European Motorcaravanning

THE FICC COUNCIL MEETING AND THE FRIENDSHIP RALLY IN MONZA, ITALY, 2012

2012-05-18T17:00:00.001+01:00

Photo: Confedercampeggio, Monza Racetrack Campsite

Sent by Dr. Gianni Picilli, President of Confedercampeggio, Italian Confederation.

The FICC (Fédération International de Camping, Caravaning et Autocaravaning) celebrated its spring Council Meeting in Monza. It was held on Saturday morning, on the 28th of April 2012, in an elegant room within the buildings complex in the Monza Racetrack, home of the famous race-team Ferrari. The place was selected by courtesy of Confedercampeggio, Italian Confederation.

The event could not be in a better place, since the 4th Edition of the well known Friendship Rally was taking place at the same time in Monza.

It was a real sight to see the Motorhome parade on the Monza Racetrack. It was part of the entertainment for participants of 5th Friendship Rally.

Read more and see the illustrations of the Friendship Rally in "IL CARAPACE NEWSLETTER", English version, by Confedercampeggio

CARAPACE 11 -

51 EUROPE RALLY MARÇON, FRANCE, 2012

2012-05-09T10:38:00.001+01:00

24th to 28th of May 2012

Marçon, France (Sarthe – Pays de Loire)

Camping site “Lac des Varennes” - www.lacdesvarennes.com
GPS: North 47° 42’ 45.00 N - East 0° 29’ 57.48
Organizer: http://campeurs-alsace-franche-comte-lorraine.fr/8.html

Booking form

Booking.form -

Programme, English, French and German

51.Rally.Europe.Presentation.Programme -

9TH ANNUAL GATHERING VOLKSWAGEN VANS AND CAMPERVANS, GIRONA, SPAIN, 2012

2012-05-03T16:58:00.000+01:00

Click here.for.bookings.volkswagen.campervans.and.other.brands

On the 16th and 17th of June, during the weekend, 2012, will be held the 9^th Furgovolkswagen, that is the annual gathering of Volkswagen vans or campervans in the campsite “La BallenaAlegre, in the Village of Sant Pere Pescador (Girona), Catalonia, Spain.

For this edition is prepared an intensive programme with activities: music, parades, contests, barbecue and the traditional family photo of all participants. Also, this year, Volkswagen offers the possibility to obtain a free registration and be guest of honour at the concentration of the contest through self-portraits which intends to make a picture of the “face” of your vehicle. In the past edition, the concentration brought together a total of 2.800 people and 540 vans.

During the weekend, the village of Sant Pere Pescador becomes a meeting point for thousands of users of Volkswagen vehicles; not only national attendance but also there is growing presence of participants from other countries wanting to join the good atmosphere of the concentration where you can see models from T1 to T5, with customizations of all kinds.

HOW TO GET THERE (Information provided by the campsite “La Ballena Alegre”)

If you come with a campervan, motorhome or caravan, we recommend to leave the motorway at exit 5 ( L´Escala / Empúries).

Route description:

Motorway AP-7 (E-15), exit 5 (L´Escala/ Empúries)
Then take the local road GI- 623 and continue for 18,5 km.
Turn left at the roundabout on direction to Sant Martí D´Empúries.

· We are located at 1 km.

GPS navigator: N 42º09’08″ / E 003º06’42″

GPS UTM: X 509307,18 / Y 4666996,36 / Time zone 31

SAFETY TIPS FOR RVs (RECREATIONAL VEHICLES)

2012-04-19T17:06:00.000+01:00

Recreational vehicles (RVs) can be a great way to travel across the country. However, to be safe you need to know about safe operation and maintenance. RVs are very different from cars and because of their size; they handle more like a large truck. This also means RVs have some real limitations. In order to keep your friends and family safe on your next trip, make sure to read these tips below, and enjoy the view.

WATCH YOUR BLIND SPOTS - THE “NO-ZONES”

RVs are large and have many blind spots. Learning to use your mirrors and signals properly can help prevent serious accidents. Your mirrors are very important, but they do not allow you to see everything on the road, so always be aware. In addition, trucks have even larger blind spots, and may not see you; be ready to respond defensively to dangerous situations.

PREPARE TO STOP

RVs are similar to trucks in that they are heavier than cars, and require a longer stopping distance. Pay attention to traffic and to other vehicle's brake lights. Always keep enough room between your RV and the vehicle in front of you. This will help prevent accidents in case of an emergency braking situation. Driving at a safe speed will also ensure your safety in the event of any sudden stops.

CHECK YOUR TIRES

Maintaining proper tire pressure, inspecting tires regularly, avoiding excess loading, and driving at a safe speed, can help prevent tire problems. Before each trip, make sure you check to see if your tires are properly inflated. Maintaining the correct air pressure and tread depth will ensure their longevity and your safety.

WATCH YOUR WEIGHT

Weight distribution is very important in maintaining the proper center of gravity in a RV. Be sure to secure all heavy items. They can shift during travel and may affect handling, ride quality and braking. Distributing the weight closer to the ground and equal on both sides keeps the center of gravity low and will provide better handling of your RV.

WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT

Always wear your safety belt. Make sure all passengers in your RV wear safety belts whenever the vehicle is in motion. In case of an accident or sudden stop, passengers who are not buckled in may be thrown around and seriously injured

The National Motorhome Show, Peterborough, UK

2012-04-10T21:23:00.001+01:00

April 27th to 29th, 2012

East of England Showground, Peterborough PE2 6XE, United Kingdom

Spring sees the launch of new models and the National Motorhome Show or 'The Peterborough Show' as it is also known as, will display a huge selection of new and second hand British, European and American motorhomes.

Tel.: +44 (0) 1778 391 123

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/

Overnight staying and entertainment. It is necessary to book in advance.

THE MOTORHOMERS' GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, CÓRDOBA, SPAIN

2012-03-29T15:24:00.000+01:00

"Las Tortugas” (The Turtles) is unique initiative of Spanish Motorcaravanning

An unprecedented event will take place in Cabra, Cordoba, from 12 to 16 September 2012. The celebration will try to break the “Guinness World Records” gathering over 500 motorhomes.

Booking.form

The city of Cabra will become capital of the motorhome with the celebration of the event titled “Las Tortugas” (The Turtles), it will be launched by the business group “Sinapsia Capital” in collaboration with other companies and the local council.

Organizers Information:

The city of Cabra was chosen for the Guinness event because is the geographical centre of Andalusia, connected by the Cordoba-Malaga motorway, exit North Lucena. There 2 free stopovers and the support of the city of Cabra and sponsors from autocaravaning associations and companies.

GPS COORDINATES for the city of Cabra, the place of the event:

Latitude: 37.47º (37º 28') Norte

Longitude: -4.45º (-4º -27') Oeste
Google.Location.Map

http://www.lastortugas.es/

SARDINIA, 80 YEAR OF OPEN AIR TOURISM, ITALY

2012-03-19T16:22:00.003Z

23rd of June 2012

"Il Carapace" Newsletter, by Dr. Gianni Picilli, President of Confedercampeggio, Italian Confederation of Caravanners

The Italian Confederation of Caravanners, together with the Region of Sardinia and the Comune of Sorradile, a small village overlooking Lake Omodeo, near Oristano (Sardinia), will be holding a convention on the subject of “80 years of open-air tourism in Italy. Is it still possible in Sardinia?” on Saturday, 23 June, 2012 at 10:00am, in the Centro di Aggregazione Sociale (Social Aggregation Center) of the village. We, and the Mayor of Sorradile, Pietro Arca, would like to invite you to participate and share your thoughts on this event. The occasion is an important one to discuss the evolution of open-air tourism in Italy, but also to share ideas on how to best enjoy our beloved recreational vehicle on the beautiful island. Read the full article below.

Don't forget that before the International event in Sardinia, you can still participate in the Friendship Rally in Monza (where the famous International racetrack is located), 28 - April to 1st of May, 2012

programme.and.booking.form

Read "Il Carapace" Newsletter, English version, published by the Italian Federation - http://federcampeggio.it/

Il Carapace, Italian Newsletter

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA, MOTORHOME TRIP

2012-03-15T19:03:00.001Z

Promo tour “Visit Russia”, May 7-24^th, 2012

New touristic route to “Visit Russia”

"The Caravaners League" (an FICC motorhome member club) presents a new touristic route “Visit Russia”. The main idea is to show foreign visitors Russia as a new, interesting and comfortable country for motorhome tourism.

The club presents a complete touristic route fitting perfectly for both foreign and Russian travellers. This route can be used either by independent travellers or by groups. Russia has its own full bright and exciting history and it is definitely what to look at. Finally, a great possibility is available to make an absolutely safe motorhome trip with European comfort.

Route description: St. Petersburg → Valday → The Gold Ring → Moscow → Smolensk → Minsk

Estimated dates for the first promo tour: May, 7^th – 24^th, 2012

Find out the full details on the following page in English language: http://caravanliga.ru/welcome-to-russia

MOTOR VACANCE, "BIELLA FIERE", ITALIAN CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME SHOW

2012-03-13T13:10:00.000Z

During 2 weekends in March, on 10 -11 and 17 - 18, 2012

If you are travelling to Italy take the opportunity to visit the motorhome and caravan salon “BIELLA FIERE”, near Torino.

MOTORHOME, CARAVAN AND CAMPING ACCESSORIES

For nine years the meeting with “MOTOR VACANZE BIELLA”, the largest open air expo in the north-west Italy, is an opportunity for manufacturers, dealers and the general public for a review of industry developments, new technologies, accessories, more sophisticated, innovative materials and goals achieved and those proposed.

BIELLA FIERE is assisted and supported by the “Plein Air” magazine and major newspapers industry, it has earned public attention as the exhibition center of reference for all RV's and technologies for the leisure travelling.

Directions:

Motorway A4, Milano-Torino, exit Carisio (distance 10 km), then A5 Torino-Aosta, exit Ivrea (distance 30 km).

GPS COORDINATES: N 45º 31' 14.84'' - E 8º 05' 56.76''

Address:

BIELLA FIERE: Via Cavour, 110 (ss Biella-Vercelli) - 13894 Gaglianico (BI)
Tel. 015 2493256

Fax 015 2497735

e-mail:info@bellafiere.com

www.biellafiere.com/motor-vacanze.html

SMOKE ALARMS, A REAL MUST IN YOUR RV

2012-03-08T17:15:00.001Z

WHY SHOULD WE INSTALL A SMOKE ALARM IN OUR RV?

It shouldn’t ever be a question of “Should we“ or “Shouldn’t we“ – a smoke alarm is a “must“ in every caravan or motorhome. Smoke alarms come in many shapes and sizes and should be fixed to the ceiling of your vehicle, just off the bathroom or kitchen area.

Common smoke alarms emit a loud distinctive sound that is triggered by a sensitive photoelectric detector. A smoke alarm operates on a 9-volt unit in any situation, independently of the network. The alarm can be stuck or screwed to the ceiling. Regular testing with a sensing device will guarantee complete reliability.

In Austrilia smoking alarms are already mandatory, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation applies to all new and existing moveable dwellings where people sleep (regardless of whether they are registered for road use or not). This includes caravans, motorhomes, holiday vans, park van annexes and associated structures. Tents and camper trailers are excluded from the regulation.

While many new RV models may already meet a construction standard requiring working smoke alarms -in countries where it is mandatory-, older models may not be equipped with any or they may not have been properly maintained. Smoke alarms should be tested regularly. Replace any smoke alarms that may be more than 10 years old.

Source: camping cars & caravans - FICC

PortAventura Park and the new Motorhome Stopover, Barcelona, Spain

2012-03-02T09:15:00.001Z

PortAventura is a theme park and an famous resort in Salou, Catalonia, Spain

Check the information below, you may need it if you are a motorhomer planning to visit Spain.

You will have 100 newly parking places fully equipped for overnight stays. This is convenient for travellers on route wishing to make the most of there time, having a few days relax in one the most important European theme parks, an excellent choice for the whole family.
Access to parking facilities for motorhomers requires advance booking, it can be obtained in a package price including your vehicle and access tickets to "PortAventura".

Address:

Avinguda Alcalde Pere Molas, KM 2,000, 43840 Salou, Barcelona, Spain

Call centre: +34 977 77 90 90
reservation.information

GPS coordinates: N 41º 06’ 19.27’’ - E 1º 09’ 00.51’’

Location.google.maps.PortAventura

If you wish to stay overnight in the modern hotel PortAventura you will get an excellent choice.

PortAventura is a theme park and a resort in Salou, Catalonia, Spain; on the Costa Daurada (Golden Coast), approximately an hour drive south-west of Barcelona. It attracts around 3 million visitors per year making it the most visited theme park in Spain. PortAventura Park is also the 6th most visited in theme Europe.

80 YEARS OF OPEN-AIR TOURISM, ITALY

2012-02-27T18:59:00.001Z

The Italian Federation, Confedercampeggio, commemorates 80 years of Open-Air Tourism which took place 80 years ago.

By Dr. Gianni Picilli, President of Conferdercampeggio, Italian Federation.

Click here to see the Friendship Rally Programme

Read this and other important news in “Il Carapace”, English Version.

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE ITALIAN FEDERATION, CONFEDERCAMPEGGIO
Il Cararapace4.February.2012 - Please, click here to download

Il Cararapace4.February.2012 - Please, download by clicking here

CAMPING CARD INTERNATIONAL, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CARDS

2012-02-24T17:19:00.001Z

By Martín Códax

Check your card know, compare it, and see the details of the illustration

Are all CCI cards the same?

Given the controversy in forums and media in some European countries, we believe in explaining the difference between CCI cards. Members or non members deserve to know how it will affect them individually.

CCI cards are similar in design but different in their operation, for example, a CCI card issued by the FICC (Fédération Internationale de Camping, Caravaning et Autocaravaning) - www.ficc.org - is a completely different card; it offers the possibility to participate in international rallies, become a delegate, assisting to general assemblies and, among other activities, is European Motorcaravanning Commission especially dedicated to motorhoming in the FICC.

Some Members of the FICM (Fédération Internationale de Clubs de Motorhomes) are wrongly naming their card as an “FICC Card”

The FICM is the main supplier of FIA cards for motorhomers in Europe. They don’t seem to be giving full information about this card to their members. Obviously this can be misleading, especially regarding to the benefits they can obtain from the CCI card. Below an illustration of FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) card supplied by FICM.

Observe the picture above, the top left FIA logo and top right indicates the associated club or federation.

Above all, the FIA card does not offer anything else than its use as an ID card in a campsite, if accepted, and the insurance similar to all cards. This is the reality, anything else are speculations.

In conclusion, the 3 entities (see logos below) work together exclusively for a more efficient production of CCI cards; however, in the case of FICC is a different offer, not to be confused a FIA card.

Observe below the usual logos on the reverse of your card, these will remain the same for all CCI's.

For more information about the CCI card visit: www.campingcardinternational.com

MOTORHOME STOPOVERS: CATALONIA, SPAIN

2012-02-18T17:12:00.001Z

A Spanish club from Barcelona, the Motorhome Section of the "Unió Caravanista de Catalunya" has been working intensively on achieving more stopovers around the Catalonia region. Good management has contributed to increase the number of stopovers in very interesting tourist places for the motorhmer. Visit Catalonia! Have fun, enjoy places and the good weather

News sent by the Motorhome Section of the "Unió Caravanista de Catalunya", Spain

Download here: Stopovers.Catalonia.Spain

Download here: Stopovers.Catalonia.Spain

RV's Slight Recovery in the European Market

2012-02-10T20:20:00.000Z

Caravanning experiences a slight recovery in the European Market, yet is still far from normal activity. Despite the crisis, motorhomes are clear winners on the RV's market.

The European Caravan Federation (ECF) is expecting a slight upswing in new registrations of leisure vehicles when it produces its final results for 2011. This is largely attributable to recovery in the French market and strong expansion in Germany.

Different types of vehicles show different trends however. Whereas the European market showed 1.4% fewer new registrations for caravans, new registrations of motorcaravans increased by 8.9%.

With around 155,500 leisure vehicles, ECF’s initial predictions for 2011 suggest an increase of 3.3% in new registrations of all leisure vehicles in Europe.

There were just 81,000 new registrations for caravans in Europe, which corresponds to a slight drop of 1.4%.

Motorcaravans accounted for 74,500 new registrations, an increase of 8.9% over the previous year. There were regional variations too. France with 29,500 leisure vehicles and above all Germany with over 39,000 leisure vehicles are the driving force behind the steady growth for both types of vehicles in Europe.

Sweden (over 8,000 leisure vehicles), Norway (around 5,800 leisure vehicles) and Switzerland (over 4,300 leisure vehicles) have all registered strong growth as indeed have the small markets in Belgium, Austria and Slovenia. All other European countries have shown negative trends.

Source: ECF -.FICC

AUSTRIA, NEW TRAFFIC REGULATIONS 2012

2012-02-03T17:07:00.000Z

Emergency corridor: mandatory since 1 January

Since 1 January 2012, all vehicles on motorways and speedways in Austria are required to form an emergency corridor ("Rettungsgasse") in case of traffic congestion. The new system is designed to allow ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles to travel freely to the sites of road accidents, reaching the scene up to four minutes faster than normal and increasing chances of survival for the victims by 40 per cent. The system has already been successfully introduced in Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. To form an emergency corridor on a two-lane motorway or speedway ("Autobahn" or "Schnellstraße"), keep as far to the left as possible when in the left lane and as far to the right when in the right lane – always parallel to the lane, and using the hard shoulder ("Pannenstreifen") if necessary.

The same applies to three lane motorways, with vehicles on the left lane moving to the left and vehicles on all other lanes moving to the right. The emergency corridor is exclusively for emergency services like ambulances, the fire brigade and the police, as well as road service and breakdown service vehicles. Other drivers must not use the corridor or otherwise obstruct emergency vehicles.

Fines

Drivers who use the emergency corridor without permission, for instance to speed past the traffic jam, may be hit with a hefty fine of up to EUR 2,180 if they obstruct an emergency vehicle. Even if no emergency vehicle is involved, the maximum fine is still as high as EUR 726.

Source: Wien gv.at, Austria

See video - Emergency Corridor, how to proceed

I INTERNATIONAL MOTORHOME RALLY, PONTE DE LIMA, PORTUGAL, 2012

2012-01-26T08:49:00.000Z

An excellent event with the opportunity to visit heritage places around Porto and its world renowned-wines.

Due to its proximity, you also have the possibility to visit north-western Spain. Includes 8 nights free in Ponte de Lima's campsite

Camping GPS coordinates: North 41º 45' 39.26'' West 8º 35' 34'.17''

Latest.information.International.Motorhome.Meeting

The oldest town in Portugal will host the "I Encontro Internacional de Autocaravanas" (I International Motorhome Rally), promoted by the municipality of Ponte de Lima, with support of the FICC, Fédération Internationale de Camping et de Caravaning; the FCMP (Portuguese Federation), Federaçao de Campismo e montanhismo de Portugal; the CPA, Portuguese Motorhome Club and the CCC de Barcelos, Camping Caravaning Club from the north of Portugal.

The event is integrated with the city programme "IV Feira da Caça, Pesca e Lazer" (IV Hunting, Fishing and Leisure Fair). It will be held on 20, 21 and 22 July 2012.

Please, note that booking form, including bank transfer receipt, must be sent to Ponte de Lima's town hall. You will find the address and bank account number on the booking form.
Telephone: +351 258 90 401 - E-mail: terra@cm-pontedelima.pt - Website: www.cm-pontedelima.pt

Information

Município de Ponte de Lima (City Hall of Ponte de Lima)

Praça da República – 4990-062 Ponte de Lima – Portugal

terra@cm-pontedelima.pt - Telephone: (+351) 258 900 401

www.cm-pontedelima.pt

Editable - Booking form
Programme and booking form

The beauty of the landscape, the richness and preservation of heritage and the hospitality has converted Ponte de Lima and its people in a place of high tourist potential

Ponte de Lima is waiting for you!

Distances from Ponte de Lima, Portugal: Oporto 75 km, Lisbon 400 km

Distances to Spain: Vigo 60 km, Santiago de Compostela 150 km

VICENZA FAIR, ITALY, - CIAO CAMPEGGIO SHOW

2012-01-16T20:16:00.000Z

Click here to download all documents for "CIAO CAMPEGGIO SHOW"

By Dr. Gianni Picilli, President of the Italian Federation

The Italian Confederation (Confedercampeggio), in agreement with Fiera di Vicenza, plans to organize - in the town of Vicenza – “CIAO CAMPEGGIO SHOW – An Exhibition of Camping and Caravanning”. The event will run from 22nd to 25th March, 2012 in Vicenza, in a special Pavilion within the well-known event in Vicenza “GITANDO. Admission is free.

“CIAO CAMPEGGIO SHOW” is an event dedicated to Italian and international camping entrepreneurs. It is also for anyone involved in parking areas, farm-camping with motorhome services, etc.
"Gitando" and "Ciao Camping Show "are waiting for you in Vicenza. Book your own booth. It 'a great opportunity in such a difficult time for everyone, but not for Italian tourism.

Please note that, for the occasion, the Vicenza Fair will organize an international workshop and that would be very interesting to present to the Italian public both campecchi the respective service areas operating in the territorial reality.

Hurry up. You do not miss such an opportunity. In Vicenza, during the fair will host the award ceremony of winners of the referendum "Ciao Campeggio" reserved for the best Italian and European campsites.

Special attention will be devoted to parking areas and bungalows, to Tourism Promoting Companies, to the Municipalities and all those involved in this field. Conventions, gatherings and press conferences may also be hosted. Organizer's website: http://federcampeggio.it/

Read this and other important news in “Il Carapace”, English Version.

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE ITALIAN FEDERATION, CONFEDERCAMPEGGIO
Il Cararapace2 2012 - Please, download by clicking here

Il Cararapace2 2012 - Please, download by clicking here

THE FICC WELCOMES THE NKC, DUTCH MOTORHOME CLUB

2012-01-12T19:55:00.000Z

25.000 MOTORHOME MEMBERS OF THE NKC ARE GIVEN A WARM WELCOME TO THE FICC

The FICC has given a warm welcome to all members of the NKC. The contribution of this club enhances further still the motorcaravanning sector in Europe. This association is the result of the topmost combination between the NKC and the European Motorcaravanning Commission, FICC.

The NKC (Nederlandse Kampeerauto Club) is a member of the FICC since the 1^st of Jaunuary 2012. The NKC is a highly reputed club in the Netherlands and well known abroad. This entity counts with 25.000 affiliated; thus, placing it among the biggest in Europe.

On the other hand, Mr. Willem Helwegen, Managing Director of the NKC, has been appointed member of the European Motorcaravanning Commission, FICC. This collaboration within the Commission brings a new impetus to both organizations.

In addition, FICC and NKC will be carrying out the European initiative in order to upgrade the current B driving licence for EU Motorhomers from 3.500 kg to 4.250 kg. Both entities will conduct a joint operation to the European Parliament. This is based on the “European Citizens’ Initiative” provided by the European Commission by submitting 1 million statements from 7 countries within the EU. More news explaining the procedures on this subject will appear soon.

These are just some of the projects that will involve FICC and NKC for the benefit of European motorhome members.
By Jose I. Gonzalez

HAVE SAFE HOLIDAYS, CHECK YOUR TYRES BEFORE DEPARTING

2011-12-16T17:03:00.000Z

When did you last check your tyres?

When was the last time you checked the pressure of your tyres? Not sure?
You’ve just answered why so many people drive with dangerously under inflated tyres. Checking your tyre pressure is inexpensive and simple. Yet why do so many of us fail to weigh up the costs of ignoring this vital procedure?

Driving with incorrect tyre pressures can affect a vehicle’s handling, and can seriously compromise safety—leading to incidents that can put lives at risk.

If your tyres are over or under inflated enough to be considered un-roadworthy, reading this article could save you a fine of up to € 2.500, depending of the country, per tyre.

Not sure of the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle or where to find them?

The correct pressures for your vehicle can normally be found in your owner's manual. The information may also be marked on the vehicle (for example on the driver’s door pillar, or on the inside of the petrol flap). In most cases, two different sets of pressures are given:

• For 'normal' driving conditions.

• For a loaded vehicle (with extra people or heavy items on board).

To check your tyre inflation pressures you will need a tyre pressure gauge or use the gauge on the inflation equipment found at most garages and petrol stations.

See below how tyre pressures can affect safety:

ENDURANCE
Driving on under-inflated tyres reduces their endurance capabilities, leading to deterioration that could even result in a rapid deflation.
7 psi (0.5 bar) or more under inflated = DANGER

ROAD HOLDING
With under- inflated tyres, the vehicle's steering is less precise.
If a bend can be taken at 62 mph (100 km/h) at a tyre pressure of 29 psi (2.0 bar), this speed drops to 54 mph (87 km/h) at 15 psi (1.0 bar), or about 8 mph (13 km/h) less.

Lower pressures = worse road holding

AQUAPLANING
If tyre pressures are 30% below the recommended pressure there is a sharp increase in the risk of aquaplaning.

Lower pressures = higher risk of aquaplaning

BRAKING
In addition, tests show that braking distances from 56 mph (90 km/h) to 43 mph (70 km/h) are 40 metres at 29 psi (2.0 bar) but 45 metres at 15 psi (1.0 bar), that's 5m longer.

15 psi (1.0 bar) under inflation = 5m longer braking distance

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Tyres under inflated by 15 psi (1 bar) have increased rolling resistance leading to around 6% greater fuel consumption.

Source: Michelin

MOTORHOMING IN THE FICC

2011-12-03T23:48:00.001Z

The FICC

Is the number one organization with the largest number of associates in the world of motor caravanning, only in Europe there are more than 375.000 motorhomers with FICC membership (there about 1.500.000 motorhomers in the European continent, only an estimated 45% of the total amount is federated). The vast majority are distributed among Great Britain: The Motorcaravanners Club, Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club; Germany: Deutscher Camping Club; France: Fédération Française de Camping et de Caravaning; Italy: Confedercampeggio, ACTI Italia and many other European countries, including Russia. No doubt, this is a hallmark that summarizes the experience of the longstanding partners on this field.

FICC foundation

1933 was the year that marked the beginning of FICC’s history when, on 4th June, the very first FICC Rally and General Assembly, known as the Congress in those days, was held in Great Britain. It came about because a number of countries had come to the conclusion that constituting an international camping federation was both necessary and desirable. Thus it was that 390 campers from 13 clubs representing Belgium, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Czechoslovakia took part in that first general assembly and Rally in Hampton Court Park.

Source of this paragraph: FICC

Thus was formed the first International Federation known as the FICC, which includes Camping, Caravanning and Motor caravanning worldwide.

The FICC Nowadays

It is present in 37 countries which includes 62 affiliated clubs and federations and, at the moment, the FICC has new applications for membership being dealt with at the Brussels headquarters; it represents 4.5 million people, appox., making it the largest institution in the world of camping, caravanning and motor caravanning.

The First Motor Caravanner in the World

The FICC was the first international organization having motor caravanners, since 1933, among their members. The Camping and Caravanning Club, one the FICC founding clubs, counted in 1906 with, probably, the first practical motorhome in the world, it belonged to Mr. J.B Mallaieu, constructed in 1906 by Belsize Motor Co. It cost over £ 1.000 and it could average 9 mph (around 14 km/h). Source: First on the Field.

A true marvel, especially considering it was the beginning of the motor caravan.

IMPORTANT FOR MOTORHOMERS

2011-11-24T20:02:00.001Z

BEWARE OF STOWAWAYS

Tourists in Greece have been warned about an unwelcome surprise that may await them. According to the Germany embassy in Athens, there have been a number of reports of homeward-bound tourists giving a lift to a hitchhiker or finding a stowaway in their caravan or motorcaravan who turn out to be illegal immigrants trying to get into Italy. If you are found harbouring a stowaway, be prepared for the worst because both Greece and Italy now meet out severe penalties and heavy fines.

Do not offer a lift or allow any hitchhikers or strangers inside your vehicle.
Should you decide to do so, demand to see their passport or identity card.
Always park your vehicle in an open space, preferably a guarded parking lot, and make sure you lock all doors.
Check your vehicle for stowaways before you leave Greece.
If you are taking a ferry, be on the alert and keep your eyes open because there are always illegal immigrants looking for a convenient vehicle to board, especially in the ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa.

Source : Kampeertoerist

PROTECTION FROM THUNDERSTORMS

Do caravans or motorhomes have the same properties as a Faraday cage? A car with its enclosed metal body operates like a Faraday cage and is a relatively safe place to be if lightning strikes. An electric field can however build up in a motorhome or caravan because it has a discontinuous metal skin, given that its floor is made of wood. In the least harmful scenario all that happens is that one’s hair stands on end. There is no point simply fixing metal plates underneath because, to be fully effective, a Faraday cage must have a metal grid or mesh fitted on to the floor that is attached to the cladding and the chassis.

A lightning flash will then be conducted to earth through the vehicle’s tyres. The tyres may however suffer damage because of the high electromagnetic charge exerted on the rubber and this can happen with car tyres too. One should always be vigilant if a storm is approaching and the best idea is simply to move out of harm’s way. The sound velocity of a clap of thunder is 330m per second. If there are ten seconds between a lightning flash and a thunder clap, the storm is 3.3 kms away. If the time lapse is less, one should immediately seek shelter in a solid building and keep all doors and windows firmly shut. One must never underestimate the danger of a lightning strike and the burn marks that we see on tent pegs and guy ropes are a constant reminder of the fact.

Source: DCC

THE FICC IN CHINA

2011-11-10T17:02:00.000Z

The Open Ceremony of China Tourism Industry Exposition

Sent by Dr. Gianni Picilli, President of Confederacampeggio, Italian Federation.

In the morning of September 3rd，the Chinese RV and Camping Industry Seminar was held in Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center, located at about 150 km from Beijing. As an important event in China Tourism Industry Exposition, the seminar was organized by the FICC (Fédération International de Camping et de Caravanning) and China Tourism Industry Expo Organizing Committee. Read the complete article below.

Find other interesting news from Confedercampeggio, Italian Federation, on the “Il Carapace 28-November-2011” Newsletter, English version.

Carapace28-2011 -

CHRISTMAS MARKET, KLAGENFURT AND VELDEN (CARINTHIA), AUSTRIA

2011-11-03T17:05:00.000Z

The Italian Federation, Confedercampeggio invites you to participate in the next Christmas Market in Klagenfurt and Velden (Carinthia), Austria. 8 to 11 - December 2011.

Carinthia is just the best place to be in Christmas. See the information below.

Sent by Dr. Gianni Picilli, President of the Italian Federation, Confedercampeggio.

www.federcampeggio.it

Carinthia, in German Kärnten is the southernmost Austria state Land. Situated within the Eastern Alps is chiefly noted for its mountains and lakes.

The main language is German. Its regional dialects belong to the Southern Austro-Bavarian group. There is a Slovene-speaking minority in Southern Carinthia.

Klagenfurt (Carinthia), Austria

Confedercampeggio.Austria.December.2011 -

Living Their Dream of Travel

2011-10-28T10:37:00.000+01:00

By J.R. and Beth Swaim

The dream of travel began stirring many years ago in my youth, as I watched the Walt Disney nature films, "Wagon Train," and other old television westerns and frontier shows. I wondered what it was like out there in the wilderness just beyond my grasp and realized it was no further away than my imagination.

Time passed, as did high school, college, and a career. I met and married my lovely wife, Beth, and then came our children to complete our family. We spent busy years raising three rowdy daughters, including taking the normal short family trips. But, the urge to see more than what the average two week vacation offered never went away.

Suddenly, I awoke one day and it was a new century. My hair was gray and much of it had left my head. The rowdies were making their own lives far from our loving arms, and my wife and I found ourselves wandering around in a large and very empty home. My job was no longer a challenge; it had become the daily grind and unrewarding. I resolved it was to be a century of change.

With the turning of the calendar came opportunity for our dream of travel. We both qualified for retirement from our respective positions, so we took the money and ran. The old stationary homestead was sold and a powerful blue travel steed and a new-fangled 32-foot fifth wheel rolling home were purchased. It was our combination prairie schooner, freight wagon, and party mobile. My lifelong dream was to become a reality.

Now everyone can again hop into the backseat of Blue, our resourceful, diesel motored steed, and join the adventure as we re-discover our country finding those hidden places and seeing all there is to see. We lift the curtain on conventional American history, and learn it's maybe a little different than was taught in the school text books that I recall.

You're invited along with us; just find a comfy spot by the pot bellied stove, curl up by the fireplace, stretch-out on the sofa or relax on the front porch swing. You don't need to go very far to take the trip of a lifetime; just sit back and enjoy the ride. Maybe it'll bring a fond memory, smile, giggle, snicker, belly laugh, or a "we did that too!"

Source: RV life and Travel