17.7 Toll regulations in European countries
Many European countries have introduced a mandatory toll system. The toll regu-
lations and how they are collected vary greatly from country to country. Neverthe-
less, ignorance is no excuse. Penalties can be quite severe.
As is the case with traffic regulations, the vehicle driver is required to be familiar
with the toll formalities before starting out on a trip.
Contact your automobile club or the Internet for further information.
17.8 Tips on staying overnight safely during travel
Prudent behaviour is the most important protective measure for insuring a safe
night in the caravan.
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 During high season do not spend the night at highway rest stops or parking
areas located along typical vacation routes.
z Several vehicles on one site at the same time do not necessarily decrease the
chances of thievery occurring. Consult your own feelings about the parking site.
z Even if it is just for one night, go to a camping site.
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.
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 Choose your parking place with care. Observe the ground beneath you. Snow
and ice may melt.
z Place boards of a sufficient size under the jockey wheel and the corner steadies
to prevent then from sinking when the snow thaws.
z When the vehicle has been positioned, release the handbrake to prevent
freezing.
z Protect the handbrake lever and the accumulator against frost with protective
covers.
z No snow walls should be allowed to cover the built-in forced ventilation.
z Protect the gas bottle compartment against freezing with a protective cover.
z Do not leave waste water in the tank but drain it into a bucket.
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 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.
