A trade show is perhaps the best way to get a glimpse of future trends in a given market, and the Dusseldorf Caravan Show is definitely the place to be if you want to see what the future holds for campers. The Italian company Atlantis, for example, is betting big on carbon fiber for 2025.
Every year, the Dusseldorf Caravan Show previews future trends, whether through the debut of new models or the introduction of concept vehicles. This year is no different. One of the biggest highlights so far is a concerted push for lower weights for towables and campers, while maintaining comfort features and adding self-sufficiency.
Atlantis, an Italian company that has been making compact campers for more than four decades, hopes to do just that with what it describes as the world’s first carbon-fiber monocoque camper, the Atlantis Carbon 595, a prototype of which it brought to the show. Below is a video tour of the unit, complete with extra details from an Atlantis representative.
The 2025 Carbon 595 may be a new addition to the company’s lineup, but it’s not exactly a new model, especially if you’re familiar with the Atlantis campers. It’s actually based on the flagship Compact 595 model, which features a fiberglass monocoque body and, like it, will be offered in either a standard or fully customizable layout.
Photo: Atlantis
The unit shown in Dusseldorf (and in the video below) features the Dinette XL layout, with the oversized dinette, as the name suggests, and the large bathroom in the back, which hides a full wardrobe and direct access to the garage in the back of the camper. It has three beds, two in the master bedroom above the dinette and another in the convertible dinette.
Atlantis plans to offer the Carbon 595 very similar to the Compact 595, so another layout is possible, with the bedroom at the rear and a small bathroom and dinette. You could also opt for a complete customization with the help of Atlantis designers. There is a choice of finishes and materials, but all of these will incur additional costs.
Returning to the unit on display, it is equipped with all the possible options, including pre-wiring for solar power and an automatic step, which is reflected in its price. In return, Atlantis promises a home designed for year-round use, highly comfortable and efficient and, for all this, suitable for long-term travel.
Photo: Atlantis
The Dinette XL layout is actually quite popular among European compact camper manufacturers, right down to the “secret” closet in the back. Not that that takes away from its advantages: in a very limited footprint, the Atlantis manages to squeeze in a decent-sized living space, a compact kitchen, comfortable sleeping options for three adults, a large bathroom, AND plenty of storage space.
The Carbon 595 is based on a Fiat Ducato 9 chassis with 180 CV and automatic transmission, and a lowered AL-KO chassis that allows for double floors. A large part of the interior is taken up by the daytime living space, namely the dinette that gives the layout its name. It consists of an L-shaped seat that integrates two forward-facing seats with seat belts and an adjustable table that helps convert the space into a single bed at night.
Opposite is the kitchen, which is a one-piece unit and packed with all the essentials for a quick meal. That means a 2-burner gas stove, a small sink, a medium-sized refrigerator, some counter space for meal prep, and some storage options. It's not much, but it's safe to assume you're probably not going to be training for MasterChef while on vacation.
Photo: Atlantis
That back bathroom takes up the entire width of the camper, with a shower stall on one side and the bathroom and toilet on the other. The wardrobe and garage in the back are also accessible from here. For a camper of this size, both spaces are surprisingly large, allowing a whole family to pack all the necessary items and gear, no matter where said vacation is headed.
Like its fiberglass counterpart, the Carbon 595 is 5.95 meters (19.5 ft) long, 2.28 meters (7.5 ft) wide and 2.95 meters (9.7 ft) high. Gross weight is 3,500 kg (7,716 lb), including 180 liters (47.5 gallons) of fresh water and 125 liters (33 gallons) of gray water in separate tanks.
Another thing these two models have in common is the way the monocoque shell is constructed, to ensure maximum strength, durability and insulation properties. On the Carbon 595, this means two layers of carbon fiber with PVC foam sandwiched between them and a layer of gelcoat on the outside. Because aesthetics are also important, Atlantis has chosen to leave some exterior elements exposed, so you can admire the carbon fiber. The door handle is a nice touch.
Photo: Atlantis
The Carbon 595 also features electric locks, an integrated automatic awning, a large external storage compartment and a Truma Combi 4 diesel-electric heating system built into the double floor. The representative says they have tested their units at the Truma test centre at temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) and it takes just three hours with the heating on to heat the interior to a very comfortable 20°C (68°F).
The Atlantis Compact 595 (the one with the fiberglass monocoque body) starts at €119,903 before options or any customization you have in mind. That's about $132,900 at today's exchange rate.
Its newer, lighter and more elegant sibling, the carbon-fiber Carbon 595, is considerably more expensive. The unit shown in Dusseldorf, which comes in a standard layout with standard trim but with all the options available, is priced at €185,000 ($205,000).
