Writer: Helena Bergström
It's time to vote for our favourite motorhomes at Caravan Stockholm 2016. We have chosen a winner among the large motorhomes, a winner among the medium-sized motorhomes and a winner among the small motorhomes. Well, actually, there were two winners among the small motorhomes ... because we couldn't quite agree. Did you attend the fair yourself and did you find a favourite?
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Plenty of ”tinkerers”
One cannot help but reflect on the fact that there are plenty of so-called ”tiny vans” at the fair, i.e. camper vans with interior fittings. Many different brands are represented, such as Hymer, Pössl, La Strada, Westfalia and new brands on the Swedish market, such as the Polish Globe-Traveller and the German VanTourer.
We like them because they are small and agile and easy to park. Another advantage is that they are actually built with a sheet metal body instead of fibreglass, which means they can withstand a lot more in case of an accident. But of course, compact living is the name of the game! Another type of small and flexible motorhome is the American campers from S-Karosser, i.e. detachable accommodation units that are attached to a pickup truck.
Luxurious furnishings and long beds
When you get into the fancier cars, there's a big focus on luxury. You can see the salespeople trying to impress you with fancy wine racks, fancy light fittings and exclusive bathrooms. It's definitely inviting, but we still miss a bit more focus on aspects like safety, load weight and luggage space. Also, in the basic version, many motorhomes are shown without an oven - an accessory we could never imagine being without in the motorhome!
We also reflected on the fact that the solution with long beds and a bathroom at the back seems to be very popular. It's not a solution that suits us, even though it can look quite cosy. The key is to find what you like and there are many different interior design solutions and brands to choose from. What is most important to you when choosing a motorhome?
Meetings with blogger friends
One of the most fun things about fairs is of course all the people you meet! We met several blog friends that we hadn't met ”in real life” before - very fun! Firstly we met Yvonne and Jakob, who have the lovely blog JoY together.
We also met Johan, who writes passionately and knowledgeably about caravans and motorhomes on the blog Caravanum. Both these bloggers have already published reports on the fair, so feel free to check them out!
Winners of large motorhomes: Knaus Sun i Scandinavian Selection 900 LX
JustificationA very stylish motorhome, both inside and out. The interior surprises with an exclusive feel and lighting that makes you feel like you are in a villa, not a motorhome. There is every conceivable luxury in the form of comfortable leather furniture, an elegant display cabinet, a safety box and a large TV that folds up for use.
We loved the neat washbasin and the separate bedroom with a double bed and good wardrobes. The motorhome is also well insulated for the winter with an extra heated floor and double windows. Approximate price: 1.3 million.
Winner medium-sized motorhome: Eura Mobil Profila RS 730 EB
Justification: A motorhome that feels more spacious on the inside than it looks on the outside. The interior is in an appealing light colour and there is plenty of storage space. Actually, we shouldn't get attached to this car because it has long beds, but it's nice that both the bedroom and bathroom feel like real and spacious rooms with doors.
Virtually the same model is also available with different bedroom and toilet layouts. The load weight is low, but if you pay an extra 20,000 SEK you can register the car to a higher total weight, with the possibility of loading more. Approximate price: 750 thousand.
Winner in motorhomes (Peter): Hymer Car Grand Canyon
Justification: A stylish and attractive car at less than 6 metres, where space is well optimised. Good seats for passengers and sleeping space for four people if the roof is folded up. The retractable part is not insulated against the cold, but in summer you can sleep four in a car so small that it can be parked anywhere. Approximate price: 550 thousand.
Winner small motorhome (Helena): Globe-Traveller Pathfinder XS
Justification: A newcomer to the Swedish market with an exceptionally stylish and cosy interior. The car is full of clever storage solutions and with a few simple moves you can fold down a single bed, or a double bed, from the roof and suddenly you have four beds.
To make this possible, the car is slightly higher than similar models, at just over three metres. The toilet and shower compartment is also unexpectedly spacious. Approximate price: 650 thousand.
English (UK) 
Svenska
Lennart says:
There are many nice motorhomes!
22 February 2016 - 8:57
Aila says:
We fell in love with the Rapido 8066 dF. A fully-integrated that is suitable for living in. Good storage and "only" 7.39 long... But not new to us yet.
Like the concept of the flatbed. Nice to drive and travel in...
/Aila
22 February 2016 - 9:04
nils-åke hansson says:
The tinplate works perfectly well. Interesting reading
22 February 2016 - 10:31
SVEIN ARNE GUNDERSEN says:
HEI.
WHAT ABOUT KABE I 910 QB. IT IS A NICE MOTORHOME, BUILT FOR WINTER TOO
22 February 2016 - 10:59
Mary af Rövarhamn says:
My sister has one that folds up the roof, which I think is smart and handy. But why so much grey, beige, black and white? I don't get it. The same thing in new boats, especially motorboats. Strange, when the outdoor world (tents, sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, etc.) is exploding with colours.
/Linda
22 February 2016 - 11:19
Frank Olsen says:
Great cars, yes, you get a bit jealous of the big one there.
But, I actually think it is TOO big, after all, you have to go into cities and on narrow mountain roads sometimes too 🙂.
The small "tin cars" are becoming too small again in my opinion.
I quote a post on a Norwegian motorhome (caravan) forum:
"You don't go on a campervan trip (caravan trip) in a van" 🙂 .
So that leaves the middle one as my favourite; not so different from the one we have ourselves.
So then the envy disappeared again 🙂
22 February 2016 - 11:31
Ingrid says:
Our Pössl has travelled 4500 miles in 2 years, in the warmest heat in Spain and Italy and the coldest -30 in January Umeå this year. The funny thing is that we have equally good comfort in summer and winter. We can easily change into large winter overalls and shoes inside the car. We don't have water in winter in severe cold. We also cover the driver's cabin with an insulating mat down to the ground and get a comfortable indoor temperature. Since we work with interiors, we have nicely mounted a plexi disc in the opening along the kitchen, this means that we do not get a lot of cold and heat from the large sliding door. We can stand in the middle of major cities and turn around on narrow roads to fish. The car is like camouflaged, as it does not shine big and camper. We therefore give high marks to flatbeds...but if you're going to be living out for months on end, you might feel more comfortable with a bigger one.
22 February 2016 - 12:27
admin says:
Lennart, it really does!
Aila, I googled it. Looks nice! We also like the tin boxes, and they seem to be getting more and more popular!
Nils-Åke, thank you for your comment!
Svein Arne, Kabe always makes nice cars of high quality, and not least for winter use! I googled it and it looks very nice!
Mary af Rövarhamn, yes, we wonder that too! There is a single plate in red, but otherwise it is mostly white (and black/grey in some cases, especially on the plates). Would love to see more colours!
Frank Olsen, now we chose a favourite in each size category, but we ourselves also prefer a slightly smaller car. And isn't it nice when you come to the conclusion that you actually enjoy the one you have? 🙂
Ingrid, glad you are enjoying your Pössl! We've always liked the Pössl even though we chose two other ploughs at this fair. We could probably feel comfortable in a flatbed, but yes, during our 1 year journey it might have felt cramped anyway?
22 February 2016 - 13:11
Rantamor på näthinnan says:
Really nice motorhomes at that fair, but also a lot of money.
But it's always fun to walk around and dream a little, sniff the cuddly toys.
Are you changing your motorhome?
Tjingelingen from Rantamor.
22 February 2016 - 13:16
Alexandra says:
I could imagine having one of those ploughs! I like that they are not so big to drive but you still have everything with you. We've rented one now when we go to Australia, but there's no toilet or shower in it.
22 February 2016 - 13:27
BP says:
If anyone knows about motorhomes, it's you, without a doubt.
We also liked the KNAUS SUN I SCANDINAVIAN SELECTION 900 LX very much, but wondered how to drive it on small roads and hills. It was enormously large.
The husband's favourite was Pilote Essentiel, 5.99 m long and manageable, he thought. He also liked the name;-)
As you can see, we will probably never own a motorhome, but we love to check and see what's available:-)
22 February 2016 - 13:38
Annika says:
Yes, there really are motorhomes. Would love to take a holiday in one, and if it happens sometime I know EXACTLY who to ask for advice 🙂 .
There are so many luxurious variants! Of course.
Here you can see big, big motorhomes rolling along the roads, often with a small car in tow.
Can understand that it is needed when you have a giant caravan. A little easier once they have arrived at their location to see the surroundings with a regular car.
22 February 2016 - 14:48
Henrik Hagström says:
Car with impotence beds are again favourites 🙁 .
Sadly, those of us under 75+ can only afford second-hand cars. There will be few cars with a proper double bed in the future.
You can have fun at night on holiday 🙂 It is crowded in single beds.
22 February 2016 - 15:44
admin says:
Rantamor, motorhomes are not very cheap, especially new ones. No, we don't have the finances to change our car right now, and we enjoy the Freedom 😉.
Alexandra, these are lovely. It's funny that you don't have a toilet. What kind of car is it? Is it some kind of old folk bus or something like that?
BP, you have to choose a car based on where and how you want to drive. You can drive with the big cars all over Europe, but not on the smallest, narrowest and most winding roads... We ourselves don't want a bigger car, it would be difficult in Corsica, for example. But not everyone travels that way... Now I have to google the Pilot that you write about! 😉
Annika, in the US, big cars are probably much more common than here. There are some decent things here, but it's more common with the midsize car class, and the flatbeds are on the rise. Of course, you can get in touch if you have motorhome questions at some point! 😉
Henrik, haha, I've never heard of impotence beds before 😉 We don't want to sleep like that either, but most of the cars at the fair had lame beds so it was hard to choose another one... (Of course, there were some with a double bed, but then there was something else we didn't like about them).
22 February 2016 - 17:36
annar says:
Continue to follow your nice blog. Have been with you both in the houseboat and Helsinki. Voted in the hope that you would win the blog competition. But with your ambitions you will win next time. Can't help but comment on the choice of motorhome. If my wife ever stops working, we'll have to buy a car too. But it will be a big one, comfortable and luxurious. I'm not worried about manoeuvring as I've been driving big buses all my life to small villages in Italy, Slovenia, Romania and other countries. As long as the car is less than 10 metres long, you can get over anything. Then you also have a truck chassis that allows you to drive on non-existent roads. Go big is my motto.
22 February 2016 - 18:33
admin says:
Alexandra, it looks great! Except that it doesn't have a toilet 😉 I've seen many motorhomes in my life, at fairs and around Europe, but I didn't know there were motorhomes without a toilet. But you're probably right, it's more common in Australia. As far as I know, the smallest motorhomes here are 5.99 metres. They always have a toilet and often a shower as well.
Annar, thank you so much for your lovely comment! It's great to hear that you appreciate our blog! And it is true that buses often get around, I have also thought about that. If you do not think the size is a problem, there are many large and nice motorhomes! 🙂
22 February 2016 - 19:17
Alexandra says:
http://www.apollocamper.com/campervan-hire-endeavour-camper.aspx we have rented one. I don't think it's so strange, like all the campervans I saw in Australia when we were there (even ours then) were without a toilet. But it may be that what we call a flatbed here is a little bigger than what the campervan in Australia is. Because they are like... Toyotà Hi-ace similar cars. 🙂
22 February 2016 - 18:25
Ditte says:
Thank you for watching and analysing. It's great to know something because I'm a complete novice.
I found the prices very affordable anyway, much like a big boat with similar standards and equipment. Spontaneously, I wouldn't buy the big one because I think it limits driving on narrow roads and feels unwieldy to move a lot.
Now it will probably not be a motorhome, but it is a clearly cheaper alternative to a summer cottage in the Stockholm area and it is also movable.
It's great to hear your thoughts.
22 February 2016 - 20:18
admin says:
Ditte, many people think that motorhomes are expensive and you can definitely think that, but when you compare with boats, you still get quite a lot for your money. Then accessories cost a lot, just like with boats... 😉.
22 February 2016 - 20:24
Matts Torebring says:
We go 1st class, three times Kabe, always Kabe!
22 February 2016 - 21:16
JoY says:
It was certainly fun to look at the different models and there is one for everyone.
Hugs
22 February 2016 - 21:35
admin says:
Matts, Kabe are of course nice cars with quality, if not super cheap 😉.
Yes, that's probably the case! You think there are many models, but there are also many different wishes!
22 February 2016 - 23:35
Ruth i Virginia says:
The more I see of motorhomes, the less I like them.
For a couple of weeks or maybe even a month, it would be
go well, but the best thing (for ME at least) about travelling is coming home,
put the key in the door and feel that lovely smell of home.
Every home has its own scent. And then get the morning paper
with your breakfast coffee and do the crossword. It doesn't get much better than that, no matter WHAT. How different we humans are, and what fun
it is to hear what others think.
23 February 2016 - 6:58
Nilla says:
Our favourite at the fair too!!!
What a nice motorhome it is!
But liiiite too long for our driveway unfortunately, otherwise.... 😉
23 February 2016 - 8:41
Inga Magnusson says:
I was of course looking at your selection of motorhomes from the show! I imagine it's an enthusiast's paradise. We will never own a motorhome. I remember that we did a calculation on motorhome ownership at some point. Our trips usually have specific goals and we stay in the same place for a while, not travelling around. And then hotel rooms become cheap and easy instead. But when I see nice motorhomes, I can certainly wish for one.
23 February 2016 - 9:30
admin says:
Ruth in Virginia, well it's a good thing we don't have to agree 😉.
Nilla, I assume you're referring to Knausen and haha ... we don't have a driveway like that either 😉.
No M, motorhomes cost a lot to buy, so in order for it to pay off financially (compared to travelling in other ways) you have to use them a lot. We found it very rewarding when we travelled year after year with teenage children and were able to serve them food in the motorhome instead of going to a restaurant, while still being able to travel around and see a lot. But if MSN is only two and goes on a few trips a year, I can definitely understand why you would prioritise differently!
23 February 2016 - 9:37
Rolle o Carina says:
Yes, we could live in the big Knausen all year round!
Maybe one day when we have finished working and sold the house 🙂 .
Take care.....
ps. what a nice blog you got. ds.
24 February 2016 - 11:19
admin says:
Rolle and Carina, yes you could definitely live in it! And thank you very much, glad you like the blog's new look! 🙂
24 February 2016 - 13:00
M-A Mejner says:
Ingrid in Pössl
What is the temperature limit for the water in your car? We have a Knaus and we can be outside with the water until it gets to -20C. Then it freezes. Which heater do you have?
05 September 2016 - 19:24