Russian vanlife enthusiasts convert vans into winter-ready campers

The author of the PRO AVTO channel (90,000 subscribers) presented a selection of budget cars suitable for living and traveling. The list includes Lada Largus, Renault Duster, and Volkswagen Caddy. The Largus features foldable rear seats and rear doors, the Duster offers high ground clearance and low fuel consumption (6–8 L), and the Caddy provides a large trunk, high ceiling, and a diesel engine (5 L/100 km). Ready-made camping solutions, including mosquito nets and slide-out kitchens, are available for the Caddy.

The Minty Fresh motorhome, based on the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has been introduced to the Russian market. The model accommodates a family of four and includes compartments for transporting sports equipment such as bicycles and kayaks. It features full sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and an autonomous power system. All-wheel drive and driver assistance systems provide off-road capability and safety.

The UAZ Navigator, the first production motorhome based on the UAZ Patriot SUV, has entered the market. The model accommodates four people, is available in three trim levels, and is designed for autonomous travel across Russia. The module weighs 2,350 kg, with a length of 5.4 m and a height of 3.1 m. Standard equipment includes an autonomous heater, diesel boiler, induction cooktop, refrigerator, shower toilet, solar panels, and batteries. All key components are manufactured in Russia, simplifying maintenance and repairs. No production motorhome of this class based on a domestic SUV had been offered before.

On Avito Auto, towable caravans adapted for operation at temperatures down to -30 °C have been listed. The selection includes three models: a 2024 CanopusCamp KemperRigel for 1.8 million rubles, a German TEC Travel King for 1.3 million rubles, and a 2023 Kemper-Ural Tourist Plus for 899,000 rubles. The first is equipped with solar panels and a toilet, designed for harsh roads; the second accommodates up to five people with gas heating; the third is a lightweight caravan for a family of three with an insulated body. Towing some models may require a category E driving license.

A travel trailer converted into a motorhome is being sold in the village of Turochak, Altai Republic, for 800,000 rubles. It features a kitchen with a gas stove and refrigerator, shower, chemical toilet, diesel heater, and sleeping space for four. The seller notes that a category B license suffices if the towing vehicle weighs under 2.3 tons.

In 2026, UAZ launches the 'Navigator', the first Russian motorhome built on the Patriot SUV platform. The model accommodates four people and comes in three trims: Standard, Optima, and Lux. Dimensions: 5.4 m long, 2.1 m wide, 3.1 m high; module weight is 2,350 kg. It features four berths, a bathroom with shower, a 95-liter fridge; the base version includes an autonomous heater, solar panels, and a composting toilet. All key components are made in Russia.