Fancy a road trip for two? Out of the daily grind, hello freedom! Whether for a weekend trip with a friend, a family trip with your sister or a relaxed vacation as a couple – we have put together an overview of the best campers for two – from vans to panel vans to motorhomes – so that you always have the right companion for your camping adventure, no matter which travel partner you are traveling with.
Criteria for vehicle selection
Naturally, two people have different priorities when deciding on a camper than families with children. For many campers, the size of the vehicle, the sanitary facilities and the sleeping space are the most important features of a motorhome for 2 people. important criteria that can be used to identify an initial direction in the choice of camper. In our top 10 selection of the best campers for two people, you will therefore always find information on the following points at a glance:
- Category: camper, camper van, motorhome
- Vehicle length: in meters
- Bathroom/WC: yes or no
- Bed type(s): Lengthways double bed, Bunk bed, French bed, Single beds, Transverse bed, Drop-down bed
The vehicle category is essentially about the level of comfort, but the destinations and routes also play a role. Do you want to travel comfortably or get to your destination quickly? Are you more into summer and warm climates or do you also like winter camping? Do you want to be self-sufficient or do you prefer to stay at campsites?
In terms of vehicle length, we are talking about interior space, but the destination is also not unimportant, as the famous 7-meter limit on ferry crossings often makes a difference to the price. Bathroom and WC – yes or no? This question is about comfort and being able to stand independently, even away from the sanitary facilities on a campsite.
And the type of bed is a matter of taste on the one hand, but comfort also plays a role here, for example if the sitting area has to be converted into a bed in the evening instead of simply falling into it. If you are very minimalist, then take a look at our article on mini campers.
Vehicle types – an overview
As the selection of vehicle types is quite diverse, here is a brief overview including the advantages and disadvantages of each category.
- Campervan/Camping bus
- Panel van
- Motorhome alcove
- Semi-integrated motorhome
- Motorhome integrated
It all started with the camper van: In addition to the nostalgic flair of these models, they stand for flexible, fast travel due to their compactness, and camper vans are also cheaper to buy than a large motorhome, for example. They are suitable for city trips, but when it comes to living, you usually always have to make some changes due to the limited space.
Panel vans are the next generation of vans, they hardly differ in length from small to medium-sized motorhomes, but are much narrower and lower, which makes them more maneuverable and easier to handle.
Motorhomes stand for more comfort, more space and therefore also more storage space. They are larger in size and travel is generally slower. Alcoves in particular offer more living space thanks to the sleeping area on the “second floor”.
And the integrated ones? They are the luxury class among motorhomes and are certainly suitable for two people, especially couples in their prime are often seen traveling in them. In our selection, however, these should not play a role as the “most suitable camper for two”. If you’re new to camping, you’ll find all the important items for equipping your motorhome for the first time in our checklist.
The best vans, panel vans and camper van models for two people
Below we present a top 10 selection of the best campervans, panel vans and motorhomes for two people – the models are sorted by vehicle length within the vehicle categories.
VW California
- Category: Campervan
- Vehicle length: 4.90 m (New California: 5.17 m)
- Bathroom/WC: no
- Bed type(s): Double bed by converting the bench seat, bed in pop-top roof
The classic among camper vans: The handy and compact van with its unmistakable style is suitable for everyday use and offers sleeping space for up to four people, but it is really cozy and comfortable for two. The newly launched 2024 New California model is even more connected than its predecessors, boasts a new interior concept and comes with two sliding doors as standard. As before, there will be “Coast”, “Ocean” and “Beach” versions.
Ford Nugget
- Category: Campervan
- Vehicle length: 5.05 m
- Bathroom/WC: no
- Bed type(s): Double bed by converting the bench seat, bed in pop-top roof
For flexible travel with added comfort, the new Ford Nugget is the perfect companion for two people: The sleeping area has been converted from a bench seat to provide 1.90 x 1.20 meters of space for the night, and there is also a bed in the pop-up roof. The new corner kitchen has a fridge drawer instead of a top-loading cool box, which creates more work space, and above it there is a large pull-out for cutlery, under which the 2.6-kilogram gas cylinder is stowed. Technology fans will appreciate the modern connectivity including Ford SYNC 41 with 13-inch touchscreen, power sockets, LED lights and USB-C ports. A plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Nugget is to be launched on the market from the end of 2024.
Knaus Boxlife Pro 540 Road
- Category: Panel van
- Vehicle length: 5.41 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): Transverse bed
The Boxstar has become the Boxlife – the concept and equipment remain the same. In the Boxlife versions, including the Pro 540 Road, there are four approved seats and just as many sleeping options, but the compact 540 Road is only really comfortable for two travelers. The transverse bed in the rear measuring 194 x 140 meters offers enough space even for larger people, the dinette can be widened with a side pull-out, the kitchen has a two-burner hob with glass cover, a separate sink with cover and an extendable worktop. Despite the vehicle length, a spacious bathroom is also possible in the Knaus Boxlife 540.
Etrusco CV 600 DF Ford
- Category: Panel van
- Vehicle length: 5.98 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): Transverse bed
The Ford camper van is a real all-rounder and the perfect companion for spontaneous short trips, as well as for trips lasting several weeks for two. The basic vehicle is a Ford Transit with a built-in double bed, the headroom in the interior is 2.08 meters. If you like to cook, you’ll still find everything you need in this compact vehicle: a sink, a 70-liter refrigerator, a work surface and a two-burner stove. The Etrusco is also available with all-wheel drive.
Forster V 599 EB
- Category: Panel van
- Vehicle length: 5.99 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): Single beds
A motorhome for two with single beds over a vehicle length of 5.99 meters, which can be converted into a large sunbathing area with additional cushions if required – so it is equally suitable for couples and friends who perhaps value their own sleeping area. The bathroom has a shower, folding washbasin and a swivel toilet. The Forster V 599 is also available in a version with a double bunk bed.
Pössl 2Win S Plus
- Category: Panel van
- Vehicle length: 6 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): Transverse bed
Spacious inside and yet compact: the Pössl 2Win S Plus with all-inclusive equipment as standard impresses many couples. The larger kitchenette for cooking together, a bathroom – in the RS Plus model even with a spacious bathroom and comfortable shower – and an open-plan living space concept are the basis for a relaxing vacation or an active city trip.
Eura Mobil Active One 650 HS
- Category: Motorhome alcove
- Vehicle length: 6.50 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): Alcove (single beds)
Many manufacturers focus on spacious living and seating areas in the alcove – the space for the bed is located one level higher. The Active One 650 HS from Eura Mobil offers travelers an enormous feeling of space in its compact size of 6.50 meters, lots of storage space and even a spacious round seating area in the rear – for relaxed evenings for two, with friends or camping neighbors.
Weinsberg X-Cursion Van
- Category: Motorhome, semi-integrated
- Vehicle length: 5.88 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): Drop-down bed plus convertible bench seat
This small motorhome from Weinsberg, with its astonishingly compact exterior dimensions and a completely new body concept, offers plenty of space inside, even at less than 5.90 meters. Based on a VW T6.1, you can choose between two layout variants, each with up to four berths, a spacious kitchen, multifunctional bathroom solutions and extras such as diesel heating as standard.
Nexxo Van
- Category: Motorhome, semi-integrated
- Vehicle length: 5.99 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): French bed (T569) or transverse bed (T590G)
This semi-integrated motorhome from the manufacturer Bürstner offers a modern interior concept, high-quality materials, bright colors and an open visual axis. In keeping with its narrow body width of just 2.20 meters, the Nexxo Van also has shortened exterior mirrors for a stylish appearance – so it scores with the advantages of comfort as well as compact dimensions. It is available in two different layouts – as T569 with French bed or T590G with transverse bed in the rear.
Hymer Exsis-t 474
- Category: Semi-integrated motorhome
- Vehicle length: 6.59 m
- Bathroom/WC: yes
- Bed type(s): Single beds
Compact, light, maneuverable: The Hymer Exsis-t is suitable for all those who like to travel quickly and maneuverably, don’t have to worry about every kilogram of payload and value comfort. Despite the narrow vehicle width of 2.22 meters, the feeling of space is generous and the modern materials create a homely ambience. The bathroom is equipped with a hinged shower screen so that you have a separate shower cubicle, which offers more space and is also easier to clean.
Costs for a camper for two
Depending on the model, equipment and special requests, prices for a camper for two vary from the lower five-figure range to the higher six-figure range. For the vehicles we have presented, we can estimate a price range from around 55,000 euros to just under 100,000 euros , at least as far as the new price is concerned. If you would like to find out what options there are for financing a motorhome, take a look at this article. There are also good used models of all categories on the market – it’s definitely worth comparing prices! You can get a real bargain at a motorhome insolvency sale.
Conclusion
For most people, a motorhome vacation means getting out into nature, absolute freedom and the greatest possible flexibility – almost everyone agrees on these advantages of camping. And yet the needs of camping vacations are very different, from the destination to the motorhome model. By choosing the right vehicle, you are laying the foundations for exciting camping trips and wonderful motorhome vacations for two! Looking for even more inspiration? Here you will find our top selection of motorhomes up to 6 m in length. And if you want to take a trial vacation first – rent the camper of your choice and see if it’s the right one for you!
Cover picture: © Bürstner GmbH & Co KG
