Camping fair: These are the most important innovations of the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf

Neither the high fuel costs nor the increased prices for new vehicles seem to diminish interest in traveling by motorhome and camper van. The demand is still high, explains Daniel Onggowinarso, managing director of the German Caravaning Association CIVD. And this - albeit small - increase in registrations for recreational vehicles in the first half of 2026, as well as the large turnout at the 65th Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf (August 28 to September 6), confirms this statement in practice.

In the case of recreational vehicles, manufacturers are challenged every time to cover a wide range of customer wishes. This ultimately leads to a veritable flood of new products that must be tailored to a large family just as much as to the needs of an active athlete, adventurer, or a senior couple looking for comfort. And clear trends can be identified here.

More four-wheel drive in demand

The increasing demand for four-wheel drive vehicles has led to the Düsseldorf trade fair management bundling the 4x4 colossi across brands in a separate off-road area.

The camper van CV 595 X-Edition, a four-wheel drive vehicle, is making its debut here, produced by the popular entry-level brand Carado, which belongs to the Erwin-Hymer Group.

The six-meter-long panel van with a transverse double bed at the rear, which is also available from the sister brand Sunlight as the identical model Ibex, is offered on the basis of the VW Crafter from €88,600.

However, the Mercedes Sprinter has largely fueled the all-wheel drive scene, which in its current third generation offers excellent off-road capabilities at significantly lower surcharges.

Even very price-conscious providers such as Pössl and Hannes-Camper had already introduced the Mercedes transporter in six-figure price regions last year.

Autarky with electricity from the roof

The same applies to the successfully launched Eura Xtura, which was sold around 200 times in the first year as a chic adventure mobile at prices between €150,000 and €180,000 - and represents another important trend: Autarky.

Although, except in Norway, it is not actually permitted to camp freely in any European country, motorhome enthusiasts seem to increasingly value the longest possible stand times without mains electricity.

This is made possible by solar cells on the roof and additional lithium batteries, which can generate electricity on board via an inverter.

If this is also used for an induction hob in larger models, in combination with the compressor refrigerators and diesel heaters that are increasingly being used (this too is a recognizable trend), the motorhome can be operated gas-free.

Heavy gas cylinders can then be dispensed with.

From the customer's desire for more comfortable washrooms, the trend towards combined wet cells with a large swing wall and even towards a new basic layout pattern with a wagon-wide rear bathroom has developed.

The sanitary area with an extra shower tray, toilet, and washbasin offers a lot of freedom of movement, but a rear garage has to be dispensed with.

Traveling with a real queen-sized bed

This alternative to single or queen-sized bed layouts is, like the 6.40-meter-long, new semi-integrated Yrteo Y885 from the Spanish brand Benimar, almost exclusively combined with a hub bed for two people that can be lowered above the seating area.

The only exception: The new Hobby T740 WE places two laterally hinged single beds directly in front of the rear bathroom, but it is also a good meter longer than the Spanish motorhome.

Particularly unusual floor plan ideas are presented by the French Rapido Group for the new model year.

Once with the camper van conversions Rapido V64 and Dreamer D64, which implement a real queen-sized bed in a 6.36-meter Fiat Ducato for the first time.

And at the German Westfalia subsidiary, the Columbus Liner is celebrating its premiere, which includes the roof with roof terrace in the living area and is supposed to offer luxury on three levels on the same Fiat basis.

Overall, however, the craze for panel vans has subsided slightly.

They still form the most popular type of motorhome with a share of over 50 percent.

The semi-integrated vehicles have gained the most in popularity with customers.

Also in the plus is the luxury class of integrated vehicles, which presents one of the highlights of the season with the Master Line of the Hymer B class.

The alcove plays an important role, especially for families and in rental, primarily due to the large space offered and the relatively low prices.

The completely renewed A699 from the entry-level brand Forster, for example, is offered in three versions with seven and even eight sleeping places from €59,000.

Electromobility remains a niche phenomenon in camping

Currently, no trend can be identified in terms of electromobility.

Apart from a few purely electric conversions, such as the Eifelland camper van based on the Nissan Interstar-e, all studies from previous years presented with great optimism by Dethleffs, Knaus, and Bürstner have completely disappeared into obscurity.

The weight problem with the 3.5-ton limit could not be brought under control.

In the meantime, the new driving license directive with the increase in the weight limit to 4.25 tons has been approved by the European Parliament, but still needs to be implemented into national legislation.

This must be done by 2028, which is why it can be assumed that the development departments of the major manufacturers are already working on solutions behind the scenes.

Solutions are also being sought by the caravan manufacturers.

With the exception of a small interim high during Corona, registrations have been declining for years.

Also this year.

The caravan sector seems threatened with extinction.

However, ideas have not been lacking in the past.