Derubis and AL-KO VT are redefining caravan boundaries
A young company from Bosnia and Herzegovina is setting out to redraw the limits of what is possible in the caravan market. AL-KO VT is supporting the Derubis concept with state-of-the-art mobility components.
Boatbuilding on AL-KO VT axles
Yacht experience on wheels
All life comes from the sea. Following the fundamental logic of evolution, the industry’s most recent foray onto land has the potential to significantly expand the boundaries of what is possible in the caravan market. But let’s start at the beginning: For 30 years, Derubis has gained experience in ship and yacht building. The company has not only developed solid manufacturing expertise in producing hulls made from glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP), but also in creating elegant and versatile interiors. The entire structure must withstand the harshest conditions on the water. Corrosion, moisture, torsional rigidity – a yacht has to master these challenges perfectly, otherwise it simply will not get far.
GFRP monocoque body as the base
Hull reinterpreted as superstructure
Derubis Caravans is now bringing its nautical-sector experience to the road. The basis for this is their GFRP boat hulls, which Derubis converts into GFRP monocoque bodies. Armin Rizvanovic, co-founder and CEO of Derubis Deutschland, says: “The entire structure of our caravans consists of a single piece. We don’t need to worry about moisture entering through the joints between different wall elements – because in our caravans, they simply don’t exist.” Anyone wanting fresh air can just open a window or the door. Otherwise, a Derubis caravan is absolutely stormproof. Permanently. In a monocoque, the largely closed outer shell as a load-bearing structure absorbs the main forces acting on the vehicle. All other components are attached to it. Monocoques are light and torsionally rigid, but relatively complex to manufacture.
Stormproof and extremely rigid: Derubis monocoques
No fear of hail damage
The floor panel is also seamlessly laminated and forms an integral part of the monocoque. The entire housing is so robust that even thousands of kilometres on rough tracks and gravel roads are no problem. The journey to your pitch off the beaten path, or ever-more-extreme weather events due to climate change – including heavy hail and torrential rain – are no issue for this type of construction.
Walls as stable as those at home
Free space for your shelf
The second great advantage of the GFRP monocoque: the interior can be placed wherever the customer wants. Shelves, kitchen units, cupboards and so on have no bearing on the stability of the outer structure. Whereas in conventional caravan construction, storage compartments and interior elements often play an important load-bearing role, the Derubis monocoque can be fitted out just as flexibly as the rooms in your own home. The customer decides where the air conditioning, washbasin or flatscreen TV should go – the GFRP wall supports it wherever it is installed. Lejla Kraljević, co-founder of Derubis Caravans, says: “The result is a sense of space that comes very close to what you experience at home – just with ever-changing views outside.”
A wealth of interior choices for Derubis caravans
Chrome trim or velvet curtain?
Just as flexible as the interior layout, so too are customers in customising their interior. Chrome trim is just as possible as real wood wall panelling or subtle, indirect lighting with coloured LED strips. Kraljević: “If you like to surround yourself with a touch of luxury, we offer you every possibility to do so.” With their background in yacht outfitting, the experts at Derubis have a wealth of experience in bespoke design and know what’s possible – and perhaps even more in what many would consider impossible.
Proven AL-KO VT technology on board
Sailing along as if on a glassy sea
Derubis monocoque vehicles are built on AL-KO VT chassis with one or two axles. The Delta trailing arm axle smooths out the smallest irregularities, while the six-sided rubber suspension in the chassis adds extra running smoothness. Thanks to this, the caravan glides along the road as smoothly as a ship over a calm sea.
The GFRP monocoque’s resistance to corrosion and creeping damp continues in AL-KO VT’s fully galvanised lightweight running gear. Here, nothing comes loose and no rust can attack the connections.
This comfort package is rounded off by the MAMMUT manoeuvring system from AL-KO VT, which allows the caravans to be manoeuvred by hand into even the tightest spots with ease. The hydraulic premium levelling system LevelC then ensures that the vehicle stands perfectly level and stable on any ground.
Vehicle safety is paramount
Preventing sway, shortening stopping distances
“To further increase the safety of the vehicles, AL-KO VT offers the Trailer Control System,” says Christoph Neher, Regional Sales Manager South at AL-KO VT. “The ATC responds automatically to oscillations of the caravan unit. The sensors detect even minimal lateral acceleration and automatically brake the caravan when yaw movements reach a critical level.” This is hardly noticeable at the wheel of the towing vehicle. The self-adjusting brake lining system (AL-KO AAA Premium Brake) also contributes to optimised vehicle safety. It ensures that brake response times remain equally short from the very start through to the end of each system’s service life.
Monocoque enables a new caravan experience
GFRP housing offers more than a new look
Derubis’s experience in boat and yacht-building opens new possibilities for a mobile home on wheels. But high-end is not compulsory. Even a functionally equipped mobile workspace from the ground up benefits from the GFRP construction. AL-KO VT does everything possible to round off this fresh caravan experience.
Interview with Lejla Kraljević
Greater diversity in the caravan market
Derubis Caravan co-founder Lejla Kraljević is convinced that as a woman and manager in the caravan market, she can drive real change. We spoke to her about it. Greater diversity in the caravan market
Would you disagree if we claimed that the caravan market is still very much male-dominated?
Kraljević: “I have at least not yet met a female CEO in this industry in person, if that's what you mean. But of course there are quite a few women who are taking on responsibilities at different levels in the caravan market, including in sales or product development. A lot has changed in recent years. That’s a good thing. Diversity is essential for every industry – it brings new perspectives and fosters innovation. I personally welcome the growth and development opportunities in our sector.
Is it still mainly men who buy and drive caravans?
The fact that it is mainly men buying and driving does not mean that they also make the decision about which model to choose. The industry has recognised demographic change and is actively working on meeting the needs and preferences of women. I see a huge opportunity here for manufacturers – and a real advantage for myself as a female leader. In general, a diverse management team allows a company to connect with a broader customer base.
What specifically appeals to you about Derubis?
The monocoque design of our vehicles stands for resilience, strength and stability. Looking back on my own career, I can say that these are the qualities I also represent: adaptable in dynamic environments and steadfast when it comes to achieving results. In that respect, our caravans and I are a very good match.
And why the caravan market?
I like the idea of being on the move. I believe in the opportunities a caravan can offer people – whether individuals or families. There is so much more that can be done in terms of quality, innovation and customer satisfaction than has been usual up to now. Caravanning is not just a way of travelling. It is a lifestyle. For us, it is all about enabling customers to enjoy unforgettable experiences on the road. That is what I work on every day together with our entire team.
Is there any advice you would give, especially to aspiring female professionals?
What I have to say here does not just apply to female colleagues aiming for a career:
- Follow your passion: Your genuine interest will drive your motivation to succeed and make a lasting impact.
- Never stop learning: Stay up to date with industry trends, technological progress and market changes. Attend workshops, conferences and seminars to broaden your knowledge.
- Develop your network: Build a strong professional network within the industry. Find mentors – both men and women – who can guide and support you in your career.
- Embrace challenges: Be prepared to face challenges and prejudices on your journey. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, view them as opportunities to prove your skills, resilience and leadership qualities.
- Promote diversity: Advocate for diversity and inclusion in your company. This is not just about female employees.
- Lead by example: As you progress in your career, be a role model for others by supporting and mentoring rising professionals in the industry.
- Celebrate success: Recognise and celebrate your achievements and milestones. This can boost your confidence and motivation.
