Inexpensive caravans
The concept of inexpensive, low-priced caravan was developed by Knaus with the Deseo series, which debuted in 2005 with the Eifelland brand. Square shapes, minimal furniture and essential equipment, but the interior could be enriched both by DIY interventions, or by choosing between the various optional kits (including the kitchen). Cabinets and wall units had no wooden doors, but a canvas closure system instead. In 2009, Dethleffs proposed the Globico series (a caravan and two campers). In the basic version there were no hanging cupboards, but shelves and plastic containers, and the kitchen was equipped with a portable refrigerator, removable cooker and jerry can with falling water from above. It had a tailgate with double bed above the dinette. In 2010 the Globico was completely revised.
Presented at the Caravan Salon – Düsseldorf in 2005, the small Paul & Paula caravan stood out for an unusual exterior shape designed by Oliver Schweizer. The body used moulds in colored plastic. Light, only 452 cm long (including rudder), the interior was dominated by the large dinette above which, if desired, a useful folding bed could be added. In 2006, a motorhome was also presented, using the same body as the caravans.
Presented at the Caravan Salon – Düsseldorf in 2017, it showed how the caravan of the next few years ahead will have to be: lightweight, but also welcoming. To save weight (the Coco has an unladen weight of only 638 kg), the structure has been optimized, with an interaction between chassis, floor and walls. Three panoramic rooflights make the interior very bright, and the awning continues, uninterrupted, on to the rear wall.
It’s not a camper, it’s not a caravan: the Car-Camp has two wheels but it hooks up to the car in a stable way, without articulation between the two vehicles. Once at a campsite, the user can unhook it from the car, just like a caravan. The living area is in the back, while the bed is in the front area above the roof of the car. First seen in 1988 in conjunction with Opel Kadett, it was then adapted for the Opel Astra.
Proposed for the first time in 2005, and still in production (with appropriate modifications), the Adria Action is a caravan destined to go down in history, thanks to its unique external shape, small dimensions and an unusual interior.
First seen in the 1990’s, the Knaus Sport & Fun returned to fascinate the audiences of European fairs in 2015. It is a caravan designed to offer good living comfort and at the same time be able to carry various types of sports equipment: a large rear door (in addition to the side door) allows a motorcycle to be loaded on board, but there is also a front garage under the bed (which can be raised).
This 2006 model brings together several themes already developed in the past: small size, rear access door, rounded windows, wide connecting profiles to underline the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle. In the toilet compartment there is a revolving cabinet that can be taken out of the cockpit, while air suspension allows the user to lower the vehicle.
The extensive Dethleffs product range has had room for everything: in 2010 there was a caravan of XXL size, the Caraliner 765 DBM, but in 2006 there was also the small Campy (restyled in 2010) with a high bed above the garage, a slanted dinette and a large front opening for access to the load compartment.
With the Caravisio concept of 2013, Knaus gave an interpretation of a future caravan, without obviously addressing the issue currently topical – of reducing weight. It had an aerodynamic front, plus wheels partially covered, while the rear area featured a nautical-style terrace that became a veranda, once its large doors were open. In the kitchen, the was a ceramic hob and taps with touch controls, while in the lounge there was the screen of the projector integrated into the terrace door. Some solutions proposed by Caravisio were later seen on the Knaus Eurostar.
Single bed above, small living area below: an uncommon solution, but one that may have its admirers, especially for the flexible living space it offers. In 2016, Caravelair introduced the Antares Style 496, which managed to create a bunk bed on three levels, with the floor bed that turns into a kind of living room for children.
In 2017, the world’s leading slide-out manufacturer, Lippert Components, presented to the public a prototype of a caravans with extendible walls designed for the European market. The Smart Caravan was equipped with four slide-outs to expand the various areas of the passenger compartment. The interior was stylistically impeccable, thanks to a collaboration with Tecnoform.
Produced for a few years, starting in 2005, the Dethleffs Vari was a double axle caravan which was characterized by two unusual elements: a large tailgate and a lift-up bed at the rear so you could load a large motorcycle.
Over the last decade, Dethleffs has presented several low-line and aerodynamic caravans, which were unusual for their time and still unique today: in particular, we must mention the Aerostyle, the Family and the Tourist.
The ‘luxury lounge’ theme has appeared several times in the recent history of the caravan. Obviously, generous dimensions are needed to set up a large and comfortable living area.
In terms of style and content, it is perhaps the most advanced caravan on the market today. The concept of a multifunctional caravan has been presented several times by Knaus. The old version of the Knaus Deseo has now been updated with a modern design and a new construction technique. The living unit presents the panels (roof, walls and floor) fixed on a three-dimensional self-supporting frame, made of fiber-reinforced resin elements. Designed to accommodate one or two motorcycles or other sports equipment, the Deseo has a very large loading area at the rear as the kitchen and bathroom are concentrated in the front part; longitudinal sofas fold against the walls and there is a drop-down fixed bed above them. The loading area is accessed via a huge, opening tailgate. 