Meet our Camper

In 2020 we bought our camper (motorhome) after a rather extensive search. In the end we opted for the Dethleffs T-7150 based on a number of wishes that we had determined in advance. Get to know our camper in this blog and read why we chose this camper and why we are very satisfied with it.

Because we want to travel with our camper for a large part of the year, we have paid a lot of attention to choosing and purchasing the right camper. In any case, we want to travel around Europe with our camper during the summertime. And we certainly don't rule out shipping the camper to other continents if we want to travel there.

Even before we made the final decision to travel around indefinitely, we knew that the camper would become an important part of our plans. And so we had been researching for several years which type of verhicle best suits our plans. We have tried many types in different conditions. Varying from a small campervan in New Zealand to a large semi-integrated camper in Europe. Based on our experiences and advancing insight, we definitely knew what we wanted in the summer of 2020.

An important part of the choice for the model was the fact that we had already purchased electric bicycles. We found that the combination of a larger semi-integral model in combination with the electric bikes was ideal for us. It was possible to opt for a larger model because the bikes take us almost everywhere. It saves us a lot of challenges when maneuvering with a large camper. Of course we also looked at the more adventurous van model, the more traditional campervan like an old VW. This indeed gives more flexibility and fits well with the full free life. But because we spend a lot of time traveling around with the camper and consider certain comfort important, we chose the model we have now.

Large model

We chose the large model, in combination with our e-bikes it takes us everywhere

So what was important to us? One of the most important things was a good bed. We are both more than fit for our age (true!) but we also need to think seriously about our bodies. When you have a good bed, the risk of back problems is small and the chance of a good night's sleep is high. If you are going away for a long time, that is really important. Preference was therefore given to what is called a queensbed. The nice thing about it is that it is a spacious bed with space on both sides. Much larger models are then equipped with an extra pull-down bed, which we did not want. And if possible, a panoramic roof where the pull-down bed normally would be..

In addition, we wanted a certain space inside to sit when the weather is bad and, for example, move around each other when we cook. Good cooking facilities are also important to us, so we initially looked at a stove with 3 gas burners. It was not the most important thing, but a larger refrigerator model with possibly freezer was certainly our preference. Many campers of this model are already supplied with a Fiat bus, but that was also important to us, we preferred a Fiat Ducato with 2.3 liters and 130 HP. Because we travel for a longer period of time, sufficient storage space was certainly a point of attention for us. We travel as light as possible, but you soon take the necessary things with you.

Comfortable bed

A comfortable and spacious bed was one of our top priorities

At the start of our search, we soon found out that the combination of wishes meant that the choice was not wide. At that time in 2020, there were also a lot of people looking for a camper, so the offer in the market was smaller than usual anyway. Nevertheless, we soon seemed to have found a good camper, but unfortunately we couldn’t make it work with the provider. However, after 2 months Ella saw an advertisement and the camper on offer met almost all our wishes. We immediately called De Shelter in Amstelveen who offered the camper. Within an hour we were there and we soon saw that this camper was actually exactly what we were looking for. And another hour later we had a deal with Gerard, the owner of De Shelter. This is how things usually work in life, at some point you just run into the right thing.

The Dethleffs T-7150 of more than 7.40 meters long from 2015 that Gerard had in store for us was really perfect. It met our wishes exactly, because you don't often come across a model with a queensbed without a pull-down bed.

Spacious

The sitting area is really spacious and light because of the panoramic roof

We have equipped the bed with the right mattresses and the bed sleeps great. The camper also has a beautiful panoramic roof and with the space in the front, it gives a very spacious effect. You can sit comfortably with 4 people. The camper has a spacious fridge with freezer, which we find handy because we can keep many things cold and good for a long time so that you don't have to get groceries every day. We have storage options both inside and in the garage and can therefore easily store all our belongings. And it is the desired Fiat model with a 6-speed gearbox, it really drives like a charm. The camper also has a toilet and shower. We don't use the shower much yet, but we will adjust it in the coming period so that we can use it when we go free camping.

We had the purchase inspection of the camper done by Camperhost, a company that specializes in this. Erwin does really excellent independent work here and we always recommend him for an inspection of a camper or car. After the camper was approved, we had De Shelter make some adjustments. We had put in bigger size new tires and lowered the bike rack. The latter is really nice because our electric bikes are on the heavy side.

Kitchen area

The kitchen has all the space and facilities we required

On September 2nd, 2020, the time had come and we went to pick up the camper and drive it. In the months of September and October of 2020 we drove it to the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy and the camper was really excellent. In these countries you are only allowed to stand in official campsites and we have done that. In the winter of 2020/2021 we did not drive the camper in the Covid-era. But from mid-May 2021 we are driving again and the camper is still great, we really made the right choice. And soon we will go to Scandinavia, then we will also go free camping, we are very curious how that will go.

If you have any questions about travelling with the camper or about our trips, please send us an email, we are happy to help you!

And for more photo material and information about our camper and travelling with the camper, check out our Instagram posts and our Polarsteps page!