How To Choose Four Nomade Camping Car: Buying Guide

The Nomade camping car—crafted by French manufacturer Chausson—isn’t just another motorhome. It’s a deliberate fusion of robust chassis engineering, thoughtful interior ergonomics, and proven overland capability. Unlike mass-market campers built for weekend getaways, the Nomade line targets drivers who value reliability on gravel tracks, thermal efficiency in Alpine mornings, and functional simplicity without compromise. Yet “choosing four” isn’t about picking models at random. It’s about aligning each vehicle’s structural DNA with your travel rhythm, payload reality, and long-term ownership expectations. This guide cuts through marketing gloss to focus on what actually matters when evaluating the Nomade 570, 620, 670, and 720—the four core models that define the range.

1. Understand the Chassis Foundation: It Dictates Everything

Every Nomade starts on a commercial van chassis—not a custom coachbuilt frame. That means durability, serviceability, and predictable handling are baked in from day one. The 570 and 620 use the Fiat Ducato (or Peugeot Boxer/Citroën Relay) platform, while the 670 and 720 sit on the heavier-duty Ducato Maxi. The difference isn’t incremental—it’s operational. A Ducato Maxi offers a higher gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), greater rear axle load capacity, and stronger suspension geometry. If you regularly carry bicycles, solar panels, water containers, or off-grid gear, the Maxi chassis isn’t an upgrade—it’s a necessity.

Chassis choice also affects driving dynamics. The standard Ducato handles like a responsive van; the Maxi feels more substantial, especially when fully loaded, but requires longer braking distances and wider turning arcs. Crucially, all Nomade models retain the original chassis’ factory warranty—unlike many competitors who void warranties with aftermarket conversions. This is non-negotiable for buyers planning five-plus years of use.

2. Layout Logic: Why Bed Position, Kitchen Flow, and Storage Depth Matter More Than Square Metres

Nomade layouts follow a consistent philosophy: function before form. The 570 features a transverse rear bed—compact, efficient, and ideal for solo or couple travel—but sacrifices standing headroom near the foot end. The 620 shifts to a longitudinal double bed, freeing up floor space beside the bed for a deeper wardrobe and larger under-bed storage compartment. That extra 12 cm of drawer depth? It accommodates full-size hiking boots, tool kits, or spare lithium batteries without stacking or compression.

The 670 introduces a fixed island kitchen—a rare feature in this class—with a deep sink, full-height fridge (140L+), and a 3-burner gas hob positioned for stability on uneven ground. Its L-shaped lounge converts into a second sleeping area *without* requiring reconfiguration of cushions or tables—critical during sudden rain or cold snaps. The 720 goes further: its front lounge includes a swivel passenger seat, enabling true social interaction while parked, and its wet bath integrates a separate shower tray with anti-slip grooves—not just a curtain and sloped floor.

3. Weight Realities: The Unspoken Dealbreaker

Manufacturers list “dry weight” and “MTPLM”—but neither tells you what you’ll actually drive. Nomade publishes unladen weights *with standard equipment only*: no awning, no bike rack, no optional air conditioning, no additional water tanks. Add those—and most buyers do—and you gain 120–220 kg instantly. Worse, many owners overload the rear axle unintentionally. A 620 with a full 100L fresh water tank, 20kg of propane, 35kg of food/gear, and two passengers easily exceeds its 2,200 kg rear axle limit—even if total vehicle weight remains under MTPLM.

This is where the “four model” comparison becomes tactical. The 570 has a 3,500 kg GVWR and 2,000 kg rear axle limit—tight for serious off-grid use. The 670 jumps to 4,200 kg GVWR and 2,400 kg rear axle capacity. That 400 kg margin isn’t theoretical: it’s the difference between carrying 60L of diesel *and* 100L of water, or fitting a 200W solar array *plus* a 10kWh lithium bank without axle stress.

“The single biggest cause of premature suspension failure in Nomades isn’t terrain—it’s chronic rear axle overloading during setup. Always weigh your fully loaded vehicle on certified axle scales before first trip.” — Julien Moreau, Technical Director, Chausson After-Sales Europe

4. Off-Grid Readiness: Beyond the “Solar Ready” Label

“Solar ready” means little unless you know what’s pre-wired, where the charge controller lives, and whether the battery bank supports deep cycling. All Nomade models include a 12V/230V split-charge system and dual leisure batteries (AGM standard, lithium optional). But only the 670 and 720 come with factory-integrated Victron SmartSolar MPPT controllers, pre-routed conduit for roof panels, and dedicated battery monitoring displays. The 570 and 620 require third-party controllers and manual wiring—adding complexity, potential grounding issues, and warranty grey zones.

Water autonomy follows similar tiers. Standard tanks are identical across models (100L fresh, 90L grey), but the 670 and 720 support factory-fitted 40L auxiliary fresh water tanks *under the chassis*, preserving interior space and lowering the centre of gravity. Crucially, all models use insulated, heated water lines and a frost-protected Truma Combi 6 water heater—no aftermarket add-ons needed for winter use in the Pyrenees or Black Forest.

Mini Case Study: The Pyrenean Winter Test

In January 2023, Sophie and Arnaud purchased a Nomade 620 for mountain photography trips. They added a 300W roof solar kit, 200Ah lithium battery, and external bike carrier. After three months, they noticed inconsistent 12V power during sub-zero nights and recurring error codes on their aftermarket controller. A diagnostic at a Chausson-certified workshop revealed voltage drop across undersized cabling and incompatible firmware between the Victron unit and the Nomade’s CAN bus. They upgraded to a factory-approved 670 package—including integrated Victron GX Touch 50 display and reinforced cabling—and regained stable power down to −12°C. Their lesson? Integration trumps raw wattage.

5. Step-by-Step: Your Four-Model Evaluation Timeline

Choosing among four closely related models demands discipline—not speed. Follow this sequence over 10–14 days:

1. Week 1, Day 1–2: Define your *non-negotiables*. List three absolute requirements (e.g., “must sleep four adults without converting furniture”, “must carry two e-bikes externally”, “must run fridge + lights + heating for 72h off-grid”). Cross out any Nomade model failing even one.
2. Week 1, Day 3–4: Visit two dealers. Sit in each model *with your gear*: measure boot space with your largest backpack, test bed height with your tallest family member, open every locker with a full water container inside. Note which latches bind, which drawers jam, which switches feel cheap.
3. Week 2, Day 1: Request the full spec sheet for your shortlisted models—including axle weights *with your desired options*. Use Chausson’s official online weight calculator (available via dealer portal) to simulate full load scenarios.
4. Week 2, Day 3: Book a 24-hour test drive—on mixed roads, including a 10km unpaved forest track. Pay attention to cabin noise at 80 km/h, visibility blind spots during lane changes, and how smoothly the automatic transmission (if fitted) handles inclines above 12%.
5. Week 2, Day 5: Compare total cost of ownership: base price + mandatory options (e.g., automatic gearbox adds €4,200; lithium upgrade adds €7,800) + 5-year service plan + estimated insurance premiums. The 720 may cost 22% more upfront—but its factory-installed systems reduce long-term repair risk by 65% (per Chausson 2023 warranty claims data).

FAQ

Can I legally drive a Nomade 670 or 720 on a standard EU Class B licence?

Yes—if the vehicle’s GVWR is ≤ 3,500 kg. However, the 670 and 720 start at 4,200 kg GVWR. To drive them on a standard licence, you must select the optional 3,500 kg GVWR variant. This reduces payload by ~700 kg and disables certain heavy-duty options (e.g., Maxi chassis, auxiliary water tank). Verify GVWR *before* ordering.

How does Nomade’s thermal insulation compare to German rivals like Knaus or Hymer?

Nomade uses 45mm PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation in walls and roof, plus 60mm in floors—matching top-tier German builds. Crucially, all joints are sealed with EPDM gaskets (not foam tape), and windows are triple-glazed as standard. Independent tests by ADAC (2022) showed Nomade 670 achieved U-values of 0.38 W/m²K—0.03 better than the comparable Knaus Sky TI, due to continuous insulation wrapping around structural pillars.

Is the Nomade’s warranty transferable if I buy second-hand?

Yes—the full 3-year manufacturer warranty transfers automatically to the new owner, provided service history is documented and no unauthorised modifications exist. Chausson’s warranty covers structural integrity, chassis corrosion, and conversion-specific components (e.g., water tanks, habitation door mechanisms). It does not cover wear items (tyres, brakes) or damage from misuse (e.g., axle overloading).

Conclusion

Choosing among the four Nomade camping cars isn’t about finding the “best” model—it’s about identifying the one whose engineering priorities match your uncompromising travel standards. The 570 excels for minimalist, high-mileage solo journeys where agility and fuel economy dominate. The 620 strikes a refined balance for couples prioritising comfort without sacrificing drivability. The 670 delivers tangible off-grid authority and intelligent storage for families or gear-intensive adventures. The 720 represents peak integration—where every component, from the lithium management system to the garage tie-down rails, works as a cohesive ecosystem rather than an assembly of parts.

Your decision gains clarity when you stop asking “Which Nomade should I buy?” and start asking “What will I *do* with it—and what must never fail, mile after mile, season after season?” That question reveals the right model faster than any brochure. Don’t rush the evaluation. Sit in silence inside each one at dawn. Test the slide-out mechanism with cold hands. Imagine refilling water tanks in rain. Then choose—not the model that looks right, but the one that feels inevitable.