clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Is this tiny home-inspired camper the future of van life?

New, 1 comment

The concept RV boasts a rear deck perfect for vistas

A modern camper van sits by a lake. The camper van boasts an open back door with small deck and a white pop-up sleeping area on the roof. Erwin Hymer Group

There’s a common lament in the North American RV industry that all the cool campers can be found in Europe. And while the U.S. is slowly rolling out more innovative and interesting RVs, it’s true that—as Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler put it—“Europe is about 15 years ahead of us in terms of design.” Love campers and trailers? Come join our community group!

So it’s no surprise, really, that the most innovative camper van we’ve seen in a while just debuted at the biggest camper trade show in the world: Düsseldorf Caravan Salon. The annual massive event showcases just about every type of camper imaginable, from an RV that’s also a boat to a two-bedroom tiny house.

This year at Düsseldorf, the Erwin Hymer Group debuted the VisionVenture concept. Built on a Mercedes chassis, the VisionVenture is a forward-thinking camper that looks more like a high-end apartment than a striped-down adventure rig.

To accomplish this, the camper’s interior uses warm bamboo, gray felt, and leather, mixing woods with other materials to add interest. The living area is located in the rear with two white sofas and a center dining table that folds down below the passenger-side bench. The stand-out feature of the living room is the panoramic rear window and large side windows. Fold out the rear door, drop a lower gate and the van boasts its own rear deck—complete with slide-out electric grill.

It’s an impressive lounge area, and the kitchen goes even further with a flush cooktop, sink, refrigerator, and ample storage. The styling is fresh too, with modular, deck-like wall paneling that works to hang plants or cooking equipment as needed. Integrated next to the kitchen is a compact slate-colored staircase—reminiscent of tiny house design—that boasts storage, motion-activated lighting, and access to an inflatable pop-up sleeping area. The upstairs bed sleeps two and takes advantage of big views through the rear roll-up window.

As if the lounge, rear tailgate, and sleeping quarters weren’t innovative enough, Hymer also rethinks the camper van bathroom. Transforming bathrooms are a growing trend, and the VisionVenture van boasts a rolling wall and rotating vanity sink to create a separate rain shower that’s removed from the sink and toilet. A laptop work station in the front of the cab, four-wheel-drive, and roof-mounted solar round out the long list of amenities.

Like other concept campers, the VisionVenture isn’t in production and you won’t be able to buy it (even in Europe) any time soon. But its design could show where campers are headed.

First, the rear lounge area and the pull-out grill both capitalize on everything #VanLife is about: enjoying the outdoors. Second, it’s fun to see how tiny house stairs could be incorporated into van life, similar to the cozy bed nooks in this home-like camper. And lastly, the interior design of the van feels fresh—miles away from the tired RV color schemes and boring design so prevalent in the U.S. Light, airy, and with plenty of style, if this is the future of #VanLife, we’re here for it.

A view from the rear of the camper includes two white couches on either side, and the view of water out of the back door.
The rear lounge area features two white couches and a spacious rear view.
Erwin Hymer Group
The kitchen area of the van features slate gray storage with a sink and stove on top. Bamboo slated walls hold plants.
The van’s interior uses a modern color scheme of slate gray, whites, and warm wood tones.
Erwin Hymer Group
The gray, white, and green accented interior at night is lit up with LED lights.
Another look at the interior at night, with LED lights for ambiance.
Erwin Hymer Group
A modern bathroom with a white toilet, white and wood sink, and mirror above it.
The bathroom offers a sink, toilet, and mirror.
Erwin Hymer Group
Slate walls in a modern shower, with a wooden strip that boasts gray shower fixtures.
The bathroom transforms into a larger shower area.
Erwin Hymer Group
Stairs leading up to the loft sleeping area are gray with wooden treads, while a hallway leads to the rear of the camper and the bathroom is on the left.
The stair design is reminiscent of tiny home storage.
Erwin Hymer Group
A rear view of the camper next to a lake. The camper’s rooftop sleeping area is popped up, and you can see the rear tailgate open for entertaining.
A look at the rear tailgate and open sleeping loft of the camper.
Erwin Hymer Group
A rendering shows an aerial view of the sleeping area on the camper, with two white sleeping bags and pillows.
An aerial rendering of the upper sleeping area.
Erwin Hymer Group
An aerial rendering of the camper van’s lower floorplan includes the bathroom, rear seating area, and front cabin seats.
A rendering of the lower floorplan.
Erwin Hymer Group