A year after transforming the Ford Tourneo Custom into the “most flexible vehicle in the world,” Vanexxt of Germany has now done the same with the Volkswagen Caravelle. This marks the debut of the very first camper package for the all-new Transporter/Caravelle, shortly after the van’s global unveiling. The Vanexxt Caravelle showcases a unique modular build that easily transitions from a camper van to a seven-seat family MPV in just minutes.
Given the shared platform between the Volkswagen Transporter and the Ford Transit/Tourneo Connect, it’s no surprise to see Vanexxt quickly adapt modules from Ford’s midsize van to the Transporter. This seamless transition makes converting the new VW van into a camper a straightforward process for Vanexxt.
This development creates a divergence in the Volkswagen camper van lineup, with some brands likely to focus on the new California on the VW-built Multivan, while others may opt for the Ford-built VW Transporter series. Despite our preference for the former van, the Vanexxt package for the latter makes a compelling case.
Vanexxt
Vanexxt begins its camper conversion not with a standard Transporter commercial van but with the more luxurious Caravelle people-mover. The fully loaded Caravelle in the image above features the top-tier Style package with premium exterior details, upgraded wheels, leather seats, and more.
The design by Vanexxt uniquely transforms the Caravelle into a four-person camper van that rivals the VW California in terms of equipment and functionality, yet it can easily convert into an empty cargo van or a seven-seat family vehicle.
Vanexxt
The camper setup commences with a set of four embedded tracks in either light wood-look or gray flooring chosen by the buyer. These tracks form the versatile base to secure the camping modules and seating in place.
The camper layout revolves around a narrow three-seat rear bench positioned beside the driver-side camping equipment. The fully-equipped camper comprises three separate modules behind the driver’s seat: a compact stove/fridge unit, a sink unit with under-counter water storage, and a rear cabinet with shelving and various compartments. The front panel of the sink module can be flipped up to serve as a dining table.
Vanexxt
The back of the van houses a shelf that, along with the folded bench, forms a 190 x 115-cm sleeping platform. Buyers can select from two Vanexxt mattress options or use their own mattresses or sleeping pads. Additionally, the company offers a retractable stove that fits inside the rear wall cubby.
The sleek Polimer pop-up roof shown includes a premium 195 x 118-in double bed and provides the option to lower the total van height below the 2-m parking garage limit by adding the optional €990 lowered suspension. The Reimo pop-up sleeper roof is €500 less expensive but raises the total height to 208 cm, surpassing the 2-m threshold even with the 5-cm suspension drop. Buyers can also forgo the pop-top option and maintain a two-sleeper configuration.
The two available second-row captain’s chairs are incompatible with the folding rear bench/bed but can be secured to the floor rails in front of the three-seat bench, used for daily driving, and removed for camping trips. These chairs can fit inside with or without the camping modules and are lightweight for easy handling.
Vanexxt
With a wide range of module options, Vanexxt does not skimp on personalization choices. Additional add-ons include a dog kennel, solar charging, interior motorcycle mount, awning, exterior bicycle rack, window shades, and a hitch receiver. Enhanced interior packages feature amenities like a camp heater and lighting/equipment control touchscreen.
Vanexxt does not provide a specific base price due to the modular nature of the van. To provide an estimate, we configured a four-person camper van using the online tool. Starting with a basic short-wheelbase VW Caravelle with a 148-hp 2.0-liter engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, we added a full floor plan with essential features, resulting in a base MSRP of €76,260 (approx. US$80,100), discounted to €72,447 ($76,100
