Tag Archives: off-road

Inspired by the Ukrainian war, Life Chariot off-road trailer is designed to assist medics with rescue missions

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Dire situations bring out the best in humans. And war-torn Ukraine has been a reason for many lifesaving inventions that are not only helping here but also opening new avenues in places where the need may arise. One such creation is the Life Chariot: a lightweight offroad trailer for combat rescue and evacuation. Designed without typical emergency lighting and anything like the MEDEVAC vehicles, we usually see in evacuation missions, the rescue trailer is inspired by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its growing demand for healthcare and evacuation vehicles.

This Life Chariot is developed by Polish industrial designer, Piotr Tluszcz, who, recognizing the hardships of Ukrainian medics (trying to rescue lives from the war-shattered areas), wanted to build an all-terrain solution to help them with their evacuation missions. The Life Chariot is therefore made lightweight and comes with Da Orffo off-road suspension to make it easier and safer to rescue the wounded than in the truck, which the Ukrainian medics do at the moment.

Designer: Lodz Design

Given its novel, steel skeleton design and off-road suspension, this MEDEVAC-like trailer provides a convenient and smooth ride for the patient onboard. For this, the Life Chariot comes with an adjustable hitch to tow behind a capable vehicle and features a removable stretcher to accommodate one wounded person and two medics on either side, sitting stable on strapped seats with medical equipment overhead for easy access.

Riding smoothly over any terrain, the trailer helps medical evacuation teams in conflict zones and other challenging environments to help them carry out rescues briskly and with the least danger to any parties. When the injured person in need of medical assistance is strapped up to the stretcher, the medics can hop onboard and cover the protective steel skeleton body of the trailer with a fireproof tarpaulin and allow the stretcher into its stipulated mount through the side or rear.

The trailer, which is more like a steel-caged contraption at first sight, also has an additional stretcher mount on the supposed roof. Two such Life Chariots have already been handed to the Ukrainian military and one to a voluntary Polish medic unit for testing. The Life Chariot was recently awarded the James Dyson Humanitarian Award. The designer is looking to utilize the prize money and the feedback from Ukrainian and Polish units for the betterment of the rescue trailer.

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EarthCruiser x Hummer all-electric camper is feature-packed mobile home for a journey to the remotest locale

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Imagine a carbon fiber pop-top camper sitting atop an off-road electric Hummer pickup to form one capable all-electric camper. It sounds like something from the future, but it’s happening right now. Oregon-based EarthCruiser has joined forces with the iconic Hummer brand to create a remarkable camping vehicle that is making its public debut at the Overland Expo Mountain West in Colorado.

In the groundbreaking partnership, EarthCruiser and Hummer have given birth to an extraordinary concept – a fusion of innovation and sustainability – in the GMC Hummer EV EarthCruiser Upfit. This collaboration brings together the raw power of an all-electric Hummer pickup and the comfort of a cozy EarthCruiser truck camper, all while emitting zero tailpipe emissions.

Designer: EarthCruiser

The foundation of this exceptional creation is the GMC Hummer EV, which EarthCruiser has transformed into a versatile camping rig by packing the truck bed with a carbon fiber camper, filled with amenities that should redefine off-road camping both in sustainability and luxury.

Stepping into this unique camper you get 80 inches of headroom space at the entry and 76 inches as you walk into the hallway. This space trims down to 35 inches in the bed section. However, you get a tri-layered pop-up roof, creating a feeling of spaciousness to maintain a comfortable atmosphere within.

Off-grid camping enthusiasts and overlanders need not fear their adventures running short because of the camper’s all-electric nature. There are no compromises here! EarthCruiser packs its Hummer camper with a 13.5-gallon freshwater tank and a 7-gallon graywater tank, ensuring your water needs are met. Harnessing the power of the sun is the 650W solar system that keeps the adventure going by recharging the 460Ah lithium 12V battery on board. And when nature calls, a convenient flat-pack toilet provides instant addressal, while indoor and outdoor shower keeps you clean for the next day’s adventure.

The attention to detail continues in the sleeping quarter, where a full-size bed with underbed storage awaits you. And when you’re hungry, turn to the kitchen complete with a sink, induction cooktop, refrigerator, and water filtration system. The techy ones will also appreciate the inclusion of a 7-inch touchscreen display to control the camper’s features. Considering the features and its green stride, it is obvious for many of us wanting to take the GMC Hummer EV EarthCruiser Upfit for a spin right away. But that’s not going to be possible. EarthCruiser Hummer EV is expected to become available through EarthCruiser only in 2024.

The post EarthCruiser x Hummer all-electric camper is feature-packed mobile home for a journey to the remotest locale first appeared on Yanko Design.

Red Gecko TDX teardrop trailer hauls behind a small SUV to the world of untamed beauty

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Beyond the vast and cultured landscapes, dotted with tarmac, lies a world of untamed beauty waiting to be explored. For those seeking to embrace the wild and revel in nature’s virgin glory, there’s nothing quite like overnighting in a remote place.

However, a dearth of facilities leaves this pristine beauty to behold until you have a capable, entirely self-sufficient camping solution. Case in point, the Red Gecko TDX which is an immensely skilled teardrop trailer, designed to counter all perils to take you far and beyond the treaded pastures.

Designer: Red Gecko

If you’re ready for an adventure behind the curated line, pack your bags and hop onto your SUV: small or big doesn’t really matter. Tow after a Red Gecko TDX, and ride far and beyond to return – after days – fulfilled with nature’s bounty, leaving behind only imprints of tire treads in time.

The TDX is by virtue an optimized teardrop trailer designed especially for small SUVs. It allows adventurers to embark on off-road escapades with unmatched freedom and ease, owing to its compact size, sturdy build, and capable mechanics.

Measuring under 13 feet in length and weighing less than 1,000 pounds, rugged trailer can take on the elements and traverse rough terrains without a fuss. This is essentially made possible with the old-school trustworthiness of the strength and durability of birch plywood construction. Thanks to its robust steel chassis, Burquip rubber torsion axle, this trailer with 430 kg dry weight is a perfect companion for small vehicles enroute off the beaten path.

It’s not just the tough exterior that makes the Red Gecko TDX standout; it’s also the thoughtful interiors that make camping feel like home in this guy. The warm wood walls exude a rustic charm, while the bed surrounded with shelves provides convenient storage for all your gear and supplies. You can increase the trailer’s sleeping capacity for an additional couple with a roof-mounted tent.

To whip up a quick meal, the Red Gecko teardrop trailer has a functional tailgate kitchen. Complete with a full-width worktop and under-counter drawers, this functional galley ensures you have everything you need to satisfy your culinary cravings on the go. Since it’s a capable off-road home on wheels, the Red Gecko TDX comes fitted with a 100-Ah battery, roll-out awning, and USB charging ports, all for under $11,000.

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This modular camper rig fits any mid-sized truck bed for year-round escapades

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As the demand for versatile and compact camping solutions continues to rise, Scout Campers has attended to this need with their latest Scout Tuktut. Designed to transform mid-sized pickups into fully functional campers, the Tuktut offers a convenient and affordable way to embark on outdoor adventures without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

The hardtop rig is apt for seamless integration with mid-sized pickups without breaking the budget. Built specifically for the Ford Maverick, the Tuktut attaches to the truck bed, creating a cozy living space that can comfortably accommodate two people. The camper’s lightweight construction ensures it remains agile, allowing for easy maneuverability, both on and off the road.

Designer: Scout Campers

Despite its compact size, the robust module makes intelligent use of its available space. The camper features a foldable and comfortable queen-sized bed, providing a sleeping area after a long day of adventure. It even comes loaded with a convenient kitchenette equipped with a sink, stove, and mini refrigerator, allowing campers to prepare meals and store perishable goods without relying on external facilities. The camper shell boasts ample storage compartments for camping gear and other essentials, ensuring a clutter-free living space.

One of the standout features of the Scout Tuktut is its off-grid capability. The camper is equipped with a sizeable lithium battery and a 175W monocrystalline solar panel system, so that adventure seekers can power their electronics, charge devices, and run essential appliances. This freedom allows campers to immerse themselves in remote locations, away from crowded campgrounds to experience the serenity of nature without any worries.

The modular design adds to its versatility to the rig as campers have the option to choose additional add-on modules such as a rooftop tent or a shower enclosure. The quick and easy installation process allows for seamless customization based on individual preferences and camping requirements. Whether embarking on a weekend getaway or a long-term expedition, the Tuktut can adapt to different scenarios, making it a flexible and reliable companion.

Scout Campers initiated preorders shortly before the public unveiling of the camper Overland Expo West 2023 held earlier this month. The camper’s base model, dubbed Minimalist configuration, starts at a price of $16,500. For those seeking additional customization, Goose Gear Explore modules are available, with prices ranging from $595 to $2,395. Delivery of the Tuktut campers is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2023.

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Unleash your wild side with Polaris Xpedition, ultimate side-by-side designed for overlanding fun

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Don’t let life’s ordinary moments hold you back. Get ready to embark on thrilling expeditions, push your limits, and create memories with the 2024 Polaris Xpedition. This groundbreaking side-by-side off-road vehicle defies all norms and takes your outdoor adventures to new heights.

Polaris Xpedition is for those who love to embrace the extraordinary. It is your gateway to freedom, exploration, and the great outdoors. So, hop onto the new Polaris unleash your wild side and answer the call of adventure.

Designer: Polaris

Crafted from the ground up, the Polaris Xpedition boldly ventures into the realm of overlanding. Recently unveiled at a virtual event, this exceptional vehicle is the perfect fusion of a UTV and an overlanding rig, catering to the desires of adventure enthusiasts.

Meant for unparalleled excitement, this large two- or four-door off-roader offers an abundance of interior space for riders and an array of storage and accessory options, ensuring you’re fully equipped for your escapades in the wilderness.

The fully-enclosed two-seat Xpedition boasts removable panels, including a windscreen, windows, and roof, much like other acclaimed Polaris models. What sets it apart is the availability of roof and side covers in both cloth and hard materials, allowing for modular configurations that perfectly suit your needs.

By enclosing the Polaris Xpedition, it becomes more capable of comfortable ride. Add to that the convenience of cabin heating and other amenities and you have a mean machine for an enduring journey. The new Polaris is equipped with formidable power and impressive suspension, making it a smooth conqueror of all types of terrain.

Its impressive fuel range of 200 miles ensures that you can venture deep into the wilderness without worry. With a robust 114 horsepower and a generous 14 inches of ground clearance, this off-roader is your steadfast companion, whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, or mountain biking.

Standout feature yet is the innovative lock and ride system of the Polaris Xpedition which enhances the ride’s adaptability. This cutting-edge storage and cargo attachment system redefines convenience, providing ample space to pack everything you need for your immersive outdoor adventures.

Starting at $29,000, the Polaris Xpedition comes in a slew of models ranging up to $40,000 sans any accessories, such as the rooftop tent. The 2024 Polaris Xpedition offers incredible value for money and is expected to be available toward the end of 2023.

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This modernized Ford dune buggy is equally swift on city roads

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Ford is known for its robust trucks like the F-150 Raptor and they have a few upbeat concept buggy designs in the pipeline too. That makes complete sense as the future shouts out loud for compact off-roading vehicles that are good for city commutes too instead of hoarding multiple vehicles. This Ford concept off-roading buggy is in line with the future-forward vision the Michigan-based automotive giant could adopt in the coming years.

Having a well-balanced mix of racing, off-roading and city commute aesthetics – the two-seater electric vehicle has a sci-fi element to it. A balanced body frame design with a good ground clearance gives the riders assurance of taking uneven trails with confidence. The low-slung, crawling position of this Ford makes it glued to the tarmac with the smooth aerodynamic form promising optimum drag reduction for the preferred range on the battery.

Designer: Keyu Deng

Dubbed the Fordzilla Hypervan, this dune buggy derives its overall inspiration from the reptilians. The matte black color it’s draped in is a tell-tale sign of its Godzilla design influence. If you see that typical Batmobile influence, you are not alone! The occurrence of matte orange hues on the outside and inside highlight the sharp character of the ride. The battery on the rear indicates its rear-wheel-drive origins, and therefore, a better balance and handling.

The Hypervan gets all glass doors that are gull-winged, and look absolutely gorgeous. These doors are an extension of the windshield and panoramic glass roof which adds a sense of airiness to the four-wheeler. The rear of the vehicle is raised up higher than the front to get maximum downforce which is helpful in keeping it glued to the tarmac at high speeds.

Overall, this is a beach buggy concept with space for a spare tire on the rear and evokes a sense of speed and dynamism without getting too cheeky. The driver and passenger seating looks ultra-comfy which is another good feature for laid-back travel for extended driving stints.

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Japanese manufacturer designs the perfect truck bed camper with pop-up roof for off-road family adventures

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If you have not yet been able to zero down on a standalone RV because of confined space in your driveway; a truck bed camper should be that middle ground trade-off between having and not having an RV to camp in. If the idea of a sizable, affordable, and off-road truck bed camper tinkers your travel nerve, Japanese camper manufacturer Mystic’s roughly 33 grand Mini Pop Bee Active Gear is a fine option to consider.

Camping in the wild is an experience none of us adventurers can resist. Therefore, the vehicle for our adventures should have the competence to negotiate rough terrains and present a glamping- esque experience. The Mini Pop Bee Active Gear based on the truck variant of the Daihatsu Hijet ticks all the boxes. Available in a 4-wheel drive model, the truck camper is fitted with rough terrain tires and suspension to bear the brunt.

Designer: Mystic

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Mystic has outfitted the camper for off-road rides in a delightfully compact form factor that should not leave you wanting even if you have to extend the road trip for some reason. Despite sharing traits, the Mini Pop Bee Active Gear has a more integrated design than other similar truck campers on the market; it offers access from the rear door, and is aptly sized to accommodate up to four people. This is done comfortably by converting the small cabin into a bedroom and pop-up roof providing more space to sleep additional travelers in the flip-up bed.

The kitchenette block tucked in the corner of the cabin is supplied with cooking essentials including a flip-up worktop, sink, and freshwater tank. It permits occupants to serve food to the foldout seating on the outside provided you’re carrying your own portable stove along. To cater to the power and lighting needs, Mystic provides the Mini Pop Bee Active Gear with an onboard battery, LED lights and window screens, along with the choice of installing an additional battery pack and solar panels. Depending on the choice of your adventures, you have the option to pick the Mini Pop Bee in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive models.

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Hyundai EGG compact pickup truck carries a miniature Cybertruck vibe

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Hyundai has its design and automotive technology right on point when it comes to mass-producing compact city cars that have earned the trust of millions. This gave designer Alejandro Llisterri the perfect opportunity to let his imagination loose and craft a Hyundai i10-inspired concept that is much more than just a small city car. In fact, it’s a mini pickup truck for two, ready to take on any adventure coming its way. Christened the Hyundai EGG, this compact off-roading capable set of wheels is a mix of a buggy and compact hatchback.

Alejandro wanted to take a detour from the conventional automotive designs that mostly focus on luxury and comfort. The ideation took him down the path of crafting a reliable electric mini pickup car that has a better mileage even at higher speeds while en route to the neighboring city. The efficiency of the EGG’s electric drivetrain permits the car to maintain good range even when treading the off-roading trails. Since vision and blind spots can be a real problem while driving in treacherous and unfavorable weather conditions, the designer lends the Hyundai EGG a 360-degree panoramic windshield for clear visibility for a safer drive.

The spare tire takes up the spot above the boot section of the EV, and based on the front grill design, I can safely bet the battery is placed on the front and not the rear of the vehicle. Thereby, the rear can hold a respectable amount of cargo for an expedition for two in the woods. Those big chunky tires and the sharp aesthetics reminiscent of the Tesla Cybertruck are evoking enough for early adopters to keep interested in this cute little monster. Hyundai EGG has surely got the futuristic influence in its design for me to vouch for it to lay rubber on the city streets and off-road trails someday. What’s your take on this sharp little four-wheeler for a dystopian future?

Designer: Alejandro Llisterri

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This Microlino off-roading vehicle is for adventure seekers who enjoy travelling with a tiny footprint!

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Compact Microlino EV gets the off-roading capable treatment courtesy of this concept which is tailored for adventurers who need a compact car for their camping to the trails.

A few months back we saw the cool Microlino Camper that’s one of the most compact and lightweight campers one can think of. Unlike other conventional campers or trailers, the Microlino is unique in its own rights with a small footprint and the capability to provide cozy shelter for two people to sleep on their short adventure trip. Now designers Dejan Hristov and Vladimir Matijasevic have envisioned another avatar for the all-electric Microlino originally created by Micro Mobility Systems.

Meet this robust version of the compact electric vehicle, ready to take on the treacherous trails for boundless adventure. The Microlino off-road modification brings with it the assurance of a robust chassis and reinforced exterior body frame to take on the harsh road conditions, as well as inclement weather. The solid metal framing on all sides provides protection from accidental bumps into rocks or trees, and also doubles as a platform for keeping essential tools or accessories. This brings freedom to pack in more stuff for the journey. Secondly, there is a rack on top to keep things like surfboards or extra luggage.

Tires, suspension, and underbody also get the off-roading capable treatment as the ride height understandably gets a boost. Since the vehicle is meant for dusty roads and difficult road conditions, there are extra fog lamps on the reinforced metal protection. The rear section can be either used to carry a couple of bicycles or an extra set of tires. The size of this modified Microlino off-roading vehicle is the core advantage here, and ideal for ones who always wanted a small hatchback to suffice their needs for adventure trips.

Designer: Dejan Hristov and Vladimir Matijasevic

This off-road Lamborghini Huracan looks like an absolutely bonkers concept right out of Mad max

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It’s not every day that you find yourself with a spare Lamborghini Huracan chassis to tinker with. However, when you do, you better make the most of it. Meet the Jumpacan, a brain-meltingly insane custom off-road build created by the guys at B Is For Build, using a spare Huracan chassis provided to them by Mullins Auto Parts. It isn’t often that you see a Lamborghini racing on rough, rocky terrain, so this one should be quite a treat.

Looking like something right out of Mad Max: Fury Road, the Jumpacan features a gnarly exposed front, monster wheels, and a gravity-defying suspension system to match. Funnily enough, the doors still open vertically in the scissor style, almost as a reminder that this once used to be a luxury Italian supercar that’s now living its second life as a dune-jumping, dirt-covered monster that isn’t afraid of a few bumps in the road. The video above is a live demonstration of the Jumpacan on the Mint 400 track on the outskirts of Vegas, and behind the wheel is Chris Steinbacher from B Is For Build, taking his oddball creation for a quick spin.

Jumpacan - Lamborghini Huracan Custom Off-Roader

The chassis came from a burnt Huracan that was destined to be scrapped for parts, but B Is For Build decided to resurrect it instead. They fitted it with an LS V8 engine and a manual gearbox, 37-inch rear off-road tires, and Rotiform wheels. Other modifications to the Jumpacan include a long-travel suspension, top-mounted radiator with a roof scoop, a racing-derived fuel cell, a prominent roll cage, and the brakes from a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, resulting in the Frankenstein’s monster-equivalent of an automobile.

Jumpacan - Lamborghini Huracan Custom Off-Roader

Aside from the doors, there’s absolutely no shred of evidence of the car’s Lamborghini origins. The headlights, taillights, and logos aren’t really there anymore, and B Is For Build even switched out the steering wheel for a three-spoke LZMFG steering wheel. However, the way the car glides across surfaces, jumps off rocks, and absolutely dominates the terrain, there’s no doubt that it still possesses the raging bull spirit on the inside!

After running a test lap on the Mint 400 track, the car’s heading back to the shop and will be formally unveiled in November, right before the Mint 400 races in December this year.

Designer: B Is For Build

Jumpacan - Lamborghini Huracan Custom Off-Roader

Jumpacan - Lamborghini Huracan Custom Off-Roader