Features and philosophy
Features and philosophy
Why we build, how we build
Every Kerkamm expedition vehicle is built entirely in our workshop in Elmshorn, from the chassis to the last piece of furniture. With every decision we ask the same question: will this still work in ten years' time, far from any workshop? On this page we show how we build and, above all, why we do it exactly this way.
Function first
An expedition vehicle has to work where there is no workshop. That is why we judge every detail first by whether it holds up on the road and can be repaired, and only then by how it looks.
Robust, durable and safe
We build for decades, not for one season. We choose materials, hardware and joints so that they withstand corrugated tracks, cold and heat, and so that you arrive safely.
Tested by experience
Our founder, management and team travel themselves. What we install has proven itself on our own trips. What didn't work there doesn't go into your vehicle.
Shape it with us
Floor plan, materials, finishes, storage: you talk to the people who build your vehicle. The way you travel determines what your vehicle looks like.
Custom builds by conviction
If a base floor plan doesn't fit, we design a new one. A rear garage, a two-room layout or a special chassis: custom solutions are everyday work for us.
Planned in 3D
Every vehicle starts life as a 3D model. That way you see your floor plan before anything is built, and we check dimensions, weights and installation spaces before the first part is made.
3D design
Your vehicle before it is built
We plan every vehicle with modern 3D CAD. During the consultation we rotate your model together on screen, open cupboards, check walkways and seat heights and try out variants straight away.
- Confidence in your decision. You see what you are getting before an order is signed.
- Fewer compromises. Changes take minutes in the model and weeks in the finished vehicle.
- Precise manufacturing. The model gives us cutting patterns and components that fit to the millimetre.
- Weight under control. We calculate axle loads and centre of gravity before anything is built.
Chassis
The foundation for every journey
We don't simply take over the base vehicle, we make it ready for travel. Every chassis is inspected, protected and prepared for years of off-road use.
- Walk-through to the cab. In case of danger or bad weather you can drive off without getting out. The cab also becomes part of the living space.
- Sealing and corrosion protection. Salt, mud and water crossings take their toll on every frame. Before the build we carefully mask lines and units and paint the frame and underbody with TimeMAX COLOR 2K Pro, a two-component long-term protective coating. This way the chassis lasts as long as the cabin.
- Additional diesel tanks. Ranges of up to 3,000 km, so you don't have to hope for good fuel quality at every filling station.
- Tyre pressure control. Lower pressure in sand, full pressure again on tarmac. This protects the tyres, the vehicle and your nerves.
- Optimised installations. We adapt parts of the base vehicle so that everything stays accessible and nothing touches down off-road.
Cabin construction
Warm in winter, cool in the desert
We rely consistently on GRP sandwich cabins. No wood that can rot, no metal that rusts, and a construction that can be repaired even on the road.
- Full GRP, free of thermal bridges. Without thermal bridges, no condensation forms in the walls. This prevents mould and saves heating energy at −20 °C as well as cooling power at +40 °C.
- Kerkamm Schraubschicht® (screw layer). An embedded layer holds screws at any point in the wall. So you can still fix something years later without damaging the insulation.
- Elastic cabin mounting. Off-road, the frame twists constantly. The cabin therefore sits on a subframe with elastic mounts, matched to chassis, weight and use. Cabin and furniture stay free of stress, windows stay tight, and fewer vibrations reach the living space.
- Low entry. The lowered entrance saves steps. Getting in and out becomes safer and more comfortable, even with luggage and after a long day.
- Windows and doors. Burglar-resistant KCT-HartGlas® windows and roof hatches, stainless steel hinges and multi-point locking.
Furniture construction
From our own joinery
Cabinet makers who are passionate travellers themselves plan and build your interior. Modern and simple or high-end to luxurious, but always fit for travel. Why our own joinery? Because furniture in an off-road vehicle is stressed in a completely different way than at home, and we design every joint for it.
- Ventilated at the back. All furniture stands clear of the wall so that no condensation collects.
- Domestic-quality hardware. It lasts thousands of kilometres of tracks and can be replaced anywhere in the world.
- Soft-close push locks. Nothing rattles, nothing springs open, even on corrugations.
- Your choice. Woods, finishes and upholstery to your taste.
Technology & energy
Self-sufficient, even for weeks
Proven brands, neatly installed and easy to reach. Why proven brands? Because spare parts and service are available for them worldwide. So that you understand what your vehicle is doing on the road, we explain every system at handover.
- Victron power system with lithium batteries up to 1,500 Ah
- Solar output up to 2,045 W, charging while driving
- Fresh water tanks from 250 to 800 l
- Diesel heating from Truma or Timberline
- Surround and reversing cameras, parking aids
Rear carriers & add-ons
Take what you need
Whether it's a spare wheel, a motorbike or equipment for months: our add-ons are designed for terrain and weight and are easy to operate. Because what is hard to operate stays unused on the road.
- Patented lifts for spare wheels and motorbike carriers
- Dust- and splash-proof stainless steel storage boxes
- Branch deflectors and roof racks
- Ladders, steps and work surfaces as you wish
Visit us in our workshop. In Elmshorn we show you vehicles at every stage of the build and answer your questions right next to the vehicle.
Book an appointment