Citing declining caravan numbers in Europe, German manufacturer Knaus Tabbert decided to rethink camper design, creating what it calls "the caravan of the future." The Caravisio design study draws its inspiration from the water as well as the future, pulling some yacht-like elements onto the streets.
More than just a single manufacturer's idea, the Caravisio represents two years' worth of collaboration between more than 20 different companies and industry experts. It therefore reflects a collective prognostication of what the future camper might look like.
Unlike the tractor trailer-like boxes that the terms "camper" and "caravan" may make you think of, the Carivisio's shell design was put through intense wind tunnel testing to create superior aerodynamic performance. The pointed front-end is possible because of a unique V-shaped bed design inside. From there, side skirts, tapered C pillars and a rear spoiler help the Caravisio slice through the oncoming wind.
Inside, the two single beds laid out in a V shape turn into a single double bed with the help of a mattress extension. The front bedroom offers a cozy and scenic respite thanks to the large panoramic window.
Attempting to bring some of the comforts of a full-sized motor home to the small caravan segment, Knaus Tabbert and company skip the claustrophobic toilet/shower closet in favor of a fuller, more spacious bathroom. An intelligent water management system controls water usage with the help of its own touchscreen.
The rear of the interior opens up to a fold-out deck, a design that was inspired by yacht salons. A remote controlled deck roof offers protection from the sun and lowers for driving, protecting the dual pedelec bicycles stored in back from the elements. An integrated induction charging system charges the bikes' batteries while they're in tow.
While the living area is clearly designed for lounging and relaxing, it can also get down to business. Knaus says that the furniture can quickly be rearranged into a functional work station with supportive, ergonomic seating. Electrical hook-ups power and charge laptops and other work devices.
Both the interior and exterior equipment and settings are controlled via a smartphone app. For instance, the app can adjust the air suspension to lower the caravan body to ground level for loading. The app can also alter the appearance of the rear doors from clear to frosted. The latter setting allows the doors to serve as a projection screen for the ceiling-mounted HD projector. Carivisio's designers imagine a mirroring feature that broadcasts the picture outside, as well as inside, letting the occupants offer entertainment for other campground guests. A finger scanner locks and unlocks the Caravisio's doors.
Knaus Tabbert says explicitly that "the caravan does not claim to be reproducible nor to be suitable for series production," so it appears this design study has no production future.
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