Yacht-Inspired Caravisio—The RV of the Future

Citing declining registration numbers for caravans in Europe, German manufacturer Knaus Tabbert GmbH decided to rethink camper design by initiating the “Caravisio-The Caravan of the Future” project as an approach to the problem and to provoke thought.

Yacht-Inspired Caravisio—The RV of the Future (image courtesy of Knaus Tabbert)

The Caravisio reflects a collective vision of what may be technologically possible in the future. Based on both a futuristic and innovative vision of the manufacturer, an expert group of industry-established and external suppliers and designers was established with the objective to develop the caravan of the future.

Development work lasted almost two years, from the first sketch to the completely designed and assembled caravan. More than just a single manufacturer’s idea, the Caravisio represents collaboration between more than 20 different companies and industry experts.

Like the classic Bowlus Road Chief and Airstream Land Yacht, the Caravisio design concept received inspiration from yacht construction as well as the future.

A new type of layout forms the basis of the Caravisio concept. Thanks to the bed positioning, the front is arrow-shaped which has a positive effect on the upstream flow angle. The C-pillars in the rear strongly face inwards, which clearly reduces the wake turbulence.

All the constructive elements on the roof are integrated in the ceiling, which for the first time means an optimal solution both aerodynamically and optically. Large hand grips at the front and rear also are reminiscent of yacht elements.

Side skirts and all other parts close to the floor are in grey plastic, which provides protection when the complete caravan is lowered into its living situation.

Yacht-Inspired Caravisio—The RV of the Future (image courtesy of Knaus Tabbert)

Carivisio’s shell design with its pointed front-end was put through intense wind tunnel testing to create superior aerodynamic performance.

Single beds in the front are arranged in a V-shape and can be turned into a large double bed by way of a mattress extension, with a massive panoramic window letting light inside. The bed position allows clearly improved aerodynamics.

Attempting to transfer standards and comfort features from full-sized motorhomes to caravans, a fuller, more spacious bathroom is placed next to the front cockpit. The shower and washroom features an intelligent water control system with a storage function controlled by a touch display. The actual living room develops into an open rear with adjoining veranda, designed like the salon of a yacht.

With little effort the seating group can be converted from a comfortable lounge into a modern workroom. This area is designed in an ultra-modern color combination, and the blue ornamental seam is a further reference to the world of yachts.

Color and trim of the interior are in line with the latest maritime interior trends: Light oak, white lacquer front in matte, contrasting black glass, and dark ship parquet floor. The cushions are air-suspended and can be easily adjusted to ensure best-possible ergonomic sitting positions.

A laptop or tablet can be connected to the caravan’s infrastructure and can be safely charged and stowed away.

Yacht-Inspired Caravisio—The RV of the Future (image courtesy of Knaus Tabbert)

The ceiling is covered by dark textile material giving the interior a very special atmosphere. At the same time it improves the air distribution of the air-conditioning system from above. A full-HD beamer is integrated in the ceiling and projects its image onto the glass sliding door in the rear.

Essential elements inside and outside the caravan can be comfortably and centrally controlled with an app. The frosted-glass sliding door closes the living room to the outside world; double glazing insulates and protects the room. If required, the glass panes also can be changed to clear glass with the app.

The complete caravan can be lowered to ground level in only a few seconds to allow barrier-free access to the interior.

Though currently not reproducible en masse, Caravisio raises the bar for recreational vehicles both aesthetically and functionally.

Details

Knaus Tabbert GmbH

Knaus Tabbert GmbH is a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles in Europe with headquarters in Jandelsbrunn in Lower Bavaria.

Other manufacturing plants are located in Mottgers (Hesse), Obermeitingen in Upper Bavaria, and Nagyoroszi in Hungary.

In business year 2012 the company with its six brands—Knaus, Tabbert, T@b, BavariaCamp, Weinsberg, and Wilk—reached a turnover of Euro 281 million, and with approximately 1,200 employees produced about 13,000 caravans and motorhomes.

Phone: +49 (0) 8583 21 309

Website: knaustabbert.de/en

Worth Pondering…

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.

—Albert Einstein

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