Inspired by desert race, ST5 Supertourer Finke Edition pop-up camper is off-roading genius

Most advancements happening in the camper industry, of late – directly or indirectly – hint at pushing the boundaries of off-road and off-grid camping. If it were true for the manufacturers in the US, the idea has touched an Australian builder most fiercely. Perhaps so much so that the Queensland-based Patriot Campers (a recognizable name I’m sure) has designed and developed the ST5 Supertourer Finke Edition pop-up camper that blows the boundaries of off-road camping in desert dust.

Claimed to be the most advanced camper trailer in the world, the special edition ST5 Supertourer Finke is a premium (and feature-rich) variant of the standard version by the manufacturer. Its name is derived from Australia’s iconic Finke Desert Race and the construction is apt to overcome the most challenging terrains.

Designer: Patriot Campers

The special Finke edition doesn’t borrow the name for the heck of it. In fact, the brains behind Patriot Campers have been involved in the namesake off-road racing for over a decade. The new camper is therefore a consortium of their learning from the extensive involvement in off-roading competition and touring expertise. The wholesome rig with all its merits was launched by Patriot Campers at the 2024 SEMA automotive show in Las Vegas.

The ST5 Supertourer Finke Edition camper is a versatile living quarter on the road with robust riding antics and lightweight body parts. The camper is built with a combination of composite and structural aluminum and has a black canvas pop-out roof. The exterior pops with the green and white color scheme, carbon fiber decals, bronze-colored wheels and 35-in mud tires. The sports car-esque interior equipped with black Alcantara and green upholstery strikes plush at first sight. Carbon fiber table and benchtops in the living area, and bronze basin tap in the bathroom complete the look.

With what you get, the ST5 Supertourer Finke Edition is not any ordinary camping trailer. Hybrid by virtue, it complements performance and comfort and is designed thoroughly for off-road adventures with a Trinamic suspension system and 17-in rims featuring Method Wheels’s beadgrip technology for lowering tire pressures while negotiating rough terrains. The exterior of the camper makes more living space with an awning on either side, while a pull-out kitchen facilitates cooking savory meals where your journey takes you.

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Trailer with a fish-inspired aerodynamic design showcases modular living space and inflatable construction

Travel trailers are becoming increasingly popular and the spike in exhibitors at shows like the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, only substantiates this fact. With the upsurge in electric tow vehicles, the need of the hour are trailers that have sleeker aerodynamics and smaller form factor to minimize drag and increase range.

Of course, by trimming the size and dimensions of the camping trailer, the comfort will be compromised, but Bürstner from Kehl in Germany thinks otherwise. It is thus coming to the abovementioned RV show with the Talis; a trailer designed with marine-inspired aerodynamics, modular living space, and an inflatable rear that expands its compact form factor for user convenience.

Designer: Bürstner

Welcome to the future of trailer camping! Designed in partnership with StudioSyn, the Talis is a futuristic concept that has the potential to be the highlight of Caravan Salon 2024. On the outside, at first glance, there isn’t much difference, but a closer examination shows, as the company confirms, pointed front and the rear of the camper that are “reminiscent of a fish.” The design is a result of multiple run-throughs the virtual wind tunnel software before settling for this shape.

The exterior is pretty compact, yet the interior, featuring slatted wood wall paneling with soundproofing and movable battery-powered lamps, is pretty spacious to accommodate a couple and two children. The spaciousness is possible with the multifunctional Bürstner Air-Xtension System, which allows the rear of the trailer to inflate and permit the fixed rear transverse bed to convert into a 200 x 170cm bed lengthwise. Under the rear transverse bed (without transformation) is the “kids sleeping den.” This child-friendly sleeping space for two kids can double as storage space or garage during the day and can be partitioned off with a curtain.

To enhance the culinary experience onboard is a kitchen module with a double induction hob. This has a portable kitchen, which allows residents to carry its top half outdoors to extend the cooking experience beyond the confines of the four camper walls. Despite the small size, Talis has been provisioned with a twin chamber, a self-sufficient eco-toilet that would function without any chemicals. The bathroom would also have space for a shower and a foldable sink.

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Give your VW camper van more portable storage and dining space with the Bbox Bulli in tow

If you’re someone who loves to live in the wilderness in a camper van, you wouldn’t really mind the peace of mind and convenience that a towable little attachment capable of being your cargo hauler, a dining area, a small kitchen or a wardrobe, whatever you may like, can offer.

The Bbox Bulli Edition by mfi camperlife GmbH in Germany is this towable little companion – designed primarily for the Volkswagen camper vans – that will be your ultimate companion at the base camp. Not just for its versatility but also for the compact size in which the Bbox Bulli can store up so much cargo that your van can be cleared up on the inside for comfortable travel on the road.

Designer: Wolf-Box Design

The convenience of a tiny towable behind your Bulli is not an inexpensive deal by any standard. If you have upward of $13,000 (€11,900) to spare for an extension of your van-living quarters, you shouldn’t think the second time. But if you choose to get one, the excitement is not going to stop at the extension itself, you can get mfi to customize the Bbox Bulli Edition to the color and theme of your ride (now maybe the price seems a little fair).

Of course, this contraption is primarily meant to tow behind a Volkswagen camper van, but there seems to be no reason why you cannot have it in tow of any multi-purpose vehicle that you may drive. When in tow, the Bbox Bulli, comprising a fiberglass-sandwich body and weighing 880 lbs, can be used as an outdoor kitchen and dining using a camping stove and fold-out table. There are two side closets with configurable shelves to carry water canisters, coolers and other gear, which otherwise tend to clutter up the camper van space side.

For those who are wondering how much this little guy can carry, the Bbox Bulli Edition, mfi informs, can carry 660 lbs of payload and has integrated lighting for convenience and jazzing up your camp. Measuring 37 inches deep and 87 inches tall, its tow bar stretches forward from the body, doubling the total length to up to 80 inches.

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This compact off-road trailer with staircase to the rooftop tent can park in any Aussie garage

It’s an adventurous world full of competition to the brim. When every camping trailer manufacturer is distinguishing itself from the pack by expanding the living space for the better of the occupants; HardKorr, a company from Australia, known for its Xplorer trailer, is trimming the height of the famous model so that its little brother can fit comfortably within a standard size garage of a typical Aussie home.

Fascinatingly, that’s not just the brightest aspect of the Xplorer 2.0, happily called the ‘Shorty.’ Shorty is designed – with all the features and skills of the OG – to allow you to live comfortably in the outdoors for weeks and months with your family, without compromising the comfort and living space, and return home to stow the trailer conveniently in your city apartment garage until it’s required the next time.

Designer: Hardkorr

Of course, Xplorer 2.0 is one of the few garage-compatible trailers down under. It is also one of the very few with an integrated staircase to the rooftop tent. This feature makes it a rooftop camper trailer that’s easily accessible by kids and pets you may have along on your journey. And since the Shorty is not all too small, it gives you enough living space under the awnings and a sizable kitchen area for your culinary escapades on-the-go.

To that accord, the Xplorer ‘Shorty’ 2.0 has a slide-out outdoor kitchen complete with a two-burner stove, a large prep area, and a removable sink. Just behind is the slide-out 96-l fridge with another pull-out tray just underneath it, which creates an additional prep space. On the opposite side of the trailer are two separate hatches for carrying batteries and gear, and above that is a drop-down privacy tent that can be used when taking a shower. The shower here is attached to the kitchen sink and draws water from the instant water heater.

Comprising a lightweight aluminum body, the new Xplorer 2.0 is conveniently towable with any offroad-capable vehicle. It can set up in under five minutes and pack back in almost the same time. On the roof, you have a spacious queen-sized tent, and the trailer itself is loaded with plenty of storage sections, combining to give you upward of 3,450-l of storage space. While the integrated staircase makes it easy for everyone to get up into the bed, the robust off-road suspension, galvanized chassis, and all-terrain tires allow the Xplorer camper trailer to easily handle tough terrains and off-road journeys you want to make by yourself or with your family. These can be extended adventures in the Shorty that comes with a 170W solar panel and 2,000W inverter taking care of the power needs. Retailing for about $24,000 (AUD 35,990), the camper trailer is worth the contention more so as it may be available in the US as well.

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Explore Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics with the Polydrops P21: A Camper for the Future

Polydrops has been capturing the attention of the camper industry for a few years with its innovative designs. Their latest release, the P21, promises to redefine the RV experience with its advanced design and features. Known for affordability and lightweight construction, Polydrops campers have become a favorite among modern travelers. The P21 is no exception, pushing the boundaries of what a camper can offer with its futuristic aesthetic and practical functionality.

Designers: Kyunghyun Lew and Jieun Choi

The company, founded by two architects, always integrates architectural principles into its designs. This new model is distinguished by its striking appearance and exceptional aerodynamic performance. The P21 is designed to turn heads on the road and at campsites, seamlessly blending style with functionality in a manner unmatched by other campers.

The design prioritizes efficiency and performance, with every exterior aspect crafted to enhance aerodynamics, reduce drag, and improve towing stability. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency is significant for those using electric vehicles, as it helps to maximize range and minimize energy consumption.

Exterior Design: Futuristic and Functional

The P21’s exterior is striking with its angular, polygonal design, reminiscent of Tesla’s Cybertruck. Polydrops has seamlessly integrated architectural principles into the P21, creating a visually appealing and highly functional structure.

Each line, panel, and curve of the P21 enhances its aerodynamic performance. The sharp, knife-edge front cuts through the air with minimal resistance, ensuring stability and ease of towing, even at high speeds. This aerodynamic design reduces drag, crucial for maintaining the range and efficiency of electric vehicles towing the trailer.

Aerodynamics: The Science Behind the Design

Polydrops has meticulously engineered the P21’s exterior to optimize its aerodynamic efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations played a crucial role in shaping the P21, ensuring that every aspect of its design minimizes air resistance and maximizes efficiency. These simulations, akin to those used by aerospace and automotive leaders like Boeing and NASA, informed the development of the P21’s unique shape.

The P21 features a vertical wedge-shaped front end that slices through the air, reducing high-pressure zones that typically cause drag. This design departs from conventional travel trailers’ more traditional rounded or angled fronts. By minimizing high-pressure air drag, the P21 achieves greater stability and efficiency, which is crucial for maintaining the range of electric vehicles towing the trailer.

The design of the roof significantly contributes to its aerodynamic performance. The pointed, forward-slanting tip and downward-flowing roof allow air to flow smoothly over the trailer, reducing turbulence and drag. This design enhances aerodynamic efficiency and provides ample headroom inside the camper, creating a spacious and comfortable living environment.

The back of the P21 has a boat tail design that helps control airflow as it leaves the trailer. This feature reduces the turbulence behind the trailer, cutting down on drag and improving overall aerodynamic performance. In Polydrops’ CFD simulations, these design elements make the camper three times more aerodynamically efficient than traditional models.

Interior Design: Practical and Comfortable

The inside of the P21 is just as well-designed as the outside. Polydrops has made use of every inch of space to create a functional and comfortable living area. The interior layout is dictated by the aerodynamic exterior shape, and the designers have done an excellent job of maximizing space while maintaining a sleek, modern look.

The interior features a standable height, allowing occupants to move around freely. The layout includes a convertible lounge that can transform into a dining area or an additional sleeping space. Storage is plentiful, with numerous overhead compartments and under-seat storage options. The interior design maximizes the use of space while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. The materials used are lightweight yet durable, ensuring that the camper remains easy to tow without compromising strength and stability.

Maximize your off-grid adventures with the P21’s Sanitation Unit upgrade. Enjoy the convenience of a sink, shower, and portable toilet featuring 9 gallons of fresh water and a 1.3-gallon water heater tank. The shower cleverly converts into a lounge area when closed, providing luxurious comfort even in remote locations.

Cooking station

Refrigerator

Key Features and Innovations

The P21 features a best-in-class Timbren independent suspension system, which ensures a smooth and comfortable ride on all types of terrain. This suspension system offers excellent stability and minimizes vibration, making it ideal for rough or uneven roads. Additionally, the lightweight construction of the P21 improves fuel efficiency and lowers travel expenses. Its rust-free aluminum frame ensures durability and longevity.

The P21 includes a simple control system. Equipped with a user-friendly 7-inch display, the P21 allows straightforward control and monitoring of all systems. The intuitive interface and remote control capability make monitoring the electrical system and other features easy, enhancing the overall user experience. The system seamlessly connects to your smartphone, allowing for convenient remote control accessibility.

Kid’s bed

The interior layout includes a queen-size bed and an optional kids’ bed, making it ideal for families. The galley is split into two sections, with a sink and countertop on one side and space for a cooktop on the other. There is also a convertible shower with a hidden toilet, similar to those found in high-end campervans. This thoughtful design ensures that the P21 meets the needs of modern travelers while maintaining a compact and efficient layout.

Solar Charging: Harnessing the Power of the Sun

One of the P21’s most impressive features is its advanced solar charging capabilities. The integrated 1300W solar panels efficiently convert sunlight into energy, providing a sustainable power source for the camper. This system ensures you can stay off the grid for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. The solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the design, maintaining the sleek and aerodynamic profile of the P21 while offering significant energy savings.

The solar charging system works in tandem with the all-electric setup, including the LFP battery and climate control system. This combination provides reliable power for all onboard systems, ensuring a comfortable and convenient camping experience. Whether parked in a sunny meadow or a shaded forest, the P21’s solar panels will keep you powered up and ready for adventure.

The Polydrops P21 is a futuristic camper that offers practical functionality. Its aerodynamic exterior, advanced solar charging capabilities, and comfortable interior make it an ideal choice for modern travelers. With features like a rust-free frame, lightweight construction, and a best-in-class suspension system, the P21 is built to handle any adventure. Whether you’re exploring remote landscapes or enjoying a weekend getaway, the P21 promises a unique camping experience. Polydrops continues to push the boundaries of what a camper can be, and the P21 is a shining example of their innovative approach.

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Goliath Campers G-47 teardrop trailer makes Aussies ready for safe and comfortable off-road camping

We don’t live in a perfect world, but everyday we strive to create a world for ourselves that’s as perfect as it can be. And then when we want to venture out of the flawless living environment, into the wilderness where nature could heel the faults in us, we need a perfect partner that can ride without drag behind our daily driver, pull up where the heart wishes, and allow us to hop into the bed without having to move another finger for set up.

Welcome to the perfect Aussie creation that does this bit alongside allowing us to open the hatch and cook up a feast. We are talking about the G-47 teardrop trailer by Queensland-based marine-grade mobile home builders, Goliath Campers.

Designer: Goliath Campers

Every trailer builder has some distinction to their credit. For Goliath, it is their off-road camper trailers, carefully constructed with top-quality marine-grade material and finished in eye-catching hues. G-47 model is no different: it’s a hard-shelled living unit that features off-grid capability – water storage, 200Ah lithium battery, solar panel, and 2000W inverter – a swing-out grill for barbeques on the go, and a flip-up rainfall shower for hot baths in the cold wilderness.

All this and more fits within a compact 15.4-foot-long trailer that rides on a Cruisemaster independent suspension system and twin shock absorbers to accord it off-roading ability. Regarded as a teardrop trailer, despite its unique body crafted from foam core fiberglass, the G-47 features a hatch kitchen accessible from the outside. It includes an induction cooker, Weber BBQ grill, wine rack, sink, 65-litre fridge with freezer, 300-litre cupboard, and diesel hot water system.

Size and style matter when it comes to extending the outdoor space with an ensuite awning that can additionally provide privacy for using the portable toilet. When it comes to retiring for the day, climb onto the double bed under an overhead stargazing hatch and send yourself into slumber. On cold wintery evenings, when you don’t want to move a hand, the onboard Redarc Red Vision TVMS System lets you control the trailer functions by turning on the lights, the outdoor stereo, the fridge, and the water pump from your smartphone. Like all good things come for a price, the Goliath Campers G-47 camping trailer retails for AUD 69,500.

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Genimax HR off-road trailer is versatile enough to wear skis and tow behind a snowmobile

Tiny off-road trailers have their own charm. They provide a quaint way to live a weekend amid the trees out in the wilderness, where your ATV or an off-roading vehicle can go. This adventurous freedom is cut short for some months of the year when the snow blankets the earth. But with the Genimax HR, the fun is never going to be limited, thanks to its ability to wear skis and ride on snow behind your snowmobile.

Given the core functionality, the Genimax HR – an affordable pop-up roof camper – is developed for around-the-year camping. The lightweight body, made from aluminum and rust-resistant, durable composite materials, renders this 375 lbs (170 kg) trailer camper to go places without a fuss. Measuring some 60 inches in width (48 inches on snow), the camper rides on a high-performance independent suspension, which provides handsome ground clearance to enhance its off-road ability and be the skill to ride smoothly on snow.

Designer: Genimax Trailers

Designed specifically as a “ready-to-camp solution to go on an adventure with his little family,” the HR is the brainchild of Genimax Trailers, which has been in business (developing trailer solutions) since 2017. Besides its lightweight construction, the HR is readied for all seasons of the year with high-resistance polyurethane adhesive sealing up the spaces in the roof and walls.

The versatility of this easy-to-configure wilderness camper becomes manifold when riding behind an ATV on the unbeaten paths and/or behind a snowmobile when the adventure takes you on snow. And when you halt, just 2 sliding, lockable drawers, with a capacity of 200 lbs each, make for your facility. For instance, one of the side drawers of the trailer functions as a kitchen. It features a removable stainless-steel countertop alongside a folding built-in sink provided with a 10L water tank and faucet.

To elevate a family’s stay out in the wild, the Genimax HR can comfortably sleep 2 adults, and a child in the option roof tent. The camper becomes even more versatile with optional accessories and features that allow the residents to make the most of their ride. For instance, you can opt for an 80W rooftop solar panel with adjustable tilt or a retractable awning for the side of the trailer. Without the optional accessories, the base model of the Genimax HR starts at CAD 8,495 (approximately $6,200).

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This travel trailer swivels 90-degrees to transform from closed cabin into open living tiny home

Glamping industry is not necessarily dependent on travel trailers in New Zealand, but if the market has to swing out the way it’s in the West, something like the Romotow T8 would have to lead the way. This tiny house cum trailer has a peculiar rotating system to change form from closed to an open living.

Created by New Zealand-based design and architecture firm W2, the Romotow seems a very innovative design for a trailer, with a fixed chassis that features a rotating closed living unit capable of swiveling around full 90-degrees to create an extra outdoor living space.

Designer: W2

Irrespective of its novelty, the W2 Romotow is a concept that we first saw in 2012. Yes, a decade later, the Romotow T8 sees fruition. This production-ready model of the swiveling caravan remains true to the original design wherein the hydraulics open and close the Romotow at the push of a button. It takes less than a minute to open or close.

In transit, the 30.5ft Romotow remains closed and when it’s stationed for overnight camping, the main living unit with panoramic glass windows on both sides can swivel open: this form factor creates two sections, a large deck and a sleeping/living cabin.

The rotating main cabin comprises a dining area, which converts into a sleeping unit for two. Behind the dining area is the furnished kitchenette. The open deck – that shows up when the main cabin swivels – features nice wooden flooring. The space can be used as a patio or as an entertainment area featuring a 32-inch 4K smart TV or an outdoor projector system with a pull-down screen.

The hydraulic rotation system is the highlight of the Romotow T8, but to align with other requirements of a capable caravan, the T8 is powered by a 200Ah lithium battery and also features a 395W solar panel on the roof. Starting at NZ$429,000 (approximately $250,000) the T8 is available in varied options and configurations. The price increases with the choice of add-ons.

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Dreadnort POD is a capable multi-utility travel trailer, portable office with a gullwing door

With the kind of creativity and engineering going into contemporary tiny homes in the US, one cannot have enough. A look around the inside and you marvel at how much comfort and convenience can be packed into such a small space. From the plush bedding to the fully-equipped kitchenette, within an equipped towable, you know, no matter where your adventures take you, you’ll always be safe and comfortable.

While the US already has existing infra and interesting caravans, New Zealand is only catching up with the likes of Dreadnort Boats creating multi-use portable structures that can be utilized as a mobile office, tiny home, or a camping trailer.

Designer: Dreadnort Boats

Case in point, the POD (Point of Difference in full), is a multi-utility structure that will put some of the more interesting options in the West to shame. Designed to be a tsunami shelter that doubles as a boat or a trailer, the POD, in its current stage, is not equipped for emergencies, owing to its door design and big panoramic windows.

Despite not being tsunami-proof as of yet the POD is a capable portable office with a gullwing door. Made from marine grade aluminum, the main body of the caravan rests almost 4in from the ground and it measures 5.1m x 2.5m x 2.5m, which renders it towable inside a 20-foot shipping container or behind a vehicle as a trailer.

The interesting aspect of the peculiar looking towable from Dreadnort Boats is V-shaped seating with a drop-down table that transforms into a sleeping area by night. Considering the multiple usages of the POD, it is customizable with 150-watt solar panels. The builders are working on several other layouts for the POD to make it useful as a food cart, kiosk, houseboat or anything the client wishes to use a mobile living unit for. A fully finished POD starts at about $60,000 (customization would cost extra).

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

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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