5.4 KiB
+++ title = "How to Miet Ulli" date = 2025-05-01 authors = ["Aron Petau"] draft = true +++
{% alert(note=true) %}
This is a work in progress.
Information here is subject to change.
{% end %}
The General Stuff
The car is a 1990 VW T4 with a 2.0 L Benzin (petrol) engine, producing roughly 80 PS.
No mountains or off-roading for you in this one.
Propellant
{% alert(note=true) %} The car takes Super (95), Super Plus (98), or E10. {% end %}
The car consumes about 10–12 L/100 km when staying below 90 km/h.
Otherwise, expect around 12–15 L/100 km.
The tank holds 75 L, which gives you a range of roughly 750 km per tank.
The fuel gauge is broken, so you’ll need to use the trip meter to track your fuel level.
Always fill the tank completely — otherwise, you won’t know your range.
{% alert(note=true) %}
Remember to reset the meter after refueling.
Press the central button on the dashboard to do this.
{% end %}
The car has a manual transmission, so you’ll need to know how to drive stick.
There’s no power steering, so steering can be a bit heavy.
It has a trailer hitch for up to 1,000 kg total — meaning a standard 750 kg trailer is fine, but a full-size RV trailer is not.
The car seats four people.
The car is insured for anyone over 25 years old with a valid driver’s license.
It has Teilkasko insurance, which covers everything except damage to the car itself.
Electricity
The van has its own solar system, which usually allows off-grid use in summer.
There are several 12 V plugs, as well as USB and USB-C outlets, but no 230 V sockets.
If you need 230 V power, you’ll have to connect to the grid (Landstromanschluss).
All necessary cables are on board — please plan accordingly.
The solar system runs automatically and has a built-in shutoff, so you can’t drain the battery completely.
If you’d like to monitor the battery, use the Victron App to connect via Bluetooth — ask me for the PIN.
For the analogue types, there’s also a battery monitor next to the driver’s seat that shows the current voltage of both the starter and support batteries.
Anything below 11.5 V means the battery is empty — start the car to recharge.
A battery booster charges both batteries while driving.
In case of emergency, there’s a power bank capable of jump-starting the car.
{% alert(note=true) %}
For increased solar capacity, take out the folded panels, plug their cable into the adapter at the rear (under the exhaust pipe), and place them in the sun.
They are not in the car by default, since I found that unless you’re doing hardcore home office, they’re usually unnecessary.
Ask for them if you need extra capacity.
The system will automatically use the additional power.
{% end %}
Kitchen
The kitchen includes a two-flame gas stove and a sink with running water.
Water is stored in a 15 L tank, filled from the outside.
Used carefully, it lasts about three days for two people.
{% alert(note=true) %}
Gas is stored in standard 5 kg grey bottles, exchangeable at most gas stations.
There’s one bottle in the car — usually enough for more than a month of cooking.
If you run out, simply exchange it at a gas station.
{% end %}
The kitchen is fully equipped for two people.
{% alert(note=true) %} Always roll the top window down while driving — otherwise it can fly off, and replacement costs about 300 €. {% end %}
There’s a powerful 12 V fridge (around 30 L) powered by the solar system.
It can run while driving and, with enough sunlight, 24/7.
{% alert(note=true) %} Anything above setting 3 will freeze your food — level 2 works well. {% end %}
Sleeping
The bed is in the high roof and measures 1.20 m × 1.90 m.
{% alert(note=true) %} There is some climbing involved to get up there. {% end %}
Heating
The car has a gas heater for stationary use — it can’t be used while driving.
It’s controlled by a thermostat next to the bed.
To use it, open the gas bottle and turn on the heater valve (inside the gas compartment).
The heater will automatically start when the temperature drops below the set level.
There’s also a 12 V fan in the heater for air circulation, plus another portable fan that’s usually sufficient in summer.
How to Rent
You can rent the van by emailing rent-ulli@petau.net.
Please include:
- Your name
- Your address
- A copy of your driver’s license
- The dates you’d like to rent the car
I’ll send you a rental contract, which you’ll need to sign and return.
Then we can arrange a pickup time.
Costs
The rental rate is 30 € per day, plus 0.10 € per km.
This covers insurance and taxes.
{% alert(note=true) %}
Any damages to the car will be charged to you.
A total loss would cost around 10,000 €, so please drive carefully.
Check your Haftpflichtversicherung (private liability insurance) to see if it covers rented vehicles.
{% end %}
Benzinrechner — I use this site for cost calculations.
If you set it to 11 L/100 km, it’s usually quite accurate.