In the evening, just climb up from inside the vehicle, drop onto a really comfortable mattress and enjoy the view all around? That’s how the new EUROPINE ULTIMATE feels. With it, VICKYWOOD brings a roof tent that feels more like a vehicle conversion, and for many van and expedition-vehicle builders it could be an exciting alternative to the pop-top.
First impression in Potsdam
I got to see the ULTIMATE for myself at the launch event in Potsdam and, of course, try it out. Lying down, it was already clear: this isn’t a roof tent, this is real sleeping comfort on the road. The mattress and the slatted base feel almost like your own bed at home. And then that 360-degree view: unzip all the sides, take in nothing but nature and still be protected by the fine mosquito mesh, that’s really something.
A pre-configured pass-through, with a cut-out in the hardshell, the slatted base and the mattress, gives easy access straight from the vehicle. The slatted base and mattress are split; the smaller part simply folds up on gas struts and stays reliably in place there.
A pass-through designed into the EUROPINE ULTIMATE from the factory
The EUROPINE ULTIMATE makes a noticeable difference for vehicle builders: two possible pass-through openings are already pre-configured in the hardshell. What used to have to be done yourself is now provided from the factory and makes integration much easier. A roof hatch from Dometic, for example, works well as the link between the vehicle roof and the sleeping-area extension.
OEM level in roof-tent format
VICKYWOOD’s concept is based on the roof-tent principle, but lifts it to OEM level, that is, to the quality and safety standard of the car industry. It adds two full sleeping places to vans, campervans, panel vans, trailers or expedition vehicles. The fully automated, parallel opening mechanism with two electric motors makes the bed ready in seconds, with no effort at all. So the EUROPINE ULTIMATE is a practical and cheaper alternative to the pop-top on vans.
Clever engineering
Technically it’s cleverly done. A lot of development work has gone into the opening mechanism. The system works absolutely reliably and safely: closing is impossible when the slatted base is raised or someone is in between. Power comes through a waterproof cable connection to the vehicle, and if the battery is flat the tent can also be moved by hand. Especially handy: the ULTIMATE can even be opened and closed conveniently from inside the vehicle via Bluetooth. Under the mattress there’s room for extra electronics, a detail that expedition-vehicle builders in particular will appreciate.
A well-thought-out interior in the EUROPINE ULTIMATE
Inside, the EUROPINE ULTIMATE scores with storage that lets you keep blankets and pillows stowed even when it’s closed (150 mm of height at the front, 90 mm at the rear). That makes it quick to fold down and drive off. Add to that smart features like LED lighting in the lid, USB sockets, pockets, organisers, a 360-degree panorama mode, a proper slatted base and a comfortable memory-foam mattress. Solar-panel mounts can be integrated as an option.
An alternative to the classic pop-top
For vans, the EUROPINE ULTIMATE is also a genuine alternative to a classic pop-top. It offers more comfort, extra space and is attractive on price too. For classic off-roaders it’s too heavy in my view, but for vans, panel vans or expedition vehicles it opens up plenty of new possibilities.
A clear focus on B2B
The strategic direction is clear too: VICKYWOOD deliberately positions the ULTIMATE in the B2B segment. With 100% European manufacturing, short supply routes and production to automotive standard, OEMs, van and trailer builders are meant to get a future-proof solution for their vehicle concepts, while long-term partnerships are strengthened at the same time.
You’ll find more about the EUROPINE ULTIMATE on the VICKYWOOD website.