Westfalia Kipling: compact camper with transverse bed

Promobil magazine conducted a comparative test of eight lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries designed for under-seat installation in motorhomes based on the Fiat Ducato. The tested models had capacities ranging from 200 to 350 Ah. The tHEnergy Bat Pro 325 US won with 80 out of 100 points and a 'very good' rating; its price is 1985 euros. Second and third places went to the Bulltron Polar 350 Ah (76 points, 1844 euros) and Renogy Pro 200 Ah (75 points, 1064 euros).

Caravan manufacturer Hobby is preparing for the Caravan und Co 2026 trade fair in Rendsburg. Visitors will see two updated caravan ranges, Excellent Edition and Prestige, as well as new floor plans for the Prestige T motorhome.

Bürstner has unveiled the Habiton HM/HMX 6.0, a Mercedes Sprinter-based camper van measuring 5.90 m with a sliding bathroom on rails. Prices start at €74,999 for the HM 6.0 and €88,999 for the all-wheel-drive HMX 6.0. The HM 6.1, with a transverse bed and gas-free concept, is available from €79,999. An optional heated pop-top roof adds two sleeping places for €6,990 plus €450 for extra insulation. Toilets are offered at extra cost: Porta Potti for €250, dry separation toilet for €790, or Clesana X1 for €1,290.

Ahorn Camp unveiled its Eclipse Edition special series at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, comprising five models: one camper van and four coachbuilts. The series features Pearl Black cab paint, black Renault alloy wheels, and a specific black-and-white interior decor. The showcased T690 Eclipse Edition is a 6.99 m coachbuilt on a Renault Master 2.0 l 150 hp chassis with two travel seats and two berths, twin beds (199×80 cm and 207×80 cm), a kitchen with a two-burner hob and an 89-litre fridge, and a pivoting partition in the washroom. Pricing starts at €67,390, with the show price in Düsseldorf at €75,900.

At the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, Ebicos presented the Happy Dreamer, a collapsible camper pod that turns a van into a camper without modifications. Made from polypropylene honeycomb panels and aluminum honeycomb flooring, it weighs about 60 kg and measures 47 x 51 x 11 inches when collapsed. The pod installs in the cargo area using rails and latches, slides out on drop-down legs, and provides king-size bed space. Pricing starts at €6,250; add-ons including a slide-out kitchen are planned.

Volkswagen is offering the VW California Beach Camper on a private lease at 369 euros gross per month. The contract terms are fixed: 24 months, 10,000 km per year, with no down payment. A one-time delivery charge of 1,850 euros gross applies (1,100 euros for self-collection), raising the calculated monthly cost to around 446 euros (415 euros with self-collection). The vehicle is available from February 2027 and features a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 110 kW (150 hp), front-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG.