Automotive

Offtrack upscales Volkswagen camper so you can live your best van life

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Offtrack offers its VW T6/6.1 camper van in both two-sleeper hard roof and four-sleeper pop-top versions
Offtrack Camper
Offtrack offers its VW T6/6.1 camper van in both two-sleeper hard roof and four-sleeper pop-top versions
Offtrack Camper
Offtrack trims out its entire van with natural-look paneling to give it a warmer, more homey feel than average
Offtrack Camper
An available vessel sink adds to the elevated look and feel
Offtrack Camper
The 18-L top-loader fridge is ducked below the counter
Offtrack Camper
The Offtrack camper van has all the classic amenities, including a removable center dining table
Offtrack Camper
Rear bench folded and made up into a bed
Offtrack Camper
Inside the Offtrack VW camper van
Offtrack Camper
Off-road upgrades include available all-terrain tires
Offtrack Camper
A look through the tailgate
Offtrack Camper
Available snorkel
Offtrack Camper
Optional all-wheel drive and AT tires provide all-season capability
Offtrack Camper
Offtrack offers both portable gas stove and induction cooker options
Offtrack Camper
Offtrack offers various carry solutions, including roof racks and bicycle racks
Offtrack Camper
Nap with a view
Offtrack Camper
For those who prefer more counter space, Offtrack offers a sunken sink with folding faucet and worktop cover
Offtrack Camper
Folding out the bed
Offtrack Camper
Offtrack VW camper van
Offtrack Camper
California looks to create a more stylish, well-appointed breed of modern VW pop-top camper van
Offtrack Camper
Offtrack offers many options on the T6.1 camper van, from a pop-up roof, to full off-road upgrading, to new and used van bases
Offtrack Campers
Offtrack camper van at the 2023 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

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While Volkswagen itself is considering shaking up the classic California floor plan, the layout remains an extremely popular blueprint for third-party camper builders. Rarely, however, does the side kitchen + folding bed/bench floor plan result in the most comfortable, inviting home-on-wheels. German shop Offtrack is looking to improve upon the tried-and-true layout, dressing it in decor and equipment that look plucked from the pages of a design magazine. Its lineup surpasses the ABT XNH as the most stylish T6.1 camper van of 2023, possibly ever, and even comes in full off-road adventure guise.

Midsize Class B campers based on vans like the Volkswagen Transporter or Citroën Jumpy tend to be focused on utility, incorporating removable or low-profile camper equipment that ensures the van can still serve as an effective family car and/or cargo van. That often leaves bare van sheet metal and automaker fit and finish staring back at campers, rather than more aesthetic, homey trim. Other times, the conversion shop simply covers up the base interior with something equally drab and industrial.

By contrast, Hamburg-based Offtrack has managed to create a camper with the same multipurpose utility of a traditional VW California, albeit with more of the warm ambiance and elevated feel of a larger, more upscale RV. It still relies on staples like a driver's side kitchen block that stretches back into a full-height rear wardrobe, a folding bench/bed, and a removable dining table that mounts to the kitchen, but it's selected equipment and trim more carefully to create a modern, coordinated look that vans in this category tend to sorely lack.

Rear bench folded and made up into a bed
Offtrack Camper

To start, Offtrack has finished the doors, walls and roof liner in natural, wood-style plank paneling and matched the countertop, cabinet faces and floor with wood-look trim of their own. It then follows what seems to be a rising trend of pairing that warm wood with cool neutrals, and buyer's can choose from white, gray or black furniture. The gray and black are particularly effective at offsetting the natural wood tones to create a rustic-modern feel. Those who want to go full log cabin can also select the "natural" furniture motif.

Offtrack further emphasizes the look with standard and available equipment like a vessel sink and inset ceiling lighting. The portable gas stove, optional stow-away induction cooker and under-counter top-loading fridge keep things clean and uncluttered during travel.

Offtrack offers both portable gas stove and induction cooker options
Offtrack Camper

The Offtrack van certainly looks different, but it is still the California floor plan we've known for ages: the two-seat rear bench folds down to create the 47 x 77-in (120 x 195-cm) bed, and the single-leg table attaches to the kitchen block to serve as a dining area and workspace. There's only one sliding side door for entry into the living area, and cooking and food prep are meant to be done inside, opposite that door. A pop-up sleeper roof is available to complete a proper four-person family camper, and an onboard leisure battery and 230-V shore power hookup take care of electrical needs.

Offtrack currently builds its vans on buyer's choice of used Volkswagen T6 or brand-new T6.1. It offers a wide variety of options, starting with available all-wheel drive. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available, as are 101- and 148-hp engine options. Available camping amenities include a portable toilet, outdoor shower, awning, larger 50-L door fridge, camp heater and solar charging. Off-road upgrades, like a lift, BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires and a snorkel are also on offer.

Available snorkel
Offtrack Camper

Offtrack currently lists several available used T6 camper vans ranging between €39,000 and €59,750 (approx. US$41,350 and $63,350). Those interested in a new T6.1 camper van can use the company's detailed online configurator to choose all their desired options and have a quote sent.

Source: Offtrack

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3 comments
BlueOak
Continues to amuse that “California” is littered throughout stories about these camper vans… and yet the VW California camper has, never in its long history (20+ years?) been available in the US, much less, it’s namesake state, California. ;-). The VW Hannover plant might be one of the highest manufacturing cost plants in the VW group, preventing vehicles based upon the T-vans… and now the new ID.Buzz EV from achieving realistic prices in the US.
Nelson
I guess one never needs to take a poop?
Dick Mickle
This layout is very similar to my 1978 VW Westfalia, one that has with stood the test of time. Still have it, camp often and love the layout.