CANDY EVANS checks out five things from the world’s largest caravan and motorhome show that we should see in the UK
I recently had the privilege of visiting Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany, courtesy of Volksvagen Commercial Vehicles. There were more than 2,000 vehicles on display along with countless accessories, destinations and more so it almost seems churlish to choose just five to mention here.
Nevertheless, here are some things I hope we’ll see in the UK soon:
1 – The VW Grand California
This is the production version of the California XXL, based on the VW Crafter van that was shown at Caravan Salon last year. It’s matured as it’s come towards production – it loses the massive skylight of the prototype, for example - and there are now two versions available.
The 600 has a slight look of a beluga whale, with a cleverly-designed pull-out double bed in the bulge over the cab. The unexpectedly-released 680 is a little longer and (6.8m rather than 6m) with a larger rear bedroom and garage. Look out for my review in a future issue of Camping & Caravanning.
2 – The Mercedes Concept Sprinter F-CELL
Mercedes-Benz Vans is looking at non-diesel options for the future in the F-CELL concept vehicle. It uses a hydrogen fuel cell and has a range of 500km using the quiet, zero-emissions fuel cell. The only obvious difference between it and a standard Sprinter is the addition of a range-extending optional hydrogen tank in the rear garage, though under the skin are an electric motor, more hydrogen tanks and a substantial battery pack. The fuel cell can also provide power for the habitation area when you’re on site. The main disadvantage of such technology at the moment is the lack of hydrogen filling points across the UK, but that could all change if the technology becomes more popular.
3 – The Dethleffs e-caravan
Designed to make caravanning more accessible for those with electric cars, the e-home coco caravan has its own electric drive system and batteries. It can balance the load between its wheels and on the tow car, which should allow it to put a much smaller load on the car. It uses a recuperative system to recycle the kinetic energy of the caravan as it goes downhill to help re-charge the batteries. Again, this is still in concept stage at the moment but looks an interesting technology.
4 – The Dethleffs Coco Lounge
This production model of the concept from last season is an ultra-lightweight caravan with a Mass in Running Order of just over 700kg. Even the uprated Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass is only 1,100kg.
The distinctive canopy that goes around two sides of the caravan has remained from the concept stage and the interior is sleek, retaining the high quality finish you’d expect from the German manufacturer.
5 – The Citroen Wild Camp kit
This limited edition kit will transform your run-of-the-mill Citroen Relay base vehicle into a vintage Type H van – in external appearance at least.
The version on display had a modern Pössl interior conversion, which didn’t seem quite in keeping with the exterior, but a Transformation Kit should be available to fit your own Relay camper – if you have at least €22,800+VAT to spend. Plus, of course, the expertise to fit it.
