Derubis and AL-KO VT are Redefining the Boundaries of the Caravan Market
A young company from Bosnia and Herzegovina is rising to the challenge of redefining the boundaries of what is possible in the caravan market. AL-KO VT is supporting the Derubis concept with state-of-the-art mobility components.
Shipbuilding on AL-KO VT Axles
A Yachting Experience on Wheels
All life originates from the sea. And it follows the fundamental logic of evolution that the latest 'landing' in the industry has the potential to significantly expand 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 construction. The company has not only developed solid manufacturing know-how, especially when it comes to the glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) hulls they produce. Their expertise also covers the design of elegant and versatile interiors. The entire construction must withstand the harshest of conditions at sea. Corrosion, damp, resistance to twisting – a yacht must master these challenges flawlessly, otherwise it won't get far.
GFRP Monocoque Body as the Basis
Reimagining the Hull as the Body
Derubis Caravans is now bringing this nautical know-how to the roads. The basis for this is the GFRP boat hulls, which Derubis transforms into GFRP monocoque bodies. Armin Rizvanovic, co-founder and CEO of Derubis Germany: “The entire structure of our caravans is made from a single piece. We don’t have to worry about moisture getting in via joints between different wall elements – that simply doesn’t occur with us.” If you want to ventilate, you just open a window or door. Otherwise, a Derubis caravan is completely stormproof – and permanently so. In a monocoque, the largely closed outer shell as the load-bearing structure of the vehicle absorbs most of the external forces. All other parts are fixed to it. Monocoques are lightweight and resistant to twisting, but complex to manufacture.
Stormproof and Highly Resistant to Twisting: the Monocoques from Derubis
No Fear of Hail Damage
The floor panel is also seamlessly laminated and forms an integral part of the monocoque. The entire shell is so robust that even many kilometres on rough, bumpy tracks and gravel roads won't cause any problems. Whether it's the journey to a pitch in the wild or more frequent extreme weather events like large hail and torrential rain, as we see with climate change, this type of construction is more than up to the challenge.
Walls as Sturdy as at Home
Choose Where You Want Your Shelves
The second major advantage of the GFRP monocoque: the interior can be fitted exactly where the customers want it. Shelves, kitchen area, cupboards and so on have no effect on the stability of the external structure. Whereas in conventional caravan construction, storage compartments and interior fittings literally play a supporting role, the Derubis monocoque can be arranged as freely as the rooms at home. Customers decide where they want to place the air conditioning unit, wash basin or flat screen. The GFRP wall supports it exactly where it needs to be installed. Lejla Kraljević, co-founder of Derubis Caravans: “The result is a sense of space that is very close to what you get at home – only with constantly changing views.”
Choice and Variety When Designing the Interior of Derubis Caravans
Chrome trims or velvet drapes?
Just as flexibly as the interior can be arranged, customers are free to design the interior to their taste. Chrome trims are just as possible as precious wood wall panelling or subtle, indirect lighting with coloured LED strips. Kraljević: “If you like to surround yourself with a touch of luxury, we give you every option to do just that.” With their background in the business of luxury yacht interiors, the experts at Derubis have extensive experience with special requests – and perhaps even more in accommodating ideas that at first sight might seem impossible.
Built on Tried-and-Tested AL-KO VT Technology
Driving as if on a Calm Sea
The Derubis monocoque vehicles are built on AL-KO VT chassis with either one or two axles. The Delta diagonal arm axle evens out the smallest irregularities, and the integrated hexagonal rubber suspension in the chassis ensures a smoother ride. With this set-up, the caravan glides just as smoothly across the tarmac as a ship does across a glassy sea.
The resistance of the GFRP monocoque to corrosion and creeping damp continues with the fully galvanised smooth-running chassis from AL-KO VT. Here, nothing shakes loose and nothing eats away at the joints.
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 spaces with ease. The premium hydraulic levelling system LevelC ensures the vehicle stands flat and stable in its final parking position.
Safety First for Your Vehicle
Prevent Snaking, Shorten Braking Distances
“To further improve 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 in the caravan combination. The sensors detect even the slightest lateral acceleration and will automatically brake the caravan if the snaking motion reaches a critical level.” In the driver’s seat of the towing vehicle, you will barely notice it. Automatic brake lining adjustment (AL-KO AAA Premium Brake) also contributes to increased safety on the road. It ensures the response time of the brakes remains reliably short from day one right up until end-of-life of the system.
Monocoque Enables New Caravan Experience
GFRP Shells Offer Much More Than Just a New Look
Derubis’ expertise in boat and yacht building opens up new possibilities for a comfortable mobile home on wheels. And you don’t have to go high-end. Even a purpose-designed mobile workspace benefits from the advantages of GFRP construction. AL-KO VT is doing everything it can to round off this fresh caravan experience.
Interview with Lejla Kraljević
More Diversity in the Caravan Market
Co-founder of Derubis Caravan, Lejla Kraljević, is confident that as a woman and leader in the caravan market she can bring in new ideas. We interviewed her about this. More diversity in the caravan market.
Would you disagree if we said the caravan market is still clearly male-dominated?
Kraljević: “I haven’t personally met another female CEO in this industry, if that’s what you mean. But of course, there are a number of women in the caravan market who are taking on responsibility at various levels, including in sales and product development. There’s been a lot of movement in recent years, and that’s a good thing. Diversity is essential in every industry. It brings new perspectives and encourages innovation. Personally, I welcome the opportunities for growth and development in our sector.
But it's still mainly men who buy and drive caravans, isn't it?
The fact that it's mainly men who buy and drive them does not mean they're the ones who always decide which model to get. The industry has recognised demographic changes and is actively working to better meet the needs and preferences of women. I see a huge opportunity here for manufacturers, but also a real advantage for myself as a female executive. On a fundamental level, a diverse management team allows a company to connect with a wider customer base.
What is it in particular that attracts you to Derubis?
The monocoque design of our vehicles stands for resilience, strength and stability. Looking back on my own career, I can say these are the very qualities I stand for myself: adaptable in dynamic environments and determined when it comes to achieving results. In that sense, our caravans and I are a perfect match.
And why the caravan market?
I like the idea of being mobile. I believe in the possibilities a caravan can offer people, be it individuals or families. There is still so much more that can be done in terms of quality, innovation and customer satisfaction than is common so far. Caravanning isn't just a way to travel – it's a lifestyle. For us, it's about providing customers with unforgettable experiences on the road. That's what I work towards every day, together with our entire team.
Is there any advice you would like to give especially to young female professionals coming up in the industry?
What I have to say here certainly doesn't just apply to women who want to pursue a career:
- Follow your passion: Your genuine interest will drive your motivation to be successful and have a lasting impact.
- Never stop learning: Stay up to date on 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. Seek out mentors – both male and female – who can guide and support you in your career.
- Embrace challenges: Be prepared to face challenges and prejudices along your way. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, treat them as opportunities to prove your skills, resilience, and leadership qualities.
- Promote diversity: Advocate for diversity and inclusion in your company. And that doesn't just apply to female employees.
- Lead by example: As you progress in your career, be a role model for others by being a supportive colleague and mentor for up-and-coming professionals in the industry.
- Celebrate achievements: Recognise and celebrate your successes and milestones. This can boost your self-confidence and motivation.
