In Kochel am See they know a blacksmith. "Schmid von Kochel" is a Bavarian legend, a freedom fighter, a myth. Today they no longer work there with halberds, but with roofing tiles, pitch and sheet metal. The enemy is not Napoleon, but too little headroom.
The Nugget-Schmiede company from the town on Lake Walchensee is tackling this very problem. While Ford itself has been offering a high roof for the Nugget since autumn 2026 and models such as the Randger R490 offer a cheaper version of the Transit, in Kochel they have opted for hand-made production: small series instead of an assembly line. The Ford Nugget has been a standard in the compact motorhome segment for years – suitable for everyday use, with a well-thought-out space layout and solid technology. Until now, all that was missing was a solid high roof. Anyone who wanted to stand upright had to use a handle, a bench or opt for a larger van.
This is where Nugget-Schmiede comes in. The new high roof is intended for the current Nugget with a long wheelbase and is based on a self-contained construction. According to the press release, it is suitable for the Transit Custom and the new VW Transporter. This means that it is not a temporary solution, but a clearly defined component for several vehicles. Visually, the Nugget remains recognizable. The roof follows the lines and does not act as an aftermarket suitcase. The shape was designed in such a way that air resistance is not increased unnecessarily. Less wind noise on the motorway is not just a marketing promise, but simply pleasant when driving long distances.
The interior changes significantly. More headroom in the kitchen, a more open feel in the living area and the option of a fixed sleeping area. No more canvas flapping in the autumn wind. No more opening and closing at night. Those who are on a longer journey appreciate this. The development took place in collaboration with Pureflexx, a manufacturer of camping roof canopies. The planning was carried out using CAD data, which is essential in modern vehicles with driver assistance systems and complex body structures. Weight and statics play a greater role in the roof than one might expect from the outside.
The combination with the well-known Nugget-Schmiede conversion into four-wheel drive is interesting. The Nugget can already be converted into four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. The new high roof section creates a version that is not available from the factory: compact, suitable for off-road driving and with full standing height. The Kochel-based forge has been dealing with niches like this in recent years. The six-seater Nugget, the vehicle height reduced to less than two meters, or the three-fold opening “Opensky” roof are examples that show that it is better to try than to wait. The high roof fits into this line.
The premiere will take place at the "free" leisure fair from 18 to 22 February 2026 in Munich. There, the Nugget with its high roof canopy will be of most interest to those who like compact motorhomes but would like more space. It is a halfway house between a classic canopy and a large van.
This is appropriate in the current market situation. The Panama‑Vans P09 and P59 rely on hybrid technology without a high roof section. The Rhön Camp Ultimate Campervan works with an inflatable roof section. And even the Ford Transit Nugget, as an off-road camper, sticks to the familiar roof section concept. The solution from Kochel rounds out this range with a fixed version.
In the end, the comparison with the historical blacksmith is not so far from the truth. Back then, it was about independence. Today, it's about space and freedom to travel. Instead of iron, GRP is processed. The mentality is the same: if something is missing, it is built.
