Knaus Tabbert is a driver of innovation in the industry-In order to be successful, companies must permanently drive improvements forward in order to help actively shape the future of caravan mobility.
Therefore, Knaus Tabbert is fully focused on the power of innovation – with great success: in our record-breaking sales year of 2019, we manufactured more than 26,000 motorhomes, caravans and CUVs (Caravanning Utility Vehicles). Knaus Tabbert is optimistic about 2020, too.
What’s more, the Jandelsbrunn-based company was awarded for its innovative products: these include the European Innovation Award as well as various top finishes in the Caravan and Motorhome of the Year 2020 voting, which were awarded at the most successful CMT trade fair of all time. In general, the start of the trade fair in Stuttgart was extremely successful for Knaus Tabbert: the previous year’s sales figures were again exceeded.
At Knaus Tabbert, the future of recreational mobility has already begun
The key to success is the use of highly modern technologies similar to those employed in the automobile sector. The most recent example: the 48-Volt wiring system that Knaus Tabbert has developed for motorhomes in collaboration with Bosch Engineering. This has enabled Knaus Tabbert to forge entirely new roads: in the automobile sector, 48-Volt networks are considered key future technology for enabling electro-mobility, automated driving and low emissions.
In the caravan, this intelligent, independent power supply offers maximum mobility and freedom. Because what good is the most beautiful campsite if you are dealing with an insufficient power supply? With 48-Volt, on-board voltage, campers remain self-sufficient for much longer. Therefore, you don’t have to compromise on the accustomed comfort.
In a further step, e-mobility for motorhomes is conceivable – in lockstep with the automobile industry, Knaus Tabbert is therefore taking the next step towards establishing this future technology and revolutionising the construction of recreational vehicles.
For example, the system consists of an electric axle, modern sensor technology, as well as lithium‐ion‐batteries made by Bosch. Irrespective of the towing vehicle, it can generate electric energy, because through the generator operation of the Bosch 48-Volt e‐motor, the batteries can be charged while driving as well as through recuperation (energy recovery during the braking process).
The stored energy can subsequently be used by the customers within the motorhome or it can be transformed into energy used to power the vehicle.
Up to eight stationary 48-Volt lithium‐ion‐batteries ensure maximal flexibility. Furthermore, the system can be expanded to accompany portable 48-Volt battery units. These portable units can be charged at home or in the motorhome via an electric socket.
A manoeuvring function is even integrated: the motorhome can be moved into the desired position using an app.
Beyond this, a connectivity unit is the basis for providing digital services such as the regulation of the recuperation settings, which can be adjusted while driving using the mobile device.
No other manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans is currently working on these types of pioneering technologies.
Through additional innovations, Knaus Tabbert sets itself apart from the competition
In other areas as well, Knaus Tabbert anticipates the future of recreational mobility. For example, during the 2020 model year, all motorhomes and CUVs are equipped with a charging booster as a standard feature. Now the battery can be charged even faster and more safely. Furthermore, all vehicles are equipped with a BWT water filter system (Best Water Technology), which always ensures clean water on board. For older models, Knaus Tabbert offers a retrofit kit.
For the KNAUS and WEINSBERG motorhomes, the new model year will feature an e.hit rear carrier with a double swivel arm for bicycles and suitable transport boxes as well as an integrated trailer hitch. At the push of a button, the rear carrier swivels automatically from beneath the bumper element within 25 seconds. With a head-up display (available in the optional Media Package), the KNAUS and WEINSBERG motorhomes and CUVs are at the cutting edge of the digital age. The list of innovations can be easily expanded: for example, with the full LED headlamps or the KNAUS CATEYE evolution taillights that are available on certain models, modern keys with secure internal cut key locking system for the cabin door and service flaps, or the optionally available and very practical gas bottle pull-out. Interior and ambience lightingin an energy-saving LED version is now standard at Knaus Tabbert. Beginning in model year 2020, the top-selling WEINSBERG model CaraCompact as well as the successful special model EDITION [PEPPER] will receive a new skylight made from fibre-reinforced polyurethane with integrated insulation. This high-quality LFI technology (long-fibre injection)
was previously only available for models in the higher price range. At the same time, the biometric lightweight construction of the motorhome chassis helps reduce the overall fuel consumption of the towing vehicle. If desired, the luxury caravan TABBERT CELLINI can provide voice-activation for supporting various vehicle functions. Of course, innovation does not stop at good service: in 2020, KNAUS‐ and WEINSBERG‐motorhomes can be serviced and repaired at 29 MAN‐Service Stations throughout Germany.