Outdoors

Mannen Caravan project puts a man cave on wheels

Mannen Caravan project puts a man cave on wheels
On board the Mannen Caravan
On board the Mannen Caravan
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The interior of the Mannen Caravan is like a toy store for the adult man
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The interior of the Mannen Caravan is like a toy store for the adult man
We're wondering if they weren't originally planning a stripper pole, then decided to make it more family-friendly with that homemade table (seems there's a fair amount of surface space with or without the high table)
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We're wondering if they weren't originally planning a stripper pole, then decided to make it more family-friendly with that homemade table (seems there's a fair amount of surface space with or without the high table)
Some of the features are a little kitschy, but we really like the idea of a rooftop caravan lounge
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Some of the features are a little kitschy, but we really like the idea of a rooftop caravan lounge
On board the Mannen Caravan
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On board the Mannen Caravan
The manly caravan gets towed to its next destination
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The manly caravan gets towed to its next destination
The Mannen Caravan has appeared at a variety of shows and festivals since its debut last year
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The Mannen Caravan has appeared at a variety of shows and festivals since its debut last year
The Mannen Caravan is based on a 2008 Eifelland Deseo caravan
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The Mannen Caravan is based on a 2008 Eifelland Deseo caravan
The outside projector system provides open-air movie viewing
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The outside projector system provides open-air movie viewing
Enjoying the big picture
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Enjoying the big picture
What would a man's caravan be without plenty of remote-operated electronics
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What would a man's caravan be without plenty of remote-operated electronics
The built-in projector system is one of the features that really sets the Mannen Caravan apart from the average trailer
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The built-in projector system is one of the features that really sets the Mannen Caravan apart from the average trailer
On location with the Mannen Caravan
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On location with the Mannen Caravan
On location with the Mannen Caravan
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On location with the Mannen Caravan
The caravan's body has colorful artwork all over
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The caravan's body has colorful artwork all over
No small camping stove here - this Weber grill is just like home
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No small camping stove here - this Weber grill is just like home
The epoxy Heineken coaster table
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The epoxy Heineken coaster table
The bar/cafe table and umbrella make a functional rooftop lounge
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The bar/cafe table and umbrella make a functional rooftop lounge
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Van Vliet introduced the Mannen Caravan last November
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Van Vliet introduced the Mannen Caravan last November
Some extra accessories add even more testosterone
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Some extra accessories add even more testosterone
Some extra accessories add even more testosterone
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Some extra accessories add even more testosterone
Some extra accessories add even more testosterone
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Some extra accessories add even more testosterone
On location with the Mannen Caravan
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On location with the Mannen Caravan
Inside the Mannen Caravan
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Inside the Mannen Caravan
What is a guys' camping trip without fire
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What is a guys' camping trip without fire
Cooking up dinner
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Cooking up dinner
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Tools of the trade
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Tools of the trade
At camp in the Mannen Caravan
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At camp in the Mannen Caravan
An electric ireplace tucked behind some manly decor
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An electric ireplace tucked behind some manly decor
An electric ireplace tucked behind some manly decor
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An electric ireplace tucked behind some manly decor
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Should be plenty of bass
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Should be plenty of bass
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Relaxing at camp
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Relaxing at camp
The Mannen Carvan includes an outdoor sound system with in-wall speakers
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The Mannen Carvan includes an outdoor sound system with in-wall speakers
Menu subject to change
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Menu subject to change
Kitchen area
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Kitchen area
The Krups/Heineken Sub offers a space-efficient beer tap
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The Krups/Heineken Sub offers a space-efficient beer tap
Raw meat and beer
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Raw meat and beer
Electronics shelves
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Electronics shelves
Interestingly enough, despite all the Heineken gear around, Heineken is not listed as an official partner
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Interestingly enough, despite all the Heineken gear around, Heineken is not listed as an official partner
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Truma climate control system
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Truma climate control system
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Another toy to play with in your downtime
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Another toy to play with in your downtime
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
They might not bring the Mannen Caravan to production, but could we at least get the remote-controlled cooler?
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They might not bring the Mannen Caravan to production, but could we at least get the remote-controlled cooler?
This homemade beer-tender uses a Truma XT trailer mover to power a Dometic refrigerator around camp
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This homemade beer-tender uses a Truma XT trailer mover to power a Dometic refrigerator around camp
Enjoying a beer and a view
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Enjoying a beer and a view
Inside the Mannen Caravan
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Inside the Mannen Caravan
The TV retracts into the upholstered console
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The TV retracts into the upholstered console
The distinctive artwork was done by illustrator Koos Vellekoop
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The distinctive artwork was done by illustrator Koos Vellekoop
Mannen Caravan
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Mannen Caravan
View gallery - 67 images

Man caves are great, but they are generally fixed firmly in one place, often a back shed or garage. The Dutch-designed Mannen Caravan lets the man of the house cast off the shackles and take his man cave on the road. He can tow his retractable TV, beer keg, big-screen projector system and roof-top lounge anywhere the road takes him and set up camp like a king among men. There's even a remote-controlled beer cooler.

Starting with a humble 2008 Eifelland Deseo caravan, Wateringen-based Van Vliet Caravans set out to bring a vision of the ultimate man's caravan to life. It worked with more than two dozen suppliers and partners to build out the perfect caravan for male bonding during tailgates, festivals and camping trips. We'd imagine an owner might even park it in his driveway and hang out there on weekends.

What was once a plain, rounded box takes on new life as a colorful rolling mural with tons of personality. Inside its painted door, the Mannen Caravan is perhaps more bachelor pad than man cave thanks to the L-shaped couch upholstered in a deep purple fabric that most wives would likely veto immediately, even if the selection was meant solely for hubbie's men-only retreat.

The upholstered housing of the retractable, satellite-fed flat-screen TV adds to the bachelor pad feel, as does the built-in Krups/Heineken Sub mini draft system. Decor like the model cars, beer mugs hanging from the wall and neon Heineken sign would be at home in a man cave, bachelor pad or college apartment.

Inside the Mannen Caravan
Inside the Mannen Caravan

The interior is usually the most compelling part of the caravan, but in the case of the Mannen Caravan, the exterior manages to outshine it. Van Vliet has created a manly outdoor living space that includes a video projection system with awning-mounted screen, a roof-top drinking lounge with bar table and umbrella, a full sound system with four exterior wall-mounted speakers, and a full-sized Weber grill secured to the tow bar. Van Vliet dresses the design with a pair of couches on the "front porch" positioned to watch the big screen or just relax.

Enjoying the big picture
Enjoying the big picture

Arguably the coolest part of the Mannen Caravan design is an add-on accessory – a Dometic refrigerator driven by a Truma XT caravan mover. This set-up serves as a remote-controlled beer cooler, portering beer around the campsite. No need to get up from the couch and miss the big screen action; just roll the cooler right to your feet.

They might not bring the Mannen Caravan to production, but could we at least get the remote-controlled cooler?
They might not bring the Mannen Caravan to production, but could we at least get the remote-controlled cooler?

Van Vliet revealed the Mannen Caravan at an open house last November and has been showing it at various events ever since, including the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon earlier this month. It's a living project, as Van Vliet plans to add more equipment, including a Truma iNet remote-controlled climate system. There's no commercial future for this particular man caravan, but it could certainly serve as inspiration for caravan home builds.

Van Vliet was kind enough to send over a big stack of photos, so you can see all the nooks and crannies of the Mannen Caravan in our gallery.

Source: Van Vliet, KCK (PDF image)

View gallery - 67 images
3 comments
3 comments
Derek Howe
Not my style of a man cave. The wrap that is on the outside of it is lame. The interior is cramped. It looked like they needed a separate trailer to haul extra leather furniture and then just plopped it down in the mud. The outdoor projector is a cheapy, hence why the screen looks all washed out.
If I had a man cave, it would be the opposite of this. I would want plenty of room, and a pool table, a big tv (that you can actually see), and it wouldn't have any "setup time", F that.
This guy is DOING IT WRONG.
bergamot69
I agree with Derek Howe- not a proper Man Cave- not least because it is far too small for a bespoke hi-fi to operate in properly, and not well enough insulated either.
I do like the remote control fridge, however.
pwndecaf
AGREED! Reaching for a beer and a remote should be the only requirement of starting your day.