mini-campervan

Often the campers that leave the biggest impressions are the smallest vehicles of the pack. This year's CMT show had an intriguing collection of mini-campervans, tiny trailers, and conversion kits for smaller vehicles.

French company Beauer has earned a lot of attention over the years for its telescoping teardrop caravans. Now the company's bringing its tech to van life, launching a plug-and-play module that expands the size of a camper van.

Since introducing the Nugget camper van earlier this year, Ford has been getting it out across Europe, most recently giving it a UK premiere. With that latest launch comes a modem/Wi-Fi package to keep connected travelers dialed in as they wander.

We didn't think anyone was going to launch a more versatile mini-campervan than the Pössl Campster. But someone finally did ... Pössl. Its new Vanster debuts as a simpler triple-threat camper van with more flexibility, less price.

Maybe when Tesla rolls out trucks, we'll get a proper e-RV. In the meantime, Dreamcase sells a fold-out bed to turn a Model S, X or 3 into a camper.

Among the mini-campervans that caught our eye at this year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon was the Fiat Doblo-based Multifunctional Car, which serves as a camper, car and cargo van.

After showing two electrified camper concepts in two years, Dethleffs brings e-power to market with the Globevan e.Hybrid camper van.

At this year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, Peugeot will be putting the focus on compact but livable camper vans.

Forget camper vans, Contravans builds camper minivans, camper SUVs and camper wagons. Following up on its cargo van conversion kits, it now offers full minivan conversions and lighter utility vehicle kits, furnishing the full spectrum of vehicles to the needs of outdoor adventurers.

After covering a convincing little Toyota Sienna minivan camper, we figured someone out there must be creating gas-electric mini-campervans built on the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. We found one in the Illusion Hybrid from 5 Mars, a playful but efficient camper van optimized for long-mileage tours.

We were just getting used to mini-campervans, and now a company called Simple has downsized things to "micro camper van." Its solo and two-person conversion kits install in minutes, carving out a functional living space inside van or SUV at a cost lower than some tents.

The hybrid Eco Explorer camper van offers efficient driving and a self-charging battery system to keep the lights on. An LPG option gives it three drive-power sources and up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of range, while a deconstructed kitchen and sliding bench make it an everyday driver. ​​