Karmann Mobil uses the Ford Transit for this, which is also available ex works with permanent all-wheel drive. Above all, however, the Dexter 4x4 camper van surprises with a highly unusual floor plan. At almost six meters in length, it offers two single beds in the rear, both 93 centimeters wide and 1.97 and 1.85 meters long, respectively. How is that possible? Quite simply, Karmann does without the half-dinette behind the driver's seats, which is common in this class. The washroom and wardrobe are moved to the front directly behind the driver's pilot's seat, the galley has to do without a refrigerator built into the tall cupboard, the standard compressor unit with a volume of 80 liters sits under the two-burner gas stove and the stainless steel sink in the bottom of the kitchen block.
You can sleep well on the loungers in the rear, even if Karmann shies away from the higher costs for comfortable disc springs and places the mattresses on slatted frames. However, there is an extra charge for undisturbed sleep, the blackout option for the driver's cab is charged extra at 530 euros. The large windows of the double doors in the rear need to be protected from prying eyes with a simple curtain, a simple but suitable solution. Unfortunately, they are only simply glazed, when it gets fresh outside, condensation forms at the head of the beds. Cassette roller blinds with insect screens are also only available for the double-glazed plastic windows on the side walls.
Paint, chrome and a compressor fridge
The serving area of the compact kitchen is limited, after all, elegant Plexiglas partitions protect the adjacent sleeping area from splashes of fat when cooking. A well-known sight in times of the corona pandemic. An elaborate mixer tap above the sink does not serve as a handle when getting into the Dexter, although that would be appropriate to gain height. Not only the older camper would appreciate a little help to get into the living space more easily. The workmanship and equipment of the pantry is high quality, chrome and black high-gloss lacquer adorn the piece of furniture. Indirect light lets the walls, which are clad in bright furniture and pure white, shine comfortably, while precise lighting helps when cooking in the kitchen when it is still or already dark outside.
The single bed lover has to make the big compromise when dining. In the absence of a dinette, it is necessary to turn the seats for the driver and front passenger and hang the table that is moored behind the driver's seat while driving on the sloping wall of the washroom. We don't want to complain about the small size of the table, but we do want to complain that it takes a certain acrobatics to get the missing salt shaker from the kitchen drawers or even a cold drink from the refrigerator. The passage between the table top and the kitchen is cut very narrow and hardly possible without a basin that is as narrow as it is movable. For less agile campers, it's time to clear the table and unhook the plate. This ensures concentration and discipline when setting the table after a short time. But this is the only way to create lengthways beds six meters in length in the rear. Perhaps Karmann Mobil will decide to offer a table with a double top and swivel joint, which would certainly increase the freedom of movement.
The washroom with shower and cassette toilet offers the usual comfort and surprising freedom of movement. The submersible pump in the tank lets an appropriate jet flow out of the shower head, a plastic door separates the wet cell from the rest of the toilet area and thus prevents splashing water. The space above the folding washbasin is not impaired by a mirror cabinet installed in the wrong place. It hangs next to it and offers enough storage space for the usual hygiene items.
Powerful engine and little payload
The Transit is good as a base, the suspension is comfortable and the engine makes little noise. The more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with 170 PS (125 kW) is recommended, it costs around 1500 euros extra and drives the price of the all-wheel drive Dexter to 56,680 euros, which is reasonable and especially for the torque ( 405 Nm) is helpful. The consumption is 10.2 liters of diesel, this value is also okay. However, caution is advised when loading. With an empty weight of 3160 kilograms, only around six quintals remain before the weight limit of 3.5 tons is reached. With two campers on board, extras such as bike racks or trailer hitch, as well as 80 liters of fresh water, there isn't much room left for equipment and supplies.
The Dexter 4x4 likes to stay on the road, but with the permanent all-wheel drive it offers significant traction advantages, not only on the wet meadow. Its price is extremely attractive, even if it moves quickly upwards with special equipment such as the antiquated Ford infotainment system or a trailer hitch. A comparable motorized VW California is smaller and significantly more expensive. All-wheel drive doesn't get any cheaper in this class. (ampnet / mk)
