No gala, no buffet, no anniversary speeches. SpaceCamper celebrated its 20th anniversary differently: the team around co-founders Ben and Markus worked around the clock to develop three new conversion solutions, now premiering at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. Built on flexible base vehicles like the Ford Tourneo, VW Caravelle, or VW Multivan, these innovations tackle real problems that campervan fans have been wrestling with for years.
20 years of hands-on conversion expertise
20 years ago, SpaceCamper launched with a clear mission: to build the most flexible and functional campervan for everyday use. A vehicle you can drive every day, with a removable bench seat and a bed comfortable enough to sleep well on even with a bad back. That mindset has now produced three precise answers to concrete needs – developed by people who live in a van themselves and put their concepts through rigorous real-world testing.
Classic+ Bike: Two bikes on board, three sleeping spots still available
Every cycling vanlife fan knows the dilemma: a rear bike rack makes the vehicle longer and maneuvering a hassle, the bikes hang exposed to the weather in the rain, and at the campsite or trailhead parking lot, the same question comes up every evening: will the lock and rack hold, or will the bikes be gone by morning?
That's an uneasy feeling, especially with expensive carbon or e-bikes. The alternative – simply hauling the bikes into the interior – has always run into one obstacle: the bed. Either you sleep, or you transport bikes. Never both at once.
This is exactly where the bike conversion comes in. Alongside the five-seater, SpaceCamper now offers a single-seat rail system. This allows you to configure a flexible three-seater. The two bikes stand on a pull-out platform that extends 1.2 meters to the rear. Loading, maintaining, and cleaning the bikes becomes remarkably simple.
Bed covers protect the upholstery, and a built-in low-pressure shower with a catch basin keeps the mud outside where it belongs. The real highlight: two high-value bikes sit completely theft-proof inside the vehicle, while three sleeping spots remain available. The system also shines in everyday use: tailgate up, bike out, and you're covering the last mile into town without hunting for a parking spot.
Classic+ Dog: Finally a campervan that takes big dogs seriously
Camping with dogs is booming, but many dog boxes still feel more like a cage than a cozy spot. A small dog can find a place to curl up anywhere, but with larger breeds, space gets tight fast: the footwell is blocked, and at night the walkway gets repurposed as a dog bed.
The Classic+ Dog rethinks the vehicle from the dog's perspective, creating a dedicated "dog room" behind the backrest. Instead of a conventional door, a low-angled entry ramp extends out from the tailgate – ideal for older or heavier dogs, easing the strain on their joints when climbing in. Inside, a Cordura-laminated foam basin provides soft, waterproof comfort and can be easily removed for cleaning.
When it comes to safety and comfort, SpaceCamper goes even further: thick crash pads at the front protect the dog during sudden braking. The box is also connected directly to the vehicle's air conditioning, so your four-legged companion stays cool even on hot summer days.
At night, a heavy-duty mesh panel can be lowered, allowing direct contact and cuddles between you and your dog while sleeping, without blocking the living space. Optional extras like video monitoring with smartphone-based temperature control and a spill-proof water bowl round out the package.
Discreet toilet solution: a folding toilet in the center console
The bathroom question is traditionally the loudest debate in any campervan. A real bathroom simply doesn't fit into this compact vehicle class, and chemical cassette toilets eat up valuable space.
In the new base vehicles, SpaceCamper makes use of the space freed up by the removed mechanical handbrake between the front seats, integrating a two-part center console box there. The upper compartment serves as practical storage or a picnic shelf, while the lower compartment hides a compact folding toilet. Handling is simple and hygienic: a biodegradable or trash bag is placed over the toilet and simply disposed of after use – no tedious cleaning required.
To preserve privacy, a center curtain can be quickly drawn between the cab and living area, complemented by matching blackout systems for the windows. And since every detail has been thought through, quick-release protective covers shield the neighboring upholstery from any mishaps.
Conclusion: real-world solutions
Whether you're a bike-obsessed rider, a dog owner, or an off-grid enthusiast: these three new models show just how consistently SpaceCamper combines everyday practicality with real camping know-how. If you want to see the clever detail solutions for yourself, check out the vehicles at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Hall 15, Stand A39.
I had SpaceCamper co-founder Ben walk me through the three new models in detail at the Caravan Salon – including practical tips for odor-free waste disposal and a stress test of the folding toilet. Give it a listen:
Podcast · Episode 425
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