Netherlands: tiny house as a conscious choice, not a forced measure

Dutch camper specialist Vantrack has confirmed series production of the LightCamp camper based on the Kia PV5 electric van. Pricing starts at €65,000. The model features a slide-out bed measuring 129.5×188 cm, a kitchen unit with induction hob, an 18-litre compressor fridge, and a 3.6 kW V2L power system. Most components are modular and removable, allowing the vehicle to be used as a regular van. The production version is scheduled for unveiling in September 2026.

Dutch police fined four drivers during a holiday traffic check on the A2 motorway near Elsloo last Saturday. The check targeted caravans, trailers, folding campers and motorhomes. All vehicles were weighed and inspected for compliance with legal requirements. Three drivers were fined for speeding, one for a defective breakaway brake system (losbreekreminrichting). Another driver was found with a fake driving licence; his car contained stolen copper, both the car and the copper were seized. Warnings were also issued for overloading, failure to produce a registration certificate, an insufficiently visible licence plate and worn caravan tyres. The fire service was present, checking the safety of fire extinguishers and gas cylinders in caravans and motorhomes.

The Kia PV5 LightCamp, developed by Dutch converter Vantrack, was unveiled at the Campervan Days 2026. Based on the electric Kia PV5, it offers a range of about 412 km and 10-80% charging in 30 minutes. The kit includes a slide-out kitchen, a 130x190 cm bed, and a roof tent. The fully converted van costs around €65,000, while the base kit is about €10,000. The production version is set to debut at the Camper Trade Fair in September 2026.

In the municipalities of Nieuwegein, IJsselstein, Houten and Lopik, a total of 5,148 motorhomes and caravans are registered. The Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) advises owners to check tyre pressure, lighting, coupling and brakes before departure, and to monitor the maximum weight of the vehicle.

The municipal council of Gilze en Rijen has adopted the TAM environmental plan for Hoogstraat 8 in Gilze. A former farm will be partially demolished and converted into a storage facility for caravans and campers. Part of the old poultry sheds will be demolished, while a barn will be used for storage. The decision was made on June 15, 2026, and will take effect after the appeal period ends on August 24, 2026. Documents will be available for inspection from July 14 for six weeks.

In the Westerscheldetunnel (Netherlands), a caravan tyre began smouldering after a puncture. Lien and Anthony, both Belgian navy personnel, immediately used a mini fire extinguisher from their camper and later a foam extinguisher from the tunnel wall to fully suppress the fire before firefighters arrived. The cause was a puncture. The caravan was towed away; no injuries were reported.