Camping in the VW Caddy - adventures with the high-roof station wagon

Camping im VW Caddy – Mit dem Hochdachkombi ins Abenteue

Table of contents

The VW Caddy has been a popular high-roof station wagon for years, combining everyday practicality and space. But is the compact Caddy also suitable for camping? In this blog post, you'll find out all the important information about the different variants of the VW Caddy and how you can turn the practical everyday car into a mini camper with a few tricks and the right equipment - from BOXIO, for example. In the end, you'll see: Yes, you can go on tour with the Caddy and enjoy the freedom!

VW Caddy at a glance: Variants and camping potential

The VW Cad dy is available in several versions and sizes - and basically all of them are suitable as a basis for a camper trip :

  • Caddy (short): The classic 5-seater with a short wheelbase (~4.5 m long). When the rear bench is folded down or removed, the result is a flat loading floor approx. 1.8 m long - enough space for a sleeping area for one person or two smaller people.

  • Caddy Maxi: The long version (~4.85 m) with an extended wheelbase. Up to 7 seats are possible here, or in the camper context a load compartment of a good 2.15 m in length. Ideal for accommodating an almost two-meter-long bed and gaining additional storage space.

  • Caddy Cargo: The van version with two seats at the front and a large load compartment (in short or maxi). Without a rear bench seat, this is the most flexible basis for an extension, as there is no need to remove the seats and the full space (up to ~4.2 m³ volume) can be used.

  • Caddy California: Mini camper model prepared ex works with bed and mini kitchen. VW has been offering this version since 2020/21: a fold-out bed (~198×107 cm) with comfort springs, a small pull-out kitchen box in the trunk with a single-burner gas stove and a removable camping table and chairs (stowed in the vehicle under the bed). Even a large rear tent for 4-6 people is available as an option. This makes the Caddy California a fully configured micro-camper - albeit at a high price and without a bathroom.

Conclusion: The VW Caddy (especially as a Maxi) offers a surprising amount of space and variability for camping trips. All variants have a flat floor and enough space for a sleeping area. The only thing missing is the camping equipment - i.e. bed, kitchen, storage space and sanitary facilities. This is exactly where mobile solutions come into play, with which you can "upgrade" your Caddy to a camper without any fixed conversions. Below, we present the most important BOXIO modules and bundles that you can use to master sleeping, cooking, washing and relaxing in your Caddy. (Note: All BOXIO products mentioned are linked on the German Boxio website so that you can find them directly)


BOXIO SANITARY PLUS | Mobile bathroom with TENT

The BOXIO SANITARY PLUS is your mobile bathroom in just two compact and robust Euroboxes. The practical TENT ensures your privacy wherever you are. The SOLO UPs offer additional storage space for all your bathroom utensils. And after use? Simply stack them and store them away to save space!
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BOXIO Sanitary Plus bundle featuring portable bathroom components in two Euroboxes, including tent and accessories.

Camping with the VW Caddy 5

With the current fifth-generation VW Caddy, you can perfectly combine everyday life and adventure. As a compact camper van with a high-roof combi design (high body), the Caddy is a real mini camper that offers many advantages for camping . Compared to larger motorhomes or camper vans, it scores particularly well in the following areas:

  • Compactness & mobility: the Caddy 5 remains under 2 meters in overall height and is barely longer than a normal car . This means it fits into almost any parking garage and through narrow streets where larger campers have to stay outside. Thanks to its width of just ~2.10 m (with mirrors), you can even drive in the left-hand lane in roadworks without any problems. Its handy size makes it extremely maneuverable, easy to drive and park anywhere .

  • Suitability for everyday use & versatility: Despite the camping conversion, the Caddy remains a fully-fledged 5-seater for everyday use . You can use it every day like a normal car and don't need a second car just for camping . If necessary, the rear seats can be removed or folded down to create extremely generous storage space. This allows you to store a small kitchen and luggage on vacation, while during the week you have all the seats for your family or shopping. This enormous variability - from family van to micro-camper - is a big plus point.

  • Low costs & consumption: High-roof vans like the Caddy are generally cheaper to buy and maintain than large camper vans. Fuel consumption is also pleasingly low. In the ADAC test, a Caddy California with 122 hp consumed an average of just 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 km - "mega economical and unbeatable in the camping segment". This is not only easy on your wallet, but also on the environment, without having to compromise on mobility.

  • Camping equipment & comfort: The current Caddy 5 is available ex works for the first time as a fully-fledged mini camper ( Caddy California model). This version already comes with everything you need: a fold-out bed with high-quality mattress that almost matches the sleeping comfort of the large VW California models, removable window pockets for darkening and as storage space and a practical mini kitchen module in the rear. Even a camping table and chairs are included as standard. But even without California equipment, there are many camping modules on the market, from removable bed frames to camping boxes with gas stove and cool box. You can therefore equip your Caddy as required and still retain full everyday comfort.

Conclusion: The VW Caddy 5 combines compact dimensions, versatility and economy with enough space and equipment for camping. No wonder it is so popular as a VW Caddy camper van- it allows you to combine everyday life and adventure and spontaneously set off on your next mini-adventure!

Types of camping with the VW Caddy

Whether it's a planned camping vacation or a spontaneous weekend trip - the Caddy offers you a wide range of camping options. Here is a brief overview of where and how you can camp:

  • Campsite: At official campsites you will find infrastructure such as electricity, sanitary facilities and often friendly neighbors. For camper van travelers in a Caddy, the campsite is ideal for spending the night in comfort, taking a shower and charging the battery/electricity. You have a permanent pitch, security and comfort - perfect for longer stays or family vacations. However, campsites are not free and are often full in high season, so it is advisable to make a reservation.

  • Pitch: Motorhome pitches are specially designated parking areas (often in towns or at tourist attractions) for overnight stays. Usually cheaper and more simply equipped than campsites, they offer, for example, supply and disposal stations for water or toilets. With a small mini camper such as the Caddy, you can park almost anywhere where larger motorhomes are permitted. Pitches are ideal for transit campers or city trips - you park the Caddy on the pitch in the evening and can drive straight on the next morning without having to check in.

  • Free standing (wild camping): Spend the night somewhere in the countryside away from official sites - it gives you a feeling of freedom. With an inconspicuous high-roof camper van like the Caddy, wild camping is particularly popular as it is not immediately recognizable as a camper. For example, you can sleep in the van at the edge of a quiet forest or on the beach without attracting much attention(keyword: free-standing with a high-roof van). Please note: In many countries - including Germany - wild camping is officially prohibited or restricted. In Germany, however, it is permitted to stay overnight in the vehicle once in order to restore your fitness to drive. This means that if you are tired, you can legally park in a parking lot for one night and sleep. It is important that you really only park (no camping furniture set up outside, no campfire etc.), then one night is often tolerated. It is best to find out about the rules of the respective country or area in advance. With the Caddy and its stealthy exterior, you have the best chance of spending a night in the wild undisturbed and discreetly.

  • Urban camping (city trips): You can even spend the night in the city with the Caddy - camping in the urban jungle, so to speak. The concept is similar to free standing, but in an urban environment: you look for a legal parking space in the city and spend the night in the vehicle. Thanks to its compact size, the Caddy is hardly noticeable on the street, especially if you darken the interior. Urban camping is ideal, for example, to avoid having to drive home at a festival, when passing through or after a concert. Stay inconspicuous: park where overnight stays are tolerated (no residents' parking spaces with restrictions), avoid loud noises and bright lights on the outside. This way, you can sleep in the Caddy quite stealthily in the city and have the bakery or café just around the corner in the morning - everyday life and adventure come close together here!

Mobile outdoor kitchen with standing height I BOXIO KITCHEN PLUS

With the BOXIO KITCHEN PLUS, you get a fully-fledged, mobile kitchen that comes with everything you need for outdoor use – from a gas stove to a cooler and sink to a sturdy table. All in a stackable Eurobox format. Modular. Robust. Ready for immediate use.
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Mobile Outdoorküche Camping

Micro-camping with the Caddy

Micro-camping means camping in mini format - spontaneous short trips with minimal effort. Instead of traveling in a large camper van, you use a normal car or a small van like the VW Caddy to spend the night and live in. The Caddy is perfect for this: It offers enough space for two people to sleep, but remains so small and maneuverable that you can really get anywhere. Especially alone or as a couple, you can set off flexibly with the Caddy and set up your "micro-home" virtually anywhere, without much preparation.

Why is the Caddy ideal for micro-camping? Firstly, you can drive it as normal in everyday life - and if you get the wanderlust, you can turn it into a camper in minutes. Secondly, the latest generation Caddy has many clever features on board that make micro-adventures comfortable. Want an example? The fold-out bed in the Caddy California measures just under 2 x 1 meter and, thanks to disc springs, offers sleeping comfort like a large bed - a real masterstroke in such a small vehicle! Practical details such as optional ventilation grilles for the windows (for fresh air when it rains) and integrated blackout blinds also show that the Caddy was designed for micro-camping . In short: the Caddy takes away your worries about claustrophobia in the smallest of spaces and makes the most of every centimeter.


Equipment you need for micro-camping

Don't worry - you don't have to take a lot with you, but there should be a few essentials to make your micro camper functional and comfortable:

  • A comfortable place to sleep: either the Caddy California's standard fold-down bed or a camping bed you've built yourself/purchased. A good mattress or sleeping pad is important for a good night's sleep.

  • Modular kitchen equipment: e.g. a pull-out mini-kitchen in the trunk (already integrated in the Caddy California) or at least a camping stove and water canister. So you can make yourself a coffee in the morning or a meal on the road.

  • Storage space and organization systems: Boxes, bags or camping box modules help to store clothes, food and equipment in a space-saving manner. In the Caddy, the rear shelf and side compartments are particularly useful for this purpose. Clever window pockets can provide both blackout and storage space.

  • Light & power: A USB lantern or LED light for the evening, power bank or second battery for charging your cell phone etc. As the Caddy does not have a huge on-board power system, plan your energy requirements accordingly (the car battery is usually sufficient for lighting for one night, but the refrigerator or heater may need extra power).

  • Optional extras: Depending on your needs, you can pack additional accessories - e.g. a portable camping toilet for emergencies, a cool box for food or a small heater for cool nights. Everything is modular and not permanently installed, keeping your caddy flexible; as long as the camping equipment remains removable, no motorhome registration is required.

What should you look out for when micro-camping?

Even though micro-camping is uncomplicated, there are a few tips to ensure that your experience remains pleasant and compliant:

  • StVO and legality: stick to the traffic rules when staying overnight. In Germany, you can legally spend the night in your car to regain your fitness to drive - so don't give the impression of being a "permanent camper". Refrain from conspicuous camping behavior outside campsites (no awnings, no barbecues in the open) and only park where it is permitted. This way you will remain undisturbed and will not be fined for wild camping.

  • Discretion: Stealth camping is the motto - especially in built-up areas. Choose an inconspicuous place to sleep (quiet side street or public parking lot without prohibition signs). In a Caddy, you can hardly see from the outside that it is a camper, so take advantage of this: close the curtains, dim the lights inside and keep quiet. If you arrive late and leave early, nobody will notice.

  • Sleep comfort & safety: Make sure you sleep comfortably and safely. A flat lying surface and good upholstery are worth their weight in gold - it's best to test whether everything fits at home beforehand. Make sure there is fresh air in the car so that the windows don't mist up completely; e.g. leave the windows open a crack or use ventilation grilles to prevent condensation. On warm nights, a mosquito net on the window will help; on cold nights, use an insulating curtain or a parking heater. And: store your valuables safely and out of sight from the outside. Then you can sleep soundly and enjoy your micro-adventure to the full!


With these tips, nothing stands in the way of micro-camping with the Caddy. Spontaneously grab your seven things, convert the Caddy into a sleeper and experience how much fun it is to be on tour with a high-roof van - combine everyday life and adventure in the smallest format!

BOXIO TOILET MAX+ | Separating toilet complete set

Ultralight and portable dry separation toilet in Eurobox format. The SOLO-UP not only provides an elevated sitting position but also offers you additional storage space for litter, toilet paper and bio-bags.
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Trenntoilette mit Komplettset

Mobile bathroom: BOXIO SANITARY PLUS

If you want to camp self-sufficiently, sanitary facilities are crucial. With the Sanitary Plus Bundle from Boxio, you get your complete bathroom in two handy Euroboxes - including a separate toilet, washbasin, mirror, shower and privacy tent! Everything you need for hygiene is included and works without electricity or a fixed water connection - perfect for on the go.

  • Contents: Two stackable Euroboxes (standard size 60×40 cm) contain the BOXIO Toilet (a compact dry separation toilet) with accessories and the BOXIO Wash (mobile washbasin with hand pump and shower attachment). There are also two SOLO UP insert boxes for extra storage space, a foldable shower/toilet tent for privacy and various accessories: including seat pads, mirror, shower head, hemp litter as a separating toilet medium and bags for disposal. In short: a real all-in-one bathroom package in car trunk format.

  • Handling: At the campsite, simply take the boxes out of the trunk, pitch your tent - and you have your own small camping toilet with washing facilities, independent of public sanitary facilities or chemical toilets. After use, everything is stowed and stacked back in the boxes, so it hardly takes up any space. The two boxes can be placed on top of each other or next to each other during the journey - they are robust, lockable and fit exactly into the trunk of the Caddy (thanks to standard dimensions).

  • Advantages in the Caddy: The complete sanitary set only weighs approx. 12 kg and does not need to be permanently installed. Especially if your Caddy (unlike a large campervan) does not have a built-in bathroom, this solution is worth its weight in gold - no more dirty communal toilets or having to walk around the campsite at night with a flashlight! And if you're traveling without a "bathroom", just leave the boxes at home. For spontaneous weekend trips, you always have a toilet and washbasin to hand with the sanitary bundle, which increases comfort enormously.

Product tip: ("Mobile bathroom with TENT") - your complete camping bathroom in two boxes, self-sufficient and space-saving.


Outdoor kitchen deluxe: BOXIO KITCHEN PLUS

Cooking like at home - even in the middle of the wilderness? It's possible with the Kitchen Plus from Boxio. This bundle is a mobile outdoor kitchen in the Eurobox system that really does come with everything: gas stove, pot set, sink, cool box and a foldable camping table, modularly stowable and ready for immediate use.

Imagine a miniature kitchen island that you can transport in a caddy and set up at the campsite in minutes. The Kitchen Plus package specifically includes

  • Gas stove (BOXIO Cook): A gas stove integrated into a Eurobox with a 1.5 kW burner and finely adjustable flame, suitable for standard screw-in cartridges (EN417) for many hours of cooking. The lid of the box has a windbreak and storage space for cooking accessories.

  • Pot/pan set (BOXIO Cookware): A high-quality cookware set made of stainless steel, specially developed for the Box system . It includes two pots with lids, a frying pan and even a small kettle - all items can be stacked inside each other and are secured with clever magnetic pads so that nothing rattles during transportation. So you have everything you need for cooking with you, without any rattling noises during the journey.

  • Mobile sink (BOXIO Wash): A Eurobox with integrated fresh and waste water canister, hand pump and a shower head attachment. Ideal for washing up, washing hands or for a quick outdoor shower. A small foldable washbasin board and mirror are also included - making washing up outdoors child's play.

  • Passive cool box (BOXIO Cool): A cool box that works without electricity using special cooling batteries. The design creates different temperature zones (e.g. drinks at the top, longer frozen food at the bottom) and keeps everything reliably cool for a weekend. Silent and energy-saving - perfect for e-camping (no need to worry about batteries).

  • Large camping table (BOXIO Table): The icing on the cake is a foldable, height-adjustable camping table as a base for the boxes . It offers a work surface at a comfortable standing height of approx. 68-90 cm (with boxes) - great for cooking without back pain. The table safely carries three full Euroboxes (loadable up to ~30 kg) and can be used as a dining table for 2-4 people in the evening with the table tops inserted. Ingenious: there is space for up to 3 boxes in the frame, so that the cooking box, dishwasher and cool box can be placed inside without slipping.

All these components are designed to work together. The Kitchen Bundle combines "everything for the camping kitchen in one set - cooking, cooling, organizing and cleaning". Tests praise its modularity in particular, for example as an "ultra-light kitchen island with up to 90 cm headroom... Cooking, washing up, cooling & working - all in one system." So you really can chop, fry and wash up just like at home - except that you might be standing on the lakeshore enjoying the sunset.


This kitchen is ideally sized for the Caddy: The main unit with cooking, washing-up and cool box has a combined size of approx. 90 × 40 × 28 cm - the equivalent of two large and half Euroboxes - and fits horizontally in the trunk. The foldable table comes separately (pack size approx. 90 × 10 × 18 cm) and weighs only ~4 kg . In total, the entire Kitchen Plus set weighs just under 18 kg - light enough for two people to comfortably load and unload. In a compact vehicle like the Caddy, the weight and pack size are a great advantage.


With the BOXIO Kitchen Plus, you never have to go without hot food or hot coffee again. Breakfast in the trunk, dinner under the stars - you have the kitchen with you. And after cooking, everything is stowed back in the boxes, the table is folded up and off into the trunk - on you go!


Product tip: ("Mobile outdoor kitchen with standing height") - The complete camping kitchen in Euroboxes: cooking, cooling, washing up & working, incl. camping table.

Camping washbasin and water filter system I BOXIO WASH MAX +

The BOXIO WASH MAX + - your complete system for fresh water & clean hands. With the washbasin and filter system, you are self-sufficient on the go and can draw your water from different water sources. Wash, rinse, filter water for your daily needs - all in one modular, stackable system. Perfect for camping, vanlife or expedition trips.
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Camping washbasin and water filter system I BOXIO WASH MAX +

Camping furniture: BOXIO Chair and Table

What would camping trips be without sitting comfortably under the stars? Boxio also has something for relaxing around the campfire or in front of the bus: the ultra-light BOXIO Chair camping chair and the aforementioned BOXIO Table camping table (part of the Kitchen Bundle, but also available separately).

  • BOXIO Chair: This foldable camping chair only weighs around 1.2 kg including carrying bag, but can carry up to 150 kg - remarkable for such a lightweight chair! It can be disassembled compactly and even fits into a Eurobox. In a BOXIO Solo (standard Eurobox 60×40×32 cm), for example, you can fit up to 4 chairs - ideal for storing seating for several people in the van. Despite its lightweight construction, it is robust: a high-quality aluminum frame makes the chair stable and rustproof. In the Caddy, you can simply place the chairs under the cargo area or behind the front seats when not in use. Many users praise the seating comfort - if necessary, you can increase the seat height a little with a small cushion to sit more comfortably at the table. In short: perfect for relaxing in front of the Caddy in the evening or sipping coffee outside in the morning. ☕

  • BOXIO Table: As described above, the camping table is modular and height-adjustable. It not only serves as a cooking station, but also as a normal dining table. With a few simple steps (boxes down, table tops in instead), you can conjure up a cozy table for 2-4 people - ideal for dinner under the stars or a round of cards in the camper. Thanks to the telescopic frame, you can also set it lower (up to ~40 cm) so that you can eat comfortably in the low camping chairs. The table is weatherproof (powder-coated aluminum) and really stable: "carries 3 Euroboxes safely... loadable up to 30 kg". Nevertheless, it is light enough (under 4 kg) that you can carry it with one hand.

The beauty of Boxio's Chair & Table is that both are designed to save space: The table comes in a bag and fits crosswise in the trunk, and the chairs can be stowed in a set of 2 or 4 in matching boxes (there is, for example, a set of 2 chairs + Boxio Solo Up bundle, where the storage box is included directly) . No clattering, no annoying Tetris jamming - everything has its place.


Product tips:

  • - Ultralight foldable camping chair, ~1.2 kg, packs down small (Boxio Chair).

  • - Modular camping table, suitable for Boxio modules or as a dining table, height-adjustable up to ~90 cm (Boxio Table).

Useful helpers: BOXIO EAT (cutlery) and COOKWARE (pot set)

The camping set-up is rounded off with practical tableware and cooking accessories. Boxio also provides clever solutions here so that you are fully equipped:

  • BOXIO EAT - camping cutlery set: A stainless steel cutlery set for 2 people. Includes knives, forks, large and small spoons - twice each. Everything comes in a compact bag that fits neatly in a Eurobox or drawer. The cutlery is robust (gastro quality, stainless steel) and dishwasher safe. No more disposable plastic cutlery, just eat in style like at home - and simply wash up afterwards. Incidentally, the EAT set fits perfectly with the cooking system, as it has been dimensioned to fit into the cooking box or a flat Solo-Up box. So you always have your cutlery to hand next to the pots and pans.

  • BOXIO COOKWARE - 4-in-1 pot set: This stainless steel camping pot set has been specially developed for the Boxio system. It consists of a frying pan (Ø 22 cm), a large pot (3 L) with lid, a smaller pot (1.6 L) with lid and a kettle (0.8 L) - everything you need for cooking. The highlight: all parts can be stacked inside each other and fit perfectly into the storage space of the Boxio Cook gas stove. There are also felt dividers and magnetic pads so that nothing rattles when driving. The pan set is even induction-compatible (except for the kettle) and has a sandwich base for even heat distribution. Practical tests emphasize how well thought-out the COOKWARE is: "...so well thought-out that you wonder why outdoor cooking was ever complicated." And best of all: "The complete set fits compactly into the BOXIO Cook with two gas cartridges and cutlery " - turning your gas stove into a fully-fledged mini kitchen.


Especially in a compact caddy with limited space, it's great when everything has its own small, fixed place. No more rattling pots while driving, no loose cutlery flying around - Boxio has thought of that.


Product tips:

  • Camping cutlery set (stainless steel) for 2 people, robust and compact (BOXIO EAT).

  • Camping pot set (pans & pots with kettle), stackable and fits into the Boxio system (BOXIO COOKWARE).


Outlook: The BOXIO Rack - modular extension for the caddy

Finally, we would like to give you a small preview, which is particularly exciting for Caddy drivers who are planning a real camper conversion: BOXIO is working on a "rack", a modular extension system especially for vans and high-roof vans such as the Caddy. This BOXIO Rack will be a mobile furniture system in Eurobox design that combines storage space and sleeping accommodation . The plan is to create a kind of box rack that can hold several Euroboxes (for luggage, kitchen, etc.) and also serves as a base for an extendable slatted frame. In just a few simple steps, it should be possible to install a large camping bed in the Caddy - in different versions depending on requirements (e.g. half bed for solo travelers or large bed for two) . Of course, this rack can also be installed and removed without tools. Leasing customers in particular are likely to welcome this, as the rack can be removed when not in use and the vehicle can be returned to its original condition .


Currently, Boxio has only released teasers and prototype announcements for this rack (presented at trade fairs such as the Caravan Salon 2025). But what we are hearing sounds very promising: an extension that is tailor-made for compact vans such as the Caddy, with which you can make optimum use of storage space and sleep comfortably at the same time - without drilling or sawing. So stay tuned and follow the Boxio channels for the latest news. Maybe your Caddy will soon become the perfect mini-camper with the Boxio Rack!


BOXIO CHAIR I ultralight camping chair

The BOXIO CHAIR is your perfect camping chair - it is ultra-light and can be stowed away compactly in a Eurobox. Whether in a van, at a festival or when fishing - the low weight makes the chair your perfect companion on the go. The high-quality aluminum frame makes the CHAIR durable and rustproof.
View product
4er-Set BOXIO CHAIR: ultraleichter Campingstuhl mit Transporttasche, kompakt und ideal für minimalistisches Reisen.

E-Caddy camping: on tour with the electric car

A fully electric Caddy has so far only been spotted in the form of the ABT e-Caddy (conversion of the previous model) - this had a range of approx. 220 km (37 kWh battery) . But regardless of this, the following tips for camping with an e-car naturally apply just as much, whether with an ID.Buzz or a future e-Caddy:

  • Range & route planning: plan enough charging breaks for longer distances. It's best to take a fast-charging stop every ~200-300 km - this often fits in with coffee or meal breaks anyway. Modern electric vans recharge to 80% full in ~30 minutes, so the journey is hardly delayed. The range is usually sufficient for a weekend trip if you recharge quickly in between.

  • Charging at the campsite: Many campsites allow electric cars to be charged at pitch sockets or even have wall boxes on site. However, be sure to ask the operator about the conditions beforehand. If you charge via a 230 V household socket, set a low current (e.g. 6-8 A instead of 16 A) so as not to overload the system. Also note that some campsites charge extra for charging - regular charging at the campsite can otherwise be expensive.

  • Energy balance when stationary: Cool or heat the interior in good time before sleeping (preferably while the car is still connected to the cable, if possible). During the night, it is better not to use the vehicle battery for continuous air conditioning operation. Instead, use energy-saving solutions: e.g. an additional power station or battery lamp for light, and a small USB fan for fresh air. For cooling food, use passive cool packs (such as in the Boxio Cool) - this saves the vehicle battery and avoids unnecessary consumption when stationary.

  • Silent & free standing: One advantage of the electric car when camping is that it is silent and emission-free. In theory, you can also stand anywhere and use the auxiliary heating or air conditioning for a short time without disturbing anyone - but you should always keep an eye on energy consumption. It's better to take an extra blanket or a good sleeping bag with you than to leave the heating on all night.

  • Charging on the road: find out in advance where fast charging stations are available along your route (apps and navigation systems can help). Vacation regions and tourist hotspots are now also equipping themselves with charging points. The more remote your destination, the more important it is to have charging planning under control - with a plan B if necessary (e.g. stopover in a city for charging).

  • Weight & payload: Note that additional camping equipment increases the vehicle weight, which increases fuel consumption somewhat. In the Caddy, however, the payload is sufficient to take the Boxio modules with you without reaching the limits - you should only consciously reduce heavy extra luggage in the e-car.

All in all, nothing stands in the way of a camping adventure with an electric vehicle if you plan ahead a little. The best thing about the Caddy (and similar electric vans) is that you can enjoy a quiet, emission-free driving experience and, with the help of modular equipment, camping comfort almost like in a large camper. So: charge up the Caddy, pack the Boxio modules - and then head out into the great outdoors!


VW Caddy Camping - the most important questions

1) Is the VW Caddy generally suitable for camping?

Yes, the Short, Maxi, Cargo and California are all suitable for camping. What is missing is the fixed camping equipment (bed, bathroom, kitchen). You can solve this modularly - e.g. with the BOXIO SANITARY PLUS for the bathroom and the BOXIO KITCHEN BUNDLE for the kitchen.


2) Which caddy variant is best for what?

  • Caddy (short): maneuverable for everyday use, ideal for solo/two people.

  • Caddy Maxi: more lying length & storage space - great for two plus gear.

  • Caddy Cargo: empty load compartment, perfect for modular extensions.

  • Caddy California: ex works bed + mini-kitchen; with BOXIO you can add a bathroom/kitchen as required.


3) How do I get a comfortable sleeping solution - without a fixed extension?

Folding mattress is enough for "just go". More comfortable: modular bed/storage modules. Teaser: The BOXIO Rack is coming soon - storage space for several Euroboxes + slatted frame as a camping bed with pull-out, can be installed and removed in minutes (ideal for leasing).


4) What basic equipment do you recommend as a starter set-up?


5) Can I "free-stand" with the Caddy (wild camping)?

That depends on the country/region. In Germany, a quiet night in the vehicle to restore roadworthiness is often tolerated. Stay inconspicuous (no furniture/awning out), respect rules & nature.


6) Cooking in/with the Caddy - what to consider?

Inside only with the utmost caution (ventilation, fire protection), better to cook outside the vehicle. The modular kitchen is ideal for this - e.g. BOXIO KITCHEN BUNDLE or KITCHEN PLUS.


7) How do I solve the bathroom/toilet problem without a fixed extension?

With a mobile bathroom set such as BOXIO SANITARY PLUS: separate toilet, washbasin, shower set-up & privacy tent - self-sufficient and quickly stowed away.


8) Does all the equipment really fit in the caddy?

Yes, the Eurobox system is made for exactly that: stackable, non-slip, lightweight. Kitchen, bathroom, chairs, table, cookware & cutlery can be packed efficiently - and the caddy remains suitable for everyday use.


9) What is "micro-camping" with the Caddy?

Minimum setup, maximum freedom: sleep in the car, cook outside, quickly ready to go. You need a simple sleeping solution, an outdoor kitchen and light/organization. Perfect for spontaneous weekends & city trips.


10) E-caddy camping - what is important?

Plan charging stops (200-300 km rhythm), use Schuko/wallbox at the campsite, operate lights/devices via power bank/power station and rely on passive cooling (e.g. cool packs). Air-condition before sleeping and ventilate discreetly overnight.


11) Leasing & retrofitting: Is that possible?

Yes, all BOXIO solutions are not permanently installed and can be removed in minutes - which is exactly why the upcoming BOXIO Rack is so exciting: bed + storage space without drilling, quickly removed when the caddy needs to be "clean" again.


12) Tips for comfort & safety at night?

Darken straight windows, use ventilation slits/mosquito nets, manage condensation, stow valuables out of sight, choose your parking space carefully (quiet, legal, level). A good mattress makes the biggest difference.

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