The BiVan, meeting of the van and the caravan

Rethinking the caravan. This is the challenge that two young Bretons have set themselves. In their workshop in Auray, Morbihan, Vincent Clédic and Antoine Henaff have designed an original caravan, at the crossroads between van and caravan, the BiVan. This caravan with its original silhouette, presented for the first time at the Camper Van Weekend held at the end of April in Brissac, escapes any classification. It is too big to be classified as a mini caravan, but its small dimensions allow it to be parked on small camping sites or stored in a garage: 1.89 m high, 5.14 m long and 1.95 m wide. In comparison, it is slightly longer than an Eriba Touring (4.83 m), but also less high (2.26 m). This height makes a big difference, as it allows it to pass through the french tolls as a normal car and access car parks reserved for vehicles less than 2 metres high. All this for a weight of 900 kg (compared to 724 kg for the Eriba) and a GVW of 1200 kg.

Our campsites in France for caravanning

A caravan inspired by vans

It’s all in the name. The BiVan draws its inspiration from the vans from which it borrows the interior layout with a rear bench and two armchairs facing each other. The pleasant double side door is a tribute to the Volkswagen T1 combi offered by Westfalia in the 1950s. This heritage is hardly surprising. Before embarking on this project, Vincent Clédic was a salesman in the field of leisure vans. The BiVan has retained the folding roof of the vans, which has two advantages. Raised, it increases the ceiling height considerably. When lowered, it offers a very spacious bed of 160 cm x 200 cm. Combined with the bench seat, which converts into a 140 cm x 190 cm bed, this bed makes it possible for 4 people to go on a camping holiday in the BiVan. Perfect for families with two children. This caravan has a serious eye on the vans, but its interior space is greater than that of a conventional van. The space is used to install a bathroom and a chemical toilet.

A caravan that is easy to set up

The inspiration for the BiVan also comes from the American tear drops with a rear axle. This makes the use of rear kickstands unnecessary, as the jockey wheel completes the holding of the caravan. Two jacks at the front ensure that the trailer is levelled if necessary. This means that the caravan is quickly in place on the stage.

A caravan designed for camping holidays in all seasons

Thanks to its insulated cell, double-glazed windows and Truma heating with three outlets (two under the rear seat and one in the bathroom), the BiVan caravan remains comfortable even in spring or early autumn. Velcro fasteners are fitted to the pop-up roof cover so that an insulating cover can be attached and the BiVan can be used as for winter caravanning.

A 100% French caravan (or almost)

The Bivoak company that produces the BiVan is located in Ploeren, Brittany, not far from Auray. A large part of its components are therefore designed in Brittany, such as the furniture and the canvas. The electronics and the polyester cell come from Vendée and the chassis from Cherbourg. The only exception to the 100% French rule is the folding roof bed, which is made in Germany.

Prices and technical data

The BiVan has a starting price of €27,800. The full option version that we saw on the Camper Van Weekend is priced at €37,000. The options include a 150 W solar panel, embroidered and quilted leatherette upholstery and the Trum Combi 4E heater.

Length : 5,14 m
Width : 1,95 m
Height : 1,89 m
Weight : 900 kg
GVWR : 1200 kg

All in all, the BiVan caravan is very appealing with its pleasant interior space and original exterior design. As it made its first official appearance, two orders have already been placed with Bivoak. A good start as the two designers hope to sell ten of them in this first year. Given the curiosity aroused during the Camper Van Weekend, it’s a safe bet that they will succeed. While waiting to be able to try it on the road or to see it on the campsites, it is possible to discover it in the Bivoak workshop in Ploeren in Morbihan. However, it is advisable to let us know when you are coming. You will find the contact details of Bivoak on the website www.bivoak.fr.