Fortunately, as a Holtkamper camper, you don’t have to let that stop you. Our tent trailers are designed and tested to remain reliable even in challenging conditions: from the rugged plains of Iceland to the high cliffs of Brittany. Or during a severe storm in Zeeland, as in the video below from our colleague Gert-Jan.
Yet we regularly get the question: “Now what is the best approach when the wind blows hard?”
Therefore, we have listed the most important tips and points of interest for you, so that you can enjoy your Holtkamper in autumn as well.
General storm tips for your Holtkamper
Always tension well
Make sure your Holtkamper is securely pegged all around.
Secure awning points properly
With the Aero, Kyte or Nano, always secure the awning points with at least five pegs. To do this, use the long pegs and hit the rubber bands double.
Wind from the front? Unzip sidewalls
Is the wind blowing and are you using the awning without the front wall? Then first unzip the side walls. This allows the wind to escape better and prevents the awning from acting like a sail.
Use storm straps
When in doubt, always do it! Attach the storm rubber bands to the green bisonyllus and secure with a sturdy peg. The elastic allows the awning to move with you and absorbs hard blows better.
No fixed guy ropes
Never use rigid guy ropes. These do not absorb impacts and can actually cause tension on the canvas – resulting in possible damage.
Front wall attached?
Do you have the front wall in the awning? The sidewalls can remain in place. Make sure that the awning with the front wall is tightened with storm straps.
If the wind really gets too strong…
Sometimes it simply becomes too much of a burden. Then it is wise to temporarily pack up the awning. There are two ways to do this:
1. Fold awning over the wagon (the quick method).
- Remove the front and side panels.
- Take out the kitchen and canopy arch.
- Lower the mast.
- Fold the awning over the wagon so that the awning tips hang over the back of the roof.
- Secure the awning points to the back of the wagon.
This method takes little time and is ideal if you need to act quickly.
2. Canopy rolling up and securing (the complete method)
- Remove the front and side panels.
- Take out the kitchen and canopy arch.
- Lower the mast.
- Roll up the awning (easiest to do with two people).
- Secure the roller to the front of the roof with the toggles and included green straps.
This is a slightly more elaborate approach, but ensures neat and safe storage.
Always be prepared
Whether you’re camping in the Netherlands or adventuring on the coast of Brittany, the weather can change quickly. With good preparation and the right storm tips, you can be sure of worry-free camping, even in autumn.
So put on a warm sweater, make a pot of strong coffee and enjoy the unique camping feeling your Holtkamper gives you. Because weather or no weather: your adventure never stops.
