Tag Archives: rv

This transparent pop-topper campers panoramic windows lets you experience the majestic outdoors

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If you also think pop-up pickup toppers are beginning to look pretty much the same, this unique offering by Rossmönster will change your opinion, urging you to go for this amazing hard-wall topper as opposed to choosing another one.

The pop-topper camper market is growing at a good pace as adventure junkies like the core idea of this clever design. Colorado-based Rossmönster Overland impressed hardcore travelers with the Ford F-150-based Baja and now they’ve set the stakes high with the Lagom Series. The go-anywhere camper has plenty of space and the silver lining is its floor-to-ceiling transparent panels for uninterrupted panoramic views to experience nature like never before. This luxury comes courtesy of the aluminum walls of the Lagom topper which folds down flat when in the driving mode. When it reaches the campsite, this setup can be deployed in mere seconds.

Designer: Rossmönster

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Lagom series is compatible with smaller pickup trucks like Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator – making them compete against Hiatus who offer fabric construction as compared to the folding hard walls of this creation. The folding central supports on the front and rear sides have the swing down windows that hang on to the ceiling when moving up or down. So, the occupants have a bed-to-ceiling view that most campers will appreciate. If you’re skeptical about privacy, the topper comes with window covers. The upper walls are upholstered to keep the space warm and comfortable which all goes well for camping in any kind of environment.

Other than this niche design, the interior is quite minimalistic to permit easy access to the pickup bed for carrying along the adventure gear. Interested buyers can also opt for the Goal Zero Yeti 1500 portable electrical system paired with 200 watts of solar charging system. The Lagom Series base model is priced at $14,000, and the one with the aforementioned electrical system goes for $17,000. In addition to this, Rossmönster is offering an additional $4,000 Expedition Pack complete with roof rails, outside ladder, front LED light bar and MOLLE panels. Lagom weighs around 350 – 400 lbs depending on the truck and its bed size, and also the additional chosen options.

For ones who are already excited by the prospects, the Lagom is compatible with 5–6-foot bed Tacomas (2016 or later models), Jeep Gladiator models and the Ford F150 with 6.5 beds (2015 – 202 models). In the future, Rossmönster promises to bring support for more trucks.

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Beauer XVan can transform almost any van into a temporary weekend camper

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If you’ve ever dreamed of living in the wilderness for a day or two but only have a plain old van, you can now have the best of both worlds without having to buy a camper.

Being able to live on the road is a dream for many people, but few can even stomach the idea of giving up a comfortable bed for a stress-free night’s sleep. Of course, a bed is just the tip of the iceberg when you’re trying to survive away from the trappings of modern life. There’s also the consideration of how you’ll even be able to bring all of the necessities, which is why some really ardent roadsters try to invest in an RV or camper. Not everyone has the budget for that or the space to have two vehicles, one for normal everyday use. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose anymore if you don’t mind having to put in or take out a big metal box whenever you switch between a weekday van and a weekend camper.

Designer: Beauer

Modular and multi-functional furniture is all the rage these days, especially after more people got stuck at home with very little room for expansion. The same, sadly, can’t be said about cars, almost all of which are designed with fixed forms and functions that are rigorously tested for road safety. Vans have enough space inside for modification inside but are likewise limited on what you can pull off on the outside.

That’s what makes the XVan extension genius in its simplicity. You are, in a way giving up some of the seating space that would have been available in the back of your van, but you still have enough room for stuff when the module is collapsed inside. Of course, you might not have that space available at all anyway if you have decided to use the back of the van to carry your weekend wilderness equipment, with or without the XVan.

The XVan is pretty much a large box that slots into the back of your van and extends out when you’re ready to settle in for the night. There’s a unique fold-out bed that is large enough for two persons, windows on both sides with a mosquito net, and blackout shutters for privacy. The setup for XVan puts two niches on both sides for your belongings, and there’s also a 50L chest under the bed for bulkier items.

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Beyond the “box” itself are the accessories that will make your life in the great outdoors a bit more comfortable, including a kitchen unit with a sink, a gas fire, a 40L 12V fridge, two 10L water tanks (clean and dirty), and a small gas bottle to make you somewhat self-sufficient during that short sojourn. You can even opt to have a “lounge area” with a removable table if you’re fine modifying the two front seats into swivel seats.

The XVan is advertised to be compatible with many van models, so you don’t have to buy a new one just for this modification. What makes the XVan really special is how convenient and fast it is to use once the modifications have been made. It is advertised to take only 10-15 minutes to push in or take out the module thanks to the included lift table, and the motorized bed deploys in only a minute. It’s not going to be as comfortable or as fully featured as a camper, but you definitely can save up on space and money if you’re not the type that goes out for very long trips on the road and into the wilderness.

The post Beauer XVan can transform almost any van into a temporary weekend camper first appeared on Yanko Design.

This retro-inspired travel trailer with tastefully renovated interiors is embodiment of color and space utilization

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Recognizing your strength and using it to help the like-minded is not an easy thing to pull off. However, this husband-wife duo of Ron and Shayna behind Darlin’ Trailers is doing it to perfection. Drawing from their own experience of living in an RV full time, the couple’s now helping new travel trailer adaptors renovate and rework their mobile home for ‘full-time living or vacation adventures.’ Hudson being a tasteful example!

Tasked with the idea of remodeling a vintage 1948 Vagabond travel trailer – developed by Vagabond Coach Manufacturing Company, Michigan, in New Hudson – the Darlin’ Trailers has done the unfathomable! The team recently shared the images of the reworked 23-feet travel trailer – aptly called the Hudson after the original trailer’s birthplace; and if you’re into tiny homes, there is no way you are not going to sit back and appreciate the immaculate use of color, space utilization, and the brilliant overall makeover.

Designer: Darlin’ Trailers

The entire vintage travel trailer has been renovated to meet the requirements of the modern-day lifestyle, which starts with the eye-catching exterior. Graced in a striking matte black finish, the trailer now has a contrasting white roof, while the wood accents on the windows and door enhance the curb appeal. You step right into the hallway wherein your first introduction to affluence is the white interior that complements the back exterior. Walking past the seating unit and the TV on the wall, you reach the living room graced with a sofa set that conveniently transforms into a bed for when residents have a couple of guests over for a night.

The living room of the travel trailer is well lit with natural light. This is possible with the large skylight and similar windows. A curtain separates the living and kitchen – complete with wood cabinetry, countertop, induction cooktop and convection oven – from the bedroom. The bedroom with a raised bed has plenty of storage underneath and features a charging station. Storage requirement is also taken care of by the baskets in the entryway. Usually, remodeled travel trailers tend to compromise on the bathroom facilities; Darlin’ Trailers has however tossed a spa-like bathroom into the equation complete with a toilet, shower, vanity, and lots of storage shelves.

This thematic revival of the vintage travel trailer is really tastefully done reflecting a great deal on the work efficiency and design sense of Ron and Shayna. There is no information about the customer the Hudson has been reworked for, but that’s little deviation from the idea and its appreciation.

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This reinforced Mercedes Atego off-road camper is built for tough adventures

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Whether we have an apocalypse or live in a dystopian future, owning a rugged house on wheels could be crucial when it comes to survival in uncertain times. The Project Rhino designed by Krug Expedition with the Mercedes Actros as the base is one such rugged off-road vehicle made for the toughest of adventures.

To help support rhinoceros and other wildlife anti-poaching efforts, they partnered with Nkombe Rhino, a South African conservation association. The intention is to donate a part of the proceeds from each sale or rental to the conservation efforts.

Designer: Krug

The tough explorer carries the purpose of promoting sustainable tourism and a strong statement toward anti-poaching drives. Based in Ukraine, the company has been working on developing lightweight and highly functional off-road motorhomes. The 231 hp inline-four Atego has already got the air-sprung driver and front passenger seats (with lumbar support), fold-away seat, internal heating and cruise control too which come in handy for building the tough off-roader.

Krug beefs up things by reinforcing the camper’s body with the 60mm composite panels and a rear sleeper floor having a high positioned double bed. This space gets its own ceiling lights, reading lamps and storage. Below the front edge of this bed is the dual-bench dinette complete with a removable dining table which can be used as a single bed too. The front wall of the Rhino is taken up by the large wet bathroom which has a dry toilet, shower and a washbasin with a faucet. The cabin heat and hot water come courtesy of the Webasto Dual Top Evo 8 diesel heating system. The wastewater is collected in the 140 liters waste tank.

Between the dinette and the bathroom is the L-shaped kitchen facing the driver’s sidewall. Here the owners will get a stainless-steel sink, dual-zone induction cooktop, and storage to keep important kitchen items. Adjacent to this is the 140-liter Vitrifrigo fridge. To power all these modern amenities, the Rhino has an off-grid power system courtesy of the 300-Ah 24-V lithium-ion battery bank which can be doubled or tripled in capacity. In addition, there is the 5,000-VA inverter, 50-A DC-DC converter for charging from the engine alternator and the ability to draw 915 watts from the solar panels.

I think Krug should collaborate with Cake to create an optional rear carrier version loaded with the Kalk AP or  Ösa AP to expand the adventure possibilities or even anti-poaching effort even more. The ability to charge the bikes via the rugged motorhome would make it a unique combo for adventure seekers.

That said for now there is no official listed price of the Project Rhino motorhome but a German marketplace earlier listed it for approximately 331,350 for the base model. The one with add-ons like roof rack, reverse camera and drinking water system was around $361,275.

The post This reinforced Mercedes Atego off-road camper is built for tough adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

Airstream’s self-propelled trailer and luxe motorhome concepts could soon be a reality

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Airstream is finally going electric with its two newly announced EV concepts namely eStream and Thor Vision Vehicle. The eStream trailer developed in close quarters with European subsidiary Erwin Hymer Group and tech company ZF, addresses the lingering issue with most campers and RVs – that being – the need for extra power which in turn limits the range of towing vehicles.

Whether the eStream is hooked onto a pure electric vehicle like the Tesla Model 3 or the hybrid Ford Escape – the trailer by Thor Industries (Airstream’s parent company) is not just dead weight. This is done with the dual independent motors and the two onboard lithium-ion battery packs. The Thor’s advanced electrical architecture brings to the fore regenerative braking energy as the motors can be used to apply torque to the wheels in both directions.




One thing is to keep in mind here, the eStream weighs more than traditional trailers – so, how much electrical power boost is negated has also to be considered. The trailer can be operated remotely too via an app when it’s detached from the towing vehicle. So, you can reposition it on a campsite or alight it for hitching up to a vehicle. The modern travel trailer comes with solar panels for off-grid camping on extended adventures. On the inside, it is loaded with things like voice and touchscreen activated climate and lighting controls.




The other one is the Thor Vision Vehicle which is a Ford Transit-based motorhome EV with a 300-mile range. This recreational vehicle comes with a digital cockpit that’s quite high tech and you have the luxury of extensive tools to find chargers en route to the next destination. On the inside, everything looks upbeat in terms of a comfortable journey on the roads, and a cozy sleep by the nighttime.

For now, the two vehicles are in the concept stage, and whether or not they’ll make it to the production lines is also uncertain. I believe, both these being highly practical and satiating the needs of users will make it to reality one day – of course with a premium price tag presumably. Especially the eStream which brings towing capabilities to vehicles that you would normally not even think of burdening the task with. A game-changing feature for the trailer industry and other related spheres.

Designer: Thor Industries

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This tiny home features a bedroom loft and fold-out deck to balance comfort with adventure!

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The Draper is a tiny home from Colorado-based RV company, Land Ark that features a mudroom, clerestory windows, and versatile interior design elements to find a balance between adventurous spontaneity and homelike comfort.

If you’re interested in tiny homes, chances are you’re itching for a getaway. Across the world, tiny homes have become the minimalist solution for those of us looking to downsize and relocate in the meantime. While some are built into the landscape they rise above, other tiny homes are wheeled to their new locations.

The Draper, a new tiny home from Colorado-based RV company, Land Ark finds a minimalist, yet adventurous spirit through a balance of Scandinavian-approached interior design elements and thoughtfully modern exterior features.

From the outside, the Draper exudes mystery with black corrugated steel cladding on all sides. Shaped almost like a reversed trapezoid, the Draper unfurls its all-black exterior to reveal a Cumaru fold-down deck constructed from renewable Brazilian hardwood. When unfolded, the Cumaru deck provides the Draper with a cozier appearance that immediately asserts the RV as a homey oasis designed to get away from the humdrum of everyday life.

Entering the tiny home from the deck’s sliding, floor-to-ceiling twin doors, residents are welcomed by the home’s kitchen and dining area. The dining area, which doubles as a living room, has a built-In, U-Shaped sofa that transforms into a queen-sized sleeper sofa where guests can sleep.

Wrapped around the entirety of the interior space, white-washed pinewood gleams with natural sunlight and brightens the inside to provide a warm, golden glow against the black steel when seen from the outside.

Entering Draper from the opposite end, guests can shake off their boots in the tiny home’s mudroom. Outfitted with amenities such as washer and dryer units and an entryway bench, the mudroom comes with plenty of closet space and built-in shelves to keep the rest of the home free of clutter.

Sleeping up to four people, the Draper features a bedroom loft that’s accessible via a custom-built oakwood ladder located on the opposite end of the dining area. Tracing the home’s upper walls and ceiling, recessed light fixtures, and clerestory windows brighten the home’s interior with pools of natural sunlight and lamplight.

Designer: Land Ark

During the day, the dining area features a spring table with telescopic tubing and a corner booth.

Come night, the dining area transforms into a queen-sized sleeping sofa for guests of Draper.

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This self-sustainable expanding trailer is a complete solution designed for urban nomads

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The need to rejuvenate amidst nature is crucial in stressful times to heal and grow. This has sparked a trend for a nomadic lifestyle without any compromises in living comfort. Yes, I’m talking about the growing popularity of towable trailers, RVs, caravans, and houses on wheels that promote an upbeat mobile lifestyle. So, how will things be, say, a decade or more from now?

Industrial designer Jason Carley imagines a future where the urban lifestyle will be punctuated by life on the road triggered by sky-rocketing living costs and the aging infrastructures that are dependent on ecologically disruptive fuels and technologies. Jason thinks of a time in the year 2035 where nomadic life will revolve around mastery of resources and an efficient mode of travel. Thus comes into the picture this towable trailer that gives love back to nature. Targeted for the young and resilient urban customers, the rig is an accessible retreat to escape from the stresses of life for a few weeks or even months.

This is the RV2035 towable trailer designed to be aerodynamic for minimal impact on the road and fully compatible with electric vehicles that are centered on performance and maximum range. When on the road, this trailer having a tight turning radius is a compact capsule behind an EV, but as soon as it arrives at the resting destination, there’s another side to the rig. It opens up to expand the usable space to 120 sq. ft. as the raised roof and tent provide around 7 feet of headroom. Keeping in tune with nature the wing cantilever a few inches above the ground preserves the integrity of the natural habitat underneath.

The outer structure of the trailer is made out of lightweight carbon fiber which will be recyclable and durable. The expanded sections on either side have two rooms for privacy and the windowed flaps having screens welcomes nature inside. To the rear is the kitchenette that comes with an insulated cooler drawer and ice-maker. The induction cooktop’s backlit display keeps the occupants informed about the current weather, battery status, and the time for a solar recharge. The solar panels actuated by motorized brackets track the movement of the sun to keep themselves aligned optimally to capture maximum solar energy.

To the side of these solar panels, arrays lie the rain harvesting channels that collect grey water for the toilet or laundry. By the nighttime, the trailer turns into a cozy place to doze off as the convertible sofa and the two twin cots turn into a queen-sized bed. A compact bathroom section with a showerhead allows for everyday chores to be done within complete privacy. When you are done with your adventurous escapade the trailer can be returned back to the rental outfitter, to get it ready for the next journey. Changes can be made to adapt to the client’s requirements or the climatic conditions.

Designer: Jason Carley

This flying Polestar RV is a lounge cabin designed to meet their futuristic outdoor camping needs!

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eVTOLsare the future of airborne mobility as the commutable land spaces get more constricted due to the rising number of vehicles on the road. While most startups and big corporations design eVTOLs focusing on passenger movement, seasoned automotive designer Marcelo Aguiar goes a step beyond the rationale – mustering up a concept recreational vehicle of the future that’s not just about transporting people. It is more about socializing with close ones while heading to the next destination in utmost comfort.

Marcelo calls his concept of a flying RV as the Polestar Air.V – obviously inspired by the Polestar’s inherent design language. The boxy exterior is certainly proof of that. According to the designer, the concept has a protective shell encapsulating the airy cabin that lets natural light inside from the “front, sides, and skylight that completes the silhouette.” The futuristic RV is more or less an aerial lounge cabin powered by four technologically advanced micro-reactors, like that of a smaller quadcopter. How the aerodynamics will affect the edgy skeletal of the flying vehicle is a question for another day, but I believe it could use more of the Polestar’s sleek design. While on the ground stationary – the flying RV retracts the wings for a very minimalistic forest cabin-like character.

On the inside, Polestar Air.V has a lounge section, kitchen, small bedroom, washroom, and a balcony access area. A control station with two pilot seats inspired by the Eames Lounge Chair is used to steer the flying RV. In flight mode, the chairs (at an elevated position) face the window having control panels, and as soon as it is time to land on the ground, the chairs swivel around the base to meet the lounge area. Marcelo’s RV flying vehicle concept is immaculate and instills a sense of excitement for flying vehicles’ future in totality.

Designer: Marcelo Aguiar

This sustainable RV features solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, cork flooring & a green roof!

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ERA Architects is an innovative studio in Barcelona championing sustainable tourism with its Pinea Mobile Ecological RV! The RV uses natural and sustainable materials in its construction along with other eco-friendly features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. Currently, Pinea is a prototype currently located in Mas els Igols retreat in the Penedés winery region of Spain – I, for one, would never move it from there but you can. Eco-tourism is already looking great!

The prototype uses built-in systems for solar energy and rainwater harvesting but what makes it special is its unique green roof. It includes a single solar panel that produces up to 50W retained in a battery to use for charging smartphones and lighting inside the RV. ERA Architect’s design team also mentioned the battery system manufacturer in France gives a percentage of sales to a nonprofit in Africa. The architects sourced different elements for the prototype from different local regions like the green roof is from, the textile manufacturer is from Barcelona, and the metal works have come from Lleida. Pinea also features a specialized system of trays that harvest rainwater for the green roof which is thriving Catalonian vegetation and substrate. This system can hold up to 100 liters of water at a time!

Pinea’s exterior fabric can be unzipped to let in the fresh air and sunlight or rolled up for privacy. The fabric is made in Catalonia using a water-saving dying process and is breathable water-repellent material. Now for the most concerning part about camping – mosquitos – the Pinea RV comes with a built-in mosquito net to keep you safe at all times. The RV comes with a large bed, a table, chairs, and some storage furniture crafted from certified wood (same as the one used to make the walls) and sustainable cork material. Another unique thing about this RV is its cork flooring! The designers also chose to use cork stoppers instead of isolation gravel on the green roof. The team’s aim was to design a self-sufficient eco-suite on wheels and they absolutely came through with the Pinea Mobile Ecological RV!

Designer: ERA Architects

This double-decker camper’s expanding design has its own elevator, sunroom and even a balcony!

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While the pandemic has made it apparent that RV’s, motorhomes, campervans, trailers, and tiny homes are the preferred choice of people who cannot restrain their wanderlust but still want to have their own cocooned space, safe from harm’s way. While we have seen countless houses on wheels having expanded the horizontal spacing, a Chinese automaker, SAIC Motor, has come up with a vertically spacious, as well as a horizontally expanding motorhome that compares to none other. This is the Maxus Life Home V90 Villa Edition – that extends upwards (not just a pop-up roof) with a full-blown upper level with a walk-out deck.

If that’s not got you curious about this RV, it’s got an elevator to reach the upper level that has 133 square feet of airy space, ideal for open sunlight room, Zen space for study, or Zen tea room! Depending on the privacy needs, you can toggle the opaque or transparent window configuration since they are electronically tinted with LCD technology. And, yes, it has a walk-out balcony (over the driver’s cab) to enjoy the sunsets and soak in the thrill of the open-air adventures. On the lower level, the walls expand outwards to give the occupants 215 square feet of living space, enough to have all the compact furniture, appliances, and everything you need for a comfortable life. The ground level looks more like a condo as it houses the roomy lounge, bathroom, and kitchen section (with a cooktop, sink, oven, and fridge) separated by a bar counter. The luxe aesthetic extends further with the L-shaped couch on the corner and a transparent TV paired to a home entertainment system complete with a high-end projection system.

A wall-mounted touchscreen or gesture controls can actuate electronics’ connected ecosystem with Maxus’ X-Connect RV smart system control. For now, the prototype of Maxus Life Home V90 Villa Edition shows the compact yet spacious nature of the RV honed by modern-day luxuries and convenience. It’s only going to be available in China for now at a towering price tag of $413,000. Does it justify that colossal amount of money even for the given functionality, tech-infused amenities, and freedom of living on the road? Well, that subjective and for you to decide!

Designer: SAIC Motor