Knaus is one of Germany's most established and recognised motorhome brands, with a heritage stretching back over six decades. Today part of the publicly traded Knaus Tabbert AG group, Knaus produces a comprehensive range of motorhomes spanning van conversions through to fully integrated A-class models, all manufactured in Germany.

The current motorhome range includes:

The Sun TI — Knaus's defining low-profile coachbuilt, famous for its class-leading panoramic sunroof (claimed to be the largest in the industry). Available with double-floor construction, various bed layouts and generous interior space. The Sun TI defines the semi-integrated category for many buyers.

The Van TI — a compact semi-integrated range designed for buyers who want Knaus quality in a more manageable size. All models are sub-3,500kg and 2.2m wide, with impressive payload capacity. The Van TI Plus is available on MAN TGE chassis.

The Sky TI and Sky Wave — further low-profile options with different layout configurations and specification levels.

The Van I and Sky I — fully integrated A-class motorhomes for buyers wanting the ultimate in interior space and driving comfort.

Knaus motorhomes are characterised by innovative design, practical German engineering and a balance of quality and value that sits between budget brands and the ultra-premium segment.

Knaus was founded in 1960 by Helmut Knaus — an architect with degrees in engineering and master builder technology — together with his sons Helmut and Albert. The company was established in Marktbreit, near Würzburg in Bavaria, during the peak of Germany's post-war economic miracle.

Helmut Knaus had conceived the idea for a compact, comfortable caravan during World War II, and when the Knaus Schwalbennest (Swallow's Nest) launched in 1961, it became an immediate success. The company's logo — a pair of flying sparrows — was designed by the founder himself and still adorns every Knaus vehicle today. In 1973, Helmut Knaus was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his entrepreneurship.

Knaus entered the motorhome market in 1988 with the Traveller, which immediately won the coveted Motorhome of the Year award. The fully integrated Travel Liner followed in 1996 to further acclaim.

However, the company faced financial difficulties in the early 2000s after aggressive expansion coincided with an economic downturn. After a period of uncertainty during which spare parts and support were difficult to obtain, Knaus was acquired by Tabbert, another established German caravan manufacturer. The merger was formalised in 2001 as Knaus Tabbert.

Tabbert successfully resurrected the Knaus brand, launching new model ranges and rebuilding the dealer network. Today, Knaus Tabbert AG is a publicly traded company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, distributing to over 20 countries with a comprehensive range of caravans, motorhomes and van conversions. The portfolio also includes the budget brand Weinsberg and the lifestyle brand Tabbert.

Pioneering panoramic sunroofs — the Knaus Sun TI popularised the large panoramic roof in semi-integrated motorhomes. The feeling of space and light created by the roof is a defining Knaus characteristic and has been widely copied by competitors. For many buyers, the panoramic roof alone is reason enough to choose Knaus.

German engineering quality — Knaus motorhomes are manufactured in Germany to exacting standards. The construction quality, attention to detail and engineering solutions reflect decades of German manufacturing expertise. Double-floor construction across most models provides excellent insulation and service routing.

Lightweight construction — Knaus has invested heavily in keeping vehicle weights manageable. Many Van TI models are sub-3,500kg, meaning they can be driven on a standard car licence — increasingly important as fewer drivers hold C1 entitlement.

Award-winning heritage — from the very first Knaus motorhome (the Traveller won Motorhome of the Year in 1988), the brand has accumulated an impressive collection of industry awards for design, innovation and value.

Comprehensive range — from compact van conversions to luxury A-class integrated models, Knaus offers something at every price point and size bracket. The sub-brands Weinsberg (budget) and Tabbert (touring) extend the group's reach further.

If you want the panoramic roof experience — no other manufacturer does the panoramic sunroof as well as Knaus. If natural light and a feeling of spaciousness are priorities, the Sun TI range delivers an interior ambiance that rivals vehicles costing significantly more.

If weight is a concern — Knaus's focus on lightweight construction means many models can be driven on a standard car licence. The Van TI range in particular offers impressive accommodation within the 3,500kg limit, avoiding the need for a C1 licence.

If you want German quality at a reasonable price — Knaus sits in the sweet spot between budget brands (Chausson, Roller Team) and ultra-premium manufacturers (Carthago, Niesmann+Bischoff). You get genuine German engineering without the price tag of the luxury brands.

If you tour in all seasons — double-floor construction, quality insulation and effective heating systems make Knaus motorhomes comfortable four-season touring vehicles. Many German owners tour Scandinavian winters in their Knaus models.

If you want a strong resale market — Knaus is well-known and respected across Europe. Used examples sell well, and the brand recognition supports stronger residual values than lesser-known manufacturers.

Historical financial difficulties — Knaus went through a period of insolvency in the early 2000s during which spare parts and dealer support were very difficult to obtain. While the Knaus Tabbert merger resolved these issues, vehicles from the troubled period (roughly 2000–2005) may have suffered from parts unavailability and neglected warranty work.

Limited UK dealer presence — while Knaus is a major brand in Germany and across continental Europe, the UK dealer network is smaller than domestic manufacturers like Swift or Bailey. Servicing may require travel to specialist dealers.

Fiat Ducato base vehicle issues — most Knaus motorhomes are built on Fiat Ducato chassis, carrying all the associated concerns: cam belt replacement schedules, clutch longevity and occasional gearbox issues. Standard Ducato inspection protocols apply.

Right-hand drive availability — as a German manufacturer, some Knaus models and specifications are only available in left-hand drive. While many models are offered in right-hand drive for the UK market, the choice may be more limited than with UK manufacturers.

Premium pricing compared to Italian/French brands — while good value compared to ultra-premium German brands, Knaus is more expensive than equivalent Trigano Group or budget brands. The German manufacturing base means higher production costs that are reflected in pricing.

Parts supply for older models — while current parts support is good, sourcing specific components for older models (particularly those from the pre-Tabbert era) can still be challenging through standard channels.

Identify the manufacturing era — understanding when the vehicle was built relative to Knaus's financial difficulties is important. Models from 2005 onwards (post-Tabbert restructuring) generally benefit from better quality control and parts support than those from the transition period.

Check the double floor condition — inspect access panels and look inside the floor void for moisture, damage or loose service connections. The double floor is a major asset but needs to be intact to function properly.

Inspect the panoramic sunroof seals — on Sun TI and similar models, the large panoramic roof is a stunning feature but has extensive sealing that can deteriorate over time. Check for any signs of water ingress around the entire roof perimeter, and test the blind/shade mechanisms.

Check the Fiat Ducato base vehicle — verify cam belt replacement history (typically every 36,000 miles or 4 years), check clutch operation, test gearbox synchros and look for oil leaks. Check for excessive tyre wear indicating suspension issues.

Verify UK specification — confirm the vehicle is genuine right-hand drive (not a continental import) and that all instruments, controls and documentation are in English. Check that gas systems are UK-compatible and that the electrical hook-up system meets UK standards.

Test all systems thoroughly — run heating, water, electrical and gas systems through a complete test cycle. German-specification motorhomes can have complex control systems — ensure everything operates correctly and that you understand the controls.

Check dealer support availability — before purchasing, confirm that there's a Knaus dealer within reasonable distance for servicing and warranty work. The UK dealer network is growing but not as extensive as domestic brands.

Knaus Tabbert provides a comprehensive manufacturer warranty on new vehicles. When buying used, check the warranty status and ensure all required servicing has been maintained to keep any remaining coverage valid.

For older Knaus motorhomes, particularly those from the pre-Tabbert era, an independent warranty backed by the RAC is essential. The complex German engineering, while excellent when working correctly, can be expensive to diagnose and repair through specialist channels.

Even for newer models, the potentially limited UK dealer network and the cost of sourcing German-manufactured components make warranty cover a sound investment.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing peace of mind on a premium German brand where specialist repair costs can be significant.

When buying a used Knaus, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.