Innovative ideas and products captured attention at the CARAVAN SALON 2018 in Dusseldorf, Germany – the world’s largest trade fair for motor homes and caravans that has just taken place. Tens of thousands of visitors poured through the doors every day attracted by the vast range of products and vehicles on display. Exhibitors commented that their expectations were being far exceeded in every respect.
So just what was attracting attention? This was a show which offered something different, where genuine innovations were very much in evidence.
Mercedes-Benz offered forward looking ideas covering fully connected homes on wheels to alternative drives. Its Concept Springter F-Cell focused on the provision of emission-free driving, demonstrating the possibilities of a powertrain technology for local, emission free mobility with a long range (up to 329 miles) and quick refueling. To make matters even better, the fuel cell can be used as a stand-alone powerful source of energy for living areas.
Dethleffs also focused on improvements to electrical drive. Its e-home coco is the first caravan with its own e-drive. Equipped with high-performance batteries, two hub motors and smart control electronics, the “passive trailer” becomes an active “living vehicle’. An additional advantage is the presence of a strain relief module within the construction. This module controls the two axle electric drive motors so that the trailer load at the coupling head of the towing vehicle is reduced considerably. This allows even small towing vehicles to tow heavy caravans and tailors possessing a total weight greater than the car’s permitted trailer load. When combined with an electric car, it means that extremely realistic travel ranges can be achieved, especially since batteries are automatically recharged whenever the vehicle is going downhill.
Truma have taken a different slant by offering a VarioHeat system that becomes part of the iNet system. Users can control the gas heating via a smartphone app and even connect it with other devices such as a Truma ai-con, and automatic climate control. Heating coils can be switched on separately allowing the vehicle to be heated up even faster on cold days making it a good option for winter campers.
Caravan Salon introduced the new caravanning trends within Europe market. Here is Dethleffs electric camper on display. [Photo/Messe Düsseldorf GmbH]
Over at Volkswagen Nutzfarhrzeuge, caravanners were captivated by the global launch of the Grand California. Based on the very modern Crafter, this motorhome incorporates a wet room, and loft bed for children in addition to the large rear berths. This nineteen foot model is designed to provide extra facilities for travelling families, making it one of the most comfortable and spacious on the market.
Equally spacious and luxurious is the luxury liner Morelo Palace incorporating lots of technical highlights. The 205 HP Palace comes with an 8 gear automatic transmission and is also available with WideAxle ( a special front axle that is 20 cm wider than the standard axle thus affording improved driving stability). The front wheels are also positioned further outside and therefore better in the wheel case. It is undeniably spacious with extra deep wall units, huge living space and even incorporates a heatable garage with room for bicycles, scooters or a G-model SMART car. Comfort has not been ignored by the designers – beds are fitted with multi-zone cold foam mattresses or optional EvoPore mattresses with water gel top layer.
Anyone wanting to travel with a fully-grown passenger car such as a Porsche 911 GT2RS should look no further than Volkner’s Performance S motorhome as this possesses a patented centre garage. Optional slide out or wall-out elements provide additional interior space. It is definitely luxurious, with three air conditioning and five heating systems plus solar modules and customized tank capacities. The Performance S is was one of the most expensive on show at Caravan Salon – at EUR 1,465,000 ($1,704,643.25).
Not all companies were focusing on scale to make an impact. A distinct trend was the appearance of increasing numbers of compact caravans and camper vans. Fully fitted camper vans now account for almost half the motorhome output, and in many regions have replaced the medium-sized, partially integrated motor caravans at the top of the registration statistics. Knaus Tabbert GmbH offered exclusive presentations of the prototype Knaus CUVision and the Weinsberg CUVolution. The CVU vans incorporate striking vehicle color designs with matt decorative stripes in anthacite contrasting with Liquid Chrome Orange paintwork plus an aerodynamic sporty roof spoiler. Up to 25% additional storage space has been created as a result of smart solutions such as the integration of a 105-liter water tank into the body sidewall. The grooved, sandwich-type structure with integral insulation virtually clings to the body floor.
Equally small and compact – and proving very popular – is the Latvian KULBA Sia. Perfect for novice caravanners, these low weight, compact mini caravans are made of wood and aluminum retailing for as little as EUR 5,100 ($5,933.17). The back lid of the KULBA lifts to reveal a tiny kitchen complete with cabinets, power sockets, cool box and cooking appliances.
While at Cathago's booth, the Malibu Van Charming GT features swiveled driving seats offering flexibility and space saving qualities since it enables the drivers cabin to be totally integratd into the living space. Two big panorama skylights reaching well over the seating in the living area, provide stunning sky views as well as maximum light. Alexander Wehrmann of Cathago commented, “Our positive expectations were exceeded. We didn’t expect such a high demand. It’s just awesome.”
The Dutch Lume Traveler got much attention at the show, highlighting the ability for consumers to customize their trailer during production. [Photo/Messe Düsseldorf GmbH]
For those wanting a small compact with added individuality, the Dutch Lume Traveler attracted lots of attention. Fusing state of the art design with rugged simplicity and the latest technology, it has a self supporting, aluminium sandwich structure that can be customized to suit any lifestyle, for example, turn it into a caravan cum food truck. Lume offers to help customers build the perfect Traveler to meet all their requirements. It is also environmentally friendly as it is made from sustainable, long lasting materials such as aluminum, wood, fulled wool and leather both inside and out.
Alcove motorhomes seem to be making a comeback in Europe. Hobby Wohnwagenwerk’s Alkoven Siesta de Luxe features a sleeping alcove (a nook in the wall) above the driver’s cabin thus providing greater storage space elsewhere in the vehicle.
All in all, the 2018 Caravan Salon has been a greatly impressive show offering lots of new options for anyone seeking an environmentally friendly, space conscious motorhome or RV.
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