Dreaming of a camper that fits your life perfectly? No compromises on layout, no off-the-shelf standard solutions? Then a custom-built van conversion might be exactly what you need.
At the last Caravan Salon, Nele met up with Christian from Camper Schmiede and got a look at two extraordinary vehicles that show just what's possible with custom manufacturing.
From a Blank Sheet of Paper to the Perfect Camper
For around seven years, Camper Schmiede in the Lower Rhine region has been converting vans based entirely on individual customer wishes. What makes the process special: every project literally starts on a blank sheet of paper. You bring your ideas, and the team of engineers and craftsmen makes them happen — including VR-goggle visualization with a 3D model.
The team mainly converts Mercedes Sprinter and MAN TGE vans (including 4x4 all-wheel-drive versions), but other vehicle types or box-body builds are possible too.
The two show vehicles at the fair made a strong case for just how different the results can be. Every vehicle is a one-off, tailored exactly to its owner's needs.
Rear Lounge with Home Cinema Feel and Endless Showers
The first vehicle — a 6.80-meter MAN TGE with a gross vehicle weight of 4.5 tonnes (3.85 tonnes unladen) — impresses with a spacious rear lounge. Four people can sit comfortably around a table here and watch a screen powered by a projector. The projector sits on a flexible magnetic mount and can even be used outdoors to project images onto the side of the van.
In the evening, an electrically operated two-meter longitudinal lift bed lowers from the ceiling. The basic layout is designed for two people traveling together. If guests come along, a rooftop tent with an integrated roof terrace can be added to the roof rack instead.
Smart Use of Space in the Bathroom & Circulation Shower
The bathroom solution is particularly clever: the bathroom door doubles as a fully usable wardrobe. Open it up, and a double door slides out, revealing the full shower and toilet behind it. That means the shower space also works as full-on storage in everyday use.
Inside the shower itself is the innovative DauerShower system: a smart circulation setup that switches to recirculation mode after the first lather and rinse. About five to six liters of water are then continuously drawn in, filtered, disinfected with UV-C light, and released again. That means you can shower for as long as you like without draining the fresh water tank.
On the Road Completely Gas-Free
Another highlight is the fully energy-independent concept: the vehicle runs completely without gas. A diesel-powered underfloor heating system with hot water function, a diesel cooktop, and a diesel oven all draw their energy directly from the vehicle's standard fuel tank. The system is remarkably efficient too — the heater uses just 0.1 to 0.2 liters of diesel per hour during operation.
The team also took a different approach with the windows: instead of plain plastic camper windows, they installed hybrid windows. The outer pane is made of scratch-resistant real glass, while the inner layer is insulating plastic.
Real Concrete Look, a Dog Box, and the Soul Floater
The second vehicle immediately stood out at the fair thanks to one special feature: a U-shaped frame mounted at the rear holds a full-size rear bed, the so-called Soul Floater. It supports up to 200 kilograms and folds up compactly to save space.
Inside, a textured real-concrete surface sets the tone. All the paneling on the walls, doors, and floor has the look and feel of real concrete — a stylish alternative to the usual felt lining. The look is rounded off with diamond-shaped zigzag ceiling lighting.
On the practical side, the camper offers two fridges, tons of storage space (including pull-out sill drawers), and a built-in dog box in the rear garage, connected to the interior via a door.
Pricing for Custom Conversions
Handmade craftsmanship and custom detail solutions come at a price. The entry point for a fully custom-built all-wheel-drive Sprinter or MAN TGE starts at around €200,000. The showcased trade fair vehicle with the full range of features comes in at over €300,000.
When creativity knows no limits
Asked about the craziest projects, Christian fondly recalls an adjustable rooftop terrace with a soft floor and all-round railing, as well as the legendary trade fair vehicle “Marilyn Onroad”. This MAN TGE was designed entirely in the retro style of a 1950s American diner. After three trade fair appearances, this one-off also found an owner in Munich.
Conclusion: Your camper, your rules
Whether it's a circulation shower, a flexible projector setup, a rear bed, or a custom-built dog box – when it comes to custom conversions at Camper Schmiede, there's almost no limit to what you can imagine.
You can find more information on conversions by Camper Schmiede at www.camper-schmiede.de.
Podcast · Episode 424
Caravan Salon live: Individualausbau nach Maß – in der Camperschmiede entstehen echte Schmuckstücke
0 Kommentare
Noch keine Kommentare — sei die/der Erste und teile deine Erfahrung!
Danke!
Dein Kommentar wartet auf Freischaltung und erscheint, sobald er moderiert wurde.