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Automotive

Gallery: CMT 2019's most innovative camper vans for solo adventurers up to full families

By C.C. Weiss
January 30, 2019
Gallery: CMT 2019's most innovative camper vans for solo adventurers up to full families
Malibu Van 600 DSB 4 at CMT 2019
Malibu Van 600 DSB 4 at CMT 2019
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A simple but functional camper, the pop-top Ahorn Van City's advertised base price is €39,500, but this model was optioned up to €47,990
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A simple but functional camper, the pop-top Ahorn Van City's advertised base price is €39,500, but this model was optioned up to €47,990
One of the latest camper vans at Bürstner, the City Car Harmony Line features exterior graphics, exclusive upholstery and a more robust standard equipment package
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One of the latest camper vans at Bürstner, the City Car  Harmony Line features exterior graphics, exclusive upholstery and a more robust standard equipment package
The Bürstner City Car Harmony Line C 603 has a dedicated two-person floor plan that does away with the dining bench typical on this style of front dinette, replacing it with storage cabinetry
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The Bürstner City Car Harmony Line C 603 has a dedicated two-person floor plan that does away with the dining bench typical on this style of front dinette, replacing it with storage cabinetry
The swiveling cab seats create a dining area for two inside the Bürstner City Car Harmony Line C 603
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The swiveling cab seats create a dining area for two inside the Bürstner City Car Harmony Line C 603 
Bürstner City Car Harmony Line C 603 bathroom with foldaway sink
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Bürstner City Car Harmony Line C 603 bathroom with foldaway sink
Bürstner had the City Car Harmony Line C 603 quite nicely decorated and accessorized, stressing the point that it's a home away from home
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Bürstner had the City Car Harmony Line C 603 quite nicely decorated and accessorized, stressing the point that it's a home away from home
This Sunlight Cliff 640 features a fridge at the end of the kitchen block
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This Sunlight Cliff 640 features a fridge at the end of the kitchen block
The Sunlight Cliff 640 camper van offers plenty of counter space
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The Sunlight Cliff 640 camper van offers plenty of counter space
Inside the Sunlight Cliff 640 bathroom
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Inside the Sunlight Cliff 640 bathroom
Sunlight Cliff 640
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Sunlight Cliff 640
We looked at the five-sleeper Carado Vlow 601 last year, and here we take a peek at the Vlow 640
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We looked at the five-sleeper Carado Vlow 601 last year, and here we take a peek at the Vlow 640
Inside the Carado Vlow 640
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Inside the Carado Vlow 640
Carado Vlow 540 Unlimited special edition
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Carado Vlow 540 Unlimited special edition
Foldaway transverse bed in the Carado Vlow 540 Unlimited
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Foldaway transverse bed in the Carado Vlow 540 Unlimited
Inside the Carado Vlow 540 Unlimited
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Inside the Carado Vlow 540 Unlimited
Karmann Mobil shows its Dexter 555
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Karmann Mobil shows its Dexter 555
One of the true space-optimizers at CMT, the Karmann Mobil Dexter 555 sleeps up to six people on a combination of transverse rear bed, convertible dinette area bed and drop-down bed over top the dinette, all inside a 236 inch (599 cm) van
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One of the true space-optimizers at CMT, the Karmann Mobil Dexter 555 sleeps up to six  people on a combination of transverse rear bed, convertible dinette area bed and drop-down bed over top the dinette, all inside a 236 inch (599 cm) van
The Karmann Dexter 555 can sleep six but it only seats five for the ride
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The Karmann Dexter 555 can sleep six but it only seats five for the ride
Inside the Karmann Mobil Dexter 555
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Inside the Karmann Mobil Dexter 555
Karmann Dexter 555 kitchen block
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Karmann Dexter 555 kitchen block
The Karmann Dexter 555 includes a central wet bath
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The Karmann Dexter 555 includes a central wet bath
The Dexter 555 sink swivels out when needed and away for toilet access
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The Dexter 555 sink swivels out when needed and away for toilet access
Karmann Dexter 550 floor plan
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Karmann Dexter 550 floor plan
The Karmann Dexter 550 features a forward sleeping layout similar to the 555, with a drop-down bed over top a convertible dinette bed, for a total of four sleeping berths
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The Karmann Dexter 550 features a forward sleeping layout similar to the 555, with a drop-down bed over top a convertible dinette bed, for a total of four sleeping berths
The big difference between the Dexter 550 and the longer 555 is the lack of rear bed in the 550, replaced by an L-shaped kitchen and rear bathroom
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The big difference between the Dexter 550 and the longer 555 is the lack of rear bed in the 550, replaced by an L-shaped kitchen and rear bathroom
Inside Karmann's Dexter 550
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Inside Karmann's Dexter 550
Rear bathroom compartment in the Karmann Dexter 550
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Rear bathroom compartment in the Karmann Dexter 550
We've looked at a number of Karmann models, and each features a distinctive layout and feature set, an impressive family of camper vans
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We've looked at a number of Karmann models, and each features a distinctive layout and feature set, an impressive family of camper vans
Roller Team highlights the versatile rear load/sleeping area in its Livingstone Duo camper van - instead of the usual full-width bed, it has two longitudinal beds that each fold away to clear out plenty of storage space
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Roller Team highlights the versatile rear load/sleeping area in its Livingstone Duo camper van - instead of the usual full-width bed, it has two longitudinal beds that each fold away to clear out plenty of storage space
The Roller Team Livingstone Duo includes removable lower load shelf panels and cabinetry for extra organization and versatility
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The Roller Team Livingstone Duo includes removable lower load shelf panels and cabinetry for extra organization and versatility
Roller Team Livingstone Duo camper van on show at CMT 2019
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Roller Team Livingstone Duo camper van on show at CMT 2019
Roller Team Livingstone Duo kitchen block with folding counter extension
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Roller Team Livingstone Duo kitchen block with folding counter extension
Roller Team Livingstone Duo bathroom
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Roller Team Livingstone Duo bathroom
Autocom shows off its Cargo Camper modular camping system in a new Mercedes Sprinter
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Autocom shows off its Cargo Camper modular camping system in a new Mercedes Sprinter
Autocom has designed a very different style of camper van kitchen for its Cargo Camper, a wall-mounted cabinet with fold-out faucet and slide-out stove/wash basin platform
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Autocom has designed a very different style of camper van kitchen for its Cargo Camper, a wall-mounted cabinet with fold-out faucet and slide-out stove/wash basin platform
Slide-out stove on the Cargo Camper City Sprinter
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Slide-out stove on the Cargo Camper City Sprinter
Very different from the average camper conversion, the Cargo Camper kit features pegboard-style wall, ceiling and floor paneling, allowing for versatile installation and removal of camping furniture and hardware
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Very different from the average camper conversion, the Cargo Camper kit features pegboard-style wall, ceiling and floor paneling, allowing for versatile installation and removal of camping furniture and hardware
Another roomy camper van for the whole family, the 236 inch (599 cm) Fiat Ducato-based Dreamer Family Van Select seats and sleeps five people
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Another roomy camper van for the whole family, the 236 inch (599 cm) Fiat Ducato-based Dreamer Family Van Select seats and sleeps five people
Drop-down bed in the Dreamer Family Van Select
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Drop-down bed in the Dreamer Family Van Select
The Dreamer Family Van Select is loaded with beds: two rear single-sleeper bunk beds, a convertible dinette bed and a drop-down double bed over the dinette
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The Dreamer Family Van Select is loaded with beds: two rear single-sleeper bunk beds, a convertible dinette bed and a drop-down double bed over the dinette
Moving down the Dreamer sizing chart to the 210 inch (534 cm) Cap Land Select
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Moving down the Dreamer sizing chart to the 210 inch (534 cm) Cap Land Select
No shortage of seating in the Dreamer Cap Land Select; the compact camper van sleeps four people on the combination of convertible dinette and pop-up roof bed
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No shortage of seating in the Dreamer Cap Land Select; the compact camper van sleeps four people on the combination of convertible dinette and pop-up roof bed
A bit of a different spin on the front dinette, Dreamer puts a rear-facing double bench inside its Cap Land Select rather than relying on cab swivel seats
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A bit of a different spin on the front dinette, Dreamer puts a rear-facing double bench inside its Cap Land Select rather than relying on cab swivel seats
The Dreamer Cap Land Select includes a rear bathroom
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The Dreamer Cap Land Select includes a rear bathroom
Sit atop the toilet even when you're not using it in the Dreamer Cap Land Select
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Sit atop the toilet even when you're not using it in the Dreamer Cap Land Select
Versatile rear cargo area in the Rapido V55 camper van
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Versatile rear cargo area in the Rapido V55 camper van
A look inside the Rapido V55, which wore a €52,229 sticker price at CMT
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A look inside the Rapido V55, which wore a €52,229 sticker price at CMT
The kitchen block is one of the places the Rapido V55 saves space - it does pack a triple-burner stove, larger than the dual-burners common on camper vans, but it doesn't have any dedicated counter space, instead relying on the stove and sink lids and a fold-up extension on the side
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The kitchen block is one of the places the Rapido V55 saves space - it does pack a triple-burner stove, larger than the dual-burners common on camper vans, but it doesn't have any dedicated counter space, instead relying on the stove and sink lids and a fold-up extension on the side
The 599 cm Rapido V55 uses some smart, space-optimizing design to sleep three people while offering a central dry bath layout with separate shower and toilet rooms
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The 599 cm Rapido V55 uses some smart, space-optimizing design to sleep three people while offering a central dry bath layout with separate shower and toilet rooms
The Rapido V55 fridge is across from the kitchen block, next to the shower compartment
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The Rapido V55 fridge is across from the kitchen block, next to the shower compartment
The real unique part of the Rapido V55 build is the multi-position swinging wardrobe
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The real unique part of the Rapido V55 build is the multi-position swinging wardrobe
During the night, the wardrobe occupies the top half of the shower room to clear the bed
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During the night, the wardrobe occupies the top half of the shower room to clear the bed
When it's time for a shower, the wardrobe swings around over the bed to clear out the shower room
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When it's time for a shower, the wardrobe swings around over the bed to clear out the shower room
Doors on both sides of Rapido's swinging wardrobe ensure seamless access inside
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Doors on both sides of Rapido's swinging wardrobe ensure seamless access inside
A look into the Rapido V55 shower room
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A look into the Rapido V55 shower room
With the swinging wardrobe and other space-saving measures, Rapido is able to include a separate dry toilet compartment, instead of combining shower, toilet and sink into a single wet cell
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With the swinging wardrobe and other space-saving measures, Rapido is able to include a separate dry toilet compartment, instead of combining shower, toilet and sink into a single wet cell
Inside the Dreamer Family Van Select wet bath
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Inside the Dreamer Family Van Select wet bath
Dreamer Family Van Select kitchen
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Dreamer Family Van Select kitchen
The Dreamer Family Van Select includes a drop-down bed over the living area
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The Dreamer Family Van Select includes a drop-down bed over the living area
This Dreamer Family Van Select wore a sticker price of €58,780
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This Dreamer Family Van Select wore a sticker price of €58,780
Malibu has introduced the Charming GT camper van for the 2019 model year
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Malibu has introduced the Charming GT camper van for the 2019 model year
Rear bed in the Malibu Charming GT 640 LE
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Rear bed in the Malibu Charming GT 640 LE
Malibu Charming GT 640 LE camper van
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Malibu Charming GT 640 LE camper van
With the Charming GT, Malibu follows other European camper van brands like Adria in creating a roomier living area by opening up the roof area over the cockpit and adding in an extra skylight
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With the Charming GT, Malibu follows other European camper van brands like Adria in creating a roomier living area by opening up the roof area over the cockpit and adding in an extra skylight
Malibu celebrates its 40th anniversary at CMT 2019
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Malibu celebrates its 40th anniversary at CMT 2019
Burow shows the Peugeot Boxer-based VIP 490 camper van
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Burow shows the Peugeot Boxer-based VIP 490 camper van
Burow gives its VIP 490 a stylish interior
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Burow gives its VIP 490 a stylish interior
Germany's Roadtrip converts Mercedes-Benz Sprinters into stylish camper vans
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Germany's Roadtrip converts Mercedes-Benz Sprinters into stylish camper vans
In the back of the Roadtrip Sprinter camper van
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In the back of the Roadtrip Sprinter camper van
Germany's Roadtrip gives the Mercedes Sprinter a distinctive floor plan
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Germany's Roadtrip gives the Mercedes Sprinter a distinctive floor plan
One of our favorite components on the Roadtrip Sprinter camper van, the pull-down electrical receptacle over the kitchen provides power when you need, disappears when you don't
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One of our favorite components on the Roadtrip Sprinter camper van, the pull-down electrical receptacle over the kitchen provides power when you need, disappears when you don't
Roadtrip Sprinter kitchen block with triple-burner stove and sink
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Roadtrip Sprinter kitchen block with triple-burner stove and sink
Roadtrip includes a small table between the swivel driver area seats
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Roadtrip includes a small table between the swivel driver area seats
Globe Traveller turns the Peugeot Boxer into the Voyager XS
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Globe Traveller turns the Peugeot Boxer into the Voyager XS
Globe Traveller Voyager XS kitchen
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Globe Traveller Voyager XS kitchen
Globe Traveller's Voyager XS floor plan feels a little like a larger motorhome, complete with rear bedroom and accompanying bathroom
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Globe Traveller's Voyager XS floor plan feels a little like a larger motorhome, complete with rear bedroom and accompanying bathroom
The Globe Traveller Voyager XS includes a fold-down bathroom sink over the toilet
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The Globe Traveller Voyager XS includes a fold-down bathroom sink over the toilet
Dropping the sink in the Globe Traveller Voyager XS wet bath
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Dropping the sink in the Globe Traveller Voyager XS wet bath
Inside the €73,323 Globe Traveller Voyager XS; the high-roof includes a retractable bed
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Inside the €73,323 Globe Traveller Voyager XS; the high-roof includes a retractable bed
Globe Traveller at CMT 2019
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Globe Traveller at CMT 2019
Globe Traveller Explorer XS
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Globe Traveller Explorer XS
Inside the Globe Traveller Explorer XS
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Inside the Globe Traveller Explorer XS
A bit brighter, but this €59,193 Globe Traveller Explorer XS looks much like the Voyager XS
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A bit brighter, but this €59,193 Globe Traveller Explorer XS looks much like the Voyager XS
Bolcamp high-roof Sprinter camper van
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Bolcamp high-roof Sprinter camper van
With a €107,923 list price, this Volkswagen Crafter StarCamper from Reimo was one of the pricier camper vans on show
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With a €107,923 list price, this Volkswagen Crafter StarCamper from Reimo was one of the pricier camper vans on show
Rear bath in the Reimo Volkswagen StarCamper
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Rear bath in the Reimo Volkswagen StarCamper
Inside the Reimo StarCamper
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Inside the Reimo StarCamper
The StarCamper includes a convertible bench/bed
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The StarCamper includes a convertible bench/bed
Reimo StarCamper folding bed
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Reimo StarCamper folding bed
A starry headliner for the Reimo StarCamper
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A starry headliner for the Reimo StarCamper
Westfalia shows the VW Transporter-based Kepler One with rear bathroom
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Westfalia shows the VW Transporter-based Kepler One with rear bathroom
The Westfalia Kepler One was listed with a base price of €52,990
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The Westfalia Kepler One was listed with a base price of €52,990
Plenty of seating inside the Westfalia Kepler One
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Plenty of seating inside the Westfalia Kepler One
Westfalia turns the Mercedes Viano into the Jules Verne
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Westfalia turns the Mercedes Viano into the Jules Verne
Westfalia slides a toilet in the rear of the Mercedes Jules Verne camper van
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Westfalia slides a toilet in the rear of the Mercedes Jules Verne camper van
VanEssa transforms the Volkswagen Caddy into a cozy mini-campervan
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VanEssa transforms the Volkswagen Caddy into a cozy mini-campervan
VanEssa puts the bed up atop a rear cabinet with slide-out sink, stove and fridge
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VanEssa puts the bed up atop a rear cabinet with slide-out sink, stove and fridge
Single-burner canister stove in the VanEssa-converted VW Caddy
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Single-burner canister stove in the VanEssa-converted VW Caddy
The VanEssa Caddy was one of the few true "mini" camper vans on show
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The VanEssa Caddy was one of the few true "mini" camper vans on show
VanTourer shows the special interior of its "Sport" trim
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VanTourer shows the special interior of its "Sport" trim
VanTourer 600 Sport
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VanTourer 600 Sport 
Volkswagen brings out the recently debuted Grand California 640
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Volkswagen brings out the recently debuted Grand California 640
The Twist V594 Max from France's Chausson
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The Twist V594 Max from France's Chausson
The Chausson Twist V594 Max uses a modular bedding concept that lets you adjust sleeping berths and available space - the top bunk can be removed
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The Chausson Twist V594 Max uses a modular bedding concept that lets you adjust sleeping berths and available space - the top bunk can be removed
Chausson Twist V594 Max kitchen
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Chausson Twist V594 Max kitchen
Chausson's Twist V594 Max is another family camper van, offering up to five sleeping berths
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Chausson's Twist V594 Max is another family camper van, offering up to five sleeping berths
The €59,166 Mooveo Van 60 DB
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The €59,166 Mooveo Van 60 DB
A look inside the Mooveo Van 60 DB
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A look inside the Mooveo Van 60 DB
Mooveo Van 60 DB kitchen block
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Mooveo Van 60 DB kitchen block
The most interesting part of the Mooveo Van 60 DB is the flexible bathroom, in which the toilet retracts to clear the shower floor
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The most interesting part of the Mooveo Van 60 DB is the flexible bathroom, in which the toilet retracts to clear the shower floor
Mooveo Van 60 DB toilet retracted
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Mooveo Van 60 DB toilet retracted 
The Mooveo bathroom also includes a foldaway sink
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The Mooveo bathroom also includes a foldaway sink
Mooveo Van 60 DB
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Mooveo Van 60 DB
Citroën Type H WildCamp
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Citroën Type H WildCamp
Camperliebe brings the Hyundai badge to CMT with the H350-based CL1 camper van
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Camperliebe brings the Hyundai badge to CMT with the H350-based CL1 camper van
The new Campy "Free Camper" from Clever Vans is a simple, flexible Volkswagen California Beach sleeper van
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The new Campy "Free Camper" from Clever Vans is a simple, flexible Volkswagen California Beach sleeper van
Instead of the rear bench often seen on such conversions, the Clever Campy Free Camper uses rail-mounted individual seats for added flexibility
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Instead of the rear bench often seen on such conversions, the Clever Campy Free Camper uses rail-mounted individual seats for added flexibility
The Clever Campy Free Camper is so new it doesn't appear in Clever's 2019 catalog, but at the show, it wore a €38,990 base price sticker
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The Clever Campy Free Camper is so new it doesn't appear in Clever's 2019 catalog, but at the show, it wore a €38,990 base price sticker 
The Campy Free Camper's simple interior includes six seats and a dining table but no kitchen, bathroom or cabinetry, providing dual use as an overnighter and everyday driver
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The Campy Free Camper's simple interior includes six seats and a dining table but no kitchen, bathroom or cabinetry, providing dual use as an overnighter and everyday driver
Weinsberg shows the racy CUVolution concept it debuted last year
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Weinsberg shows the racy CUVolution concept it debuted last year
Knaus debuted the MAN TGE-based CUVision at the same time that sibling brand Weinsberg unveiled the CUVolution
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Knaus debuted the MAN TGE-based CUVision at the same time that sibling brand Weinsberg unveiled the CUVolution
The CUVolution features all kinds of added aero work to complement its bright-orange paint
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The CUVolution features all kinds of added aero work to complement its bright-orange paint
The Knaus CUVision is more subtle than the Weinsberg CUVolution, but it does include a low ride height, front spoiler, chrome accents and special paint job
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The Knaus CUVision is more subtle than the Weinsberg CUVolution, but it does include a low ride height, front spoiler, chrome accents and special paint job
The Knaus Boxlife 630 ME is a highly versatile Fiat Ducato-based camper van featuring a lift-away rear bed
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The Knaus Boxlife 630 ME is a highly versatile Fiat Ducato-based camper van featuring a lift-away rear bed
A peek inside the Knaus Boxlife 630 ME
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A peek inside the Knaus Boxlife 630 ME
The Knaus Boxlife 630 ME also includes an expanding central bathroom with roller door
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The Knaus Boxlife 630 ME also includes an expanding central bathroom with roller door
The compact, little Toyota Lerina camper van
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The compact, little Toyota Lerina camper van
Inside the Toyota Lerina
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Inside the Toyota Lerina
Pössl shows a 2Win Vario camper van with €58,919 price tag
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Pössl shows a 2Win Vario camper van with €58,919 price tag
The high roof on the Pössl 2Win Vario camper van gives it quite a pompadour
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The high roof on the Pössl 2Win Vario camper van gives it quite a pompadour 
Inside the Pössl 2Win Vario
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Inside the Pössl 2Win Vario
Pössl 2Win Vario bathroom
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Pössl 2Win Vario bathroom
Pössl's high roof contains a drop-down bed
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Pössl's high roof contains a drop-down bed
Rear bed on the Pössl 2Win Vario
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Rear bed on the Pössl 2Win Vario
Inside the Hymercar Free Blue Evolution bathroom
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Inside the Hymercar Free Blue Evolution bathroom
Ladder up to the penthouse level of the Hymercar Free Blue Evolution
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Ladder up to the penthouse level of the Hymercar Free Blue Evolution
Hymercar Free Blue Evolution foldaway bed
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Hymercar Free Blue Evolution foldaway bed
Hymer presents the Blue Evolution version of its Hymercar Free camper van
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Hymer presents the Blue Evolution version of its Hymercar Free camper van
Hymercar Free Blue Evolution
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Hymercar Free Blue Evolution
Carado Vlow 540
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Carado Vlow 540
Malibu Van 600 DSB 4 at CMT 2019
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Malibu Van 600 DSB 4 at CMT 2019
Germany's Womondo shows a different look with an Opel Movano camper van
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Germany's Womondo shows a different look with an Opel Movano camper van
View gallery - 142 images

Beyond the 4x4 off-road adventure vans, this year's CMT show was also exploding with slick, space-optimized 2WD camper vans built for extended travel, leisure and outdoor living. In fact, such vehicles were everywhere. Based on staples like the Fiat Ducato and Volkswagen T6, as well as lower-profile vans like the Opel Movano and Hyundai H350, these vans ranged from mini-campers built for singles and couples to full-size camper vans cleverly stacked for five or six people.

More than just an RV show, CMT (Caravan, Motor, Touristik) bills itself as the world's largest "consumer show for tourism and leisure," with several halls dedicated to travel destinations, tour operations, cruises, resorts and the like. As much as we like a good vacation, we didn't spend much time wandering those areas, as the show's 1,000 exhibited vehicles kept us quite busy. Those leisure vehicles ranged in size from small trailers to car-swallowing liners, but the show's sweet spot definitely fell right in the middle: camper vans. In fact, this year's show had an entire hall dedicated to vans.

After spending three days at the show, we came away with hundreds of photos of camper vans of every make, model and size, and we've trimmed that album down to the most interesting of the bunch, a series of vans that utilize innovative layouts and smart solutions to make living on the road as comfortable as possible.

Tiny living

We didn't see quite as many sub-197 inch (500 cm) mini-campervans at CMT as we did at last year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, but one particularly small, neatly packed mini-camper did pop out. The Caddy, Volkswagen's smallest van, is one of many vehicles that Germany's VanEssa designs all-in-one camper conversion kits for, offering hardware for both the standard 173 in (440 cm) Caddy and the 193 in (490 cm) Caddy Maxi. Its kit consists of a tailgate kitchen module and a fold-out bed. The kitchen unit's various drawers hold a single-burner stove, sink and 35 L fridge, along with utensils, dishes and supplies.

The VanEssa Caddy was one of the few true "mini" camper vans on show
The VanEssa Caddy was one of the few true "mini" camper vans on show

VanEssa offers the various pieces individually, but the full Caddy set-up displayed at CMT, with the kitchen area, folding bed, 16 L water tank, gas stove, Dometic CF35 compressor fridge and hanging storage pouches, starts at €3,660 (approx. US$4,200). The van, of course, is not included.

A family affair

Karmann Mobil shows its Dexter 555
Karmann Mobil shows its Dexter 555

The typical camper van sleeps either two or four people, but a small subset sleep five, even six. The six-sleeper we spent a little time in at CMT was the Karmann Mobil Dexter 555. We've been impressed with Karmann vans like the Danny 530 and Dexter 560 4x4 in the recent past, and the Dexter 555 might just be the most impressive of them all.

It's not even the longest van in the Karmann family, but it's the roomiest overnight shelter, sleeping two on the transverse double bed at the rear, two on the convertible dinette, and two on the drop down bed that hangs over top the dinette bed. It also squeezes in a central wet bath with swing-away sink and a compact kitchen area with stove and 109 L fridge. One caveat: it only seats up to five during the drive.

The Fiat Ducato-based Dexter 555 starts at €51,390 ($58,775), and the model on show was optioned up to €61,580 ($70,425).

Movers and shakers

Most of the camper vans of CMT fell somewhere between the stacked-bed rolling family estate and the tiny couple's van, and several used some interesting sliding, flipping and swinging components to make the most use of their compact space.

The Rapido V55 has what we consider the most interesting dual-use, space-optimizing solution, a swinging wardrobe that stores away in the shower compartment at night and swings over top the rear bed when the shower room is in use. It has doors on both sides so clothing can be accessed easily in either position. With this simple adjustment, Rapido is able to fit separate toilet and shower rooms into the center of its €48,300 (show model: €52,229) camper, a 236 in (599 cm) van that would typically have space for only a combined wet bath.

When it's time for a shower, the wardrobe swings around over the bed to clear out the shower room
When it's time for a shower, the wardrobe swings around over the bed to clear out the shower room

One 6 meter van that had space for only a combined wet bath was the Mooveo Van 60 DB. Not a very creative model name, but it does show some creativity in the design of its wet bath, which has a toilet that slides away to clear the shower floor. Up above that toilet, the sink folds into the wall, freeing up enough elbow room to properly lather even those most difficult-to-reach body parts. The two-sleeper van starts at €50,990 ($58,300), and the four-sleeper pop-top on show wore a sticker price of €59,166 ($67,650).

Mooveo Van 60 DB toilet retracted
Mooveo Van 60 DB toilet retracted 

Head to the gallery for a look at the many other smart, versatile camper vans of CMT 2019.

View gallery - 142 images

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AutomotiveTravelCampingMotorhomesOutdoors and CampingMotorhomeVanCampervanCMT showCMT 2019
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C.C. Weiss
C.C. Weiss
Chris joined the New Atlas team in 2011 and now serves as the automotive and campers editor, traveling extensively to gather the latest news on cars, outdoor sports gear and other innovations designed to help people experience and enjoy the greater world around them.

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