Pioneer of Mobile Freedom
Interview with Patrick Sauer, Managing Director of TISCHER GmbH Recreational Vehicles
Camping stands for freedom, flexibility, and a connection to nature – yet those who want to maximize independence opt for demountable cabins. This special form of a recreational vehicle combines the comfort of a fully equipped mobile home with the versatility of a pickup. TISCHER GmbH Recreational Vehicles has been manufacturing demountable cabins for nearly all pickups available on the German market for over 50 years.
The journey began with an innovative idea: a mobile cabin that fits on a VW flatbed truck. From this vision of Josef and Peter Tischer grew TISCHER GmbH, a company that today stands for high-quality demountable cabins made in Germany. Located in Kreuzwertheim and with a team of around 50 employees, TISCHER manufactures over 230 cabins annually – with craftsmanship precision, high-quality materials, and attention to detail. From selling popular pick-up models to providing comprehensive service, the company is always committed to fulfilling individual customer wishes and ensuring the optimal travel experience.
Tradition and Technological Development
TISCHER GmbH recreational vehicles have been synonymous with high-quality and flexible demountable cabins that can be mounted on pick-up vehicles for over 50 years. The company was founded in 1973 by Josef Tischer and is now in its 3rd generation under the leadership of stepson Patrick Sauer, who joined the firm in 2020. With a clear focus on innovation and a high standard of quality, TISCHER GmbH has made a name for itself in the industry. Patrick Sauer explains: 'The opportunity to bring our expertise in lightweight construction technology was a crucial factor for me to take on the challenge and continue the family business.' The mix of tradition and technological development shapes the company to this day.
Flexible Detachable Cabins for Diverse Adventures
A unique feature of TISCHER GmbH is the high flexibility of their cabins. The detachable cabins are designed so that they can be mounted on different base vehicles and can also be easily swapped if needed. This allows users to exchange the vehicle independently of the cabin – a significant contribution to sustainability. "Some of our customers have been using their cabins for over 25 years and have changed several base vehicles," explains Patrick Sauer. "This promotes sustainable travel." The cabins are so robust and functional that they can withstand extreme conditions. Thanks to high-quality features, ranging from autonomous solar technology to winter-proof insulation, they offer high comfort.
Digital Solutions and Innovation
Continuous improvement of their products is a top priority at TI-SCHER GmbH. "A major topic for us is digitalization," says Patrick Sauer. "We have recently developed an online configurator that allows customers to individually design their cabin and experience it virtually." Alternative drives are also a focus. In countries such as Sweden and Norway, where the shift to electromobility is strongly supported, TISCHER has already presented purely electric vehicles in connection with its cabins. These vehicles are designed so that the vehicle's battery can also supply power to the cabin, which increases the autonomy and flexibility of the motorhome cabins.
In the area of materials, TISCHER is also taking innovative paths: "We are working on designing our cabins without wood to save weight and increase durability," reports Patrick Sauer. The use of lightweight materials, which the managing director himself knows from his previous activity in high-performance materials technology, is an important component to make the cabins even more efficient and ecological.
Roots in the Future
As a family business, TISCHER GmbH places great value on an open and appreciative corporate culture. "We maintain the familial character of our company," says Patrick Sauer. "You can also see this in the team, as the employees know that their work directly contributes to the joy and satisfaction of our customers." The opportunity for employees to rent a cabin themselves and go on trips promotes understanding of the products and their benefits. Thus, some employees already own a TISCHER cabin, which shows how much they stand behind the products. The company is also present at trade fairs to maintain direct exchanges with customers and give them the opportunity to experience the products first-hand. About 21 fairs a year, including the well-known Caravan Salon, offer interested parties the opportunity to directly experience the quality and flexibility of the TISCHER cabins. TISCHER GmbH plans to continue to invest in both quality and innovation in the future without forgetting its roots. Growth is on Patrick Sauer's agenda, but the focus remains clearly on maintaining high quality standards: "Our goal is to remain market-leading in the segment of detachable motorhome cabins and to maintain this manufacturing approach in the future."