Australia's first designer van

Bringing down under some of the latest fashion trends from this year’s Dusseldorf Salon, a young Melbourne couple has launched what they claim is “Australia’s first designer campervan company”.

Specialising in upmarket Volkswagen Transporter T5 vans, Achtung Camper offers a choice of high end designer fabrics and materials, European-sourced fittings and custom storage solutions as a point of difference from other Australian campervan converters.

“In a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans, AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problems,” said co-owner Tania Differding, who together with her German born partner Ronny Probandt have turned a passion for campervan travel and a proficiency in top-end carpentry into a growing business based in the inner Melbourne suburb of Northcote.

Achtung Camper also claims other ‘firsts’ for the Australian campervan industry, including full insulation designed to block out sound and help maintain a comfortable interior.

“AC Campervans are the only vans on the market with fully insulated walls and doors, utilising Greenstuf insulation made from 80% recycled bottles, plus a fully carpeted interior,” she said. 

“Detachable cushions on the custom built, rock and roll bed mean AC campervans are also perfect for everyday use, so there is no need for a second ‘city car’.”

Working with an ‘on-site’ interior designer, buyers can choose from a bright range of fabric designs from New Zealand designer Mokum and Finnish trend-setters Marimekko, accessories from Dinosaur Designs and furniture grade, film faced plywood available in 10 vibrant colours.

“Whereas a regular campervan might offer people a stock standard looking conversion, AC goes a few steps further by encouraging customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor, walls, upholstery, cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost.”

The company will also “provide custom conversions to suit each client’s lifestyle and needs”, like a recent job for a “golf lover (that) was custom built to fit the client’s golf bags, buggy and even had a wardrobe to fit coat hangers for shirts and dresses”.

Achtung was chosen as the company’s name as the word, which means attention in German, is often used in international signage on European trails to alert hikers to important information. 

Aside from VeeDubs Achtung will convert other van models, with a basic package including lighting, battery system, fridge, cooker, cabinetry, windows, water tank and outside shower, starting from $16,990.

Complete campervans are also available, like the fully-equipped show van that will be on display at the Geelong Caravan, Camping  and Outdoor Living Show in Victoria on January 22-25.

Based on a 2011 4Motion High Roof Transporter, it’s loaded with extras including solar panels, awning, skylight and portable toilet, for a price of around $55,000.

For more visit the Achtung Camper website.