Germany’s SpaceCamper prides itself on pushing the boundaries of what a camper will be, to the purpose of constructing an unexpected amalgamation of tent camper, e-cargo bike and micro-motorhome. So maybe it is not shocking to see it introduce the wildest pop-up camper van on the 2024 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon. And but, it nonetheless is. SpaceCamper’s Volkswagen Multivan pop-up idea is not like something we have ever seen, blurring the traces between a rooftop tent, excessive fastened sleeper roof and normal pop-top.
SpaceCamper makes use of Volkswagen’s new Multivan panoramic glass sunroof choice as a leaping off level for its SpaceRoof idea, eradicating the manufacturing facility glass to create a pass-through with out even having to exchange all the manufacturing facility roof. It then drops on the outsized SpaceRoof as a brand new fashion of pop-top that capabilities someplace between a rooftop tent and an RV sleeper roof.
Like a rooftop tent, the ~75-kg (165-lb) SpaceRoof is totally detachable, securing to the manufacturing facility anchor factors that Volkswagen makes use of for its roof rails. It measures wider than the van roof, stretching its manner out even with the folded side-view mirrors, in a kind of otherworldly spin on the concept of a “T-top.” The additional width not solely will increase inner house however serves as a set of overhanging eaves that forestall rain from falling inside when the sliding doorways are left open to benefit from the sound and cooling of the rain.
Spacecamper
Like an built-in pop-up camper van roof, the SpaceRoof idea gives entry immediately from contained in the van. So if that storm continues to be raging, you do not have to scurry outdoor and up a ladder.
The SpaceRoof’s extra-wide building could look a bit odd from the skin, nevertheless it accommodates a 140 x 200-cm (55 x 79-in) transverse mattress that continues to be arrange with out sacrificing standing room within the van – have to carry a mattress up in the course of the day to take pleasure in standing room. The outsized roof space even has room for a wardrobe that breaks down when it is time to decrease the roof.
CC Weiss/New Atlas
The fastened high-roof facet of the SpaceRoof is likely to be its strangest feat. Fairly unexpectedly, given its outsized type, the roof is designed to remain open whereas driving, one thing that the everyday pop-up roof or rooftop tent is unquestionably not designed to do. Campers can thus use the SpaceRoof as a cargo field, getting baggage out of the principle van cabin in the course of the experience. At camp, pop-top setup is already carried out, releasing vacationers to get to work on different components of creating camp or just leap upstairs to mattress.
Spacecamper
Holding the roof up is certain to introduce extra drag and lead to a gasoline economic system penalty, however that might be mentioned of a excessive roof or rooftop tent, too. There is not any indication but of how a lot that penalty is likely to be, however SpaceCamper does say the roof is designed for speeds as much as 120 km/h (75 mph).
After realizing you’ll be able to drive with it up, you is likely to be questioning if the SpaceRoof even must fold again down. It’s designed to decrease, not solely to chop down on drag but in addition to drop total automobile top to 197 cm (78 in), under the ever-important parking storage and ferry threshold of two meters (79 in). So SpaceRoof house owners can nonetheless comfortably drive and park across the metropolis.
We have not but seen any photographs or video of the SpaceRoof lowered and packed up, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a prototype so won’t be working correctly but. It undoubtedly has some tough prototype edges that we’re positive shall be smoothed out on the best way to manufacturing.
CC Weiss/New Atlas
The SpaceRoof is the non-obligatory cherry patrons can plop on high of a Multivan Traditional+ package deal. With Volkswagen’s break up of the Transporter and Multivan, SpaceRoof has targeted on the latter by evolving its long-running Traditional package deal into the Traditional+, which it is usually providing for the Ford Tourneo Customized.
The Traditional+ features a three-seat rear folding bench/mattress with under-seat drawers, swivel entrance seats, rear cabinetry, and a novel swiveling kitchen. The kitchen can be utilized inside or swiveled out the sliding driver-side door for outside cooking. The fridge field stays inside, both manner. The mattress is 200 cm (79 in) lengthy with a width that varies between 120 and 136 cm (47 and 54 in) when arrange.
SpaceCamper
The Traditional+ additionally features a strong energy package deal with 200-Ah lithium battery, 2,000-W inverter and exterior 230-V shore energy hookup. An air heater and inside lighting spherical out the package deal. SpaceCamper additionally gives choices together with a rear cargo slide designed to suit Euroboxes, a bigger rear slide-out fridge, and a rear slide-out kitchen,
As firm founder Ben Wawra tells us, the Multivan setup works notably effectively for individuals who search a easy two-person camper van and on a regular basis MPV however may have to deliver others alongside on tenting journeys. Grandparents and younger {couples} who plan to have kids are good examples of those that might benefit from the Traditional+ package deal for the common journey however then have a devoted upstairs youngsters room every time they want it. And in contrast to the everyday pop-up roof, the SpaceRoof could be a full-time youngsters house, storing baggage, toys and different belongings on the experience and at camp.
CC Weiss/New Atlas
We’re undecided we love the SpaceRoof’s enormous dimension and unusual look, however we actually prefer to see somebody rethinking a camper element design as normal and ubiquitous because the pop-up roof. SpaceCamper hopes to deliver the SpaceRoof to market inside a 12 months and is trying to adapt it to different vans past the Multivan, together with bigger full-size fashions.
So there may simply be an excellent greater, extra awkward pop-top in tenting’s future.
Prototypes do not have a tendency to come back with pricing, and we’re ready to listen to again on a quote for a base turnkey Camper+ Multivan. In order to not depart you chilly and shut out of the ballpark completely, although, we checked SpaceCamper’s listings for 2 of the final accessible T6.1 Traditional camper vans, which worth in at €90,000 and 100,000 (approx. US$99,775 and 110,875), respectively.
Supply: SpaceCamper
