VANTourer 2027: New Variobad 2.0 system for compact campers

Mercedes-Benz has approved its Torque-on-Demand all-wheel-drive system for fully integrated motorhomes for the first time. Swedish manufacturer Kabe presented the first prototype, the Kabe Imperial Ri830 TRAQ 4x4, at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. The system automatically distributes torque between the axles in a ratio of up to 50:50, improving traction on snow or muddy ground, but does not turn the motorhome into an off-road vehicle. The additional equipment adds about 180 kg of weight. Availability and pricing have not yet been announced.

The digital agency Nabel des Nordens checked the websites of 52 motorhome and caravan brands on 13 August 2026. 34 brands have a real configurator, but only 18 pass the finished configuration to a dealer. In 16 configurators, the process ends with saving or printing, and the dealer receives nothing. The behavior depends on the configurator software, not the brand. Even when forwarded, the process runs on the manufacturer's domain, and the dealer receives an email rather than a lead in their own system.

Freeventure GmbH, the operator of camper rental platform Vanever, has filed for insolvency. The Munich court has appointed a preliminary administrator. Vanever had previously acquired parts of the insolvent competitor Off. The future of the business and existing bookings remains uncertain.

On Thursday afternoon (August 13, 2026), a fire broke out in a forest area near Ottweiler, spreading to about ten hectares. A campsite and a restaurant at the Wingertsweiher pond were evacuated as a precaution. More than 100 firefighters and disaster control personnel were deployed; two firefighters suffered circulatory problems. By evening, the fire was brought under control, with crews searching for hotspots. The cause and damage remain unclear.

Due to low water levels in the Rhine (50 cm at the Cologne gauge), the Rheinblick campground in Baumberg now has a dry riverbed about 15 meters wide. Despite this, the site is fully booked, and tourists are coming specifically to watch the river recede. Operators report that boats can no longer be launched, and lawn watering is prohibited. Seasonal camping costs 950 euros, while tourists with motorhomes pay 34 euros per day.

Mercedes-Benz is updating the Marco Polo for 2027, replacing the GRP roof with an aluminium one. The rear supports now raise 10 cm higher. Officially, the new roof is lighter and stiffer, but the change may also be linked to the shift of production from Westfalia to Mercedes' own facilities.