self sustainable travel trailer

The Sonic-X Is the First “self-Sustainable” RV

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But what does that mean?

KZ Recreational Vehicles just introduced the Sonic X, described as “the industry’s first self-sustainable lightweight RV." Now, when I am not writing for TreeHugger, I am teaching sustainable design at the Ryerson School of Interior Design in Toronto, and one question I put on every final exam is “What is sustainable design?” I keep hoping that some day someone will give me an answer that makes sense – and I have no idea what “self-sustainable” means.

Bill McDonough has a standard joke about the word sustainable, once telling Andrew Michler at Inhabitat:

I think it’s a nice word because so many people can use it. But, nobody knows how to define it. That’s part of the issue, and that’s why we never use it. For example, if I say what’s your relationship to your wife? Do you say just say sustainable? Don’t you want more than that? Don’t you want creativity and fun and all these things? If we just sustain what we are doing now, then we’re all dead.

That is the root of the problem with this Sonic X. If we keep towing three-ton trailers behind giant pickups, we are all dead. Is this "sustainable" at all?

© KZ RV Sonic X Interior doesn't look so green, more beige

But they are trying. Making it out of carbon fibre is theoretically a plus; it will be much lighter and take less fuel in the pickup to tow it. The unit has “the same durability and lighter weight of some of the world’s fastest and most luxurious supercars. The lightness of the carbon fiber allows for greater versatility, as it can more easily navigate the confinements of a city as well as the great outdoors.”

But they left it in its original carbon black, which is not going to be comfortable in the sun. And the material itself is actually carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, layers of carbon fibre laid up in a plastic resin. Mark Harris of the Guardian calls it "the wonder material with a dirty secret." The fibre and the plastic cannot be separated and the material cannot be recycled. It may not even be legal to make luxurious supercars out of it in Europe soon, because of EU rules that state that 85% of a car must be reusable or recyclable. That’s not sustainable.

There are a thousand watts of solar panels on the top, and nine batteries of unspecified capacity that are said to provide “endless solar power.” There is also a "Secondary Infinite Water System (S.I.W.S) with a heavy-duty water pump, 25-foot hose and water filtration, which can be connected to fresh water sources such as a stream, river or lake and can store up to 100 gallons of water."

But judging from C.C. Weiss's photos at New Atlas , there is a standard RV toilet and blackwater tank which is not infinite, and has to be pumped out.

© KZ RV Sonic X Interior with Murphy Bed

KZ president Aram Koltookian says "the design is made to be mindful of the environment by using lightweight materials and clean, renewable energy sources to operate the RV." But there are two tanks of propane running the fridge and stove and probably hot water heater, meaning more fossil fuels.

So is it "self-sustainable"? Not if it needs propane and pump-outs. These could be beat with composting toilets, solar hot water heating and alcohol or induction stoves, but that might be a step too far. But it is a small step in the right direction.

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Rig Roundup: 7 best RVs for going off the grid

It's worth researching a variety of trailers before choosing your next rig. Here are some of the best off-grid travel trailers on the market right now.

By Roadtrippers

Thanks to their mobility and self-contained nature, RVs are ideal for creating unforgettable adventures, even far from traditional campgrounds. Luckily there are many lightweight travel trailers specifically designed for off-grid RV excursions. And good news for your wallet—many of them can be towed with an SUV, so no truck purchase is required to tow your new trailer. 

Important Features to Look for in Off-Grid RVs

If you want to leave the campground in your rearview mirror and head off the grid, it’s important to purchase an RV that’s designed for rugged terrain and boondocking conditions. Here are some features that will keep you safe and comfortable even while camping far from shore power and bathhouses. 

12-Volt and Propane Appliances

When you can’t hook up to shore power, you’ll want your refrigerator, cooktop, oven, and TV to work on 12-volt batteries or propane gas. Avoid residential appliances as they will require a more robust energy draw. 

Related How to solve common RV propane issues: RV troubleshooting

Solar Prewiring or Manufacturer Solar Packages

If there is even a small possibility that you will add an aftermarket solar package, make sure you look for an RV that is prewired for solar. Better yet, find one that is prewired for an inverter as well, which will allow you to use 110-volt power even while boondocking. Many of the RV models featured in this roundup offer roof-mounted solar kits as optional upgrades. We highly recommend choosing the manufacturer packages when available.

Large Fresh Water Tanks

The size of your fresh water tank is an important consideration when camping off the grid. These tanks vary greatly in size from trailer to trailer, so make note of this feature when shopping. You’ll see that within this article’s featured RVs, the fresh water tanks are anywhere from eight gallons to 55 gallons, which is a large variance within the same class of travel trailer. 

Large Gray Water and Black Water Tanks

The bigger your gray and black water tanks are, the longer you can use your sink, shower, and toilet without needing to dump them. Note that some travel trailers within this category won’t have any gray or black water tanks, some have combo tanks, and others have separate tanks that are up to 30 gallons each. Pick a model that suits your needs. 

Robust Frames and Raised Axles

If you want to take your travel trailer down unpaved roads and over rugged terrain, make sure you look for solid framing and raised axles that provide plenty of ground clearance. Many trailers in this class also offer all-terrain tires as either standard or an optional upgrade. 

Related The ultimate guide to boondocking

Off-Grid Travel Trailers We Love

Does an off-grid trailer fit your lifestyle? These travel trailers are some of the best on the market and will make your next boondocking or off-roading adventure more comfortable.  

inTech O-V-R Expedition Off-Grid Travel Trailer

The latest off-roading lineup from inTech makes off-grid adventures comfortable and spacious for the whole family. The O-V-R lineup offers three models, ranging from a toy hauler to the smaller, 5,200-pound Expedition travel trailer. When purchased with inTech’s off-grid package, this rig comes with 400 watts of solar power, a 200-amp hour lithium battery, and a 2,000-watt inverter charger.

The interior features a spacious U-shaped dinette, a full-size kitchen with a farmhouse sink, two twin-sized beds, an optional drop-down bunk bed, and a large wet bath. Plus, there’s plenty of storage space throughout, and the dinette can also be used for sleeping space.

Features and options we love for off-grid adventures:

Although this rig is equipped to take you to remote destinations, the interior provides all of the comforts that you’d expect from a travel trailer. Plus, with the optional drop-down bunk, you’ll have plenty of room to bring the kids along for your adventures.

More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here .

Lance Truck Camper

The 650 Truck Camper was designed by Lance for short-bed, half-ton trucks. The standard package offers ducted heat, a marine toilet, and pre-wiring for a solar panel. The three-way refrigerator and selection of 12-volt, USB, and 110-volt outlets will allow you to keep everything powered whether you’re hooked up at a campground or dry camping. If you’re just beginning your hunt for a truck camper, Lance has a helpful and detailed compatibility guide . 

Think about adding the 100-watt solar panel and lithium battery if you plan to boondock, and the 19-inch, 12-volt TV if you still want to enjoy the creature comforts of home. 

More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here . 

Airstream Basecamp

The Basecamp trailer is designed to pair well with midsize SUVs that many off-road adventurers already own. Large wheels, side skirts, and wheel flares protect the camper from the gravel and debris on unpaved roads. There are four different floor plans available, ranging from 16 to 20 feet in length, and all versions include an onboard restroom with a toilet and shower. Goodyear tires and 12-volt tank heaters also come standard. 

Buyers can upgrade to a 200-watt solar package . Get extra ground clearance with the Basecamp X-Package, which features a 3-inch lift, Goodyear Wrangler tires, and a raised hitch jack pad.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro

The Jayco Jay Feather Micro lineup features four different floor plans designed to take you off the beaten path, while still providing a high level of comfort. The 166FBS has 16-inch diameter Goodyear tires with reinforced wheel wells and is prepped for roof-mounted solar power and prewired for an inverter. It also contains a 55-gallon fresh water tank. The JayPort external propane connection makes it easy to hook up the included 17-inch grill.

Features and options we love for off-grid adventures :

One optional solar power package includes a 200-watt solar panel and a 30-amp controller, and another adds the 1,800-watt inverter . Add a Thule roof rack system or bike storage rack if you like to travel with your toys.

Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX 

The Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX trailer lineup consists of four different floor plans that range from 22 to 22.5 feet in length. The H172BH is particularly attractive to adventurous couples or small families, offering bunk beds and a large dinette with bed conversion.

At less than 22 feet long and less than 4,200 pounds in dry weight, the Micro Minnie FLX is easy to tow for most SUVs and Trucks.

Rockwood Geo Pro 

The Rockwood Geo Pro offers a wide range of floor plans, from a 15-foot travel trailer to a 20-foot toy hauler. The entire series comes equipped with 200-watt, roof-mounted solar panels and a 1,000-watt inverter . Most models offer a 12-volt TV, Teton All In One Wi-Fi Booster with LTE Prep and Antenna , and Showermiser water conservation system. The G15TB floor plan has rear twin-sized beds that can convert into a king-sized bed depending on what layout you need.

Buyers can add on Pro Rac mounting bars, a removable ladder, a second 200-watt solar panel , and a tongue-mount bike rack.

Palomino Pause Travel Trailer 16.4

The Pause is perfect for solo travelers or couples looking to go off the beaten path. Ruggedly constructed with an aluminum frame; composite walls, flooring, and roofing; and independent suspension, this towable is built to handle all of the bumps and turns of an off-road adventure. The cozy, stylish interior comes with a spacious dry bath, a full-sized kitchen with bar seating, and a foldable queen-sized bed that’s perfectly placed under a large dual-pane window for stargazing. An integrated Garmin navigation system comes standard on all models, as does 200 watts of solar power , a 400-amp hour Lithium battery , and a 3,000-watt inverter charger .

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE FOR OFF-GRID ADVENTURES:

The Pause comes with an offboard air compressor for easy tire inflation and deflation, and the outdoor kitchen comes fully equipped with cooking space, storage, a sink, and a fridge. You can also upgrade your solar package to 1,000 watts .

A Note on Rig Specs

It’s important to pay close attention to specs when shopping for a travel trailer. Use the VIN (vehicle identification number) to find the towing capacity and payload capacity for your specific tow vehicle.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The maximum loaded weight of your trailer as determined by the manufacturer. You should never exceed this weight rating when your RV is stocked with all of your gear, propane, and fresh water. 

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

The weight of your trailer as manufactured with no cargo, propane, or water.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)

This is the difference between your UVW and your GVWR, telling you how much weight you can safely add to your trailer. Pay close attention to the cargo carrying capacity if you intend to travel with a lot of gear. 

Tongue Weight

This is the amount of weight pressing down on the hitch ball that is attached to your tow vehicle. It is extremely important to make sure that the tongue weight of a travel trailer does not exceed your tow vehicle’s payload capacity. 

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The New Living Vehicle Micro Home Is an Off-Grid Dream Come True

Designed by Santa Barbara–based Matthew and Joanna Hofmann, the 2022 Living Vehicle travel trailer is an eco-conscious adventurer’s dream. "Our company is about getting off-grid and living your best life," Joanna says. "The 2022 model has a completely new energy system. The ability to capture natural energy from the sun and turn it into raw power that’s stored in a large energy pack for use later is what makes Living Vehicle so capable."

Living Vehicle enables nomadic homeowners to live sustainably while working and traveling.

The home on wheels is clad with aluminum, which is durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting.

The Hofmanns, who call their own Living Vehicle home, started their company in 2017 after Matthew, a LEED-accredited architect, designed and built an Airstream as his office. "The Airstream eventually became my permanent home on a piece of land in Santa Barbara with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean," he says. "I grew up in the rugged mountains of Mammoth Lakes, California, and so I have a fierce passion for the outdoors and creating indoor spaces that seamlessly connect people with the outdoor world."

Rooftop solar panels help to power the home’s major appliances and its heating and cooling.

Joanna, who has a background in nutrition, holistic health, and business, is the company’s chief marketing officer—and her contributions to the small-space design process are invaluable. "One thing I bring to the table is how to make the trailers functional and comfortable enough for everyday living," she says. "There’s a big difference between camping for a weekend and making this your full-time home."

"Living Vehicle was designed to connect people with nature—and its 60-square-foot outdoor deck allows owners to get even closer to it," Joanna says. "Owners can use the deck as an outdoor kitchen, a yoga studio, a place to relax without being bothered by ground bugs, or as a stargazing platform."

Joanna considers elements she found difficult while living in previous micro homes, and she works with Matthew to create solutions. "It’s one of the best things about creating a product that serves real-life, everyday needs," she says. "We’ve lived in so many small spaces together, and I know that if something annoys me, it must be an issue for others. After I found out Matthew worked in the trailer world and wanted to pursue the lifestyle with me, I had a long list of non-negotiables before I’d commit."

The flexible kitchen is equipped with a full-size refrigerator.

A sizable kitchen with plenty of storage was on Joanna’s list of must-haves for the tiny home on wheels—as was a comfortable bathroom. "Making healthy and delicious meals in a small space is possible with the right design," she says. "And above all, I needed a nice bathroom—bathrooms in trailers are notoriously terrible. I wanted a space that felt great when I took my morning shower...a space that connected me to nature."

A removable island provides space for food preparation in the open-plan kitchen.

The new Living Vehicle starts at $250K, and it comes equipped with a kitchen and an ample pantry, extra storage for hobby and exercise gear, a tall closet that accommodates hanging clothes, a spa-like bathroom that connects to the outdoors, and a 60-square-foot outdoor deck. "We found that most small spaces weren’t able to go off-grid for very long, so we wanted to design a full-time off-grid residence with as few limitations as possible," Matthew says.

Sliding glass doors connect the kitchen to the outdoor deck and the landscape beyond.

The four-season residence is designed with an array of flexible spaces—a built-in sectional in the living/dining area converts to a bed for overnight guests, and in the bedroom the queen-size bed turns into an 80-inch desk. "When the bed is put away, some of our customers also use this extra floor space as a children’s play area," Joanna says.

The dining area features a removable table, and it can convert into a lounge or living area.

Clad with aluminum, the tiny home is as durable as it is efficient. "Aluminum is one of the most common natural elements, and it’s a fully recyclable resource," Matthew says. "It’s lightweight, low-maintenance, strong, and will last a lifetime."

The Hofmanns were also drawn to the way aluminum takes on a patina. "It’s an honest material that gets better with daily use and the passing of time," Matthew says. "The oxidation process forms a naturally occurring protective layer that prevents corrosion."

The bedroom has a large viewing screen, a projector, and a queen-size bed.

Sustainability was also an important design consideration for the Hofmanns. According to Joanna, the Living Vehicle has more solar power than most homes. Every year, the couple aims improve on the previous year’s model with the ultimate goal of creating an all-electric, net-zero product. "The 2022 model brings us one step close to that vision," Joanna says.

A laundry area and a tall closet that accommodates hanging clothes are located in the bedroom.

Solar energy can be used to power all of the Living Vehicle’s major appliances, heating, and cooling systems. "With the advent of electric tow vehicles, the near-term vision is to store solar energy and then charge the same truck that pulls the trailer, bringing the concept of a fuel-free world one step closer," Joanna explains.

The bedroom’s queen-size bed folds into the wall and converts into a desk so that the room can be used as an office space.

The company currently delivers to Canada and within the United States—and lately, they’re shipping more models than ever. "One of the effects of the pandemic was an increase in housing prices," Matthew says. "As a result of the pandemic, the 2020 California wildfires, and Texas power outages, Living Vehicle has become a solution for homeowners looking to live simply and freely. People are choosing not to depend on big utility provider corporations that are becoming increasingly unreliable."

A skylight in the spa-like bathroom provides the feeling of showering outdoors.

The couple has also learned that customers simply want a different way of life. "Our typical client is the nomadic homeowner," Joanna says. "If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that commuting to work to grind away at a desk is not the only way to live and be successful. In the last year, professionals have thrived in remote environments, and they are now finding creative ways to be productive while traveling and exploring."

Related Reading:

Living Vehicle Launches New 2020 Luxury Trailer With Off-Grid Living in Mind

A Well-Traveled Couple Launch a Line of Sleek Homes on Wheels 

Project Credits:

Design: Living Vehicle  /  @livingvehicle

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Solar power

Electric campers, check out this 100% electric travel trailer that packs more solar power than most homes.

The new 2024 Living Vehicle HD is the perfect solution for those looking to explore the outer limits of what nature has to offer. The Living Vehicle HD takes off-grid adventuring to the next level, featuring the most solar power ever installed on an electric travel trailer and a unique water regeneration system that can create its own water supply.

Meet the electric solar-powered off-grid luxury travel trailer

Founded in 2017 by a team of LEED-certified professionals, Living Vehicle has been developing a completely self-supporting, net-zero, luxury mobile space designed to unlock the adventure in all.

Emerging as a self-sustaining, off-grid, luxury powerhouse, Living Vehicle has unveiled what it calls “the most powerful, solar-powered, all-electric luxury travel trailer on earth,” the 2024 Living Vehicle HD Pro.

The purely electric travel trailer is a 30-foot-long living solution with a truly independent energy system free from utilities.

A dual awning features the most solar installed on a travel trailer, extending out on each side to allow for more capacity.

The expandable wall-to-wall solar panels allow up to 4.4 kW capacity (6 kW OPT) that feeds into 72 kWh of energy storage, allowing the travel trailer to explore the great outdoors without worrying.

With a 240 V mini-split heat and air system alongside a fully insulated interior, the electric travel trailer is designed to excel from sub-zero -4F temperatures to desert heat of 120F or higher with a 24k BTU airconditioning system.

All-electric 2024 Living Vehicle HD interior

On the inside, the electric solar-powered travel trailer offers 5-star-hotel-like amenities, including a king-size bed, spa-style rain shower, and a chef-designed kitchen, all to yourself anywhere you want.

The bedroom features a residential wardrobe with a 6-ft wide closet and integrated washer/dryer combo.

In the kitchen, you will find a 13-cubic-foot solar refrigerator and a cooktop alongside a movable kitchen island. The dining table can convert to a coffee table, allowing maximum interior flexibility.

Each model is custom-built, offering several different layout options, such as a mobile office suite, a queen bedroom suite with significant storage and rest areas, and a twin bedroom suite.

The outside features a folding patio deck that automatically lowers and raises, so you can genuinely enjoy the elements you are exploring.

One of the coolest features of the new travel trailer is the water regeneration system. The travel trailer can create up to 5 gallons of water per day by extracting humidity from the air to extend off-grid time.

Living Vehicle says production of the HD electric travel trailer is underway, and the company is accepting orders for 2024 deliveries on its website . To get your hands on one, prices start at $459,995.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising

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A Self-Propelled, Battery-Powered Travel Trailer From Tesla & Other Auto-Tech Alums — A CleanTechnica Exclusive

My first impressions of the Lightship L1 battery-powered travel trailer are all about the design. Clean, sleek lines. Windows with smoky glass and subtle privacy blinds dominate the RV’s façade. A long length — this is a substantial RV for extensive travel. With a starting price of $125,000 or $118,400 after an available tax credit, this travel trailer is targeted at a fairly affluent segment of the RV consumer crowd.

A team of former Tesla, Rivian, Proterra, and Lucid alums leveraged their experience in automotive EV development to build the Lightship L1. It’s an aerodynamic, battery-powered travel trailer, the first purpose-built travel trailer with a self-propulsion system that enables near zero range or mile-per-gallon efficiency loss for the vehicle towing it. The electric powertrain with up to 80 kWh of onboard battery capacity allows the trailer to propel itself and achieve near-zero range or efficiency loss for the tow vehicle. Thus, a 300-mile range EV used to tow it remains a 300-mile range EV, and a 25-mpg gas truck remains a 25-mpg gas truck.

In keeping with the Tesla disruptive approach to transportation, Lightship is taking a “clean-sheet approach” to building an all-electric RV. Its hyper-efficient design is 3 times more aerodynamic than a traditional travel trailer, allowing for longer range and greater efficiency.

Its specifications include:

• Length : 27 ft
• Width : 8 ft 6 in
• Height : 6 ft 9 in (road mode); 10 ft (camp mode)
• Gross Vehicle Weight : 7,500 lb (fully loaded)
• Sleeping capacity : 4-6 depending on configuration

Its sustainability details:

• A no-compromise battery system that can provide a week of off-grid power without charging
• Up to 3 kW of solar power, so the RV can power the living needs of its occupants and eliminates the reliance on propane and other fossil fuels
• An ecosystem of all-electric appliances, connected features, and modern amenities

Like Tesla models, Lightship sells its products directly to US consumers on the company’s website . It is available now for a $500 pre-order, with production expected to begin in late 2024.

A Bit of Background about Lightship

Founded in 2020 and based in San Francisco and Boulder, Lightship is symbolic of the macro transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem. It brings the increased convenience and performance that electrification offers to a pastime enjoyed by 1 in 10 US families.

Lightship completed a Series A funding round in the summer of 2022, led by Victoria Beasley of Prelude Ventures and a Seed funding round in 2021 led by Andrew Beebe of Obvious Ventures. Other Lightship investors include Congruent Ventures, My Climate Journey, HyperGuap, Alumni Ventures, Climactic, and Tony Fadell’s Build Collective.

Prior to co-founding Lightship, Ben Parker took his university experience building hybrid-electric race cars to Tesla , where he spent 5 years as a battery engineer. He worked on the Model 3, Tesla’s first mass-market car, designing and validating parts, inventing and developing new manufacturing processes, and helping ramp the program out of battery “ production hell ” and into stable, high-volume production. As a longtime gearhead and EV geek with a passion for sustainable travel, Ben aims to bring the RV industry into the electric age, starting with Lightship’s fully electric and aerodynamic travel trailer.

Toby Kraus is the co-founder and president of Lightship. Toby spent 5 years at Tesla, where he held several roles including leading Tesla’s finance team and overseeing product management for the Model S . In 2016, Toby took his passion for vehicle electrification to Proterra, where he led the Proterra Powered business unit, responsible for the deployment of Proterra’s heavy-duty electric vehicle technology to numerous commercial vehicle products. In co-founding Lightship, Toby was inspired to push electrification into a new segment and to new demographics who haven’t been previously served by the electrification movement.

CleanTechnica Exclusive: Interview with Ben & Toby

In the press release, Ben explains, “One in 10 American families own an RV, but the RV industry hasn’t experienced innovation for decades.” He also notes that the Lightship 1 is “not an ancient RV that’s been ‘electrified.'”

Q: Why do you feel the RV industry has been so reluctant to implement changes? What innovations did you apply to the Lightning L1 that were inspired by your work with previous tech-oriented automakers?

Perhaps the mentality has been that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but the problem is that it is broken! Quality issues plague the industry, and the rise of electric passenger cars necessitate a wholesale rethink (towards greater efficiency and great new designs that incorporate sustainable thinking) of the recreational vehicle so that long-range, clean, and satisfying RV road trips are an option for people in the future.

Q: You mention in the press release that “Lightship is changing the industry forever for the better.” What is Lightship doing that is so different than other RV manufacturers who are looking ahead to 2030 and a zero emissions future?

We approached designing an all-electric RV from the ground up, designing for the new constraints (e.g. battery energy density) and opportunities (e.g. clean, quiet, seamless onboard power) that electrification poses, and the product that resulted, our L1, is simpler and more efficient than a traditional travel trailer on many fronts (range, cost per mile, onboard energy efficiency, purposeful and human-centered design features, centralized digital infotainment system – among others). As a company starting from scratch, we get to ask holistic questions like “what does the ideal RV travel and camping experience look and feel like?” and answer those questions over time with our products and business model.

Q: The stagnation of the RV industry is partially the result of the market being dominated by only a few large companies, Ben says. What has the experience been like to coalesce a group of like-minded innovators who were committed to alter the way that RVs are manufactured?

It has been a dream, and the dream has only just begun! We love that we get the opportunity to bring our skills and passions to an industry that is relatively untouched by modern technology and product development practices. The ultimate outcome for us will be making RVing easier and more accessible, more enjoyable, and more environmentally sustainable for present and future generations.

Q: Your website says that you all “spent thousands of hours in the virtual wind tunnel for a towable that’s sleek and stable, floating down the road with ease.” What kind of data did you look for in your early wind tunnel experiments? What were the most important takeaways that you gained from the wind tunnel testing?

Aerodynamics engineering work was the first area of focus in developing the product concept. We used automotive simulation tools and worked with a great aerodynamicist who comes from an automotive background. We ran many rounds of iterative simulation and geometry development to minimize the frontal area of our travel trailer and the combined coefficient of drag of the tow vehicle and L1. We continue to refine our vehicle exterior to optimize the L1’s aerodynamic performance, setting a high bar in the industry and maximizing the towing range we offer our customers.

Q: Toby says that “we are leveraging our expertise in automotive EV development and design.” What specific experiences were applicable to creating the Lightning L1?

There are many lessons and best practices across design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, quality control, and user experience design (among others) that we’re applying from our time working on electric vehicles in the auto industry. Engineering from first principles and minimizing production complexity by reducing the number of possible product variants while still offering customers high-value customization opportunities are a couple of key concepts to call out.

Q: Please contrast the experience of traveling in the Lightship 1 with typical RVs and their “inefficient, unreliable product designs and a power experience that relies on smelly, noisy, gas or propane generators.”

“Set it and forget it.” The idea we strive for is a product that is comfortable, easy to use, looks great and has thoughtful design features that surprise and delight. It is long-range and provides worry-free power to run your appliances and power your campsite (e.g., charge your EV), and lasts for generations of use.

Q: Toby’s bio explains that he wants “to create a more environmentally conscious world – in hopes that his son and daughter can roadtrip in the Rocky Mountains and backpack the same trails he grew to love as a kid.” How does that translate into halting more habitat and biodiversity loss?

RVing is massively popular and, we believe, a pastime that has the potential to appeal to even more demographics of people if we are able to create products that are easy to use, super-efficient and beautifully designed. For me personally, RVing has created an opportunity for my family to venture into the outdoors in a much more practical and enjoyable way (I used to just throw a backpack on and hike into the woods and sleep in a tent, not so easy with two young kids…). We are motivated to not only make the pastime of RVing sustainable which will have the direct effect of improving our planet but also to invite more types of people into the activity because we believe that the more people that are able to connect with nature, the more they will want to preserve the outdoors for generations to come.

Q: What kinds of “amazing experience(s) of traveling in the outdoors” do you envision the Lightship 1 travelers to enjoy?

You name it! The beauty of an RV that looks great, has clean and quiet power for days, and can go long distances is that there are a lot of things it can do and places it can go. Some people will go to state and national parks with them, others will dry camp on BLM land or at Hipcamp sites, others will go to sports games and music festivals to tailgate and lounge in comfort. People may use Lightships at remote or low-services job sites, others may use them as an ADU (home office, guest bedroom, etc. ) on the same property where they live … the possibilities for a product that is an EV / solar system, a modern living space, and a consumer electronics product are vast. Ben, for one, plans to use his L1 as a pop-up food truck from time to time and has preemptively roped his girlfriend into the endeavor.

Q: The Lightship L1 was a finalist in the 2023 SXSW Innovation Awards design category. How did that competition go? What kind of reactions did the Lightship L1 receive?

The reaction to Lightship from the crowd, members of the media, RV industry veterans, and design judges at SXSW in Austin was exceptional! Even our musical guests (who performed at our outdoor venue each night) were wowed by the L1 prototype and spoke enthusiastically about the product between songs. We had visitors who flew halfway across the country to see our prototype in person after having seen it on our website which went live a few days before the event. People visiting SXSW from Europe told us that the L1 was the most exciting “caravan” they’d ever seen. We could not have asked for a better reaction to our public unveil and are hugely appreciative for all the support we’ve received so far. Your support galvanizes us towards production next year!

Q: Ben’s mission is to “advance the electrification of everything and bring Americans of all stripes together – on the road, around the campfire, and into the great outdoors. There’s an undercurrent in this vision of conflict resolution, peaceable societies, or even using nature as a bridge to building commonality.” What would Ben say to that synthesis and the place of the Lightship L1 as a mechanism to accomplish social good?

Ben would say (in fact, is saying) that he agrees. There are few settings as disarming and humanizing as the campground; it is so easy to connect and share experiences with people from all walks of life across the campfire or out together on a beautiful hike. That is my experience every time I hit the road for an outdoor road trip. It’s a turbulent time in our country’s history, and I hope that Lightship can help promote healing and unifying conversations and great lifelong connections forged in the outdoors.

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Carolyn Fortuna, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and educator with a lifelong dedication to ecojustice. Carolyn has won awards from the Anti-Defamation League, The International Literacy Association, and The Leavey Foundation. Carolyn invest in Tesla and owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y -- as well as a 2017 Chevy Bolt. Buying a Tesla? Use my referral link: https://ts.la/carolyn80886 Please follow Carolyn on Substack: https://carolynfortuna.substack.com/.

Carolyn Fortuna has 1412 posts and counting. See all posts by Carolyn Fortuna

The Living Vehicle Is Equipped To Take You Off Grid For Weeks

By: Author Shannon Adrian

Posted on Published: 12/14/2017  - Last updated: 06/27/2022

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When it comes to sustainable living, there’s no better person to design the ideal off grid, mobile tiny home than an architect who has firsthand experience living a minimalist, mobile life on a daily basis.

A decade ago, Matthew Hofmann, architect at Hofmann Architecture , gave up conventional living and all the unnecessary clutter that went with it to start his own firm and reside full time in a renovated Airstream.

This began his vision for creating a sustainable, self-sufficient, mobile living space designed to withstand rugged terrain and support its occupants off the grid. The result: Living Vehicle, an RV capable of sustaining two people completely off the grid for weeks at a time.

Images © Living Vehicle

To Hofmann, sustainability means more than just using recycled materials or equipping a home for off the grid living. It’s the idea of endurance – making a home capable of supporting life and  building it to last a lifetime.

Living Vehicle is designed to do both, giving occupants a sustainable, mobile living space equipped to withstand a variety of terrain and weather conditions for a lifetime of use. It does so beautifully, with features not typically found in RVs.

Living Vehicle

We believe that the key to a sustainable life is choosing the values that matter most and living accordingly. Driven by honesty, passion and ingenuity, Living Vehicle is the culmination of Matthew Hofmann’s decade of experience designing and living in mobile spaces. The mission of Living Vehicle is to innovate the future of sustainable housing by creating self-contained vehicles that are capable of supporting human life perpetually.

The Living Vehicle’s kitchen features a deep stainless steel sink, a movable island with storage, a pantry, and plenty of cabinet storage. And unlike most tiny houses or RVs, it is equipped with full-sized appliances, including a stainless steel fridge, dishwasher, convection oven, and microwave.

The spacious dining area seats six people and can double as a place to relax and watch the wall-mounted widescreen television.

Above the dining area, a hidden bed is built into the ceiling that can be lowered with an electronic switch. The bed comfortably sleeps two and stores away in “ready to go” condition, fully made with sheets and pillows, so it is ready to use immediately when lowered.

For travelers looking to stay connected while enjoying their adventures, the home is equipped with a WIFI and cell-based LTE antenna which connect to a router inside the living area, giving occupants a variety of options for connecting to internet services.

Lighting comes from the energy-efficient LED lights with dimming switches found throughout, all powered by a rooftop solar panel system connected to a lithium battery bank.

Two frosted glass skylights provide additional light inside the home, the largest of which provides nighttime views above the queen bed in the bedroom suite.

A beautiful teak wall in the shower doubles as a place to mount hooks or shelving when additional storage is needed. This, in addition to the rain shower head and towel warmer, make this room seem more like a luxurious spa than an RV bathroom.

To efficiently maximize storage areas, the bedroom closet houses a dresser and both upper and lower shelves for storing shoes, clothes, and other household necessities. A digital safe is also mounted into the closet for securing valuables.

With years of mobile living experience, Matthew has designed some of the most lifestyle-improving features into this package to spend more time enjoying life and less time cleaning and maintaining your vehicle. The innovative Washer/Dryer combo is the highlight, with the capacity to both wash and dry clothing in the same cycle with no need to switch over. A supplemental gray-water tank adds to the capacity of the system. For easy, on-the-go cleaning, a central-vac system is outstanding news for those with allergies – taking dust, dander, and debris and extracting through the included hose to an outdoor accessed compartment. Trash is a constant issue in mobile living, so we created a dedicated Trash-Chute to an exterior accessed double trash can on a pull out slider. Living Vehicle is extremely well equipped to support long-term off-the-grid living. We estimate that in a temperate climate, with mindful water usage and consistent sunlight to re-power the solar battery bank, Living Vehicle could support 2 people living off-the-grid for up to 1 month or longer.

Living Vehicle is meant to be taken off road. It has high clearance, rigid framing, and aluminum siding that together allow it to withstand rigorous off road conditions. It is also equipped with high insulation values that allow it to be used in all seasons, hot or cold.

The number of amazing, thoughtful details that went into the design of this RV are just too numerous to list in their entirety. The package includes security systems; features to minimize and utilize waste; off grid water, solar, and battery systems; deliberately designed outdoor recreation spaces; and more. Check out the Living Vehicle Features page to see them all for yourself.

You can also view the impressive list of specs on the Living Vehicle here – Living Vehicle specs

8 Best Travel Trailers Without Slideouts

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While it might seem like nearly all the travel trailers on the market have slideouts, that’s far from the case. In fact, there are plenty of awesome travel trailers without slideouts available, with lots of different features and configurations.

Let’s take a closer look at slideouts, why you might want a trailer without one, and the best travel trailers without slideouts you can find right now.

What is a Slide Out on a Travel Trailer?

A slideout is essentially a room extension in a travel trailer that expands outward to increase your living space. They’re a common feature in many travel trailers and other kinds of RVs. They typically expand and retract at the push of a button.

A travel trailer slideout lets you have extra space when stationary and still has the trailer stay a road legal width for transport. A travel trailer’s slideout usually contains furniture, kitchen appliances, and/or cabinetry.

What’s the Benefit of Having a Travel Trailer Without Slideouts?

While travel trailer slideouts are convenient, there are definite benefits to getting a trailer without one.

• Less Maintenance – slideouts are an extra item in the trailer that needs to be maintained – and an extra point of failure. Fixing a broken slideout can be costly, and they’re a common source of leaks and insulation issues in many travel trailers. If you get a trailer without a slideout, you won’t have to worry about any of that.
• Less Weight – Not having a slideout also means your trailer weighs less (typically), making it easier to tow. Slideout-less trailers are often cheaper than travel trailers with a slideout.
• Lower Price – travel trailers without slideouts are typically less expensive than those with slideouts. If you want to see some less expensive trailers, check out our article called 10 Best Travel Trailers Under $25,000 .

Check out this YouTube video below that shows some great travel trailers without slides!

Now that we know a bit more about slideouts and the benefits of owning a trailer without one let’s look at the 8 best travel trailers without slideouts you can buy right now.

1. Jayco Jay Feather Micro 173MRB

Our Pros and Cons

✅ This Jay Feather Micro has a non-folding mattress, so it’s replaceable!

⛔ Some may prefer a sofa instead of a dinette.

• UVW: 3,980 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 440 lbs.
• Length: 20.10 ft.
• GVWR: 4,995 lbs.
• CCC: 1,015 lbs.

Thanks in part to being a travel trailer without a slideout, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 173RMB is the lightest trailer offered by Jayco. It features a combination sofa and Murphy bed, as well as a dinette providing seating and sleeping space for a small family.

Also in the trailer is a kitchenette with a three-burner stove and microwave. There’s a flip-up counter for more prep space. If you love outdoor cooking, this trailer includes an exterior Jayport system with a 17-inch griddle.

Other notable features include a spacious full bath, a 32–inch” LED TV, and a 13-foot awning. Multiple solar packages are also available for the Jay Feather Micro 173MRB, allowing you to go off-grid with ease.

2. Travel Lite Rove Lite

✅ The Rove Lite has a lot of space for a travel trailer this size!

⛔ You may want to bring a TV table or 2 for extra counter space.

• UVW: 1,702 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 188 lbs.
• Length: 16.5 ft.
• GVWR: 2,500 lbs.
• CCC: 798 lbs.

The Travel Lite Rove Lite is an ultra-lightweight, compact, and affordable travel trailer without a slideout. The trailer can be easily towed by smaller vehicles like SUVs or Jeeps, providing sufficient space for two people to live comfortably inside.

Choose from various floorplan options, with convertible sofa beds and a front dinette for sleeping and sitting. All floor plans include a kitchen with a two-burner cooktop and a wet bath.

Optional equipment includes a power tongue jack, stabilizer jacks, an electric awning, and a 32” HDTV.

3. Casita Heritage Standard

✅ The front bench and side dinette have bunk attachments to sleep 6.

⛔ The Deluxe package sacrifices the front bench for a wet bath and full closet.

• UVW: 2,210 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 295 lbs.
• Length: 17 ft.
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
• CCC: 1,290 lbs.

If you need a travel trailer with no slideout but have a big family or want to travel with a large group, it’s hard to beat the Casita Heritage Standard . Despite lacking a slideout, this compact trailer can sleep up to 6 people thanks to its dinette double bed and two sets of bunk beds.

This trailer also packs in a kitchenette with a fridge and two-burner stove, plus plenty of storage, so there’s space for everybody’s gear.

Plenty of optional add-ons are available, like a furnace to keep you warm in the winter months, a microwave for quick lunches, solar panels for off-grid, an HD TV for easy entertainment, and an outdoor shower to keep the dirt outside.

4. KZ Escape E18 Hatch

✅ The hatch door makes the Escape Hatch perfect for non-motor toys!

⛔ The bathroom sink is sacrificed for more commode space.

• UVW: 3,490 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 560 lbs.
• Length: 22 ft.
• GVWR: 4,220 lbs.
• CCC: 2,930 lbs.

The KZ Escape E18 Hatch is a unique travel trailer with a hatch door that opens up and out from the rear of the trailer. The 54×80-inch power bed that raises and lowers makes the Escape E18 Hatch a toy hauler, with easy rear access to gear like kayaks and more.

The E18 Hatch has a dry bath and a well-equipped kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and two-burner stove. Plus, the convertible L lounge in the front of the trailer provides a dining space during the day and extra sleeping space at night.

5. Lance 2075

✅ The 2075’s rear RV outdoor kitchen is excellent for RV tailgating!

⛔ This travel trailer is heavy for its length.

• UVW: 4,930 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 530 lbs.
• Length: 25 ft.
• GVWR: 6,800 lbs.
• CCC: 1,870 lbs.

With both an interior kitchen and a fold-out RV outdoor kitchen in the rear, the Lance 2075 travel trailer is perfect for anyone who loves to cook. Boasting a modern, chic interior design, the Lance 2075 is a cozy trailer without a slideout – but with many great features.

Thanks to the deluxe queen bed and convertible dinette, the Lance 2075 comfortably sleeps up to 4 people. You’ll find a spacious full bath midship, with a Shower Miser to save on water and keep you camping longer.

Other great standard features include a JBL portable speaker, a JBL AM/FM stereo with a subwoofer, and a 24-inch TV. You can also add on great optional features, like up to 380 watts of solar or a second TV.

6. Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DJSE

✅ Forest River’s Cherokee Brand is excellent with “stick and tin” construction!

⛔ You may want to replace the shower curtain with something more solid.

• UVW: 4,596 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 574 lbs.
• Length: 29.6 ft.
• GVWR: 7,574 lbs.
• CCC: 2,978 lbs.

Do you want a travel trailer without a slideout that still has space for the whole family or even for entertaining? The Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DJSE gives you just that, thanks to a queen bed, rear double bed bunk beds, a dinette, and a sofa.

Cherokee is popular with their conventional-built (stick and tin) travel trailers that use wood frames and corrugated aluminum as the shell. Their Grey Wolf Line is their most popular series.

The kitchen is equipped to feed everyone with a four-burner stove and oven, a microwave, and a fridge. You’ll find a full bath with a combination tub/shower in the back with bunk beds. You’ll find a TV mount, a 15’ awning, and access to the exterior storage outside the trailer.

7. Cruiser RV Stryker ST2313

✅ Cruiser RV’s sliding king bed makes the most out of storage and sleeping space!

⛔ Make sure you strap down your adventure toys tight, so they don’t ruin the oven controls.

• UVW: 6,740 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 860 lbs.
• Length: 27.6 ft.
• GVWR: 11,260 lbs.
• CCC: 4,472 lbs.

The Cruiser RV Stryker ST2313 is a toy hauler with no slideout but plenty of sleeping space. This unit features a king bed up front in the enclosed master bedroom, plus a power queen bed that lowers down in the rear garage. Below the power bed, you’ll find opposing sofas with a dinette, which can be stored away to make room in the garage for your gear.

In the main living area, you’ll find the kitchen with a three-burner stove, oven, microwave, and fridge, as well as a swivel recliner. This trailer also features a full bath, accessible from the master bedroom and the main living area.

8. Airstream Classic 33FB

✅ You’ll enjoy the RV office space and projector TV!

⛔ You’ll need a 1/2 ton truck with a heavy-duty tow package or bigger to pull this one.

• UVW: 8,375 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 1,000 lbs.
• Length: 33.3 ft.
• GVWR: 10,000 lbs.
• CCC: 1,625 lbs.

Airstream is the biggest name in the world of travel trailers without slideouts, and the Airstream Classic 33FB is one that’s made to impress.

This luxurious trailer features a comfortable and contemporary interior design, with plenty of space to lounge and sleep. The main living area features a powered dinette, a reclining lounge, and a spacious kitchen with the best residential-like appliances.

In the front of the trailer, you’ll find the master bedroom with a power queen bed that adjusts so you can sit or sleep elevated. In the rear, a super spacious full bath provides extra luxury with a heated towel rack and a heated floor in the shower (perfect for chilly fall RVing).

Are you a digital nomad? The 33FB has a media cabinet, and an RV desk space gives you the perfect workplace. At the end of the day, kick back and enjoy a 60” projection TV screen that raises and lowers.

Understanding Travel Trailer Slideouts

Let’s take a closer look at travel trailer slideouts, their advantages and disadvantages, and the essential information to know about them.

What’s the Advantage of Having a Travel Trailer with Slides?

Travel trailers with slides have advantages. While they’re not without downsides, a slideout lets you have extra space in your trailer while still being compact enough to transport easily. Having a slideout can mean having larger furniture, wider floor space, or other components that otherwise wouldn’t fit in the trailer.

Are Travel Trailers Without Slides Small?

While a travel trailer without slides can sometimes have less space, that doesn’t mean they’re small. In fact, plenty of travel trailers without slides are quite large. The Airstream Classic 33FB comes in at a whopping 33 feet and 3 inches long – that’s not small!

That said, there are also plenty of super compact trailers without slideouts. These trailers are perfect if you have a light-duty tow vehicle, like an SUV. The Travel Lite Rove Lite comes in at only 16 feet and 5 inches long.

Do Slides Often Cause Problems on Travel Trailers?

While proper maintenance can help you avoid problems with your slideout, just like with any other moving part on your RV, they can still cause issues. Mechanical issues in your RV are inevitable.

A broken motor or other malfunction can leave you with a slideout that doesn’t open or close, resulting in a trailer you can’t properly use. Slideouts are also common points for leaks to occur in an RV.

Does an Awning Count as a Slideout?

No, an awning isn’t considered a slideout. However, slideouts have their own awnings (known simply as “slideout awnings”) attached to the top, protecting them from the elements.

Do Travel Trailer Slideouts Need Support?

Most travel trailer slideouts don’t need extra support and are designed to be supported by the trailer itself. Slideout stabilizers can be a good idea, especially if camping on uneven ground.

Stabilizers can provide more stability, prevent sag, and potentially improve the lifespan of the slideout.

The problem with travel trailer slideout supports is that the rubber seals rely on the weight of the slideout box’s weight to keep a tight seal. By distributing the slideout box weight on these supports, you could inadvertently loosen the seals around your slideout.

Only use a travel trailer slideout support if you see significant sag and not with Schwintek mechanisms. For more info about different types of slideout mechanisms check out this article from RVBlogger called 5 Best RV Slide Out Mechanisms Today .

Are RV Slideouts Dangerous?

While RV slideouts rarely cause any dangerous issues, it’s not impossible. Improper use of the slide can lead to it breaking, potentially injuring anyone inside.

Slides can affect the weight balance of your trailer, potentially making an accident more likely if your trailer weight isn’t properly distributed.

That said, with proper care, you’re unlikely to face any extra danger from your trailer slideout. Simply be sure to balance your weight properly and stay on top of maintenance.

What Happens if you Leave Your Camper Slideout While Driving?

One of the only times a travel trailer slideout is 100% guaranteed to be dangerous is if you leave it out when driving. Doing so puts extra strain on your RV, leading to mechanical damage to the slide and the trailer in general.

Leaving your slide out also makes you too wide for the road and makes your tow vehicle harder to control.

What Happens if you Leave Slides out During Storage?

While some people leave their slides out during storage, it’s not recommended.

Leaving the slideout extended means more pressure on the slide mechanisms. This means increased wear on the slideout, leading to a sagging slide, leaky seals, and even pest intrusion into the RV. Because of this, you should always leave your slides in during storage.

What Are the Most Common Problems with RV Slides?

The most common problems with RV slides include:

• Lubrication issues, such as lubrication drying up
• Motor burnout
• Power issues
• Leaky seals
• Foreign objects in the mechanism

You can fix most problems on your slideout yourself. But sometimes, you may have to pay a professional for repairs.

Do Travel Trailers Without Slides Last Longer?

A travel trailer without a slideout should theoretically last longer than one with a slideout box. While many more factors go into trailer longevity, not having a slideout means your trailer has one less point of failure and one less thing that needs maintenance.

Do Travel Trailers Without Slideouts Hold Their Value Longer?

Like any RV, a travel trailer without slideouts will hold its value longer with proper maintenance and kept in good repair.

Back in the 1990s, when slideouts first appeared, travel trailers without slideouts had bad resale values because RVers only wanted RVs with slideouts.

Today, RVs with slides are becoming popular again. So if you can keep yours in the best shape possible, you’ll get a good price when you sell.

Are Travel Trailers Without Slideouts Self-Sustaining?

A self-sustaining travel trailer has a bathroom and a holding tank system. At some campgrounds and for programs like Harvest Hosts , having a self-sustaining or self-contained trailer is a requirement.

Whether or not your travel trailer has a slideout doesn’t directly affect if your trailer is self-sustaining. Slideout or not, as long as your trailer has both a bathroom and a holding tank system, you’re good to go.

Is it Worth Buying a Travel Trailer Without Slideouts?

It’s definitely worth it to buy a travel trailer without slideouts. If you get a travel trailer with no slideout, you can often save some money and get a trailer that’s lighter in weight.

Not having a slideout means one less point of failure, meaning less maintenance and less worry.

There are plenty of great options for trailers with no slideouts, from the compact Travel Lite Rove Lite to the super spacious Airstream Classic. Whatever your needs, one of the trailers on our list will be the right fit for you.

Related Reading:

– Do Airstreams Have Slide-Outs? – 8 Best Pop-Up Campers with Slide-Outs – Why Do RV Slides Have Carpet?

About the author:

Jennifer Jennings is a full-time RVer and part-time van lifer. She is one half of DashboardDrifters.com and the founder of RVSpotDrop, a web service for full-time RVers.

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Storms, relentless sun, howling winds — the nastier the Earth gets, the comfier this self-sufficient trailer home becomes.

Preppers and glampers unite, there’s now a camp trailer you can agree on. The sCarabane prototype could mark the future of off-grid camp—er, glamping.

The two-ton, 25-foot trailer folds out into a 2.5 bedroom, power-independent mobile home that allows you and the family to vacation indefinitely. It’s the trailer Optimus Prime would have if he were into the great outdoors.

sCarabane Off-Grid Camper

On the road, the sCarabane looks like a substantial pull-behind. But it truly impresses once it’s parked.

Both sidewalls fold down, creating a covered deck on one side. There are sleeping quarters on the other end.

Its off-grid features are as impressive. A vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) pushes upward, solar cells unfold, and a large parabolic mirror concentrates heat.

The turbine and solar cells each give 500 watts of juice to provide power for your electronics. The giant mirror heats up water for a sink and shower.

Set up takes about 30 minutes, according to sCarabane’s designers, Green Cat Technologies, which is based in France.

Inside, the trailer sports a large adult bedroom and a kids’ bedroom with two beds. A half-bedroom/den offers a third lounge area.

The kitchen has a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and propane-powered stove.

Trailer Rotates With Sun

We have not seen this point of innovation: To be more effective off-grid, the deployed trailer sits on a large rotating disc.

With it, the trailer can be programmed to track the sun and capture as much energy as possible. See a demonstration in the video below.

The sCarabane is still a prototype and its launch date has yet to be set. Price is TBD. But the good news is Green Cat Technology is full steam ahead to bring this to market.

The brand notes it’s adding rainwater collectors and nano-filtration to make it 100 percent self-sufficient and off-grid.

Once complete, the sCarabane will let owners bring a mini luxury home to remote destinations anywhere around the world, with power, heat, and clean water available on demand and off-grid.

Adam Ruggiero is the Editor in Chief of GearJunkie and host of the GearJunkie Podcast. He cut his teeth as a freelancer, and then news reporter for the site in 2015.

Along with founder Stephen Regenold and Editorial Director Sean McCoy, Ruggiero graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism. He was the recipient of the 2022 Outdoor Media Summit “Editor of the Year” award, and regularly co-hosts the industry’s “Gear Guide” at both summer and winter Outdoor Retailer trade shows.

In addition to accurate and impartial news reporting, and compelling, original storytelling, his interests include camping in all climates and conditions, track cycling and bikepacking, all forms of fitness, the resplendent majesty of coffee, and sports of every kind.

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Camp (or Ride Out the Apocalypse) in this Self-Sufficient Camper

Green, sustainable living (think tiny houses ) is a trend that’s thankfully here to stay. Today’s homes aim to do more with less, and such forward-thinking design has extended to the realm of camping. To that end, French innovator Green Cat Technologies has unveiled plans for the forthcoming sCarabane . The one-of-a-kind caravan is not only beautiful, but designed to be an almost entirely self-sufficient camper.

Like many campers, the sCarabane is easily towable with just about any mid-size SUV. But its remarkable slide-out features differ from anything on the market today. The Transformer-like design folds up to a compact 25.6 feet long, 9.2 feet high, and 8.2 feet wide, belying the clever engineering origami within. Once deployed — which the company promises can be handled by one person in about 30 minutes — it resembles a retro-futuristic getaway pad like those envisioned by progressive architects of the mid-20th century.

The exterior walls pop out to reveal a large (for a camper) indoor/outdoor space that includes a full kitchen, two bedrooms (one of which is a 77.5-square-foot master), and a dining area that doubles as a third sleep space. There’s also a dry bathroom with a sink, toilet, shower, and an ultra-efficient compact washing machine. A large, rotating bubble window guarantees plenty of natural light, and two rose-shaped windows integrated into the bedroom roofs allow those inside to control the flow of light. The entire interior space opens to a spacious, 140-square-foot walk-out deck.

Living area aside, one of sCarabane’s best assets is its sustainability and self-sufficiency. Hardcore road-trippers know that going off-grid is the best way to travel just about anywhere overland. A custom parabolic mirror atop the unit tracks the sun while a telescoping, vertical-axis wind turbine generates 500 watts of renewable energy. The included supplementary solar cells provide another 500 watts. What’s more, the entire unit sits on a 360-degree track to allow it to rotate for maximum wind and solar energy capture. All of these features provide near-limitless sources of hot water, heat, and electricity to allow you to venture as far off the beaten path as you like.

The sCarabane is currently under development. While it still relies on bottled propane for cooking, the company’s goal is to release a model that’s entirely self-sufficient. This includes designing systems that can harvest and filter rainwater indefinitely. Unfortunately, no price or release date has been set, so campers will need to wait. For those seeking a bug-out pad to ride out the zombie apocalypse, however, these 3D-printed homes  from PassivDom should do the trick.

Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other carrier. The airline’s network grows even more on December 4, 2024, when it adds Sydney, Australia to the mix. Marking the company’s second venture into the continent, the new routes fly four times weekly through Kuala Lumpur, on Airbus A350-900 aircraft.  The airline will also add non-stop routes in the future when it receives suitable airplanes. 

Turkish Airlines’ Sydney routes are a positive for both countries Sydney Opera House Matthew de Rivera via Unsplash Besides bolstering Turkish Airlines’ regional presence, the routes also strengthen ties between Turkey and Australia, helping drive trade, culture exchange, and tourism. Industry and government leaders expressed their optimism regarding the new flights. About the new addition to global airline’s flight network, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat commented: “We are happy to announce the launch of our Sydney route, which opens another chapter for us in the continent. This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg.” Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “I am thrilled that Turkish Airlines is touching down in Sydney for the first time, providing European travellers with direct access to our state’s world-class visitor experiences. The NSW Government has worked closely with Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines to secure this new service. Sydney is the gateway to Australia and supporting this new route holds enormous potential for the growth of the state’s visitor economy.” Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, commented: “This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub. We are proud that Turkish Airlines Sydney and NSW for their first non-stop service which is a strong endorsement of everything our city and state has to offer. In the meantime, passengers will get to experience Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service from Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur in December 2024. With more than 15,000 Turkish-born Australians in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, we’re confident this service will be strongly supported. Today’s announcement is also incredibly important for the Sydney and NSW economies and speaks to the impact of international aviation in supporting our visitor economy. We’re looking forward to Turkish Airlines inaugural flight and growing their services in the years to come.”

Planning a scenic getaway to enjoy the gorgeous color of autumn that say it's fall? Look no further! The 2024 fall foliage map, recently released by SmokyMountains.com, is your ultimate tool for timing that perfect trip. This interactive map predicts peak fall foliage across the U.S. using a combination of temperature data, tree species, and other factors to provide the most accurate forecast.

Whether you’re headed to the mountains or a local park, this guide will help you catch nature’s stunning display at its finest. Ready to chase the fall colors? Let’s dive into how this map can make your trip unforgettable.  Using the 2024 fall foliage map

Are you dreaming of sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters? The Caribbean is calling! With more than 700 islands, reefs, and cays spread across 30 territories, planning your perfect getaway can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a single destination to relax and unwind or eager to island-hop and explore multiple paradises, we’ve got you covered. We’ll guide you through the best Caribbean islands to visit, each offering its own unique attributes. Ready to discover your next tropical escape?  Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia, an island nation in the eastern Caribbean, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and iconic Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering over 2,000 feet, these twin volcanic spires dominate the landscape, offering incredible views and unforgettable experiences.