Questions & Answers
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about CENTAUR, the thermal curtain system for vans and campers. It covers function, installation, vehicles, availability, and the development of new modules.
Product & Functionality
What is CENTAUR?
CENTAUR is a modern thermal curtain system for campers and vans. It has a modular design and combines the advantages of classic curtains and thermal mats in a single system.
As a thermal curtain, CENTAUR combines the comfortable handling of a curtain with the insulation performance of a thermal mat. It offers reliable privacy, complete blackout, and excellent insulation.
This creates an uncompromising solution for anyone who uses their van in everyday life or when traveling and camping.
What is the difference between CENTAUR and thermal mats?
Compared to thermal mats, CENTAUR remains permanently in the vehicle and is ready for use at any time. It does not need to be attached before use, removed afterwards, or stored anywhere.
This eliminates both the regular setup and dismantling, as well as the additional space required for storage. The system is always where it is needed: directly at the window.
Thermal mats offer excellent blackout and insulation performance and have established themselves for good reason. CENTAUR was developed to combine these properties with the everyday usability of a curtain.
This creates a solution for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of thermal mats without having to accept their typical everyday effort.
What differentiates CENTAUR from classic curtains?
Compared to traditional curtains, CENTAUR offers complete blackout, absolute privacy, and powerful insulation against heat and cold in a single system.
Simple curtain systems, in particular, often reach their limits when it comes to blackout and privacy. CENTAUR makes no compromises here and ensures complete blackout and absolute privacy.
However, the biggest difference is in the insulation. While traditional curtains, due to their design, can hardly contribute to heat or cold insulation, CENTAUR additionally offers excellent insulation against heat and cold.
Thus, CENTAUR combines properties that were previously mostly distributed across different systems into a single solution – without sacrificing the simple and comfortable operation of a curtain.
Does CENTAUR insulate as well as thermal mats?
This question cannot be answered generally at this time.
The fundamental design principle of CENTAUR is very similar to thermal mats. Both systems work with multiple layers of material and insulating padding to achieve the highest possible insulation against heat and cold.
Additionally, CENTAUR utilizes another physical effect. An air cushion forms between the curtain and the window pane, which, depending on the vehicle and installation situation, can be several centimeters thick. Since still air is a poor conductor of heat, this area also contributes to the system's insulation performance.
Whether CENTAUR achieves a different insulation performance than thermal mats cannot be reliably answered at present. Reliable comparative measurements are still lacking.
I am very interested in this question myself and would like to investigate it more closely in the future. At present, I can only say that the design is deliberately aimed at achieving the highest possible insulation performance, utilizing not only the actual thermal core but also the insulating air cushion.
Is CENTAUR suitable for everyday use?
Yes, absolutely.
CENTAUR remains permanently on the windows and is available at all times. The curtains can be opened or closed immediately if required, without having to unpack, assemble or put anything away afterwards.
This offers practical advantages, especially in everyday life. Privacy and blackout are available at all times and protect items in the vehicle from curious glances.
This makes CENTAUR a comfortable and uncomplicated solution not only when travelling, but also in daily use.
Is CENTAUR suitable for camping and overnight stays?
Yes, absolutely.
When camping or staying overnight, you benefit from complete blackout, absolute privacy, and excellent insulation against heat and cold.
At the same time, the fabric surface creates a cozy atmosphere in the vehicle. From the outside, the vehicle remains discreet, while inside a pleasant retreat is created.
This way, CENTAUR effortlessly provides more comfort, privacy, and well-being – whether at the campsite, while wild camping, or during an overnight stop.
Why are CENTAUR curtains more expensive than regular curtains?
CENTAUR is a sophisticated hybrid system that combines blackout, privacy, insulation, and ease of use in a single product.
The challenge lies not in a single feature, but in the interplay of many requirements. Materials, construction, precision fit, functionality, and vehicle integration must be precisely coordinated to ensure the system functions reliably in everyday life and when camping.
In addition, there are high-quality materials, elaborate manufacturing, and the development of vehicle-specific components. Many details are not off-the-shelf but are individually developed and precisely adapted to the respective vehicle.
CENTAUR is manufactured in Germany in small series. Short distances, high-quality workmanship, and fair production conditions are just as important to me as the function of the product itself.
The focus is not on the lowest possible costs at any price, but on an uncompromising solution that combines all requirements in a single system and provides long-term enjoyment.
Assembly & Use
Do I have to drill?
No.
You do not need to drill holes to install CENTAUR.
For CENTAUR to be installed without tools or modifications to the vehicle structure, the fastening solutions for each module are individually adapted to the specific vehicle and installation situation. Since trim panels, mounting points, and structural conditions vary from vehicle to vehicle, CENTAUR develops suitable solutions for each specific application.
This is why the simple installation involves a significant development effort. The goal is to utilize the existing conditions of the vehicle in such a way that CENTAUR can be easily installed without requiring permanent changes to the vehicle.
This results in a system that can be installed without drilling, cutting, or other modifications to the vehicle and does not require any special manual skills.
Can CENTAUR really be removed without leaving any residue?
Yes.
CENTAUR was developed in such a way that it can be removed without leaving any residue, if required.
Even during the development of the individual modules, care is taken to use the existing conditions of the vehicle in such a way that no permanent changes to the vehicle structure are necessary. This means that the system can be removed later without leaving any visible traces or residues.
This keeps you flexible. This can be an advantage, for example, when reselling and makes CENTAUR a particularly suitable solution for leased vehicles.
Is CENTAUR designed for permanent installation in the vehicle?
Yes.
CENTAUR is designed for permanent installation in the vehicle.
Unlike many thermal mats that need to be removed and stored after use, CENTAUR stays permanently where it's needed: directly on the window. This means the system is always ready for use and can be deployed in a matter of seconds when required.
This saves time, eliminates the need for additional storage space in the vehicle, and provides greater comfort – in everyday life, when traveling, and when camping.
Can the curtains be washed?
Yes.
The curtains can be washed if necessary. They can be easily removed from the tracks and then reinserted.
Please note the care instructions. These can be found on the label directly on the product.
Vehicles & Development
Why was a cab partition developed in the first place?
The cabin partition offers the greatest immediate benefit in many vans and campers.
Due to its large window surfaces and design-related characteristics, the cab is often one of the most challenging areas when it comes to privacy, blackout, and insulation against heat and cold. At the same time, there are few solutions for this area that combine these requirements in a single system.
That is why we deliberately chose to launch the cabin partition as the first CENTAUR module.
For which vehicles is CENTAUR currently available?
CENTAUR is being progressively developed for additional vehicles and modules.
An overview of current developments, available solutions, and planned extensions can be found on our Roadmap.
Each vehicle and module undergoes its own development process to ensure that fit, function, and integration meet CENTAUR's requirements.
Why is CENTAUR not yet available for all vehicles?
Every vehicle and every module at CENTAUR undergoes its own development process.
The system should not only fit perfectly, but also combine privacy, blackout, insulation, comfort, and ease of use. To ensure this works reliably in everyday life, many details need to be coordinated, tested, and optimized.
That's why new vehicles and modules are created step by step. This way, we ensure that every CENTAUR system meets the demands we place on function, quality, and durability.
Can I get custom CENTAUR curtains made?
We currently do not offer custom individual productions.
We regularly receive inquiries for custom-made CENTAUR thermal curtains. We are very pleased about this and would like to express our sincere thanks at this point.
At the same time, CENTAUR is not a classic made-to-measure curtain, but a vehicle-specific thermal curtain system. Each module is designed to ensure accuracy of fit, privacy, blackout, insulation, ease of use and reliable function simultaneously.
The development of such systems requires extensive testing and optimization. For individual custom productions, the same development process would be required as for a regular CENTAUR module. Therefore, we are currently focusing our development resources on new vehicles and modules that can benefit as many users as possible.
We kindly ask for your understanding in this matter.
Safety & Construction
Is vehicle safety taken into account during the development of CENTAUR modules?
Yes.
Vehicle safety is an integral part of our product development. Even during the design phase of new products, we ensure that existing vehicle functions and safety systems are taken into account and that possible interactions are avoided as much as possible.
This topic is particularly relevant for the CENTAUR cab partition, as window airbags and side airbags are frequently located in this area of the vehicle.
For this reason, the cab partition was deliberately designed without drillings, screw connections, rivets or other permanently fixed connections to the vehicle structure. In the area of the rail guide, rigid metal profiles are also deliberately avoided and a light and deformable plastic rail is used instead.
The design is complemented by detachable magnetic connections, soft textile materials, and fully integrated magnets without exposed metal parts. The side attachment points of the curtain are realized exclusively via magnetic connections. Even when open, the curtain is not fixed to the side of the vehicle with straps, cords, or other permanent connections. The attachment points are designed to release automatically when subjected to appropriate force, without sacrificing the stability required for everyday use.
The background to this design is simple: Safety systems such as window airbags and side airbags require space to fully deploy within milliseconds in the event of activation. For this reason, the development deliberately focused on using yielding materials and detachable fastenings. The components used can deform without splintering. At the same time, care was taken to avoid potential hazards from hard, sharp-edged or splintering components as much as possible.
We develop our products the way we would want to use them ourselves: well thought out, durable and with the aim of taking existing safety functions of the vehicle into account as best as possible.
Why does CENTAUR not have a TÜV certificate or airbag certification?
For thermal curtains and similar interior accessories, TÜV approval, registration, or special airbag certification is generally not required.
There is no standardized approval procedure for this product category, as is known, for example, for chassis, tow bars, rims, or other vehicle components subject to approval.
The presence or absence of a TÜV certificate therefore does not allow any statement about the quality or safety of products of this type.
We attach great importance to careful design and responsible product development. The safety-relevant considerations behind the CENTAUR modules are explained in detail in the section "Is vehicle safety considered in the development of CENTAUR modules?".
Order & Availability
Why can't my order always be delivered immediately?
CENTAUR is deliberately produced in small quantities.
This means that individual products may temporarily not be immediately available and will first be manufactured. Even in these cases, delivery usually takes place within a few weeks.
Why is the packaging so plain?
We prefer to invest in material quality and product development rather than in elaborate disposable packaging. CENTAUR is therefore packaged in a deliberately functional and resource-efficient way. This means your money goes into the product itself and not into an unboxing experience that ends up in the waste paper after a few minutes.
How do I find out about new vehicles and modules?
The easiest way is through our newsletter.
This way, you'll be the first to know about new vehicles, new modules, and important developments concerning CENTAUR.
You can also find an overview of current developments and planned expansions on our roadmap at any time.
Why is CENTAUR manufactured in Germany?
Out of conviction.
We deliberately chose to manufacture in Germany. Not because it would be easier or cheaper, but because we are convinced that artisanal expertise, experience, and regional value creation should be preserved and strengthened.
Short supply chains, regional production, and strong local partners are more important than ever, in our view. This benefits people, the environment, and the economy equally.
With every decision for CENTAUR, you support this path and contribute to ensuring that high-quality products can continue to be developed and manufactured regionally in the future.