The popularity of compact motorhomes continues to increase, but not everyone is happy with it. The German ADAC tested the safety of such vans and is not very happy with the results.
From Hymer to Bürstner: almost every manufacturer nowadays responds to the increasing demand for vans. The recipe is simple: one takes a regular delivery van, as is often the case with the Fiat Ducato, and the interior of a camper and the result is there. Where the safety of larger motorhomes has often been at stake, ADAC was curious about the safety of the more compact holidaymakers. For the crash test, a new bus camper and Citroën C5 Tourer were allowed to show up. Under the watchful eye of the German experts, both vehicles were driven head-on at a speed of 56 km / h.
ADAC is not satisfied with the results of the test. The crumple zones of both the van and the relatively new station wagon are unable to optimally protect passengers in such a crash. According to them, the weight of the motorhome plays the biggest role. For example, a fully loaded camper (3.5 tons) is twice as heavy as the C5 Tourer. The driver of the car therefore runs the risk of serious injuries in such an accident. Only the protection of the neck can hold its own. The head, trunk and left leg are in the highest risk group for injury.
Left: injury in the motor home, right: injury in the driver of the passenger car
The driver of the van will most likely not whistle away after such an accident. His trunk and left leg are also in the ‘red zone’. The feet also have to suffer: because the crumple zone of the cabin cannot withstand the weight, there is a good chance that the pedals will move on impact, resulting in physical injury. However, according to the results, not only the driver, but also the occupants in the back of the motorhome are at high risk of injury. This is mainly due to the design of the rear seat, which in most motorhomes is made only of a thin sheet of wood: in a collision, the rear seat collapses, allowing the heads of those sitting in the back to hit the driver’s seat. Furthermore, the furnishings, such as the kitchen, and all luggage, such as loose items in all cupboards, increase the risk of injury for the occupants. With the cash, for example, a glass plate in the kitchen shattered into thousands of pieces.
The ADAC hopes that manufacturers will start to improve safety after this test.