How much weight you are allowed to load on the various trailers depends on the tare weight and the maximum permissible total weight of your trailer.
However, you can easily work out for yourself how much you are allowed to load.
The following applies: max.
The following applies: max. permissible gross weight – unladen weight = payload.
Our unbraked trailers have a maximum permissible gross weight of 750 kg as standard, our braked trailers over 1,300 kg and our off-roaders over 1,500 kg.
We can reduce the permissible gross weight to any desired weight by reducing the load.
Rooftop tent FAQ
The tent is wet from the rain. Can I fold it up?
Yes, but of course. Close all the doors and windows and fold up the trailer tent. You can leave the tent packed up damp for a few days. On the third day at the latest, however, it should be set up somewhere to air out.
How can the tent be cleaned?
Normally, the dirt rolls off generously on contact with water.
If this is not enough, we recommend our tent cleaner, which you can find in our shop.
Can I quickly remove the roof tent from the vehicle?
Yes, we recommend removing the roof tent together with the roof tent to dismantle the roof tent.
These are unlocked in a single movement and the roof tent holds them perfectly in position for the next assembly.
This takes less than five minutes.
Will the roof tent fit on my car and what do I need to install it?
The roof tent can be mounted on almost any vehicle.
All you need are two cross struts/load carriers.
The roof tent is then simply attached to the cross struts/load carriers using the U-bolts provided.
Mounting DIRECTLY on a roof rail is not recommended, as the distance to the roof is very small and the U-bolts could cause scratches.
You therefore also need cross struts/load carriers for roof rails.
We are happy to offer you suitable carriers for your vehicle directly at the time of purchase. Simply enter your vehicle data in the roof tent configurator.
What about the roof load?
For most vehicles, the roof load is between 75-100 kg.
However, this specification refers to the load when the vehicle is in motion.
When stationary, the weight acting on the roof may be significantly higher.
Can I leave my bed linen in the tent?
You can leave your bedding in the tent if it’s not down bedding ;).
Where can I stand with my roof tent?
With this question, you first need to differentiate between what exactly you intend to do.
Do you just want to park your car and are wondering whether the roof tent will get in the way?
Then the answer is clear: you can park with a roof tent on the roof of your car anywhere that is permitted for normal cars.
However, if you want to use your roof tent to sleep in, the answer is more difficult.
Resting in the car to get fit again for the onward journey is permitted for a maximum of one night.
It should therefore also be permitted to unfold the roof tent and stretch out in it.
However, the situation is different if you make yourself comfortable with a table and chair in front of your vehicle.
Because then you’re not just resting, you’ve started camping.
And that, in turn, is not permitted in public parking lots.
By the way: Folding up a roof tent that extends far beyond the footprint of the vehicle could also be a problem.
Camping FAQ
Dismantling in the rain
Congratulations to you!
You were hit like almost every camper in recent years.
You had a wonderful, sunny vacation, everything was going wonderfully and then this: rain during dismantling.
Some people are magically drawn to this phenomenon, others even pack up days before the end of their vacation out of fear, just to escape a predicted cloud of bad weather.
CAMPWERK advises: stay cool!
Rain is not a bad thing!
And if you are aware of this right from the start, everything runs much more smoothly.
We at CAMPWERK can give you the following advice:
- Always keep a thin rain jacket with a hood in the car.
If it starts to rain during dismantling, this is quickly to hand. - When folding up the tent, close the windows first to keep the moisture out.
- Before folding up the mattress and bed linen, simply cover it with the enclosed wide nylon protective cover to ensure that no moisture gets into the bed.
- As soon as you arrive home, take it easy and relax.
The tent will not run away!
We recommend putting the tent up for airing on the third day at the latest. - Before the tent is stored, it must be allowed to dry properly.
By the way: Some people believe that with a caravan or motorhome they can drive home in the rain without having to worry about anything.
Ask an experienced camper what they think 😉 Both vehicles usually use large awnings or canopies which, like the tent trailer at home, have to be dried.
Heating
Time and again we are asked the question: “And what do we do when it gets cold?”.
The answer is very simple: we have been heating our homes when it gets cold since time immemorial.
For some reason, many people think that heating in a tent is useless, as the heat immediately dissipates.
In fact, tents, caravans and motorhomes do not achieve the same level of insulation as houses.
If it is cold outside and no heating is switched on, it quickly gets cooler inside – faster in a tent than in a motorhome.
In reality, however, it is almost irrelevant whether a motorhome takes ten minutes and a tent five minutes to cool down.
What counts is that it cools down without heating.
For this reason, we have great heating systems for our tent trailers in our range, which keep the tent cozy and warm even in the snow.
CAMPWERK mainly uses electric and kerosene heaters that have been developed and tested for outdoor use.
Electric heaters are always our first choice!
Compact, quick to set up, adjustable and, thanks to the flat-rate electricity rates at campsites, usually the cheapest choice.
Additional storage space for a power source is not required.
These small heaters are also useful at home, for example when the tent needs to be dried quickly.
We recommend kerosene and gas heaters if you want to be self-sufficient on the road.
You can buy kerosene and gas in almost all DIY stores when you are out and about.
We recommend: Always take a heater with you!
Even in Italy there can be a chilly night and nothing lifts the mood like a little warmth.
By the way: an additional advantage of the heating is that the climate in the tent also improves to living room temperature.
What about the toilet?
Unbelievable but true, even tent trailer owners have to go to the loo sometimes.
😉
Most campers use the campsite’s sanitary facilities.
For short night-time use, we recommend a mobile camping toilet, the mobile version of the fixed toilet in the caravan/motorhome.
The toilet is small, handy and still offers a high level of seating comfort.
Thanks to sophisticated technology, the toilets are easy to empty.
They are odor-free thanks to the sanitary concentrate.
Thanks to the integrated fresh and waste water tank, the toilets can be used in all outdoor areas.
We recommend our small toilet tent as a location, which disappears perfectly behind the trailer tent.
By the way, more and more campsites are offering private sanitary blocks on their own pitches.