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The camping season continues at full speed. The corona pandemic wasn’t the only reason why many people bought their own trailer. Well-known models such as the Mercedes Marco Polo or VW California were already among the bestsellers. But meanwhile, numerous other brands also offer fully equipped campers, from the Ford Nugget to the Renault Spacenomad.
The second is a panel van that has been expanded to meet all needs and relaunched with the next generation Renault Trafics last year. We were able to test the nomad at a summer camp near Paris, France.
It all starts in Switzerland
Surprising: it all started in Switzerland, according to the French car brand. Renault Suisse wanted new customers and first converted a traffic van into a caravan just for fun. It got a lot of attention and Spacenomad was born.
Renault has been selling caravans in Europe since last year. Its low height of exactly two meters with the roof closed makes it suitable for daily use as well as for holidays. Thanks to its wheelbase reaching 5.08 meters or 5.48 meters in the Grand version, it provides trouble-free parking in underground car parks. It is even referred to as a lower fare passenger car on some toll highways. That’s how it goes: like a normal delivery van in everyday life. Nothing feels bulky – the three-ton weight is only noticeable when accelerating. Despite its size, the camper is suitable for the city and – unlike other campers – it can even suffice as a one-day car.
casual friend
A total of five people can be accommodated in the three-seater adjustable rear seat and the front swiveling single seats. The rear row of seats can be converted to sleep up to four people in the Spacenomad, including the roof tent. With the seat folded down, the three-ton luggage volume increases to 1800 liters in the short version and up to 2250 liters in the long version. In addition, the insulation of the outer walls and the 2000 Watt auxiliary heater ensure pleasant temperatures even in the colder months.
The kitchen area has everything a wheeled apartment needs: a gas two-burner stove, sink with faucet, and a 49-liter refrigerator. There’s also an outdoor shower, a pop-up awning, and a table for indoor and outdoor use. The 60-liter clean water tank integrated into the kitchen cabinet serves as a reservoir for the external shower at the back. The waste water tank takes 35 liters. For additional camping gear such as outdoor chairs, grills or cooling boxes, Renault has a collaboration with the provider Campingshop – so additional equipment can be purchased directly with the van.
Even though we didn’t test the trailer for sleeping comfort, the converted rear seat was still comfortable to recline on. With a little practice, the roof tent can be set up pretty well too. It offers enough space for two people. Spacenomad always invites you to spend the night with the interior arrangement and the additional free space provided by moving the sleeping place to the roof.
Two options
The Trafic Spacenomad comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment system; Depending on the equipment series, a navigation system is also available. In addition to emergency braking, blind spot and lane keeping assistance, the French camper also offers 360-degree parking assistance and distance cruise control as standard. Onboard power is provided by an additional battery powered by the engine via an alternator or a standard external power source.
In addition to two different lengths with different wheelbases, the converted Renault is also available in two performance variants: 150 hp (110 kW) with manual or automated transmission or as a 170 hp (125 kW) version only automatic transmission. They all have a two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. The cost of the manual basic version starts from CHF 59,900 with the short wheelbase and CHF 63,400 with the long wheelbase. The most expensive line of equipment with pre-installed solar panels is available from the small 66,800 francs and the large 70,300 francs.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
