Campervan, RV & Vanlife News

In the Badagran area of Chhota Bhangal valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, an increasing number of travellers are using campervans as accommodation. The location attracts visitors with its quiet environment, forests, rivers and traditional villages. For overnight stays, official parking areas, homestay premises or sites permitted by local authorities are recommended; permission is required on private land. The distance from Barot to Badagran is approximately 18–22 km, taking about 1–1.5 hours. The most favourable seasons are March to June and September to November; landslides are possible during the monsoon. Mobile network coverage is limited, so offline maps should be saved in advance.

Australian company Headspace Campers has unveiled a Toyota HiAce LWB with 4WD, featuring 35-inch tires, differential locks, pop-up roof, slide-out kitchen, and an in-cabin shower. Ground clearance is raised to 300 mm, exceeding that of standard Land Cruisers. The vehicle retains a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel producing 174 hp and 450 Nm, and includes a 48-volt electrical system with a 200 Ah lithium battery, plus a 275-liter fuel tank. A long-wheelbase version is planned.

The trend of traveling in caravans and motorhomes is rapidly increasing in India, particularly in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Companies like The Vacay Vans, CarHOME India, and Motorhome Adventures offer rental vehicles equipped with bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Weekend trips from Mumbai to Lonavala or Konkan cost between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000, while Goa trips range from ₹24,000 to ₹35,000.

Two-year-old startup Evotrex has closed a $30 million Series A round led by GSR United Capital, Forebright Concerto Capital, and TTGG Ventures. The funds will be used to bring the hybrid PG5 RV to market, following its prototype debut at CES. Unlike pure-electric rivals, the PG5 uses a gasoline generator called Horizon for range extension and torque-assisted towing. Roughly 90% of reservations are for the premium Atlas trim priced around $160,000. The company faces risks from its cross-continental manufacturing model—components made in China, final assembly in California—and from California's upcoming zero-emission standards for off-road generators, which could force an early redesign of its proprietary power system.

A recent RV fire that could have become a major disaster highlighted the vulnerability of these mobile homes. 3D simulations using CFD software can model fire spread from the battery compartment to foam-insulated wall panels, assessing combustion speed and toxic smoke production. These models help optimize the placement of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and test new fire-resistant materials, increasing evacuation time.

The horror film 'Passenger', directed by André Øvredal and released on May 22, follows a couple traveling in a camper van. After an engagement, they witness an accident on a deserted highway, triggering a series of deadly events. Critics highlight the film's effective use of road isolation fear.

Approximately 250 liters of diesel were stolen from a trailer parked near the Ikauna tehsil crossing in Shravasti district early Saturday morning. The driver, Pawan Kumar Pal, was asleep in the vehicle at the time. Pal, a resident of Bhandah village in Pratapgarh, was transporting an excavator from Banda to Bhinnga. Police have registered a complaint and launched an investigation.

A detailed guide for the game Outbound has been published, covering van selection, resource gathering, and crafting mechanics. The Big One model is recommended for its larger building space. Key tips include adjusting camera and day length settings, prioritizing the axe and recycler for blueprint vouchers.

Company representatives staged a protest at the Mahindra showroom VD Motors in Hanumangarh, demanding prompt repair of a Bolero Camper vehicle. The accident occurred on March 9, 2026, but after two months the car has not been returned. Protesters said the delay is hurting their business and threatened to escalate if the issue is not resolved.

Indian van manufacturer Force Motors has launched the new Traveller N range, replacing the previous Traveller model. The lineup includes ambulance, delivery van, and school bus variants. It features an FM 2.6 CR diesel engine compliant with BS-VI Stage-2 emission standards. Bookings will open at dealerships across India from mid-May 2026.

India's Ministry of Road Transport has proposed new technical standards for caravans, tractors and troop carriers. Caravans will face type-approval rules to simplify registration and boost caravan tourism.

The vanlife lifestyle is gaining popularity in India, with influencers converting vehicles into mobile homes. Kapil Sharma (1.5M YouTube subscribers) promotes sustainable tourism; Ravi Sangaman converted a Maruti Eco van into a solar-powered home with a kitchen. Priya and Sid have visited over 40 countries and have 8.3M Instagram followers. Favikon tracks over 200 active vanlife influencers globally.

Caravan tourism is gaining popularity in India, particularly in the state of Maharashtra, where people are choosing it over hotels. Renting a caravan costs between 12,000 and 15,000 Indian Rupees per day, and the private company Caravan Group has signed a 185 crore Rupee agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to develop the sector.

Caravan tours, group self-drive journeys, are gaining popularity in Vietnam in response to increased demand for personalized and active travel post-pandemic. Organizers of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival in 2026 plan to launch large-scale international caravan programs. A typical caravan involves 15-30 vehicles with 100-200 participants, primarily families and car clubs.

The American company Dragon Tiny Homes has introduced its new 16-foot (4.9-meter) Genesis model travel trailer. The trailer features a two-story layout with a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and a loft bedroom. The ground floor offers 136 square feet of interior space.

A company has launched the world's first self-powered travel trailer that requires no external connections. The model features an integrated power generation and water supply system, enabling use in remote locations.

California-based Evotrex has launched the PG5 travel trailer, claimed to be the world's first trailer with a fully self-sufficient power system. It combines a 43 kWh lithium-ion battery, solar panels, and a backup generator for a total capacity of up to 270 kWh, and can charge an EV via a built-in NACS connector. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with prices starting at $119,990.

The Bihar Tourism Department has launched a luxury caravan bus service. Two vehicles, built on a Bharatbenz chassis, are equipped with sleeper beds, a kitchen, a bathroom, air conditioning, and an entertainment system. The service was inaugurated in Patna by the Tourism Minister.

The Bihar Tourism Department has introduced two luxury caravan buses. Each bus is equipped with sleeping berths, a kitchen, a bathroom, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. The rental rate starts at 75 rupees per kilometer with a minimum daily distance of 250 km.

The Bihar Tourism Department has officially launched its first luxury motorhome buses. The vehicles are equipped with bedrooms, a kitchen, an entertainment system, and a shower. The rental rate is 75 rupees per kilometer with a minimum daily usage of 250 km.