Innovative trailer concept inspired by USB drive [w/video]

George Kennedy — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Australia, Specialty

When it comes to camping, Americans tend to either rough it with tents or go for broke in massive bus-size recreational vehicles. Down in Australia and New Zealand, the caravan reigns supreme. Not to be confused with the Dodge minivan offering, caravans provide humble accommodations for vacationing, but they can be pulled by much smaller vehicles than, say, a fullsize Airstream trailer.

New Zealand-based design house W2 has unveiled a new twist on the caravan with the Romotow, and it is clearly not your ordinary camper trailer. Claimed to be inspired by a USB drive, this trailer folds in and out of itself, providing extra living space. Lightweight materials are used, and the concept also features power-assisted braking, self-leveling pads and shocks and a backup camera. The interior features a bathroom, kitchenette, louvers for cross ventilation, and available features such as deck area and sliding doors.

W2 is currently at the design and testing stage. A fully functional Romotow should be ready by 2015. If you are a camper that's tired of roughing it, or one who enjoys the outdoors but would prefer more domestic confines, the Romotow looks like a solid option for a camping tr- er, caravan. Check out more on this wild concept in the video below.

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Innovative trailer concept inspired by USB drive [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recession Vacation: bike-pulled camper built from salvage

Dan Roth — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Specialty, Electric, Off-Road

Paul Elkins' homemade bike-towed camper - Click for hi-res gallery

Designed with an eye toward post-apocalyptic living, Paul Elkins whipped up this trailer to pull behind his bicycle at the Burning Man festival. It's 100 pounds of home away from home, built from aluminum tubing reclaimed from a satellite dish and skinned with the same type of plastic commonly used for political campaign signs. A card table and some wheelbarrow parts are also in the mix, following the idea of using what's on hand after a disaster.

While Elkins designed another version of this idea that's more suitable for road use, this rig looks pretty comfortable and well equipped. It harnesses the energy of the sun to charge batteries and dehydrate food - you'll be able to read a book at night while enjoying your own beef jerky recipe. Hot water for a shower is also provided courtesy of the sun. It's all pretty cozy, and it's way cheaper than an Airstream. Checking out Elkins' blog reveals plenty of ingenious projects that might give you something to do during the coming winter months.

Gallery: Homemade Bike Trailer

[Source: High Mileage Trikes via Neatorama]

Recession Vacation: bike-pulled camper built from salvage originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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