Vanlife campers go to town

A recent trend of building super-luxe, apartment-style campervans shows no sign of abating in 2023, with some eye-catching new examples hitting the roads in recent times...

German audio specialist Alpine ripped the covers off a futuristic campervan concept at the CMT camping showcase in Germany.

While the gold and black exterior makeover of the Ford Transit-based Cross Cabin concept is a stand-out by itself, it's the funky eye-spinning interior fit-out inspired by Japanese minimalism that really turns heads.

Inside, the work 'n' play theme includes two workstations for remote working travellers, with the combination dinette and working area up front joined by an indoor/outdoor kitchenette, and the rear section lined with artfully designed bamboo ribs that hide shelving, lighting and the Alpine audio system.

The aptly described “Workation” vehicle also gets a large table that pops up on tatami mat flooring, along with a solar-powered 12kWh battery system for off-grid living and a 4G/LTE mobile antennae for communications.

More in touch with reality, UK-based Van Life Builds has also gone to town on its latest camper conversion of a Volkswagen Crafter van.

While the rustic interior fit-out is something to behold, especially the generous use of reclaimed Douglas fir wood, the layout also bucks the trend with the double bed/lounge located towards the front rather than at the rear, with room for the kids on an elevated bed/storage area.

Van Life has also added nautical touches courtesy of some porthole windows, but the highlight is the extra-large walk-in dressing area and ensuite up back, that takes up a large chunk of floorspace and features a rain shower head. Very decadent!

For a full rundown watch the video below...

And for a taste of what some of us will be motorhoming in in the not too distant future, Winnebago has revealed an updated version of its original all-electric motorhome eRV concept that arrived 12 months ago.

Displayed at the RV SuperShow in Florida, Winnebago's latest zero-emission eRV2 prototype is based on a Ford E-Transit electric chassis which offers a maximum estimated range of around 174km between charging.

A 48-volt, 15kWh battery pack mounted under the floor, topped up by 900W solar panels, will keep many of the on-board appliances including the air-conditioner, heater, cooker, fridge, roof fan and hot shower running, for hours if not days on end.

The Winnebago eRV2 prototype also gets the 'green' tick of approval thanks to the recycled materials used for the flooring, floor mats, mattress, and window trim, while the front seats are covered with renewable plant-based textiles and the acrylic countertops made from biodegradable materials.

Related: Coastal chic influences camper design