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quoteLook out for the new wave. For 2024 and 2025, a number of mainstream manufacturers have joined some of the smaller set-ups producing van conversions and campervans designed for the fullest of off-grid uses.
Let’s go off-grid
Coming to a destination – any destination – near you. That’s the Yucon K-Peak campervan range from Germany’s Frankia. Based on Mercedes’ Sprinter, it’s a four-wheel drive, coming with the positively zippy 190bhp engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, AT (all-terrain) tyres and a whole host of kit meaning you can stay wild for days, at least.
This is the top model from a range of three Yucon K-Peaks. In this video, we took a look around the 2024 Frankia Yucon K-Peak 7.0 GD campervan:
It might sit particularly high in 4×4 format, but the Sprinter is not the widest of base vehicles. Nevertheless, the Frankia Yucon K-Peak 7.0 GD campervan offers sleeping for two as standard, with permanent single beds at the back.
There’s travel seating for four, with a half-dinette immediately behind the cab seats on the UK nearside – plus a table with extension – and a kitchen that starts just inside the sliding door, which will stay on the offside, even though right-hand drive variants are available.
Despite a relatively long length of kitchen space (with a worktop extension), the facilities are more typical of a campervan – with a combined two-burner hob and sink and no space to add an oven.
The fridge is a compressor model, but it only has an 84-litre total capacity.
Storage is good, however, with plenty of drawers that are particularly neatly installed, complete with concealed runners and, like much of the rest of the interior, a reassuringly sturdy feel.
If you’re over 6ft tall, you’ll find yourself having to stoop in the washroom, which could be an issue when showering.
Also here is a bench toilet, as well as a slide-out handbasin that’s a particularly good example of space-saving. For washing, there’s a single fitting for the showerhead and two plugholes underfoot. And there’s a window for all-important ventilation.
At the back, those twin beds are a generous 1.95m long and, although Frankia points out it is possible to make a small sleeping area from the lounge seating, if you want to go the whole hog and take the rest of the family with you, there’s an elevating roof that provides two more sleeping berths (as shown here).
It’s just one of a small handful of options – again, another surprise for any premium motorhome coming over from Germany, the majority of which are accompanied by volumes of factory-fitted extras to take on board.
Fittings like the 300Ah leisure battery, 93-litre fuel tank upgrade, 100-litre fresh water tank and a Truma Combi heating and hot water system that runs from the base vehicle’s diesel supply are all there to make sure you can optimise your self-sufficiency.
The Mercedes cab is well-equipped, with top-level features including its MBUX infotainment system with 10.25in touchscreen. Plus there’s automatic air conditioning. Frankia also specifies extra soundproofing for the cab, including under the bonnet. A test drive should overcome any concerns you might have regarding its suitability for on-road use.
And with a reversing camera, 360-degree parking system, and blind spot assist, going off grid should be a breeze in this lofty campervan. Not to mention the insurance savings for the reversing aid.
Just note it’s a 4,100kg chassis – so you’ll need to check your driving licence. Also, for some reason, the cab area is rather dark – lacking any additional lighting – when you’re parked up.
To find out more about insuring a Frankia Yucon K-Peak 7.0 GD or your current campervan visit our campervan insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Adventure beckons when you know Yucon
Plus: Overall build quality, high spec’ Mercedes base, go-anywhere ability
Minus: Limited kitchen facilities, restricted standing height in the washroom
In-a-nutshell: A tall order for off-grid explorers
Alternatives: Eura Mobil Xtura, Hymer Venture S, RP Overland Rebel, Project Yonder
Frankia Yucon K-Peak 7.0 GD factfile
| Model | Frankia Yucon K-Peak 7.0 GD |
| Base vehicle | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| Dimensions | 6.97m L x 2.02m W x 2.84m H |
| Berths | Two (optional four) |
| Travel seats | Four |
| Maximum weight | 4,100kg |
| Payload | From 881kg |
| MPG estimate | 24-28 |
| RRP | From £123,133 on the road |
| Safety & security | ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS, braking assistant, alertness assistant, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, 360-degree parking system, blind spot assist, additional front LED lights, electric sliding door assistant, stop-start, electric handbrake |
| Key options | Elevating roof with second solar panel, extra rooflights etc (£9,600), 2,000Watt inverter (£1,245), wi-fi (£895), 4m awning (£1,295) |
Fantastic first-class many thanks