Wandering through rows of gleaming recreational vehicles never loses its charm—each visit reveals subtle innovations, unexpected price shifts, and the occasional bargain that quickens the pulse. Just when you think the humble camper has reached its evolutionary peak, manufacturers unveil clever adaptations that prove this niche industry remains anything but static.
The buzz of the year centered around a game-changing EU regulation: by 2033, the maximum weight for category B drivers will jump from 3500 kg to 4250 kg, with Germany already fast-tracking implementation for 2028. Although Slovenia and Croatia haven’t announced their timelines, they are likely to follow Germany’s lead shortly after. While this change primarily addresses the reduced payload capacity of battery-laden electric delivery vans, the camper community is celebrating wildly. Most modern campers tip the scales perilously close to 3500 kg when empty, forcing owners to either obtain costly C-class licenses or drag cumbersome trailers behind them. For enthusiasts, these extra 750 kilograms represent nothing short of liberation—finally, room for gear, provisions, and the comforts that make mobile living truly enjoyable!
Returning to the heart of the matter: Novo Mesto’s Adria showcase. This Slovenian manufacturer has earned its global reputation through an enviable balance of craftsmanship and affordability, particularly with their boundary-pushing campervan designs. Their September 2025 open house transformed the traditional exhibition format into something far more hospitable—no admission fees, generous refreshments, and a genuine welcome that made visitors feel less like customers and more like honored guests.
The exhibition floor showcased Adria’s complete lineup alongside their budget-friendly subsidiary, Sun Living. We gravitated toward these more economical options, curious whether their cost-cutting measures would be noticeable in daily use. The verdict? Yes, you can feel the difference in craftsmanship. Still, when the price tag is nearly half that of premium models while offering essentially identical functionality, those compromises become much easier to accept. This value proposition led us to crown the Ford-based Sun Living C 65 SL as our standout pick from the event, which we’ll explore in detail shortly.
The fair’s special pricing prompted many on-the-spot purchases, as evidenced in the photos. But first, a brief personal observation about a particular chassis type that doesn’t work for me.
Why will I probably never drive a Fiat-based camper?
Nothing against Fiat personally—their Ducato chassis with its reliable engine forms the backbone of most campers worldwide. The issue is purely practical. At the fair, I finally tested several Fiat-based models, and my 195cm frame doesn’t fit comfortably in any of them. The Ducato’s front windshield sits noticeably lower than those in Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter models. When I adjust the seat height to prevent my knees from colliding with the steering wheel, my eye line rises above the glass-to-metal transition, severely compromising visibility. Even in fully integrated models with their bus-like panoramic windshields, the steering column height remains problematic, creating unavoidable knee interference that Ford and Mercedes have solved in their designs. Anyone under 185cm is unlikely to notice these issues, but for taller drivers like myself, they present a genuine dealbreaker. Perhaps Fiat might consider addressing these ergonomic limitations in future designs—after all, their competitors have managed to accommodate drivers of all heights.
Sun Living C 65 SL
Let me cut to the chase and spotlight our top pick from the exhibition: the SunLiving C65 SL. This Ford Transit-based marvel combines practicality with comfort, featuring a robust 2.0-liter EcoBlue engine (170 horsepower) paired with a smooth automatic transmission. Despite its relatively compact 680cm length, this semi-integrated camper offers remarkable interior space. The 210cm width creates a generous 195cm garage at the rear, while the 270cm exterior height translates to a liberating 200cm of standing room inside—no more hunched shoulders! The sleeping arrangement impressed us most: two longitudinal beds (200x80cm each) with an ingenious middle extension that transforms them into a sprawling 200x190cm sleeping area.
Inside, the 130-liter refrigerator swallows a week’s provisions with room to spare, while the three-burner gas kitchen handles everything from morning coffee to evening feasts. Storage abounds—perfect for two travelers, workable for three in a pinch. Climate control is provided by Truma air conditioning and whisper-quiet underfloor heating. The bathroom proves compact yet practical, with no wasted space. Roof rails (120cm) accommodate additional cargo, though the central A/C unit prevents full-length loading. This right-sized camper delivers everything needed for extended journeys without excess. Yes, you’ll notice the materials lack the premium feel of Adria’s Matrix or Coral lines, but the price more than compensates: €85,000 retail, slashed to €78,000 at the fair. For perspective, comparable models from competitors—Adria included—easily command €100,000 or significantly more.
The freedom of mobile living comes with a substantial price tag. Yet European sales figures continue their upward trajectory, with custom orders now facing wait times of at least a year—our own Weinsberg, with its extended bed and specialized modifications, took a patience-testing 18 months to arrive. This robust demand shows no signs of abating, and prices remain stubbornly high, though that’s hardly unique in today’s market.
Once you’ve experienced waking to the gentle lapping of waves against a shoreline, the whisper of mountain pines outside your window, or the babbling of a secluded stream—all from the comfort of your own bed—conventional accommodations lose their appeal. Those who adopt this lifestyle rarely return to traditional travel arrangements, such as apartments or hotels, unless necessary.
About the Author: Adrian
You know what? I bet those people who want to buy your current, so second hand equipment are just thrilled when they see you two snooping around new toys :D
We are not selling! No way! Currently, we have the ideal vehicle for our needs. But WE are thrilled with new toys! It is always a pleasure to see people interested in the “nomadic” way of life.
Bok Adrian, talking about snooping: could this “baby” accommodate 3 four-legged family members next to their 2 human “parents”? Or any other recommendation, ideally within the similar budget?
Yes, I think this one can (they are sleeping on the floor, right?). However, this part of camping life (with four-legged beings) falls outside the scope of my experience, so I am unsure what they need during travel and in camp.
Thanks! (The big one sleeps on the floor, at least ;)). Normally they are very good travelers and for sure pet-friendly camps need to be considered…but anyhow this is more of a mid-term consideration.