Here at Alu-Cab, our partners are the heart of our community. While it’s important that we work with experts in their field; equally important is that they’re passionate outdoorsmen and women who live and breathe the overlanding lifestyle. One such partner is Arno van Bakel of 4WD Specialist in the Netherlands, a company whose tagline, “We Create Adventure,” says it all.
Arno and his shop were responsible for Lewie and the Rover‘s now-famous Hilux. But beyond creating incredible vehicles for others, the dedicated family man created something special for himself so that he could hit the road with his wife and two daughters. We chatted to Arno after his family’s Euro Summer break, to talk about his experiences with their new Alu-Cab ModCAP Family Camper.
Escaping to the Belgian Ardennes
For their Euro Summer holiday, the van Bakel family opted for a classic European escape. “To the Belgian Ardennes. A beautiful region, and there was no heatwave there,” Arno explains. While past adventures have created memories in Iceland, this holiday was equally amazing, offering “beautiful nature, great for canoeing, charming towns and very friendly people.”
The Family Camper Revolution
This trip was special because it was the first major outing in their newly built rig, a significant upgrade from their previous Canopy Camper. When asked about the biggest challenge of family travel, Arno pointed to logistics: “Storing all the gear.” But the ModCAP Family Camper has been a game-changer. “It works fine though, and we actually have much more room because we set up the interior more cleverly.”
The new setup has fundamentally changed the dynamic of the camping experience. “It’s cozy to wake up together in the morning, and it’s nice that the kids sleep close by,” Arno shares. He highlights the spacious and comfortable upstairs area and the “fantastic” panoramic roof as his favourite features. The clever layout provides “plenty of storage space for all our gear,” with the ModCAP Kitchen being a particular standout. “It provides lots of extra space and storage,” he notes, calling it a must-have item.
Keeping the Family Happy on the Road
Traveling with children requires a special touch, and Arno has it down to a science. For long drives, the kids “kept themselves entertained in the car and enjoyed the scenery,” aided by regular breaks, fun music, plenty of stops for ice cream, and the chance to pick out a souvenir.
Meals are handled efficiently with the ModCAP Kitchen. “Depending on the trip, we bring non-perishable food and fruit from home. We also carry a sandwich toaster.” And what was the kids’ favourite activity? “Canoeing and playing in the river,” Arno says with a smile.
Ready for More
The new rig, equipped with a lithium battery, solar panels, and a DC/DC charger, performed flawlessly, leaving the family completely self-sufficient. So, what’s next? “Now it’s just about finding more time to travel longer,” Arno says. Reflecting on what he’s learned, he adds a heartfelt note: “Sleeping together in the tent is really nice.”
For other parents considering a similar adventure, Arno offers this simple advice: “Balance visiting beautiful places with opportunities for the kids to play with other children.”
It’s clear that for Arno van Bakel, “We Create Adventure” is a business motto and family philosophy. We can’t wait to see where the ModCAP takes them next.
To see more of Arno’s work, visit 4WD Specialist.