DUSSELDORF CARAVAN SHOW: When Rambo meets Bambi

With hundreds of models on display, just about every type of motorhome buyer is catered for at Caravan Salon Dusseldorf, from those looking for a small, affordable campervan to those wanting to splash the cash on a 12m long, coach-based motorhome with car garage.

There are also a few, truck-based, military-style expedition vehicles for those who like to travel deep into the world's most remote regions.

But there's little that compares with the Hartmann Zetros motorhome, one of the most off-road capable yet lavishly-equipped motorhomes on display at Dusseldorf. ??

Put simply, if Rambo drove a motorhome, but Paris Hilton lived in it, this would be it!??

Germany's Hartmann specializes in building heavy-duty support and emergency vehicles, but a few years' back spotted a gap in the market for a go-anywhere truck camper with accommodation that wouldn't look out of place in a six-star Dubai hotel.

Hartmann's sales manager Ralf Dickhaut said the Mercedes Zetros-based luxury motorhome is aimed at filthy rich but time poor outdoor enthusiasts who like to fly by helicopter to remote regions for a spot of hunting or fishing but don't enjoy slumming it at night.
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“The clients for this concept, the owner isn't the driver. He has people who drive the car,” Dickhaut explained. “They need an off-road truck but they want the high-end luxury interior.”

Popular with the German and Bulgarian armies,  the Zetros 4x4 truck is powered by a 240kW/1300Nm 7.2-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine and has a top speed of about 85km/h.

While Mercedes' Unimog is generally regarded as the ultimate off-road truck, the Zetros isn't too far off. But its real advantage is its longer 5.1m  wheelbase and 18 tonne gross weight, which allow it to be fitted with a more spacious 7.7m long motorhome body.

The fully-insulated body is constructed from 100m thick sandwich “plates” and incorporates “torsion free bedding” as well as a “carbon shell” slide-out for the lounge/dining area.

It also features a “massive” load carrier at the rear with hydraulic lift system, for carrying an ATV perhaps.

With massive Michelin tyres taller than some tent trailers, the gold painted Hartmann measures four metres high, requiring an extension ladder to get up into the cabin.

But it's worth the climb, with the rear bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and lounge area finished in the finest materials and fittings, including soft leather upholstery and furniture made from real wood and stone veneer, with foam cores to reduce weight.

There are two LED TV screens and a self-adjusting satellite antenna, separate heating and air-conditioning systems, and solar roof panels, while the lighting uses the latest low-energy OLED technology and has sensors that detect when no-one is around and turn off the lights.

The engine, generator, heater and cooktop are all fuelled by the 530 litre diesel tank, and there are 400 litre fresh water and 230 grey water tanks.

The electrical ‘nerve centre' inside a rear locker includes 400aH lithium batteries, while there's a sophisticated control panel inside that controls most functions, including external lighting and cameras.

With a limited market, Hartmann produces up to five Zetros motorhomes a year, with the heavily optioned display model priced at €800,000 ($1.13million). It also offers a three axle, 6x6 version with 27 tonne capacity, and once sold a $2million version with armour plating.

And just in case you're interested, Hartmann is prepared to ship right-hand drive versions to well-heeled Aussie buyers, as soon as the latest Zetros truck receives compliance approval down under.