Category: Nieuws

[Left and right founders of Easy Caravanning Maarten de Roos and Rikus Hoving, in the middle prototype builder Dennis Tiethoff.]

 

It’s almost time: the Dutch Camping & Caravan Exhibition opens in Utrecht (the Netherlands) its doors on Wednesday the 9th of October at 10 a.m. From October 9 till the 13th the new Dutch brand Easy Caravanning will present a real scoop with the TakeOff in hall 11, booth number G65. The innovative concept combines the advantages of a traditional touring caravan with those of a folding trailer, a so-called crossover: ‘the best of both worlds’. The convenience of a trailer tent while driving, but within 30 seconds the comfort of a caravan, also when passing through during a rest break.

“We are very proud of the result of the TakeOff. But it wasn’t easy to make our dream come true. What helped a lot was that all three of us are former colleagues at Kip Caravans, complementing each other and understanding each other well. At the fair we will present two handmade prototypes. In the coming months we will focus on the further preparation of the manufacturing process, after which the first production versions will leave the assembly line from March 2020.”

After the exhibition, the TakeOff will first be on display at ‘De Vouwwagenspecialist’ in Boxtel – the Netherlands – exclusive retailer for the Benelux, from 15 October onwards. De Vouwwagenspecialist (= Dutch for the tent trailer specialist) is owned by Wim van der Vorst, who acquired the Dutch folding trailer manufacturer Holtkamper in 2017. Van der Vorst is co-investor in the TakeOff project of Easy Caravanning. Further expansion of the distribution network in the Netherlands and abroad is currently in progress.

The TakeOff is for sale from € 12,995. This is an introduction price for the first series. For more information see our website.

 

 

 

Coming weeks Dick William Harinck, former editor-in-chief of the Dutch Camping & Caravan magazine KCK (ANWB), will follow the key figures behind the TakeOff. In this week’s News section: Dennis Tiethoff, prototype builder of the TakeOff.

 

DWH: “Prototype builder? Missiles, cars, airplanes and then something about camping?”

Dennis Tiethoff: “No, I’ve been working in the caravan industry for twenty years. I have been a mechanic, production manager, workshop manager and now I hire out my own company to dealers for more complex jobs. And I build camper vans: fully customised, for demanding customers. And of course I am…”

 

DWH: “Let me guess: started at Kip Caravans?”

Dennis Tiethoff: “Hahaha, yes indeed. We all know each other from Kip: Maarten, Rikus, Frans… Together with them I developed and built caravans for 9 years. And that’s what I like most about this whole project, old boys network, with the benefit of building something completely new, something that isn’t there yet. It’s not a tent trailer, it’s not a caravan…”

 

DWH: “Yes, right. But what does a prototype builder do?”

Dennis Tiethoff: “Actually very simple: everything is conceived on paper and finally worked out on the computer to produce the latest 3D-cadcam calculations. But only in practice you see whether it works as intended. From the first bolt to the end product: here in the workshop we put everything together from scratch and of course you encounter things that need to be solved: the fit of the different parts must be perfect, the adjustment of the folding mechanism, we test here whether the strength of the various parts is okay, for example with the steps. Those kind of things. Improvements that will have to be completely streamlined in the production process later on. And it’s all about weight, isn’t it? We don’t like wobbly boxes. It has to be sturdy, but lightweight. And everything is documented and described; prototype building is actually mainly about making sure that the assembly process runs smoothly in the future.”

 

DWH: “And what were the biggest challenges?”

Dennis Tiethoff: “The biggest challenge was the hinge system of the roof. It must work flawlessly, also in combination with the tent fabric that we use for the sides. And we succeeded. And besides that, the adjustment of the gas springs was quite a feat. They make it easy to open and close the roof. That also works flawlessly. And then the entrance: the TakeOff has a small door at the rear which incorporates entrance steps. You use it so often – it must be indestructible. And, of course, there are funny details, such as the removable kitchenette with quick release fasteners for gas and water, and the licence plate lighting in the roof of the TakeOff that can also be used as entrance lighting when you’re at the campsite.”

 

DWH: “And what do you think of the TakeOff, as a caravan and van builder?”

Dennis Tiethoff: “I find the ease of use really bizarre: you give the roof a push and it stands. Within thirty seconds it’s ready for use. The TakeOff really adds something. To the world of folding trailers and to the world of caravans. I also like those modern trailer tents, you know: tough look, robust. But that looks especially good behind a Landrover, nice and straightforward. But this is completely different. A nice streamline, really contemporary. In terms of weight it even fits behind a Volkswagen Polo and the ease with which it can be set up is second to none. And on the campsite you have the same comfort as a caravan: a fridge, kitchen, toilet… And that enormous bed of 2.05 by 1.60 metres: you won’t easily find that in the caravan world. I really see people switching from a caravan to the TakeOff. Why would you drive a heavy car all year long if you can do it that way?”

 

DWH: “And soon it will be at the Camping & Caravan Fair. That’s only a few days left – will you make it?”

Dennis Tiethoff: “Yeah, I’ve never missed a deadline. They’re ready here – two of them, complete, both in different colours. We have made long days: from 6 am to 10 pm! But fortunately I didn’t have to do everything on my own – we all worked very hard on that. And they did a real good job. I am very curious what people will think of the TakeOff at the fair. And after Utrecht, I’d first like to sleep late for a few days, haha!”

Dennis Tiethoff  | Prototype builder Easy Caravanning

 

 

 

 

Coming weeks Dick William Harinck, former editor-in-chief of the Dutch Camping & Caravan magazine KCK (ANWB), will follow the key figures behind the TakeOff. In this week’s News section: Frans Hegge, industrial designer of the TakeOff.

 

DWH: “Industrial designer? Explain?”

Frans Hegge: “Haha, everyone asks that question. To keep it simple: an industrial designer takes care of the design and functionality. That a product is usable in practice. But also that it can be manufactured by machines, because otherwise the craftsmanship remains and that is unaffordable. In this respect with the TakeOff you can think of the exterior parts for example: they have to be made with moulds, in order to be able to make them with a hundred pieces at a time. But an industrial designer is also responsible for ensuring that the roof section seals properly, that it does not bend and that it fits in well with the other parts.”

 

DWH: “And then it has to look nice as well…”

Frans Hegge: “That’s the best part of our job. After all, an industrial designer also makes sure that the design of the product looks sleek and timeless. For the entire process of industrial design, we have not only our knowledge and experience, but also various computer programs, for example to convert 2D drawings into 3D, but also to be able to calculate weights and strengths in advance. For the roof of the TakeOff, but also for the gas springs that carry the roof, for the hinges, for everything. All in all, there are hundreds of parts and they have to be lightweight and robust, everything has to fit perfectly together and all parts have to result in a stiff construction.”

 

DWH: “And then theory has to fit in with practice?”

Frans Hegge: “That’s the most important thing, of course. What rolls out of the computer is 80-85 percent accurate. But I don’t need to explain to you how much energy that last 20 percent costs: that’s real trial & error. That’s why you have to build prototypes. To check if everything works as it was considered beforehand. So that you can dot the i’s and cross the t’s here and there and refine and adjust certain parts just a little bit before everything goes into production. That’s why our design studio is also involved in prototyping – that’s also part of our work. Over the past few months, we and our team have been in the workshop several times, together with the TakeOff team and the other people involved. Hands on and like a well-oiled machine, we’re all busy with screwdrivers, drills, you name it. “Together everyone achieves more”, that’s what it’s called. And then it’s nice to see how such a product develops: the first sketch starts, so to speak, on the back of a beer mat, resulting in the final product. The TakeOff will be really beautiful…”

 

DWH: “What makes TakeOff so special?”

Frans Hegge: “I have been involved in the design of many caravans in the past. At Chateau, Home Car, Delta, Cabby, Beyerland, Lunar, Kip… But this is really different. It’s not a caravan and it’s not a tent trailer. The TakeOff is really a crossover in between and the user-friendliness is just enormous. Behind the car it is a compact trailer and on location you simply click it open, like the trunk of the car. Maarten and Rikus have come up with this ingeniously. During the development phase we really focused on the 30 seconds target. Half a minute, that’s all. Then it has to stand. The TakeOff really has a surprise effect, whoosshh, open. And then you step into a compact, well… actually a caravan. Because it has all the functionalities of a small caravan, such as a T@b or a Kip Shelter. But with tent fabric walls, so you still have that camping feeling – much more than in a caravan. That’s why you feel at one with nature. The camping feel of a tent, the travel comfort of a trailer tent and the comfort of a caravan. That’s what makes it so special.”

 

DWH: “But will it work? Or will only 10 of them be built later?”

Frans Hegge: “No, this is going to work, I have no doubt about that. So many people have worked on this product with so much experience in the camping industry… This is a truly unique device. Maarten’s nose is long enough to know what the market is looking for. And I don’t mean a niche market that you’re going to sell ten pieces of, but really something that nobody has thought up yet and for which there is a market. The TakeOff is a product that really stands out, that goes with the times. You pick it up and you’re gone. To Normandy, the Belgian coast, to Zeeland (Dutch coast), you name it. It’s actually a very stubborn car: small behind the car, but with a large volume as soon as you open it. You have to see it to be able to believe it.”

 

Frans Hegge | Industrial Designer Easy Caravanning

 

 

 

 

 

Coming weeks Dick William Harinck, former editor-in-chief of the Dutch Camping & Caravan magazine KCK (ANWB), will follow the key figures behind the TakeOff. In this week’s News section: Rikus Hoving, product developer at Easy Caravanning.

 

DWH: “So you were watching TV and then Maarten de Roos, your old boss at Kip Caravans, called?”

Rikus Hoving, smiling: “Well, that’s what it came down to. We are former colleagues and we never really lost sight of each other. A couple of years ago we were having dinner together and catching up on old times until the small hours. And then Maarten came with his sketches on the table. I was right on the edge of my seat: at Kip I was involved in product engineering until I retired, so to speak, finding out whether designs were feasible and producible. I’ve done that for 38 years. It’s a great job and I prefer smart compact camping equipment the most. Being busy with the functionality of every square centimeter – that’s what I like.”

 

DWH: “Two caravan people who are now developing a tent trailer …”

Rikus Hoving: “Haha, that’s right. But cars (and engines) are getting smaller and smaller, they can’t pull as much as in the ancient times. That’s why lightweight is nowadays so important. And there’s just a group of people who don’t want to drive a caravan, apart from the handling on the campsite. The TakeOff (actually a crossover of a tent trailer and a traditional compact touring caravan) fits behind every car; with the rearview mirror you keep full overview of the surroundings and the traffic behind you. You also don’t need additional side mirrors on the car. And on the campsite people don’t want to push and pull anymore to put a heavy caravan in place and then zip on an awning as well. That should be simpler. And faster. People just want comfort and convenience. The TakeOff is a product that just wasn’t there yet.”

 

DWH: “And on the inside?”

Rikus Hoving: “First about setting it up: it’s as simple as the trunk of a car – we’ve been working on that for a long time. Gas springs fold out the TakeOff, and of course, when you fold it in, there shouldn’t be any canvas in the way. We’ve done it all. You have inside standing height, two comfortable side benches that quickly transform into a large double king-size bed. There is room for a toilet and the kitchen can be used both inside and outside. With snap-on couplings for gas and drinking water, click and go.”

 

DWH: “There must have been some challenges before you could start building …”

Rikus Hoving: “Sure! And not only from a technical point of view. After a few months, we decided to ask for the help of another old acquaintance: industrial designer Frans Hegge, to put the TakeOff in a beautiful jacket. With Frans and his team we really made something special out of it, the styling is completely contemporary. But you also need to think about funding. Do we want to invest ourselves or are we looking for a suitable partner? In 2017 we shared the idea with Wim van der Vorst, owner of ‘De Vouwwagenspecialist’ and since 2015 of tent trailer manufacturer Holtkamper: folding trailers in the top segment of the market. We immediately had a click and he didn’t have to think about it for a week. With Wim and Holtkamper, we can make the TakeOff completely ‘made in Holland’.”

 

DWH: “And why is the TakeOff going to be a Dutch success?”

Rikus Hoving: “Because it works, because it’s affordable and because we tap into new target groups: young people, the elderly, adventurous people who want to go out comfortably for a few weeks or just for the weekend. Basic but still comfortable. And a good night’s sleep on a good bed. But we’re also thinking about renting out: hooking up and driving off with it. Maybe even TakeOff’s at rental locations abroad. I’m just sure this will work.”

 

Rikus Hoving | Product developer at Easy Caravanning

 

 

 

 

Coming weeks Dick William Harinck, former editor-in-chief of the leading Dutch Camping & Caravan magazine KCK (ANWB) and now a freelance journalist with his own media company in the camping industry, will follow the key figures behind the TakeOff. In the News section we start this week with an interview with the founder (and co-investor) of Easy Caravanning, Maarten de Roos.

 

DWH: “Why and when was the initiative for the new TakeOff camping concept born?”

Maarten de Roos: “I grew up with camping. From an early age with my parents in the caravan, later with the tent and when we got children, we soon bought ourselves a small and afterwards a few larger caravans. Once arrived at the campsite I liked the facilities of a caravan, but during the trip I was jealous of tent and trailer tent campers who could travel light. So the question arose: how can you have the lusts during the trip and on the campsite, without the burden? I have been working in the camping industry for almost 20 years (Maarten was director of Kip Caravans and worked at Thetford – ed.) and I have the firm conviction that things have to be done differently: simpler, responsive to current market trends and accessible to everyone. Camping used to be an inexpensive way of going on holiday, but the purchase price of a caravan has risen sharply over the years. Moreover, cars are becoming more compact and have smaller engines, or an electric power train. Not everyone wants to drive a big car all year round to pull a heavy caravan during a three-week holiday. With the TakeOff we have combined the advantages of a traditional touring caravan with those of a tent trailer, the best of both worlds.”

 

DWH: “In recent decades, many collapsible camp concepts have been introduced to the market, not all of them successful. Why is that possible with the TakeOff?”

Maarten de Roos: “Almost all these concepts were compromises. Some concepts turned out to be much more complex in practice. Others were simply less successful optically due to the folding mechanism. I also saw beautiful concepts that did work well, but then they were virtually unaffordable. The TakeOff is completely different. Simplicity, immediately ready for departure, lightweight, clear view to the rear and an extremely low aerodynamic resistance. But also easy to set up, a contemporary design and affordable too. And all this combined in one new innovative camping concept. The ultimate sense of freedom, all gain, no pain.”

 

DWH: “What target group do you have in mind with the TakeOff? Who will we see with it at the campsite?”

Maarten de Roos: “The TakeOff is especially designed for the adventurous, active camper, without immediately thinking about age. People who want to visit several places during their holiday and who want to make use of their own camping equipment. And to be able to sleep just like at home. But we also think of people who just want to go away for a day or weekend. To the sea to surf, for example, or to walk. The fact that you can get on with a compact towing car is of course a nice bonus. And because of its compact dimensions, the TakeOff can easily be parked at home. Ready for your next adventure.”

 

DWH: “You say that the TakeOff has started ‘the next generation of caravanning’. How does Easy Caravanning see the future of recreational vehicles?”

Maarten de Roos: “People go on holiday for shorter periods of time these days, but also more often. For a long weekend it’s quite a hassle to take a caravan out of the garage and then bring it back – in practice it hardly comes to that.

Work and leisure are more and more intertwined, work-hard, play-hard: then you want to get away from it all quickly. In addition, there is a clear trend towards sharing, such as Airbnb and car-sharing; this also opens up chances for the TakeOff. And I firmly believe that electrification, sustainability and lightweight construction are becoming increasingly important – manufacturers who do this best will be successful.”

 

DWH: “What are the plans of Easy Caravanning after the launch of the TakeOff at the Dutch Camping and Caravanning show?”

Maarten de Roos: “At the moment everything is still focused on the construction of the prototypes, but we are also preparing the production. The Camping and Caravan Trade Fair is of course an exciting moment – based on the reactions we will fine-tune the concept where necessary. In addition, we will continue to develop the foreign distribution and service network. We are ready for TakeOff and I am really convinced that we have discovered a gap in the market for people who want to go out quickly and comfortably – the first products will have to roll out of the factory in March 2020.”

Maarten de Roos | Founder Easy Caravanning

 

 

 

The official market launch of the TakeOff will take place from October 9 till Sunday October 13 2019 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. We would like to welcome you at our booth!

Visit website

Not only the design and ease of use, but also the standard level of equipment of the TakeOff will amaze many people:

An Al-Ko chassis with torsion suspension guarantees many carefree and safe holidays, special 14-inch heavy-duty tyres, an overrun brake with automatic reverse drive, a fully hail-resistant body, the smart LED license plate lighting that can also serve as entrance lighting, the LED traffic lights with integrated reversing light and rear fog light, the safe earth leakage circuit breaker and 12V inverter, the external gas connection for outdoor use of the (also standard) removable kitchen with 2 burner hob and sink with glass covers, the king size bed of 2.05 x 1.60 meters, the panoramic windows (all around in the canvas flex wall) with blinds and ventilation possibilities, a 20 liter fresh water jerrycan, back and seat cushions with a comfortable dacron top layer, choice of different fabric designs, 2 year manufacturer’s warranty ……

Just TakeOff, because it’s all included as standard. And if complete is still not complete enough for you (why shouldn’t you distinguish yourself?) then there is an extensive list of interesting options and accessories ex works. Here’s a small selection:

Shock absorbers, alloy wheels for an even sportier look, Al-Ko stabiliser coupling, a premium nose wheel with ball bearing pressure indication, different types of bike carriers, various colour prints on the exterior sidewalls that give the TakeOff a personal touch, the X10T awning – specially developed for the TakeOff – that can be extended with a sleeping area for children, additional atmospheric lighting, a very comfortable memory foam mattress, electric plinth heating (always warm feet), a built-in portable toilet for personal hygiene on the road or at night, an extension of the manufacturer’s warranty for up to 5 years, ……

You decide, it’s your holiday, your adventure, TakeOff.

Soon all possibilities including prices will be announced on the new website. With the product configurator you can easily compose your own TakeOff. Are you ready?

“Wow, what a wonderful place, shall we stay a little longer”? In such situations it’s nice to be able to create some extra living space. Time to X10T. Just like the canvas flex wall between the trailer and its pop-up roof, the X10T awning combination is specially designed for the TakeOff.

Through our cooperation with Karsten Tents, the design of the X10T is a harmonious extension of the TakeOff. The windows follow the shape of the canvas flex wall. As an awning, the X10T offers you ideal shelter to sit out of the wind or in the shade. Or, for example, to prepare dinner outside. Enjoy endless sultry summer evenings together for even longer. With the awning extension, which can easily be attached to the awning, the X10T transforms itself into a fully-fledged tent. With the optional detachable sleeping tunnel tent, you have access to 2 additional sleeping places, accessible from the inside. Handy with young children: your own privacy and still always have them close to you. They will love it: exciting yet familiar. You choose what suits you best, your X10T, your TakeOff!

Karsten Tents is one of the few Dutch tent manufacturers that still has its own workshop with continuous focus on the best quality, customization and personal service. Karsten makes use of the best materials, all parts of the tent (and the TakeOff’s canvas flex wall) are thoroughly tested before they get the green light. Top quality, made in Holland.

With the product configurator that will soon be available on www.easycaravanning.com, you can easily and quickly design your own TakeOff: from the outside, from the inside, with exactly the options and accessories that you prefer, just the way you want it. There are also various colour combinations possible for the cabinet doors, the upholstery and, for example, the side walls of the exterior. Discover all the possibilities and distinguish yourself with your personal style. Your taste, your own TakeOff: personal freedom.

With the optional alloy wheels, you can give your TakeOff an extra personal touch. Want to ride a bike? No problem with the bike carrier that can be attached to the drawbar. This ensures optimum weight distribution and aerodynamics at all times, while maintaining the TakeOff’s full functionality during the journey. Also very practical is the interior space for a portable toilet, useful with small children, on the road or at night.

In spring and autumn, you can further increase the comfort in your TakeOff by opting for the extremely comfortable floor heating integrated in the bench at the dining table: no more cold feet! Would you like to create extra space? With the specially designed X10T awning combination, the possibilities are almost unlimited. You choose what suits you best, always ready to go and ready for TakeOff.

Is it a tent trailer? Or is it a pop-up caravan? It’s pretty hard to position the new camp concept TakeOff of Easy Caravanning in a certain product category. Maybe the best way to describe the TakeOff is to call it a crossover of a tent trailer and a compact touring caravan.

All gain, no pain, the best of both worlds. Designed for the adventurous camper. A day of kitesurfing by the sea? The TakeOff is very easy to take along and immediately provides you with all the necessary comfort. Are you actually a ‘camping hopper’ who wants to see as much as possible and don’t you want to spend a big part of your holiday at the same location? Take it easy, the TakeOff is your ultimate travel companion. Ready to camp and ready to go in an instant. Because of its low weight and superior aerodynamics, you will hardly notice the TakeOff is following you. As a result the extra fuel or energy consumption will be limited. With the TakeOff you always have access to your own favorite car, whether it’s a Fiat 500 Convertible, a Mini or maybe even a Tesla model 3. Once you have arrived at your next destination, you can explore the surroundings with the same ease as you’re used to in daily life.

Driving, manoeuvring, getting ready to camp, getting ready for departure: with the TakeOff your holiday starts when closing the front door at home. Chillax, it’s all done in a simple, uncomplicated way. Always facing a new adventure, the ultimate de-stressing.