There’s no shortage of camper designs out there.
There’s no shortage of camper concepts these days, but every now and then something genuinely unusual pops up — the kind of thing you can’t help but talk about. Not long ago, I came across a camper setup built to mount directly onto the rear of a VW Transporter.
To make that happen, the Trail/Box 280 and 280S require a pretty dramatic change to the T4, T5, or T6 platform. The entire back half of the van has to go. That section is removed so the camper module — essentially a tall, self-contained living pod — can take its place.
Fortunately, Tischer, the team behind the 280 series, has figured out how to make that newly opened space useful in the best way possible: by installing a truck-camper-style living unit that transforms the Transporter into a compact RV. It’s a configuration you don’t often see on these vans.
And honestly, when was the last time you saw a camper shell with this kind of presence, even before stepping inside? A lot of that comes down to the materials Tischer relies on. The smooth, aerodynamic exterior is built using a sandwich-style structure centered around aluminum. A stove-enameled aluminum outer layer gives the body its clean, premium finish. Beneath that sits about 30 mm (1.2 inches) of insulation, followed by interior paneling made from poplar plywood.
If you’re someone who keeps an eye on camper builds, feel free to comment on when you last spotted an aluminum skin on a flatbed-style unit like this — it’s not exactly common.
This construction method allows the shell to support dual-pane, thermal-bridge-free windows, several exterior storage compartments, and mounts for gear like bikes, kayaks, or awnings. One of the standout perks is that the roof is fully walkable — something usually found on campers designed to support large AC units or solar arrays.
If you prefer to get a better visual feel for it, the video below is worth a look. And credit where it’s due: thanks to the miniCampers YouTube channel for spotlighting unique European builds like this.
Inside, the 280 and 280S could easily pass for some of the bigger, bolder American truck campers on the market. No exaggeration — the layout and atmosphere feel distinctly “American RV.” Considering that European builders have only recently started experimenting with truck-bed habitats and Transporter-based rigs, it’s not hard to see where some inspiration may have come from.
One brand that immediately came to mind was Lance Campers — a U.S. specialist known for massive truck-mounted units that tower over most competitors. If you’ve never looked into Lance, it’s worth a search.
Up front, the cab-over section of the 280 holds a bed for two, arranged east-to-west. Side windows provide ventilation and views, overhead lighting helps with nighttime reading, and cabinets offer useful storage.
Moving toward the back, you’ll find the central living area. The dinette has storage beneath the seats and additional cabinets overhead. It also converts into a second bed, allowing the 280 to accommodate up to four people — enough for a small family.
Farther back along the left side sits a compact kitchen equipped with a flush-mount sink, cooktop with glass lid, and cabinet storage below. The fridge is located across the aisle.
At the very rear is the bathroom — a wet bath, but cleverly designed. The sink folds up, the toilet doubles as a shower seat, and a window helps with ventilation. Wood accents and recessed LED lighting keep the space warm and practical.
Of course, that’s only the visible part of the setup. Hidden behind the panels are systems like a Truma Combi 4E heater with a 10-liter boiler, a 100-liter (26.5-gallon) fresh-water tank, AGM batteries, and optional equipment like solar panels, inverters, and larger battery packs. Air-conditioning units can be added as well.
Digging through the options list makes it clear that the 280 can be outfitted to an impressive degree. The model shown in the video gives a pretty good idea of what’s possible. The “S” in 280S likely refers to the side-entry layout — the main door is relocated to the side of the camper.
But here’s where things get wild: the pricing. According to the official sheet, a bare-bones Box 280 starts at €21,252 (about $24,500). The empty Trail version — the sleek, aerodynamic one shown in the video — begins at €22,987 (roughly $26,500). For what these rigs offer, that’s a surprisingly reasonable starting point.
Outfitted with equipment, the Trail model comes in at no less than €47,050 ($54,200) and weighs just 806 kg. Add in more options, and the price can climb to €60,823 ($70,100) — or even €73,314 ($84,500) when paired with a T6.1 Double Cab base vehicle.