Campervans expanding sideways and trailers popping their roofs up are so much a staple in the industry that c.fold caravan really blows the mind off with its nifty way of expanding the space for living inside. The pop-up mechanism of this camping rig is particularly designed to effectively benefit the everyday electric vehicles and smaller vehicles.
The flexible design, and low weight of only 775kg, mean the camper’s structure remains low to reduce drag and range when driving. When at the camp, it essentially doubles the interior space by allowing the upper over-shell to lift up. The construction is primarily conceptualized to make “caravaning with electric towing vehicles practical and sustainable for everyday use.”
Designer: Dethleffs
The innovative design of the c.fold is reportedly conceived by Monika and Peter Marchart, who have been travelling and living out of a caravan themselves. Understanding the limitations and benefits of living out of a caravan, the couple has been able to put their experience into conceptualizing this folding option which has been developed by Dethleffs. The company, according to their press information, has invested over a year at the Innovation Camp in Baienfurt, Germany, bringing the idea to life.
Of course, the differentiator of the c.fold from other options on the market is its lightweight construction and the folding mechanism. The folding design ensure that the caravan can lower from camp position to drivable height (by lowering the upper portion) at the push of a button. It improves aerodynamics and can “increase the range of a mid-range electric towing vehicle by up to 100 km.” That’s a benefit no caravan enthusiast willing to transform their driving experience from a SUV to an environmentally beneficial EV would want to overlook.
Even if you were to ignore the upfront benefit for a minute. There is a lot more here to consider. The compact and efficient c.fold comes with a driving height of 1.65 meters and a total width of 1.9 meters. When at the camp, the top portion can telescopically lift up to create 1.9 m (6.2 feet) of headroom at the front side. It’s compact form factor ensures that the caravan can be stored comfortably in the garage at home and it is safe to drive on the road.
The wonder of course is how the double shell caravan increases living space, but it’s how the interior is planned, which really allows all the transformation to have. While all the other furniture and spaces inside of the structure made from Alucore, a durable aluminum honeycomb structure, fit together like LEGO bricks when the caravan is collapsed. It’s the bathroom – with a dry toilet and washbasin – that’s really amazing. It’s designed to also collapse midway to packs into a side console and accommodate the caravan’s transformation.
The full home-like layout inside is packed within the four walls made of recycled PET bottles. The floor features linoleum flooring, and the ceiling height goes from a collapsed state to a full-standing height, creating a bright, light-filled living space at the camp. If you like traveling by yourself, and only your gear along, the convertible seating area in the entrance is designed to fold away, leaving an open platform to accommodate two e-bikes or sporting gear.
When you’re out in the wilderness with your gear and want to spend a few extra days, the c.fold caravan can have you covered with renewable power provided by roof-top solar panels, a 300 Ah battery, a 2000-watt inverter, and a portable induction cooktop onboard that you can use as a galley worktop or even place it outside.
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