Prices for factory motorhomes are skyrocketing, but German adventurer Marco Düsterhöft is proving that things can be done differently. With a budget of only 300 euros, an old children’s trailer and a good dose of creativity, he built his own mini-camp camper for behind his electric bike. Complete with electricity and heating, he even goes out in the snow.
While many people dream of a large, luxurious camper van, 56-year-old Marco Düsterhöft has a completely different idea. During the corona pandemic, when travel was limited and his work as a videographer stalled, he decided to realize his dream of a mobile home.
Inspired by other micro-campers, he designed a tiny caravan that he can pull himself with his e-bike. The result is a unique little vehicle two meters long, 83 centimeters wide and 135 centimeters high.
Hard foam and an old bicycle trailer
The secret behind the low cost and light weight lies in the choice of materials. Where others choose heavy wood or expensive aluminum, Düsterhöft built the body of his camper out of XPS plates. The camper weighs 22 kilograms empty and ready to travel comes to a total of 40 kilograms.
This is rigid foam insulation material normally used in construction. It is extremely light, surprisingly sturdy, waterproof and keeps heat in extremely well. For just under a hundred euros, he had enough material for the entire superstructure. The chassis and wheels? Those simply come from a discarded bicycle trailer for children.
Despite the minimalist approach, there is no lack of functionality. The roof is equipped with a solar panel. This generates power during the day for lighting, charging his camera equipment and even a small kettle.
Because the insulation material retains heat well, a 12-volt electric heat blanket is enough to get him through the nights, even when camping in the snow.
The harsh reality for his wife
Although Marco visibly enjoys the Spartan life in nature and his videos are viewed millions of times on social media, the reality did not turn out to be as idyllic for everyone.
His wife Claudia shares his love of nature and helped build a second, pink one especially for herself. She soon discovered, however, that the claustrophobic dimensions were not for her.
Even with the door open, she found sleeping in the extremely cramped space a nightmare. Her copy now sits unused in the driveway. For Marco, however, it’s a reason to go back to the drawing board: his next project will be a slightly wider version with a pull-out section to create space for the couple together and their dog. Until then, he happily pedals on with his 300-euro moving bedroom.
Image source: Google AI Studio
