© 2021 New Atlas
Outdoors

Top camper innovations and debuts of the 2017 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon

By C.C. Weiss
September 09, 2017
Top camper innovations and deb...
The 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
The 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
View 152 Images
Gentletent shows its inflatable roof-top tent
1/152
Gentletent shows its inflatable roof-top tent
Concorde is another name in car-hauling motorhomes
2/152
Concorde is another name in car-hauling motorhomes
Bike course at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
3/152
Bike course at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
VanEssa's Volkswagen Amarok slide-out kitchen
4/152
VanEssa's Volkswagen Amarok slide-out kitchen
AutoHome makes well-known hard-shell roof-top tents
5/152
AutoHome makes well-known hard-shell roof-top tents
Gentletent started with ground tents and used this year's Caravan Salon to expand into roof-top tents and bike campers
6/152
Gentletent started with ground tents and used this year's Caravan Salon to expand into roof-top tents and bike campers
Holtkamper offers a different style of inflatable camping trailer. Its WindForce system uses the power of air to effortlessly blow its tents into shape and vacuum-compact them down, but the tents have hard poles, not inflatable tubes
7/152
Holtkamper offers a different style of inflatable camping trailer. Its WindForce system uses the power of air to effortlessly blow its tents into shape and vacuum-compact them down, but the tents have hard poles, not inflatable tubes
Adria campers at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
8/152
Adria campers at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Camper vans at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
9/152
Camper vans at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
If you fancy decorating your life with classic Volkswagen Bulli accessories, Glam Bulli can help you out
10/152
If you fancy decorating your life with classic Volkswagen Bulli accessories, Glam Bulli can help you out
Volkswagen lets attendees test some driver-assistance systems
11/152
Volkswagen lets attendees test some driver-assistance systems
VanEssa VW Amarok kitchen
12/152
VanEssa VW Amarok kitchen
VanEssa at the 2017 Caravan Salon
13/152
VanEssa at the 2017 Caravan Salon
VanEssa estimates that the set-up with dual slides, full kitchen and wood cover will retail somewhere around €6,000 when it goes on sale next year
14/152
VanEssa estimates that the set-up with dual slides, full kitchen and wood cover will retail somewhere around €6,000 when it goes on sale next year
Beyond the Amarok, VanEssa offers a full line of cooking and sleeping solutions for many European vans
15/152
Beyond the Amarok, VanEssa offers a full line of cooking and sleeping solutions for many European vans
While world premieres and new innovations attract the most attention, the Oldtimer Show of vintage caravans is a very cool attraction in itself
16/152
While world premieres and new innovations attract the most attention, the Oldtimer Show of vintage caravans is a very cool attraction in itself
According to the Caravan Salon website, the Oldtimer Show had 20 vintage caravans on display, the oldest dating back to the 50s.
17/152
According to the Caravan Salon website, the Oldtimer Show had 20 vintage caravans on display, the oldest dating back to the 50s.
Caravans of the Oldtimers Show
18/152
Caravans of the Oldtimers Show
The newly redesigned Knaus Deseo 400 TR is billed as a comfy caravan that can double as a motorcycle trailer
19/152
The newly redesigned Knaus Deseo 400 TR is billed as a comfy caravan that can double as a motorcycle trailer
Two built-in ramps and a full-width tailgate make it easy to load the Knaus Deseo 400 TR
20/152
Two built-in ramps and a full-width tailgate make it easy to load the Knaus Deseo 400 TR
The Knaus Deseo 400 TR includes a kitchen, living/dining/sleeping area and bathroom
21/152
The Knaus Deseo 400 TR includes a kitchen, living/dining/sleeping area and bathroom
Hobby Vantana K60 FT
22/152
Hobby Vantana K60 FT
We looked at the Hobby Vantana and its cabinet-style SlimLine refrigerator and swivel toilet last year
23/152
We looked at the Hobby Vantana and its cabinet-style SlimLine refrigerator and swivel toilet last year
Inside the Etrusco 7300 SB
24/152
Inside the Etrusco 7300 SB
Inside the Etrusco 7300 SB
25/152
Inside the Etrusco 7300 SB
Etrusco 7300 SB
26/152
Etrusco 7300 SB
Motorhomes and caravans were the main draw, but Danny MacAskill's "Drop and Roll" tour on the first weekend was also a highlight
27/152
Motorhomes and caravans were the main draw, but Danny MacAskill's "Drop and Roll" tour on the first weekend was also a highlight
2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
28/152
2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
29/152
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
30/152
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
The caravans of the Oldtimer Show are quite interesting but so is the interior decor, often conveying the look and feel of grandma's living room
31/152
The caravans of the Oldtimer Show are quite interesting but so is the interior decor, often conveying the look and feel of grandma's living room
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
32/152
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
33/152
Oldtimers Show at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Ququq camping system on show
34/152
Ququq camping system on show
The Opus camper has been racking up air miles. We recently covered the latest American version and saw it in Australia, and here it is in Germany
35/152
The Opus camper has been racking up air miles. We recently covered the latest American version and saw it in Australia, and here it is in Germany
Volkner vehicles are part Type A motorhome, part car carrier
36/152
Volkner vehicles are part Type A motorhome, part car carrier
According to a Caravan Salon press release, the Volkner Performance S was the most expensive motorhome of the 2017 show
37/152
According to a Caravan Salon press release, the Volkner Performance S was the most expensive motorhome of the 2017 show
The new Volkner Performance S makes its debut in Düsseldorf
38/152
The new Volkner Performance S makes its debut in Düsseldorf
Volkner motorhomes slide-outs carry cars and increase interior space
39/152
Volkner motorhomes slide-outs carry cars and increase interior space
Morelo is another name in large, luxurious motorhomes
40/152
Morelo is another name in large, luxurious motorhomes
The Morelo Empire Liner
41/152
The Morelo Empire Liner
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
42/152
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
43/152
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
44/152
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
45/152
On board a luxurious Morelo motorhome
The new Variomobil Signature 1200 isn't the only option for carrying a Porsche 911 Cabriolet; here Morelo shows it can do the same
46/152
The new Variomobil Signature 1200 isn't the only option for carrying a Porsche 911 Cabriolet; here Morelo shows it can do the same
Smaller Morelo Empire Liners have only scooter or Smart garages, but the Empire Liner 118 GSO can carry a Porsche
47/152
Smaller Morelo Empire Liners have only scooter or Smart garages, but the Empire Liner 118 GSO can carry a Porsche
Variomobil at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
48/152
Variomobil at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Variomobil debuted its Signature 1200 motorhome at this year's show
49/152
Variomobil debuted its Signature 1200 motorhome at this year's show
Not everyone needs to take a whole car along; here's another option
50/152
Not everyone needs to take a whole car along; here's another option
A Concorde motorhome with Smart car
51/152
A Concorde motorhome with Smart car
Bimobil's EX 420 is based on the Iveco Daily 4x4 with extended wheelbase
52/152
Bimobil's EX 420 is based on the Iveco Daily 4x4 with extended wheelbase
Westfalia camper vans with various badges
53/152
Westfalia camper vans with various badges
In addition to revealing the new Ducato 4x4, Fiat showed a smaller Talento camper van
54/152
In addition to revealing the new Ducato 4x4, Fiat showed a smaller Talento camper van
A classic two-toned Volkswagen California Ocean
55/152
A classic two-toned Volkswagen California Ocean
Exploring the rear annex
56/152
Exploring the rear annex
Inside the Dethleffs Coco design study
57/152
Inside the Dethleffs Coco design study
Dethleffs explores lightweight caravan design with the Coco concept
58/152
Dethleffs explores lightweight caravan design with the Coco concept
Some sleek cooking modules on show at 3 Dog Camping, a pop-up trailer specialist
59/152
Some sleek cooking modules on show at 3 Dog Camping, a pop-up trailer specialist
Bimobil at the 2017 Caravan Salon
60/152
Bimobil at the 2017 Caravan Salon
Bimobil at the 2017 Caravan Salon
61/152
Bimobil at the 2017 Caravan Salon
Dethleffs reveals the e.home electric motorhome concept with solar panel exterior
62/152
Dethleffs reveals the e.home electric motorhome concept with solar panel exterior
Hymercar shows its DuoCar camper van
63/152
Hymercar shows its DuoCar camper van
Hymercar shows its DuoCar camper van
64/152
Hymercar shows its DuoCar camper van
Inside the Hymercar DuoCar
65/152
Inside the Hymercar DuoCar
Action Mobil was a strong contender for "most rugged off-road monster motorhome"
66/152
Action Mobil was a strong contender for "most rugged off-road monster motorhome"
The Atacama 5800 is Action Mobil's latest off-road motorhome
67/152
The Atacama 5800 is Action Mobil's latest off-road motorhome
Its burly on the outside, but inside the Action Mobil Atacama 5800 has comforts like a solar-backed electrical system, sound system and full kitchen
68/152
Its burly on the outside, but inside the Action Mobil Atacama 5800 has comforts like a solar-backed electrical system, sound system and full kitchen
Scottish pro trials biker Danny MacAskill put on a show for attendees
69/152
Scottish pro trials biker Danny MacAskill put on a show for attendees
Gentletent roof-top tent
70/152
Gentletent roof-top tent
Holtkamper demonstrates its WindForce air-based tent set-up
71/152
Holtkamper demonstrates its WindForce air-based tent set-up
Holtkamper's WindForce system sets the trailer tent up in about three minutes
72/152
Holtkamper's WindForce system sets the trailer tent up in about three minutes
CampWerk trailer
73/152
CampWerk trailer
Danny MacAskill's Drop and Roll tour makes a stop in Düsseldorf
74/152
Danny MacAskill's Drop and Roll tour makes a stop in Düsseldorf
Danny MacAskill's Drop and Roll tour makes a stop in Düsseldorf
75/152
Danny MacAskill's Drop and Roll tour makes a stop in Düsseldorf
Pop-up roofs everywhere!
76/152
Pop-up roofs everywhere!
The Volkswagen California XXL is a clear crowd builder
77/152
The Volkswagen California XXL is a clear crowd builder
Knaus shows its Saint & Sinner VW Crafter concept
78/152
Knaus shows its Saint & Sinner VW Crafter concept
Volkner Performance S
79/152
Volkner Performance S
Bliss Mobil shows an impressive off-road expedition vehicle
80/152
Bliss Mobil shows an impressive off-road expedition vehicle
Bliss Mobil at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
81/152
Bliss Mobil at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
The caravans of the Oldtimer Show
82/152
The caravans of the Oldtimer Show
Susi Cruz is touring the world in a VW T3 camper van
83/152
Susi Cruz is touring the world in a VW T3 camper van
As nice as the manufacturer interiors around the show were, there's something about the individual touch that really makes a camper look inviting and livable
84/152
As nice as the manufacturer interiors around the show were, there's something about the individual touch that really makes a camper look inviting and livable
Dethleffs Coco design study
85/152
Dethleffs Coco design study
The folding, sustainable sCarabane concept might have been the most impressive piece of hardware at the show
86/152
The folding, sustainable sCarabane concept might have been the most impressive piece of hardware at the show
In addition to its innovative solar and wind power systems, the sCarabane looks like a very comfortable place to stay, offering a full deck and outdoor bar with kitchen access
87/152
In addition to its innovative solar and wind power systems, the sCarabane looks like a very comfortable place to stay, offering a full deck and outdoor bar with kitchen access
Variomobil Signature 1200
88/152
Variomobil Signature 1200
Inside the Variomobil Signature 1200
89/152
Inside the Variomobil Signature 1200
Inside the Variomobil Signature 1200
90/152
Inside the Variomobil Signature 1200
Inside the Variomobil Signature 1200
91/152
Inside the Variomobil Signature 1200
Variomobil's Signature 1200 with Porsche-hauling XXL garage
92/152
Variomobil's Signature 1200 with Porsche-hauling XXL garage
Having a Porsche along for the trip is sure to open up many new possibilities
93/152
Having a Porsche along for the trip is sure to open up many new possibilities
Volkswagen at the 2017 Caravan Salon
94/152
Volkswagen at the 2017 Caravan Salon
The 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
95/152
The 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
E-bikes are a natural motorhome partner, offering a maneuverable solution for shorter trips around camp and town
96/152
E-bikes are a natural motorhome partner, offering a maneuverable solution for shorter trips around camp and town
Mercedes highlights its Marco Polo camper vans
97/152
Mercedes highlights its Marco Polo camper vans
Mercedes highlights its Marco Polo camper vans
98/152
Mercedes highlights its Marco Polo camper vans
Inside VW's innovative California XXL camper van concept
99/152
Inside VW's innovative California XXL camper van concept
A peek through the rear window of the VW California XXL
100/152
A peek through the rear window of the VW California XXL
Volkswagen California Ocean
101/152
Volkswagen California Ocean
Fiat Fullback pickup truck
102/152
Fiat Fullback pickup truck
Hymer at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
103/152
Hymer at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Opus camping trailers on show in Düsseldorf
104/152
Opus camping trailers on show in Düsseldorf
We've covered many European-market camper box systems, and here's one we haven't seen before: the Nest by Czech company Egoe
105/152
We've covered many European-market camper box systems, and here's one we haven't seen before: the Nest by Czech company Egoe
Roof-top tents at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
106/152
Roof-top tents at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
The Hobby Vantana gets the rock 'n' roll treatment
107/152
The Hobby Vantana gets the rock 'n' roll treatment
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
108/152
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
109/152
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
110/152
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
111/152
The heavy metal-inspired Hobby Wacken-Vantana
Knaus Fiat Ducato-based Saint & Sinner
112/152
Knaus Fiat Ducato-based Saint & Sinner
You don't need a massive Type A motorhome to bring a second vehicle along
113/152
You don't need a massive Type A motorhome to bring a second vehicle along
TerraCamper builds rugged modular camper van systems that are on their way to the American market
114/152
TerraCamper builds rugged modular camper van systems that are on their way to the American market
SpaceCamper at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
115/152
SpaceCamper at the 2017 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
Tischer pickup campers
116/152
Tischer pickup campers
Some of the motorhomes and campers in the Caravan Center parking area are as impressive as those inside
117/152
Some of the motorhomes and campers in the Caravan Center parking area are as impressive as those inside
Some of the motorhomes and campers in the Caravan Center parking area are as impressive as those inside
118/152
Some of the motorhomes and campers in the Caravan Center parking area are as impressive as those inside
The Skydancer 7.5 is a convertible motorhome project we looked at a few years ago
119/152
The Skydancer 7.5 is a convertible motorhome project we looked at a few years ago
Some of the motorhomes and campers in the Caravan Center parking area are as impressive as those inside
120/152
Some of the motorhomes and campers in the Caravan Center parking area are as impressive as those inside
Morelo Empire Liner
121/152
Morelo Empire Liner
Gentletent's new B Turtle bike camper with inflatable tent
122/152
Gentletent's new B Turtle bike camper with inflatable tent
Gentletent's GT Roof tent
123/152
Gentletent's GT Roof tent
The B Turtle bike camper sleeps two
124/152
The B Turtle bike camper sleeps two
Gentletent also previewed a pickup truck inflatable camper
125/152
Gentletent also previewed a pickup truck inflatable camper
Gentletent's pickup roof-top tent is interesting because it works as a sort of an inflatable bed camper
126/152
Gentletent's pickup roof-top tent is interesting because it works as a sort of an inflatable bed camper
Action Mobil's Atacama 5800 includes a rear motorcycle lift
127/152
Action Mobil's Atacama 5800 includes a rear motorcycle lift
Inside the Action Mobil Atacama 5800
128/152
Inside the Action Mobil Atacama 5800
No need to go hungry in the backcountry, the Atacama 5800 includes a fridge, induction cooktop and oven
129/152
No need to go hungry in the backcountry, the Atacama 5800 includes a fridge, induction cooktop and oven
Action Mobil's extendable bed provides room to sleep and shortens up when you need to use the dinette set
130/152
Action Mobil's extendable bed provides room to sleep and shortens up when you need to use the dinette set
Action Mobil Atacama 5800 bathroom
131/152
Action Mobil Atacama 5800 bathroom
Inside the Action Mobil Atacama 5800
132/152
Inside the Action Mobil Atacama 5800
Volkner Performance S
133/152
Volkner Performance S
Volkner shows off its roof-mounted solar
134/152
Volkner shows off its roof-mounted solar
A retractable TV in the Knaus Deseo 400 TR
135/152
A retractable TV in the Knaus Deseo 400 TR 
The Deseo lifting bed provides a second sleeping level
136/152
The Deseo lifting bed provides a second sleeping level
Inside the Knaus Deseo 400 TR
137/152
Inside the Knaus Deseo 400 TR
Convertible sofa bed in the Knaus Deseo 400 TR
138/152
Convertible sofa bed in the Knaus Deseo 400 TR
Knaus Deseo 400 TR
139/152
Knaus Deseo 400 TR
The Deseo table can be used indoors or out
140/152
The Deseo table can be used indoors or out
Knaus Deseo 400 TR bathroom
141/152
Knaus Deseo 400 TR bathroom
Lifting bed up and out of the way
142/152
Lifting bed up and out of the way
The Action Mobil Atacama 7900 has a built-in garage of its own
143/152
The Action Mobil Atacama 7900 has a built-in garage of its own