Camper van or semi-integrated: differences between two motorhome types

At the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, an electric motorhome based on a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 truck with a Bliss Mobil camper module was presented. The project, a collaboration between Daimler Trucks, Bliss Mobil and Tobias Wagner, aims to complete a 45,000-km circumnavigation in 80 charging stops. Range is estimated at up to 1,000 km per charge, aided by a reduced gross vehicle weight of 15,500 kg and hypermiling techniques. The 4.1-m Bliss Mobil module is all-electric, featuring a 400-Ah lithium battery and 1,000 watts of solar.

The 65th CARAVAN SALON 2026 took place in Düsseldorf from August 28 to September 6, drawing over 259,000 visitors. A record 834 exhibitors from 41 countries participated. Among the premieres were the Dethleffs C.Core concept with expandable solar panels producing up to 600W and a water recycling system, the all-electric Volkswagen ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz, and the premium Westfalia Columbus Liner with a three-level layout. The next edition, CARAVAN SALON 2027, is scheduled for August 27 to September 5, 2027, in Düsseldorf.

German company Sunlight, part of Erwin Hymer Group, has presented the Vanlife Class B motorhome based on the Fiat Ducato, measuring 5400 mm in length. The camper features a pop-up roof with a second-level sleeping area, an isolated cab, a rear lounge with two sofas and a folding table, a kitchen module with a 64-litre refrigerator and a bathroom. It is designed for two passengers while driving and offers sleeping space for four. Standard equipment includes an awning, a 95 Ah battery and fresh and waste water tanks of 100 and 90 litres respectively. The starting price is 58,999 euros.

Police in Bavaria are patrolling a nature reserve in the Alps near Oberstdorf to identify illegal camper parking. The operation is conducted by the Allgäu Alpine Task Force. The aim is to combat litter and violations of protected area rules.

The Camper Flow project, created by 26-year-old American Abbe Minor, has been presented. It is a one-off camper featuring unusual interior materials such as clay and real tiles.

At the Caravan Salon trade fair, Kathrein presented new devices for internet and television reception in motorhomes. The lineup includes the 5G router CAR 5G LTE/WLAN (CAR 160) with an integrated eSIM supporting up to seven profiles, priced at 999 euros; the 4G router CAR 4G LTE/WLAN (CAR 150) at 379 euros; the automatic satellite antenna CAP 500M plus with streaming capability without internet; and three Premium-Line televisions in 19, 22 and 24 inches with built-in soundbars. According to a company representative, 4G will remain relevant for at least ten years, and the 5G router is backward compatible.