The Caravan Salon 2026 opened in Düsseldorf on August 28 and runs until September 6, featuring around 800 exhibitors across 250,000 square meters. Highlights include the fully electric Volkswagen ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz, updated Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon, and the first electric Ford Transit Custom Nugget by Wavecamper. The European camper market is growing: registrations rose 10% in the first four months of 2026 to 64,406 units, with over 6.5 million campers and caravans in circulation.
Ford Transit Custom
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At the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, manufacturers are showcasing mature models, focusing on weight reduction, electrification, and self-sufficient energy systems. Pure electric campers remain a niche, while hybrids and range extenders become the main choice for long-distance travel. Key highlights: Ford Transit Custom Nugget PHEV with an electric range of about 60 km, the updated VW ID Buzz LWB, and models like Hymer ML-T 580 Crossover 4×4 and VW California T7 Ocean Plug-in-Hybrid 4motion. Manufacturers such as Knaus Tabbert are implementing lightweight technologies to comply with weight limits, and the 48-volt architecture is becoming standard in mid-range and premium classes.
Auto Plus magazine investigated which used campers can realistically surpass 300,000 km. Leading candidates include the Volkswagen California based on the Transporter with TDI engine, the Mercedes Marco Polo based on the Vito, and the Ford Transit Custom Nugget with EcoBlue engine. The more affordable Renault Trafic SpaceNomad is also considered a reliable option. Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily, used as bases for many motorhomes, can reach this mileage but require attention to injectors, turbo, DPF, and corrosion. Experts advise choosing a vehicle with a full service history and checking the conversion, including roof seals and gas equipment. Annual maintenance budget for a high-mileage vehicle is 1,500–2,500 euros.
Some camper van models, such as the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, Volkswagen California, Renault Trafic SpaceNomad, Iveco Daily, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget, can exceed 300,000 km with regular maintenance. Key factors for longevity include robust diesel engines and quality construction. Demand for campers in France has grown significantly since the end of pandemic restrictions.
Owners of compact self-built campers based on Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter, or Ford Transit Custom are often denied access to dedicated camper stops in France. The reason is the lack of sufficient self-sufficiency (own water tanks, chemical toilet) and official VASP registration (vehicle equipped for living). Legally, camper stops are not exclusive to large motorhomes, but private owners and municipalities can set their own access rules based on vehicle type and equipment.
Spanish brand Panama has introduced the P09 camper van built on the Ford Transit Custom. The model offers five seats and two sleeping areas (150×190 cm and in the pop-up roof). The indicative price in Southern Europe is around €52,900, significantly lower than the Volkswagen California (from €80,000). Equipment includes a kitchen module with a stove and sink, a refrigerator, and a foldable table. Limitations: a 10-liter fresh water tank, no fixed toilet or shower.
German manufacturer Westfalia has introduced the Kipling 2026 camper van built on the Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom platform. It is offered with 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engines producing 136 or 170 hp, with manual or automatic transmission, and optional all-wheel drive for €4,400. Standard features include a pop-up roof with a double bed, fixed toilet, kitchen, outdoor shower, Webasto heating, and 50-litre fresh and grey water tanks. Prices start at €68,190, roughly €30,000 less than comparable Mercedes Marco Polo models.
Swift Group has unveiled the updated Monza 2026, based on the Ford Transit Custom. The motorhome features a pop-up roof with a double bed, a kitchen unit with a 42-liter fridge and a two-burner Dometic hob, and a portable toilet. Standard equipment includes a 240W solar panel, a 95Ah auxiliary battery, a 2.2kW diesel heater, and a 40-liter fresh water tank. It is powered by a 170 hp 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Pricing in the UK starts at £75,490 (approximately $101,000). Official sales in the US are not planned.
British Swift Group has unveiled the updated Monza 2026 camper van based on the Ford Transit Custom. The model has been granted Ford Pro Convertor status, confirming factory-approved conversion and access to FordPass services. The camper accommodates four people, features a pop-up roof, kitchen unit with fridge and hob, 240 W solar panels, and a diesel heater. UK pricing starts at £75,490.
Fabian Duwanoff from Haldensleben, who travels in a converted Ford Transit Custom, spoke about the gap between the romanticized image of vanlife on social media and reality. He noted that stealth camping is virtually illegal in Germany and that the costs of outfitting and maintaining a motorhome are often underestimated.
Australian upfitter Trakka has launched the next-generation Trakkadu camper van based on the Volkswagen T7 Transporter with 4Motion all-wheel drive and a 168-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel. For the first time, the model is also available on the Ford Transit Custom Trail, with a starting price of AU$142,900. The camper features a portable toilet, outdoor shower, 48-volt electrical system with up to 5 kWh battery, and a pop-up roof with up to 650 W solar panels. The omission of a fixed bathroom frees up interior space for a flexible floor plan.
A 2020 Ford Transit Custom with a DIY camper conversion is listed for €12,900 in Hof bei Salzburg, Austria. The vehicle features full Armaflex insulation, a two-person sleeping area, three under-bed storage drawers, and a set of summer and winter tires with snow chains. The seller reports a 2020 accident, professionally repaired by Karosserie Kühlleitner GmbH. A non-TÜV-approved RaceChip tuning module is installed but can be removed in 10–20 minutes. The vehicle passed its periodic technical inspection (Pickerl) in April 2026, valid until April 2027. Private sale, no warranty.
Panama has introduced the P09 model based on the Ford Transit Custom. The motorhome is equipped with a 136 hp diesel engine, with an option for a 170 hp engine and all-wheel drive. The starting price is €30,000, which is €30,000 less than the Volkswagen California.
Panama has introduced two special editions of the P10+ camper van based on the Ford Transit Custom for 2027. The Limited Edition features a 2.0L diesel engine (136 hp), white body, 2500W diesel heater, 600W inverter, 185W solar panel, and portable toilet. The Sport Limited gets a 170 hp engine, grey body with matte black roof, mosquito net kit, and cabin darkening. Both versions offer four berths, five travel seats, swivel front seats, a lighter rear bench with a new sliding mechanism, kitchen unit, 42L fridge, 50L fresh water, and 2m height. The battery charging system is upgraded to 22A and compatible with lithium batteries. Prices to be announced.
What Car? has published a ranking of the best campervans for 2026, based on hundreds of hours of testing. The top models include the VW Grand California, Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, VW California, VW Caddy California, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget. In 2025, approximately 215,000 new leisure vehicles were registered across Europe, with the UK accounting for about 12% of that figure.
Spanish company Panama has introduced the Peak P59+ camper based on the Ford Transit Custom. The 2-meter-high model features a full bathroom with shower and is offered with 136 or 170 hp engines, starting at €62,900.
Tinkervan and Ford have launched a camper van based on the Ford Transit Custom. It features a plug-in hybrid powertrain (120 hp electric motor plus petrol generator), earning the CERO emissions label for unrestricted city access. Range is up to 450 km. Equipment includes a pop-up roof with bed, awning, exterior shower, 35 L fridge, heater, and swivel front seats. Dimensions: length 4.97 m, width 1.97 m, height 1.98 m (2.08 m with roof closed).
The market for compact camper vans based on minivans continues to grow in 2026. Key models include the Volkswagen California, Mercedes Marco Polo, Ford Transit Custom Nugget, and Volkswagen Caddy California. These vehicles, built by manufacturers or specialists like Westfalia, offer a balance between daily use and travel, being officially certified as campers.
The 2026 market features new compact camper vans based on production cars, drivable with a standard car license. Key models include Dacia with the Pack Sleep kit, Volkswagen Caddy California, Ford Transit Custom Nugget, and Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo. Prices and equipment range from basic solutions to versions with integrated kitchens and pop-up roofs.
Bremer Sitzbezüge presented its range of protective seat covers and organizers for motorhomes at the Reisen & Caravaning fair in Hamburg. The products include covers tailored to fit base vehicles like the Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer, and Ford Transit Custom, as well as seats from Aguti and ISRI. The lineup features covers with integrated storage pockets for models from Adria, Bürstner, Carthago, and other manufacturers.
