Important ADAC weighing campaign: Start your camping adventure safely!

Important ADAC weighing campaign: Start your camping adventure safely!

The camping season has begun and the anticipation of the first trips with the motorhome is palpable. Destinations at home and abroad are available, but there are important aspects RV owners should consider. What is often unknown is the permissible weight limit, which plays a crucial role when loading the vehicle. Overloading poses high safety risks and can have a significant impact on driving dynamics. A fully loaded motorhome behaves differently than when it is empty, which can be particularly dangerous when driving on serpentines and taking evasive maneuvers. The ADAC warns that overloading can not only lead to uncontrollable vehicles, but can also result in high fines and the disposal of luggage abroad.

To help camper drivers check their weight, the ADAC is organizing a weighing event. This will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the ADAC Driving Safety Center in Laatzen. Vehicle owners can use this opportunity to have the weight and payload of their motorhome determined. ADAC experts are also available to give valuable tips on luggage distribution and driving behavior, as well as explain the camping regulations in various countries. It is not necessary to register for the weigh-in event, so every participant is welcome.

Dangers of overloading

Overloading a motorhome can have serious consequences. ADAC experts emphasize that a heavier vehicle is more difficult to maneuver and the risk of accidents increases. Vehicle performance can also be affected - drivers may experience difficulty with speeds and inclines, while tire wear increases significantly. If overloaded, tire bursts can occur, which is not only dangerous for safety but also increases fuel costs.

Overloading can also cause damage to the vehicle structure, such as cracks and deformation. This often leads to serious security issues. In addition, legal violations can result in a fine or even the immobilization of the vehicle. The ADAC points out that different countries set different fines for overloading, which are of great importance for travelers.

• Dänemark: 10 Euro pro Prozentpunkt Überschreitung für Fahrer, 20 Euro für Fahrzeughalter.
• Frankreich: Bußgelder zwischen 135 und 750 Euro, Weiterfahrt untersagt bei mehr als 5% Überschreitung.
• Italien: Toleranz von 5%, Bußgelder variieren, bis zu 1700 Euro möglich.
• Österreich: 85 Euro bis 100 kg Überladung, 170 Euro ab 6% Überladung, Anzeige ab 15%.
• Schweiz: 85 Euro bei weniger als 100 kg Überladung, 170 Euro bei mehr als 100 kg.

ADAC offers for campers

In order to avoid inconveniences during the trip, the ADAC recommends weighing motorhomes before traveling and checking the total weight. Another important aspect for campers is the toll costs, which increase with the weight of the vehicle. The Camper Toll Box XXL, available for 99 euros per year, enables comfortable passage at toll stations in 11 countries. The ADAC also offers various services and products for campers, including motorhome rentals and camping guides, to make planning and carrying out trips easier.