I'd like to think camper vans first became a thing because of the many nights partying
that left drivers sleeping in the back. If you ask any of my southern-bred uncle cousins
they'll tell you stories that hint at that very truth.
I'm Reacher...whether it's fact or not, there's a market stretching back around 70 years.
So to carry the torch a bit longer, in this video we're bringing you 10 Camper Vans to
check out in 2020
Number ten.
Expanding on the existing Jumper Biker Solution, Citroën added a new model to the line offering
more room and versatility. The new Biker Solution Multi measures just under 20 feet long and
6 1/2 feet wide, differing from its predecessor by utilizing a flat loading floor which allows
the van to hold cargo as large as an ATV.
Behind the cab area is a small counter with a flush mounted sink, mini-fridge and a removable
dining table.
Like the others on this list, the Multi also serves as a camper, having room to sleep up
to four people using the bed in the pop-up roof and a fold-down bed in the back of the
van.
There's also a large awning for those times when lounging around outside is a must.
Number nine.
The large white logo on the side of this one stands out, hinting to everyone that there's
more to it than the plain, black exterior would have you believe.
Inside is a small kitchenette next to the sliding door, which allows it to be used both
inside and outside. Across from this is a fully enclosed wet bath with a fold-down sink.
The back of the van has twin beds on each side that can be joined, creating a larger
sleeping area. Underneath is a storage area that can be increased via the fold-up headboards.
The 19 1/2-foot Yucon 6.0 and its sister 7.0 Lounge model are the first camper vans from
German-based Frankia. They're well known for their motorhomes so it stands to reason that
they'll make a mark in this corner of the industry as well.
Number eight.
Another one that made an appearance at Caravan Salon 2019 is the Volkswagen California 6.1
Beach.
It measures just over 16 feet from bumper to bumper. A large sliding door opens to reveal
a kitchenette with a dual burner cooktop, sink, and a 42-liter cooler. A removable table
that can be attached to the side of the counter to serve as a dining area.
The pop-up roof houses a bed which can be shut off from the rest of the van using a
sliding panel in the ceiling. This, along with the bench seat in the rear that converts
to another bed, provides room to sleep four people.
Number seven.
Although it can function as a camper, The Trakka Buro Kamp ORP isn't your typical camper
van, instead having a set-up geared toward special purpose vehicles.
Sliding doors on both sides provide access to an interior sporting a cabinet stretching
the width of the doorway. This can be used for multiple purposes, serving as a vendor-style
sales counter as well as a meeting space using the folding table. Dual side awnings provide
protection from the elements, allowing the work to be taken outside if needed.
The kitchenette flanks the floorspace having a sink on one side and a microwave sitting
above a mini-fridge on the other.
Taking up the rear of the van is a bed that can be folded away to open up the back for
extra storage.
Number six.
This list wouldn't be complete without at least camper van from Winnebago. Built on
a Mercedes chassis, the 23-foot Boldt is one of the newest models the company has to offer
for the coming year.
Taking up the rear of the van is a wet bath spanning the width of the vehicle. A sliding
door separates this from the twin beds found directly to the front of it. A flex bed system
utilizing a framed series of slats slides out to connect the two, creating a single
queen-size bed.
Forward of this, on the driver's side is the kitchenette having an induction cooker, a
flush mounted sink, a microwave, and a mini-fridge.
Not only is the Boldt an all-weather vehicle, it utilizes the Pure³ Advanced Energy System
which provides 11.6 kilowatt-hours of electrical power. These two features guarantee that no
matter the destination, you'll be comfortable during and after the ride.
Number five.
Dethleffs Globevan E.Hybrid was first introduced to the public at Caravan Salon 2019, creating
quite a stir as it's the company's first camper van as well as a hybrid.
Although compact, the 16-foot layout provides everything you'd expect, having a small kitchenette
with a glass-covered, stainless-steel sink and dual-burner cooker next to a 16-liter
cooler.
Next to this is a bench seat that folds down into a twin-size sleeper. This provides room
to sleep up to four people using the twin bed in the pop-top as well.
Power on this one comes from a 13.6 kilowatt hour battery coupled with a 1-liter EcoBoost
generator that allow for a maximum range around 310 miles. For maximum efficiency, there are
four driving modes allowing the driver their choice of which power source to use. Charging
time on this one is 3 hours on a fast charge and just 5 1/2 hours on a standard wall socket.
Number four.
Located in Willoughby, Ohio is Advanced RV, a company that offers upgrades to existing
vehicles along with custom-built camper vans.
Built on a Mercedes Sprinter Chassis measuring almost 23 feet long, the silver paint scheme
is a misleading contrast to the bright colors found throughout the interior.
Upon entering, the first thing that pops out is the contrast of the lime green against
the original black decor. The cab of the vehicle offers a roomier feel due to the inclusion
of a large touchscreen integrated into the dashboard.
Directly behind this is the side entrance which has the microwave and a 6.8 cubic-foot
fridge/freezer directly opposite. A centrally located wet bath with a stainless-steel accented
sink is located across from an extra-long stainless-steel countertop and sink that includes
a folding, slide-out extension.
The rear of the van houses the lounge area which has an electric sofa that converts to
a sleeper.
Supplementing the six-cylinder turbo-diesel is an 800 amp-hour battery bank for those
off-grid moments.
Number three.
This second entry from Australian based Trakka, the Torino 4S is their most compact camper
van. Built around the Fiat Ducato XLWB, this 21-footer still has plenty of space for all
the needed amenities.
Starting in the back, there's a fold-down double bed running in an east to west configuration.
When it's raised, it provides an extra lounge area that can be used as an alternative dining
space.
Directly in front of this is the galley having an induction cooker and a flush mounted sink.
Sitting opposite is a microwave mounted above a mini-fridge while next to that is a fully
enclosed wet bath with an electrically controlled retractable toilet.
The front has seating for four using the rotating captain's chairs and the bench seating. A
removable table allows for this to be used as a dinette as well.
Hanging around outside becomes easier thanks to the remote controlled, electric awning
and the table that can be mounted on the side of the van.
Number two.
Offering the quality one would expect from German-based Knaus, the Boxlife 630 ME is
an upgrade built around a 21-foot long Fiat Ducato Chassis.
Located directly behind the cab is the dinette, which has an adjustable, extending table.
Moving back finds a centrally placed wet bath with a rotating toilet and fold-down sink.
The shower is unique, located in the middle of the floor and utilizing a sliding-door
to curtain it off from the living space.
Across from this is the kitchen, having a flush mounted cooker and sink, multiple drawers
for storage underneath, and a 90-liter fridge/freezer with a chilling drawer below.
The rear of the van houses the main sleeping area. An upper, almost queen-size bed can
be lowered as needed while below is a king-size bed.
The rear beds are versatile with the lower one being able to be stowed away to create
space for two bicycles as well as converting to extra seating in the form of a couch.
Number one.
You might call it a concept but the company built a prototype so there's that designation.
Feel free to debate that one in the comments as you see fit.
When Hymer designed the VisionVenture, they chose to forego the standard conversion kit,
instead building on a heavily modified Mercedes Sprinter.
The rear houses a lounge area that has twin couches on each side, flanking a dining table
that folds down and lowers telescopically, then retracts under the seat to offer a clear
floor space between. This area can be expanded and opened to the elements by raising the
large panoramic window and lowering the gate to create a small terrace. A small, slide-out
electric grill is hidden away underneath the sofa, complementing the outdoor element.
Forward of this is a transforming bathroom that utilizes an expanding wall and a sliding
partition that keeps the shower separate from the vanity and toilet.
Directly across is a centrally located kitchen with a flush mounted induction cooktop, a
large, basin style sink that has a faucet coming out of the wall, and a refrigerator
drawer underneath.
Next to this is a staircase mounted to the sidewall that leads to a loft-area created
by the pop-top roof. The roof of the pop-top is covered in solar panels, taking care of
the electrical needs along with any off-grid moments.
Another small but handy feature is the inclusion of a workstation behind the passenger seat
that includes a fold-down desk and built-in LED lighting.
Citing this one as a study in design, the company has stated that some of the features
in the VisionVenture will find their way into future production vehicles.
Alright, folks. There's a few camper vans to get the coming year started. If you have
a favorite or any you think should've made the list, feel free to let us know in the
comments. And if you have any stories from the past about your camper van days, throw
those in as well.
I'm Reacher, and we'll see you on the next one!