Go car camping with the SwissRoomBox
Ingenious portable camping system turns your compact car, van or wagon into the "world's smallest motorhome"Switzerland is renowned for its clever devices, from the versatile Swiss army knife to uncanningly accurate mechanical watches.
Now one of the richest and most peaceful countries on earth has come up with an ingenious solution for people who want to turn their compact cars into miniature motorhomes.
Combining the clever packaging of a Swiss Army knife with the easy assembly of Ikea furniture or Lego blocks, the swissRoomBox is a portable modular system that transforms the rear of a small car, mini-van or wagon into somewhere you can cook, eat, shower and sleep (just not all at the same time!).
No tools or screws are required, and its four modular units come in and out of the back in about five minutes. In its closed position, its compact dimensions enable the use of all passenger seats in the case of many vehicles.
According to the swissRoomBox website, the nifty invention incorporates "an ingenious system composed of elastic cables, pulleys and articulated arms that will auto lock the boxes in horizontal positions outside the boot of your car".
All up it weighs about 70kg, and that includes a 25-litre water tank, a grey-water tank, sealed plastic bins, table and chairs, two-burner stove, sink with tap, shower curtain and, of course, a Swiss Army knife.
The water pump and boiler, as well as optional equipment like a fridge, can be run in 12 and 220 volts off the car battery via a smart inverter.
The electrical system is also equipped with a smart battery protector and will automatically turn off when the battery reaches the 11 volt minimum required to re-start the car.
A range of complementary items, including mattresses and bedding, portable toilet, cookware and kitchen utensils, are available as options.
Different size base frames for the modular units are available to fit most small cars, wagons and vans. The modular units are made from a special high quality panel material purported to be "shock resistant, self-supporting and humidity resistant".
The swissRoomBox is currently only available in Europe but there are plans to build versions that can be sold around the world. While described as the "world’s smallest motorhome set-up", it’s not exactly cheap, priced from SFR 8630 (AU$9280).
Unlike a conventional campervan though, you can take it with you when you change vehicles, or lend it to others to use.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
