Off-grid travel is not only a buzzword lately. It’s become a way of life. Perpetuated largely by tiny houses on wheels and RVs. Amid the latter, travel trailers have an edge. They live separately from their towing vehicle and tout independent proficiency. Thus, the new form factor of trailers is smarter and more capable than ever before. Such is the case with the recently launched T4 trailer developed by California-based Aboard RV. It is an off-grid rig with an appealing aerodynamic design and a size that neatly places it between a van home and a large motorhome.
The Aboard T4 electric trailer is anything but a traditional trailer. It features more glass in construction than others would dare to go with and combines automotive engineering with a hybrid electric drivetrain to leave us with a capable RV that none of us would want to miss a chance to get on board.
Designer: Aboard RV
Besides its aerodynamic form factor, the T4 is designed for off-grid adventures. It sits on a reinforced integrated chassis and has a built-in Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powertrain. The powered axle system allows enough energy to steer the rig while climbing without creating additional load on the towing vehicle. This is because it is engineered as a fully integrated vehicle, allowing it to self-propel, straining the tow vehicle less to increase range and reduce drag.
The trailer is designed to be about 24 feet long, and it tips the scales at 6,500 lbs. Interestingly, the T4’s hybrid platform has more than 200kWh of onboard power. It features a 41 kWh LFP battery and a 60 kW range-extending generator. Together, extending the off-grid living capability of the trailer for more than a long weekend. The generator can recharge in under 30 minutes, substantially enough to keep your devices and equipment powered during time off the grid. The trailer can, if needed, power the electric tow vehicle as well.
The Aboard T4 electric travel trailer has a metal-paneled body and features car-like secure doors that ensure improved durability, while providing weather protection. The smoothly glazed exterior of this trailer seems completely fashioned with glass, but it’s when you enter that you realize the panoramic windows span only 270 degrees. It may not be as much as you believe it is from the outside, but windows are still enough to fill the interiors with natural light and surrounding views.
The interior space is centered around the kitchen and bathroom of the trailer, with two convertible lounges – on either side – transforming into bedrooms by night. The bathroom doubles as a mudroom accessible through two separate entries. The kitchen is equipped with an induction cooktop, refrigerator, microwave, and a lot of storage. Interestingly, the trailer is equipped with a 52-gallon fresh water tank and a 35-gallon grey water tank. Also, with a 30-gallon black water tank onboard, the trailer is fully prepared for off-grid stays. Designed to accommodate four people easily, the Aboard T4 travel trailer will be available starting at $80,000. There is no definite release date in sight, but the trailer can be reserved now for a fully refundable deposit of $100.
