After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. The pandemic may restrict my actual traveling plans, but it definitely cannot restrict my daydreams about vacations! Jetsetting on a flight may not be a practical option right now, but I do think Camping is a plausible plan. There’s nothing more comforting or exciting than lounging about in a cozy trailer while you explore the countryside. You never feel out of place, because these little trailers manage to feel like a home on wheels! Fill it up with your dear belongings, and it’s your home away from home. Not to mention the trailer designs today are super innovative and inventive! From a trailer that expands to the size of a micro-cabin to a camper trailer that expands to sleep 4 people – these resourceful trailers manage to cater to almost all of our needs, solving various problems, and turning our camping experience into a fulfilling and comfortable one.
1. NoMad
Modern lifestyle has created a new genre of digital nomads – people who love the outdoors while balancing their work/ tech life. After all, while we crave a digital detox, we can’t really completely cut off from our smartphones. How can the humble trailer designs be adapted to meet their new-age camping needs while maintaining that sacred indoor-outdoor balance? The answer to that is the “NoMad” – a light and resistant vehicle that is presented as a fusion between a traditional tent and a futuristic-looking van designed by the ABIBOO Studio.
Why is it noteworthy?
Each NoMad creates this balance by designing 3 unique compartments – a wet area that holds the kitchen and bathroom, a living room/guest room/workroom, and thirdly a master bedroom that separates from to living room to help you disconnect at the end of the day. The layout of the trailer holds the wet area at the center of the design, automatically creating a barrier/ separation between the living room and the bedroom. Given the space constraints, every bit of the vehicle design holds storage space and hidden seating space. Smart use of terraces means we can leverage the outside space once the trailer is settled in.
What we like
- Holds storage space and hidden seating space
- A minimum thickness that provides the best insulation
What we dislike
- No complaints!
2. eStream and Thor Vision Vehicle
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.
Why is it noteworthy?
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.
What we like
- The trailer can be operated remotely via an app when it’s detached from the towing vehicle
- Comes with solar panels for off-grid camping on extended adventures
What we dislike
- The eStream weighs more than traditional trailers
3. The Bailey Discovery D4-2 Camper Trailer
The Bailey Discovery D4-2 Camper Trailer is one such creation, tailored for adventure enthusiasts who can’t help but satiate their wanderlust – exploring the untrodden trails. The USP of this camper trailer is its inflatable awning which creates almost double the private space you need for your escapades under the star-studded nights.
Why is it noteworthy?
On the inside, D4-2 is equipped with all the amenities and a fully furnished interior. Enough to suffice the needs of a couple on their long road trip – with the odd guest coming along the way for a couple of days. The big windows on all sides and the skylight fills the interiors with enough sunlight for a calming feel. The lounge area includes two couches and a fold-down table. In the kitchen, you’ll get an oven/grill combo appliance, a drop-down worktop extension, and a sink. On the opposite side, there is a mini-fridge with space underneath to store food and beverages. You also get the convenience of a shoes and clothes closet along with a separate area for cabinet storage. Of course, there is a good-sized bathroom too!
What we like
- Feels like a separate space
- Made from weather-resistant fabric
What we dislike
- The attached sleeping tent is optional
4. The FlexCamp off-road camper trailer
Designed for urban landscape while exploring the countryside, the FlexCamp off-road camper trailer expands vertically and to its one side to increase the inside space by almost double. It’s essentially a very basic trailer or pickup-top box that morphs into a micro-cabin for four people!
Why is it noteworthy?
Given the German company’s prowess in developing robust, all-weather campers in the past, the FlexCamp is another winning design in the making. Mind you, the boxy shape makes it perfect to mount on a pickup bed too. Once parked for camping, the 126 inches long camper trailer’s hydraulic system lifts the roof up and expands the sidewall. That turns the camper’s height from 79 inches to 120 inches, and the width from 80 inches to 131 inches.
What we like
- Expands to the size of a micro-cabin
- The drawers beneath the bed are accessible both from the outside and inside
What we dislike
- No complaints!
5. The Switchback Trailer
If you always wanted to hook a hardcore off-roading trailer to match your Jeep’s capability to conquer tough terrain, then the Switchback trailer by Off Grid Trailers is a god-sent blessing. Perfectly tailored for people who are a bit skeptical about going for an off-roading trip to the Rocky Mountains with a trailer towing at the rear, this hardcore trailer won’t let you have any semblance of even the slightest doubt. If your Jeep can conquer that stretch of a rocky patch (not meant for your average vehicle), then this trailer will have you covered.
Why is it noteworthy?
Although the trailer has a tow-friendly construction for any off-roading four-wheeler you hook onto it, the Jeep-matched wheels and the wheelbase makes it ultra-compatible with the vehicle. Switchback weighs just 1,300 lb thanks to the aluminum and steel body construction –giving it the right balance for any arduous trip. The makers have been mindful enough to offer the storage abundant trailer in two configurations – one having a rear kitchen setup (popular with most of the US Overlanding vehicles) while the other offering a side kitchen option.
What we like
- Equipped with solar charging
- The tent increases space for two people
What we dislike
- Hefty price tag
6. The GO Camper
The GO Camper is a towable, lightweight camper that can attach to vehicles of any size, even a Mini Coop.
Why is it noteworthy?
SylvanSport, a USA-based, outdoor adventure goods company, developed their GO Camper to brace all elements while also providing an accessible and versatile living space while getting off the grid for a bit. Described by National Geographic Adventure as the “Coolest. Camper. Ever,” the GO Camper is a super lightweight, towable pop-up tent camper that can accommodate up to four people.
What we like
- Can be attached to vehicles of all sizes, even the tiny Mini Cooper
- An equipment rack provides extra space to keep all the accessory equipment that will make maximize any camping trip adventure
What we dislike
- No complaints!
7. The Panorama Shelter
Teardrop trailers also edge towards that trend, but the Panorama Shelter by Kip Caravans takes things even further. The purpose-built trailer for nature-obsessed nomads has big panoramic windows on each side to bask in the grandeur of natural settings – to wherever the road takes you.
Why is it noteworthy?
The large windows of Panorama Shelter blur the divide between the cozy inside and the tranquil outside. Windows make up the chunk of the sidewalls, a skylight brings in ample sunlight during the noon, the big front door is majorly glass, and the side facing the vehicle too has a huge panoramic window. For times when you need total privacy, there are integrated blackout and roller screens. The pop-up roof can be pushed up a little to let in ambient sounds.
What we like
- It has a dual-bench front dinette that doubles as a bed
- The teardrop camper makes good use of available space in the form of little storage compartments
What we dislike
- No complaints!
8. Romotow
Camping and caravanning have always been about getting down to the bare necessities of life, living life on the road and at the mercy of the elements. However, New Zealand-based design and architecture firm W2, has decided to help amp up the experience! Their revolutionary trailer design, ‘Romotow’, the name an amalgamation of ‘room to move’ contains all the usual RV features but with an innovative 90-degree twist.
Why is it noteworthy?
With the press of a simple electric button, it swivels open, rotating at 90 degrees, to reveal an open synthetic teak deck. With this, it increases the living space by 70 percent, and the area can also be used as a party deck! Measuring 30 feet by 8.5 feet and offering 290 square feet of living space (the same as a lot of tiny apartments these days), the caravan comes along with a living area, bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom, all with stylish fixtures and spacious interiors.
What we like
- Designed with lightweight materials and supported by calculated aerodynamics
- Equipped with solar panels
What we dislike
- No complaints!
9. The Campervan Raptor XC
This ingenious expandable camper comes with a slide-out expansion option right above where the lift-up tailgate galley would be. This turns the compact teardrop into a full-sized caravan to accommodate a family of four. When completely expanded the camper makes enough room for a master bedroom, indoor kitchen, wet bathroom and a sizeable dining area. So, we are talking of the best of both worlds – the compact footprint of a teardrop trailer and the airy layout of a large caravan!
Why is it noteworthy?
Demand for camper trailers is skyrocketing lately, as more and more people are fancying adventurous life on the road for a fortnight or even for life. This has had a surge in the number of camper trailers in production as makers try to fulfill the unique set of demands of customers who won’t settle for anything ordinary. The Campervan Raptor XC teardrop camper by Hunter Nature is another prime example of a rugged camper that has plenty of room thanks to its ingenious design.
What we like
- Loaded with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires in alloy wheels, and an independent suspension system to ensure a smooth ride.
- 160-W solar panels on top
What we dislike
- Made to be towed with a Land Rover Defender or Toyota Land Cruiser – which can be limiting
10. Mystic
Mystic has outfitted this 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.
Why is it noteworthy?
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.
What we like
- Affordably priced
- Option between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive models
What we dislike
- Old fashioned aesthetics
- No integrated stove in the kitchenette. You need to carry your own portable stove.
