Mini-campers are firmly in fashion – and not only since coronavirus. They are compact and so fully suited to everyday use, good for the drive to the office or the supermarket as well as the weekend trip or the longer holiday journey. A popular base vehicle is the five-seat VW Caddy, which is also available with all-wheel drive. Gerd Niederlechner from Ottensoos in Bavaria gives it a solid-wood fit-out.
With his company, Niederlechner has dedicated himself to the bespoke conversion of high-roof estates into individual campers. For his Caddy the master car mechanic and trained joiner relies on a – removable – handmade furniture build in white-oiled wild oak with a floor panel with linoleum covering or, optionally, an also-oiled solid-wood floor. The material wood not only creates a warm, homely atmosphere, but as a renewable and sustainable raw material also makes a contribution to protecting the environment. And after all, Niederlechner’s small craft business is called „Natürliche Reisemobile“ (Natural Campers). The name is – naturally – the programme. You can not only see it but also smell it. Because the VW Caddy doesn’t smell of plastic, but of fine wood.
The Caddy uses a layout that follows the concept of VW bus campers proven over decades: that is, a cupboard and kitchen unit on the driver’s side and a bench seat with six-centimetre-thick cushions on the passenger side. The bench is good not only for spending time in the rear of the vehicle but can also be turned into a bed with a few simple moves.
All of this is housed in the smallest of spaces and, what’s more, can be fitted and removed with a few simple moves. So outside travel season the Caddy, with its five seats, is available as a full-fledged everyday vehicle.
Natürliche Reisemobile
The standard equipment of the fit-out includes, among other things, a cushion set for the bed build (sleeping area 190 x 125 cm) and the kitchen cabinet with stainless-steel sink and chrome tap. The kitchen has a drawer and offers a compartment for an optional gas-cartridge stove; the flap can also be used as a table. So you can cook in the vehicle too. Water is supplied by a submersible pump; the fresh-water and waste-water canisters hold 12 litres each. Also on board are a 12 V LED gooseneck lamp, a USB charging port and a seat box with a storage flap that can take a Porta Potti.
Instead of the Caddy’s standard rear bench, storage boxes split 1/3 to 2/3 can optionally be ordered. Also available are an electric release for the tailgate, a 120 cm extendable spray hose as an outdoor shower, or an outdoor table that hooks into the seat box. When the outdoor table isn’t needed, it disappears well secured into the seat box.
You will find more information on the conversion on the “Natürliche Reisemobile” website.