Bosch Cordless Outdoor Pressure Washer Fontus 18V (1 battery, 18 Volt System, in carton packaging)

Bosch

Cleaning Caravan with Bosch Fontus

The Bosch Fontus

Cleaning at home

Water Indicator

Transporting the Washer

Bosch Fontus details

Charging the Battery

Clean caravan

Specs on the box

The Battery and Charger

Filler

The Accessories

Using Bosch Fontus on Caravan

Tool Storage

All boxed up

Filling

Power Control

Hose Storage

Laying down

Handle Extended

Bosch contacted us and asked if we'd be interested in testing out their Bosch Fontus to see how practical it is for cleaning outdoor gear. This isn't the sort of equipment we normally review, but the Bosch Fontus is different: it's cordless.

My first thought was that the Fontus would be brilliant for those of us <Link href="/camping/caravanning/caravan-tips/caravan-storage/">with caravans in storage</Link>, as there is usually no power and no water at a lot of caravan storage facilites. Having something you can pop in the car to give the caravan a quick clean after a trip would be extremely useful. So that's what I did....

<YouTube video={"WUQCF1W3V_0"} />

## The Bosch Fontus

<a href="https://www.bosch.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bosch</a> loaned us a Fontus for testing, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that we were the first people to use this as a brand new Bosch Fontus arrived in its box.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/All-boxed-up-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="The Bosch Fontus in the box" width="2100" height="1182" caption="The Bosch Fontus in its box" />

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Cleaning-Caravan-with-Bosch-Fontus-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="" width="2100" height="1182" caption="Ready for cleaning the caravan" />

You don't need to assemble much to get the Fontus working. You must give the battery a full charge before the first time you use it, but since the battery comes partially charged, this doesn't take long.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Charging-the-Battery-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="Charging the Bosch Fontus battery pack" width="2100" height="1182" caption="Charging the 18V battery. This didn't take that long." />

The hose and the nozzles are all stowed on the Fontus, so there's no need to go rummaging around to find any missing accessories.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Tool-Storage-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="The tool storage on the Bosch Fontus" width="2100" height="1182" caption="The nozzle and SmartBrush are stored inside the Fontus." />

I like the design of the nozzle and brush. The nozzle has three spray settings, and the brush clips over the front of the nozzle.

The design of this nozzle and brush combination is excellent. When attached, the Fontus can deliver a little water to help clean, squeeze the trigger to spray a jet of water on stubborn dirt, and then stand back and direct the nozzle to spray off the dirt without even needing to remove the brush.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/The-Accessories-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="The accessories with the Bosch Fontus" width="2100" height="1182" caption="The nozzle and SmartBrush that fits over the top of the nozzle." />

Filling it with water is also very easy as it has a wide opening and can stand underneath an outside tap. There's an indicator on the side to show how much water is in the tank.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Filling-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="Filling it up with water" width="2100" height="1182" caption="Filling the Bosch Fontus with water from the outside tap." />

## Cleaning the Caravan


I charged and filled the Fontus and took it down to where <Link href="/camping/caravanning/caravan-tips/meet-casper-compass-casita-586/">our caravan</Link> is stored.


I stood the washer upright in the boot of my car, and despite several roundabouts and speed humps, the Fontus was stable. I also tested it lying flat with a full tank of water, and nothing leaked, and so it looks like transporting it with a full tank works OK.


<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Transporting-the-Washer-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="The washer standing upright in the car boot" width="2100" height="1182" caption="The Bosch Fontus managed to stay upright when being transported in the car." />

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Laying-down-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="The washer laying flat" width="2100" height="1182" caption="Laying it down on its side with a full tank of water saw no drips come out." />

Since this is cordless (and hose-less), you are limited in power and water supply, so this isn't a device where you stand back and blast whatever you are cleaning. That approach is often not the best for cleaning many things, as a powerful waterjet can cause much damage.

Instead, with the Bosch Fontus, you use the brush with a bit of water and spray off afterwards.

Our caravan had been cleaned with a proper caravan wash not too long ago but soon looked dirty again from being towed.

It didn't take me too long with the Fontus to get the caravan looking as good as new again.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Using-Bosch-Fontus-on-Caravan-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="Washing our caravan with the Bosch Fontus" width="1920" height="1080" caption="Using the Bosch Fontus to clean our caravan." />

I had used just over half the tank of water when I had cleaned half the caravan, so I was interested to see if it would last the whole van. Fortunately, it did. However, if your caravan is somewhere without a tap, you might want to take some extra water with you.

## Not Just for Caravans!

After using the Bosch Fontus, I soon realised how practical it was.

I've always found traditional mains power washers a bit of a pain, with lots of cables and hoses to drag around. However, this is a breeze to use.

Don't think of it as a mobile power washer though. It's more like a portable hose, which makes it usable for a whole range of things. I could clean things that wouldn't be practical with a hose or a power washer.

With the low power setting on the Fontus (three pressure settings) and the right nozzle spray, washing your dog's paws is safe. I would consider taking it in the car's boot to clean the dog off and the wellies after we've gone on a muddy family hike.

This would save us having to call the EMT, the '*Emergency Mud Team'*, when we get home to get the dog upstairs for a bath without getting mud all around the house!

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Power-Control-Caravan-Cleaning.jpg" alt="The power settings on the Bosch Fontus" width="2100" height="1182" caption="There are three power settings." />

## Pros and Cons of the Bosch Fontus

Here are some things I liked about the Bosch Fontus.

<ul>
<li>It's very quick to use as there's no messing around with hoses and power cables. Just fill it up and go.</li>
<li>It's lightweight and easy to move, even when full of water. This means I could get into places that would be difficult on a power washer with a hose attached.</li>
<li>The combined brush and nozzle are a great design and make cleaning very easy.</li>
<li>The wide filler cap makes it very easy to fill.</li>
<li>It's fast to charge. I timed it about an hour to recharge and only had to recharge once in a day of cleaning.</li>
<li>Wheeling around is easy.</li>
<li>The hose is a good length. I was able to stand on the top of a step ladder to clean with the Fontus still on the ground.</li>
</ul>

What I didn't find so good.

<ul>
<li>I love the brush design, but you need to be careful, as the black plastic can leave a mark if you accidentally scratch a white surface.</li>
</ul>

This isn't good for you if...

<ul>
<li>The Bosch Fontus is not so good if you want lots of power. This is battery powered and so only 15 bar. It's like a very good hose on good water pressure. If you need very high power for tough jobs like cleaning paving, you'll need a mains power washer. The Bosch Fontus is ideal for cleaning things that are best on a lower power - like bikes, caravans, etc.</li>
<li>It only holds 15 litres of water. If you are used to just spraying water all the time, you'll soon run out. Use water sparingly with the Bosch Fontus. Use the nozzle and brush to clean, then spray off for example. It's not a device for just continually spraying.</li>
</ul>


## Verdict

Despite the high price tag (yes, you can get cheaper mains-powered washers), you could be very cynical and think a cordless power washer is a bit of a gimmick, but I *really* like it.

After cleaning the caravan, which I managed to do on one fill of the Fontus, I took it home and gave it more of a test, going on a bit of a cleaning spree: windows, garden furniture, the car, the garage door, and even the porch over our front door!

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2019/03/Cleaning-at-home-_.jpg" alt="Cleaning the windows" width="2000" height="1500" caption="I couldn't help but test it out on a few things at home too!" />

The fact that it's so portable and isn't high-powered means that the Fontus is convenient at cleaning all sorts of things.

I am certainly sorry this test product returned to Bosch.

I give the Bosch Fontus the **Thumbs Up award**.

The Bosch Fontus is a cordless, hose-less, powered cleaner that's ideal for cleaning your caravan, bikes, muddy boots, and even your dog's paws! We put it to the test.


Bosch Fontus: Go anywhere cleaning

Tweeks Cycles

Outwell

Outwell Tide 440SA Awning

We've had a bit of a love-hate relationship with caravan awnings. Looking back, <Link href="/camping/caravanning/problem-caravan-awnings/">our previous awning</Link> was too bulky and heavy, making it difficult to set up....though a lot of our problems were solved with advice from you guys, our readers. Thank you! :-)

But to take the stress out of it further, it was time to look for an awning that's a bit smaller, but still big enough for our family.

I was very impressed when I saw the new range of caravan awnings from Outwell. And they kindly sent one over to review :D

## The Outwell Tide Awning

The caravan awning we've got is <a href="https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/caravan-awnings/tide-440sa" rel="noopener">the Outwell Tide 440SA</a>. The SA stands for 'Smart Air', similar to one of our tents, the <Link href="/tent/inflatable-montana-smart-air-tent/">Outwell Montana 6SA</Link>. Just like <Link href="/camping/caravanning/problem-caravan-awnings/">our previous awning from Vango</Link>, it is inflatable. So, no messing about with poles, but potentially a few other things you need to consider (more on that later).
When I first saw the new range of caravan awnings from Outwell, I really liked them.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/01-Outwell-Tide-Awning-Awning-Caravan.jpg" alt="Outwell Tide 440SA Awning on our caravan" width="2000" height="1500" caption="The Outwell Tide Awning fitted to our caravan. It looks much more like a caravan awning than a tent, but with a modern design than some of the more traditional awnings." />
These Outwell's caravan awnings look like a very modern version of a caravan awning, and not like a tent. They complement your caravan's shape and provide the space you get in a traditional caravan awning.
Plus, they were light and airy, whereas the colours on our previous awning made it rather dark inside.

## Our First Use of the Outwell Tide Awning

The first time we used the caravan awning was during April in our visit to <Link href="/camping/campsites/campsites-in-england/campsites-in-somerset/cheddar-mendip-heights/">the Cheddar Mendip Heights campsite</Link>. And it was wet!

<YouTube video={"dZ7SBJZTNq4"} />

### Storing it in the Caravan

Thankfully, the Outwell Tide 440SA fits in our caravan better than our previous awning. It also is easier to fit through the door of our caravan.
However, we still can't fit it into the large under-seat storage. It just doesn't quite fit.
Where do you store your caravan awning in your van?

### Inflating the Outwell Tide

Our first inflation of the awning was going to be a breeze, since we had <Link href="/camping/outwell-wind-gust-pump/">an Outwell Wind Gust electric tent pump</Link>. It was also pouring down with rain!
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/Inflating-in-the-Rain-Caravan.jpg" alt="Inflating the Outwell Tide Awning" width="2000" height="1500" caption="First inflation of the Outwell Tide Awning...in the rain!" />
Unfortunately, I didn't notice a couple of open valves on the inside of the awning! Once they were closed, the Awning popped up in no item.

### Space inside the awning

Although the awning felt smaller in its bag than our previous one, when it was inflated, we were pleased to find we had plenty of space, and it felt no smaller than our last awning.
I think this is also due to the fact that this awning didn't have sloping sides, providing much more usable space.
We could easily fit a large table with four good sized chairs and still have plenty of room.

## Sunnier weather, and a better awning set-up

Roll on a number of months and we're enjoying the 2018 heatwave, and have a few additions to our awning that just makes it a perfect set-up for us.
Here's an update video on our awning when we stayed at Presthaven touring park.

<YouTube video={"1wOZnTMH3Kw"} />

## The Awning Carpet

A new accessory we've got is <a href="https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/caravan-awnings/carpets/continental-carpets/continental-carpet-tide-440sa" rel="noopener">the awning carpet</a>. This has made a huge difference to the awning, making it feel much more like an extension of the caravan.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/06-Table-and-Chairs-Awning-Caravan.jpg" alt="Awning carpet, table, and chairs" width="2000" height="1500" caption="We like the light and space of this awning. And with the carpet, makes it feel much more homely." />

## Awning Divider

Another optional extra we got is <a href="https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/caravan-awnings/caravan-awning-accessories/partition-walls/nordic-shore-partition-wall-l" rel="noopener">the awning partition wall</a>.
This simply clips onto the awning and allows you to create a separate space at either end of the awning - although they are designed to fit either one side or the other, so work out which side you want the partition before ordering one.
We usually enter and exit towards the front of the caravan on pitches, and so we got the partition for that side. However, in these photos, we swapped it to the other side to avoid walking out onto the road.
It makes no real difference in good weather; one side has more waterproofing on the partition than the other. In the set-up here, our curtains are on the outside of the partition!
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/03-Creating-a-proch-Awning-Caravan.jpg" alt="Creating a porch" width="2000" height="1500" caption="We used the divider to create a porch. An arrangement that works really well for us" />
By unzipping the entire end of the awning, the divider helps create a  porch. This layout works really well for us and provides somewhere sheltered to sit, and a place to take (and leave) wet clothes and shoes.
You can also use the divider to create a bedroom in the awning (where the campsite allows it).
The divided space is more than big enough for a camp bed and cupboard, and would be much bigger and better than the bedroom annex we had on our previous awning.
Despite having this divider in the awning, we still had plenty of usable space. Here you can see that there's plenty of space for the large table (an <a href="https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/accessories/furniture/camping-tables/colinas-l" rel="noopener">Outwell Colinas L</a>) and chairs (four <a href="https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/accessories/furniture/folding-chairs/campo" rel="noopener">Outwell Campo chairs</a>), even with the divider attached.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/02-Plenty-of-size-inside-Awning-Caravan.jpg" alt="Plenty of space with the divider" width="2000" height="1500" caption="We've got the divider set-up in this awning and there's still plenty of space" />

## A new ceiling?

A more recent addition we got for the awning is a roof lining.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/Awning-Roof-Lining.jpg" alt="Outwell Tide Roof Lining" width="942" height="532" caption="The roof lining is meant to provide a bit more insulation in the colder months." />
We've not tried this yet with all the hot weather we've been having, so we'll attach it in the autumn.

## Another item for the cold weather

This isn't part of the Outwell Tide Awning, but it's something that worked well in the awning in the cooler months: the <Link href="/camping/outwell-fuji-electric-tent-heater/">Outwell Fuji heater</Link>.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/Heater-light-Camping-Caravan.jpg" alt="Heater light" width="2100" height="1182" caption="The heater provides a warm light too" />
The Fuji is a halogen heater, and can warm your awning in colder weather. You hang it like a lamp. As you can see, it also puts out a nice warm glow.
This heater is not that heavy, and the awning could take the weight of it. There's also not much heat coming off the top of the Fuji, and so it wasn't a worry when hanging in the awning.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/Warm-Glow-Caravan.jpg" alt="Warming up the caravan awning" width="2000" height="1500" caption="The warm glow of the Outwell heater in the Tide awning" />


## And for the warmer weather?

Finally, another accessory (again, not to do with the awning) that we've found surprisingly useful is <a href="https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/accessories/camping-accessories/house-keeping/drying-rack" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this Outwell Drying Rack</a>.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/05-Outwell-Drying-Rack-Awning-Caravan.jpg" alt="The Outwell drying rack" width="2000" height="1500" caption="Fully domesticated with the Outwell Drying rack! This was really useful for drying our swimming kit" />
We're no longer cluttering up the awning with damp towels or trying to hang them from guy lines! We're all very domesticated now :-)



## Thoughts on Inflatable Awnings

We've had our caravan for three years now and have used inflatbale awnings throughout this time.
Having an inflatable awning should save you pitching time, but I think they can be a bit more bulky to store in your caravan than a traditional awning, where you can store the frame separate to the cover. Plus, since inflatable awnings have their covers attached, the interior of your awning drapes in the mud while it inflates. With poled awnings you only get the awning cover out when the frame is fitted, and so this isn't as much of a problem.
I think we might start unzipping some of the side panels and then re-attaching them afterwards (<a href="https://youtu.be/txurnA3LrcE?t=207" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">as Outwell mention in this video</a>). This should make pitching easier, storage easier, and avoids getting them muddy when the weather is bad, and makes it similar to pitch as a traditional awning, but without having to spend time putting up the poled frame.

### Update: The Tide Awning without the Sides

We've done just that. Removing the sides of the awning makes it much smaller to store, and very light to put up.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/Tide-Awning-with-no-sides-Caravan.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1500" caption="With the sides unzipped the Outwell Tide awning is much smaller to put away. This set-up is perfect of the hot weather. You can also have the ends open but still with a bug mesh on." />

## Where to put the wet awning in the caravan!

If it is dry the day before we go, we normally get the awning down then. It's a lot easier than trying to dry out the awning at home.
However, we have been caught out by the rain. Fortunately, removing the sides of the Outwell Tide makes it easier to dry.
We unzipped all the sides, and dried them under the awning using the towel and the heater.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/Drying-the-caravan-awning-Caravan.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1500" caption="Removing the sides and drying them under the awning" />
I then made an drying rack in the caravan with the bed slats, which is also where the caravan's fan heater is. I'm sure this wasn't part of the caravan's design, but it worked well!
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/Improvised-drying-rack-Caravan.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1500" caption="To finish them off, I improvised a drying rack in the caravan while we were still connected to the EHU." />

<YouTube video={"4iZAsltLJqI"} />

## Verdict

With these changes, we love having an awning again, though if we're stopping one night, we generally don't bother putting an awning up. Perhaps with more practice, we'll get even better at it, so it's not a problem for even one night.

The Outwell Tide awning has been a big success for us. It gets the thumbs up from us.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2018/07/07-Happy-home-from-home-Awning-Caravan.jpg" alt="A home from home" width="2000" height="1500" caption="Someone else also loves the awning" />

This year, we changed our awning to the Outwell Tide, another inflatable awning that has made a huge difference to our caravanning.


Outwell Tide Caravan Awning

Getting the Outwell Tide has made us fall in love with caravan awnings again.

Garmin

Garmin Camper Tested

Unboxing the Garmin Camper

Adding Caravan Dimensions

Garmin Camper box contents

Selecting vehicle type

Garmin Camper Boxed

Country specific speed limits

Camper adjusting to dark

You may have seen and read that we borrowed a Garmin Camper SatNav for our summer trip <Link href="/travel/europe-caravan/caravan-europe-planning/">towing the caravan across Europe</Link>.
While I mentioned the pros and cons of the Garmin Camper in those articles, I thought it was about time that I pull the information together here, in case you are thinking of getting a SatNav for towing a caravan or driving a motorhome.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Garmin-Camper-Boxed-Caravan.jpg" height="1182" width="2100" alt="Garmin Camper SatNav in its box" />


Over the years I have used a variety of SatNavs: Garmin, TomTom, Via Michelin, etc.
More recently, I bought a second-hand car that had a SatNav built-in. It works OK, but there are times when I have to supplement it with a maps app on my phone, and then I can end up with two devices recommended two different directions when I'm driving.
While we've had the caravan over this last 18 months, we've had to take extra care with the advice given by the SatNav. Those *little short-cuts* these devices like to take you down are not the most friendly when you are towing a caravan!
For <Link href="/travel/europe-caravan/family-beach-caravan/">our caravan trip across Europe</Link>, it was the perfect opportunity to test a SatNav designed for towing caravans: The Garmin Camper.

## First impressions of the Garmin Camper

It's only been a year or so since we stopped using our old Garmin SatNav in favour of the one built into the car, just because using the built-in one is much more straightforward: you just start the car and go and don't need to bother with attaching anything to the car window.
However, after opening up the Garmin Camper box, we immediately saw how the technology has moved on since our last Garmin SatNav.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Unboxing-the-Garmin-Camper-_.jpg" alt="Setting up the Garmin Camper" width="2100" height="1182" caption="It was quick and easy to get set up." />


> The Garmin Camper looks smart. It's much more like a smartphone or small tablet.



The Garmin Camper looks smart. It's much more like a smartphone or small tablet. It's sleek and displays the map right to the edge of the device; there's no chunky border that we had on our old device.
The screen resolution is so much better too, with bright, crisp colours, and very easy to read.
The whole screen is touch sensitive too, just as you would expect on a tablet or phone.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Garmin-Camper-box-contents-_.jpg" alt="Garmin Camper box contents" width="2100" height="1182" caption="Here's what you get in the box....excluding the pen, which I just included for size." />
One thing to note that with the Garmin Camper SatNav we borrowed, it didn't have the Traffic Update radio receiver, even though the Camper can use it.
Fortunately, our old Garmin SatNav had this, which was fully compatible with the Garmin Camper, and so we used the receiver when testing the Garmin Camper across Europe.

## Setting up your Towing Unit

The Garmin Camper guides you through configuring it for your unit. It's not just for caravans; it works for motorhomes too.
Just put in the dimensions and weight of your unit, and it will apply that information when calculating the best routes, taking into account weight, height, and width restrictions published on the maps.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Adding-Caravan-Dimensions-Caravan.jpg" alt="Entering the Caravan's Height into the SatNav" width="2100" height="1182" caption="Setting up the Garmin Camper for your unit's dimensions is straight forward." />
It will also use that information to show you country-specific speed restrictions that will apply to your unit.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Country-specific-speed-limits-Italy.jpg" alt="Country specific speed limits displayed in the Garmin Camper" width="1920" height="1080" caption="Here the Garmin Camper is showing road and country specific speed restrictions (on the bottom left of the Garmin screen) that applied to our caravan when driving on a road in Italy." />
Oh, and this doesn't restrict you from using it with just your car as you can quickly switch between car, caravan, and motorhome mode when using the SatNav, and the Garmin Camper will recalculate accordingly.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Selecting-vehicle-type.jpg" alt="Choosing your vehicle: Motorhome, Caravan, or just the Car." width="1800" height="1013" caption="Selecting your vehicle in the Garmin Camper SatNav" />

## Planning Caravan-Friendly Routes

With the Garmin Camper, you can plan your trips in advance and save them as pre-planned routes, along with multiple waypoints if you wish.
This was a great feature when planning our European Road Trip, and saved the hassle of entering the SatNav route details when we were there.
Before we got hold of the Garmin Camper, I had used the Via Michelin website, which allows you to plan caravan friendly routes.
Using that website, and lots of other research, I had planned a scenic but caravan friendly route from the Austrian Alps through the Italian Alps and down to southern Italy.


> the Garmin Camper said "No"



When entering that planned route into the SatNav, the Garmin Camper said "No", and instead, recommended us on a long journey on the Autobahns and Autostrada.
Although other caravanners had done my original intended route, I decided to play it safe, and follow the Camper's recommendation, just in case there was something I missed or had been a recent change to the roads.

## Garbage In, Garbage Out

There's a saying that if you put rubbish data into the computer, you get rubbish data back out of it. I think the same is true of the Garmin Camper in that it is only as good as the information it holds about the roads.
I was extremely impressed with the amount of information the Garmin Camper held on routes that were caravan friendly.


> It will warn you as you drive about potential hazards, steep hills, etc.



It will warn you as you drive about potential hazards, steep hills, etc., and will indicate any routes that are not caravan-friendly as you are driving along - which is a handy driving aid.
However, it wasn't perfect, and I believe that it will always default to motorway routes when route planning since those will be safe for Caravans and Motorhomes, and the Garmin Camper may not hold enough data for non-motorway routes across long distances.
This proved true a few times.

### A Tour Around a German Industrial Estate

In Germany the exit the SatNav recommended was closed, so when we missed the exit, the Garmin Camper re-routed us around an industrial estate with lots of mini-islands.
Not a massive problem with the Caravan, but as we exited the labyrinth, we found that there was a diversion in place on more usable roads. Why didn't the SatNav recommend that rather than the industrial estate?

### A Tour Around a Hilly German Housing Estate



> We missed the junction in the Rhine valley as we were too busy taking in the view!



We missed the junction in the Rhine valley as we were too busy taking in the view!
However, the SatNav then directed us up steep and narrow roads on a housing estate. OK, not the SatNav's fault, and maybe it was the only way to detour, but it didn't feel very caravan-friendly, and no warnings about the steep roads from the Sat Nav.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Camper-adjusting-to-dark-Caravan-Germany-travel.jpg" alt="Camper adjusting to dark" width="1920" height="1080" caption="The Garmin Camper automatically changes the display when you enter a tunnel" />

### Anyone remember Heidi?

For some reason, as we got close to the Austrian Campsite, <Link href="/travel/europe-caravan/caravanning-austria/">Seeblic Toni</Link>, it instructed us to leave the Autobahn much earlier than the recommended route. We thought this strange, but given that it had been diverting us to avoid traffic jams, we followed it's advice.
Fortunately, this route was beautiful, as we drove through a big valley surrounded by the Austrian Mountains, past rustic looking Alpine farms and small villages.


> a single track lane with very narrow winding village roads



Perhaps I'm showing my age, but anyone remember the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">children's TV </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">programme, Heidi</a>? It looked very similar to that!
Unfortunately, this was not a caravan friendly route as it was a single track lane with very narrow winding village roads, and no passing places, making it awkward if one the tractors that were coming the other way had also been towing something.


## Verdict on the Garmin Camper SatNav?



> we got to every single campsite across the 2500 miles without incident



Despite the few SatNav'isms, it did help make such a long journey across Europe less stressful when towing the caravan, as the Garmin Camper was a useful assistant, warning of potential towing hazards most of the time.
And most importantly, we got to every single campsite across the 2500 miles without incident.
Once we returned to the UK, we had to return our borrowed Garmin Camper. And although we've towed many thousands of miles across the UK without one, I am thinking of buying one now, just for that extra peace of mind when towing the caravan.

We tested the Garmin Camper SatNav while driving over 2500 miles across Europe while towing a caravan. Did it help or did it hinder? Read on to find out.

Tested: Garmin Camper SatNav on 2500 miles across Europe

A great driving assistant when you are towing a caravan. But like all SatNavs, you can't believe it all the time.

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Bosch Fontus: Go anywhere cleaning

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Tested: Garmin Camper SatNav on 2500 miles across Europe

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardBosch Fontus: Go anywhere cleaning

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardOur New Caravan Awning: The Outwell Tide

Tested: Garmin Camper SatNav on 2500 miles across Europe

Bosch Fontus: Go anywhere cleaning

Our New Caravan Awning: The Outwell Tide