dusseldorf caravan salon 2023

The classic California camper van floor plan remains popular but rarely results in the most inviting home-on-wheels. Offtrack has improved upon the layout, dressing it in decor and equipment that look plucked from the pages of a design magazine.

Knaus has reimagined the camping trailer, developing its new Yaseo series from the ground up for EV compatibility. The trailer does more with less via a flexible multifunctional interior and uses gas-free power that can plug into the tow EV.

Blackcamp has developed a high-precision tool for exploring the mountains via four wheels, two wheels, two feet, etc. Its Freeda squaredrop trailer tows nimbly before popping, swinging and sliding into a cozy alpine hut for deep-wilderness expeditions.

Japanese brand X-Cabin has introduced its own rendition of the lightweight all-aluminum camping trailer. The X-Cabin 300 features shiny riveted aluminum similar to an Airstream but in a boxier shape reminiscent of the company's industrial roots.

Citroën made a statement in 2018 with a concept called the Type H WildCamp. Five years later, a similar van kickstarts an invigorated RV program. The new Type Holidays carries over the retro looks but adds a pop-up roof and versatile floor plan.

Dethleffs has taken the idea of splitting the difference between motorhome and camper van up a notch with its new Yoka Go. The B+ RV has a cabin-widening motorhome box, a lift-gate for gear-hauling, and a price tag that undercuts many camper vans.

Thule channels its hitch and rooftop tent expertise into a new style of vehicle tent designed to offer the best of both vehicle and ground camping. The new Outset tent rides on the car hitch, rolling out at camp to become an above-ground shelter.

The Nissan e-NV200 became the world's first electric camper van back when the modern EV market was still in its infancy. Nissan retired the e-NV in 2021 to make room for its successor, the Townstar EV, which itself makes a compelling mini-camper.

Ford's Transit Custom has been part of PHEV campers from third-party shops for several years, but not from Ford itself. That changes with the new Transit Custom Nugget camper van, which combines a smart multi-zone layout with available PHEV.

At this year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, Bürstner emphasizes the theme "Travel Small, Live Large." Its Habiton concept exemplifies the tagline, hitting highways as a small, efficient Renault Kangoo before auto-inflating into a family base camp.

The new Weinsberg CaraLife 630 LQ has such a fresh look, it feels like a concept. But it's actually part of the 2024 lineup. Aimed at young adventurers, the camper van's unique layout includes a divider wall, "secret shower" and functional paneling.

VW previews its first PHEV camper van, a pop-top California based on the T7 Multivan. Not only does the new California Concept promise 31 miles of electric driving, it brings a first-ever dual-door layout with in/outside kitchen and available toilet.