World’s first convertible caravan?

Caravan designers have come up with some interesting variations on the humble ‘white box’ over the years; Australia’s own Sky-Deck fold-out verandah one of the more interesting.

But we don’t think there’s ever been a caravan with a cloth roof that peels back so you can enjoy a full view of the night sky from the comfort of the main bed… until now.

Set to be displayed at this month’s Caravan Salon in Germany, the Lume Traveller is the caravan version of a cabriolet sports car, with a fabric soft-top roof that peels away to reveal the view above.

Positioned towards the rear of the roof, behind a 100W solar panel, the giant sun-roof measures 1850mm x 1100mm and is made of Sunbrella fabric. There’s a built-in insect screen, so you can sleep under the stars without being bitten to death by mosquitoes.

The rest of the caravan is made from riveted aluminium sandwich panels, not unlike the iconic Airstream travel trailer, while the cosy interior blends luxury yacht and European interior design elements, with a combination of teak, leather, wool felt and stainless steel covering the walls, floor, benchtops and cabinetry.

There are plenty of cool if not entirely practical touches like curved chrome roof bars and cloth interior curtains secured by leather straps.

The compact interior layout is largely taken up by the queen bed, while the funky outdoor kitchen with sink, gas cooktop and 40 litre fridge is hidden behind a curved lift-up door at the rear of the van.

The Lume Traveller measures 2030mm wide by 2054mm high by 5172mm long overall, and like most Euro vans, it doesn't weigh much with a Tare of just 1000kg and a payload of 350kg.

According to the Lume Traveller website, the Dutch designer of the Lume Traveller, Hein van de Laar “does not like camping, but he does enjoy being in nature”. To create exclusivity, he plans to offer just 50 of the top-spec ‘No.1’ model, priced from €46,500 (about $73,000). However, you’ll pay even more if you tick some the option boxes, which include a seven speaker BOSE stereo, 32in TV and wi-fi set-up.

There are two cheaper versions available, including an entry level ‘basic shell” from €27,250 ($43,000), which looks a bit like a glorified horse trailer.

No word yet on whether it will be available Down Under, but given that Jayco has already given up on trying to sell the similar-sized and priced Airstream Base 13 in Australia, don't hold your breath!