As a junior manager in his father’s whip and bridle factory, Arist Dethleffs was often away on business trips for weeks on end. Inspired by the ideas of his fiancée, Fridel Edelmann, the couple tinkered with ideas to avoid these long periods of separation. “Something like a gypsy caravan in which we can travel together, that would probably be ideal for us,” noted Fridel in her diary. In 1931, as a wedding gift, Arist put their plan into action and built – the camper car. Its maiden voyage took place on Easter Tuesday in 1932 – the early test drives were followed by thousands of kilometres spent travelling together. With their “camper car” the couple had invented an entirely new kind of travel: caravanning! A new form of holiday and leisure that has since attracted millions of devoted enthusiasts.

With their unusual vehicle combination, the young Dethleffs family met with so much interest that the first caravans were soon being made to order.
However, their manual manufacturing operation – based in a shed on Arist’s father’s business premises – was soon working to capacity. By 1936 the company Dethleffs Wohn-autobau already had six permanent employees.

The Dethleffs family set out to expand the caravanning concept by adding ever more new features. Whether travelling long distances or camping in the winter – they always took their four walls on wheels with them. And of course every short – or occasionally 9,000 km-long – journey also served as a valuable test drive. This allowed them to personally put the quality and functionality of their products to the acid test, and thus develop each new feature on the basis of practical experience.

Those who spend time in our family-friendly caravans soon think of them as a second home. A place of togetherness, harmony and well-being. And a great way to experience nature, while creating unforgettable memories. Each Dethleffs grows on its owners and truly becomes a “Friend of the Family”.

To this day, friendship and family have remained at the core of the Dethleffs brand and are embodied in every aspect of the company. And the pioneering spirit of those early days still lives on in all of us. In every moment and in every new vehicle. Bon voyage!