The stars of the 2024 Caravan Salon

The annual Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany is generally regarded as the 'Greatest RV show on earth", and by all appearances, this year's event from August 29 - September 7 didn't disappoint...

As far as stats go, the event was huge by Aussie standards, with more than 750 exhibitors spread over 250,000 square metres, including 16 indoor halls and a few outdoor areas.

Here are some of the highlights...

The German brand describes its Talis concept caravan as a "vision for the future", and the prototype certainly sports a few innovative features including an inflatable rear extension that turns the rear double bed into a lengthwise bed; an 'EasyFlex' interior fit-out including movable items; and a fish-like exterior silhouette that was developed in a virtual aero tunnel.

The Starlight Cube 440 (as it is being called in Europe) is from China's Lidu RV and similar to the Australian-market Harvok caravans, boasts an automotive-style pressed aluminium and steel monocoque body construction including spray-in foam insulation.

The interior of the 1800kg Tare prototype has an OEM automotive feel about it too, right down to the glossy 'Home' bedhead and curvaceous and shiny cabinetry, while other features include a combination shower toilet. diesel heating and cooking, and a slide-out kitchen.

There are a few Adria caravans sold in Australia, so it's always interesting to see the latest designs and models joining the European Adria line-up, before the possibility of some making their way down under.

At 3.0m long and 1.96m wide (inside) and with an ATM of just 750kg, the new Aviva Lite 300 LH is said to be the lightest caravan ever offered by the European manufacturer.

The compact interior includes a kitchen island, washroom and a seating facility that can be converted into a bed, with sleeping for up to three thanks to a 'hanging' bed that attaches to the ceiling. 

This Iveco-based 'four seasons' uber-luxury motorhome is another brand-new model from an emerging Chinese brand, and stands out with a full carbon fibre skin for its sandwich panel body construction. With two slide-outs and a stunning fit-out the Deddle Carbonic Liner 78 also looks the real deal inside, right down to the plush-pile carpeting, while the pricey rig also benefits from regenerative braking technology that can keep the house battery topped up when on the go.

Incidentally, Deddle RV is part of the Daide Gonow Group, which also owns the Snowy River and Regent caravan brands in Australia.

Also on display on the Weinberg RV stand was the latest in 'green' RV toilets, with the waterless and chemical free Cleanflex using "revolutionary film cassette technology" and a "closed recyling loop" to bundle up the goods and allow for odour- and mess-free disposal.

What's more, the ecologically degradable waste bags can be thrown out in the normal waste. The trick toilet is available standard in the Weinberg X-Pedition off-road motorhome or as an option on other models.