Hard-wall hybrid with auto set-up breaks the mould

When it comes to RVs the USA is better known for its ginormous motorhomes and fifth-wheelers than hi-tech caravans, but that's starting to change with a few start-ups recently announcing new models jam-packed with tricks and treats, like the Tesla Cybertruck-inspired CyberTrailer, house-on-wheels Living Vehicle Pro-EV, and dazzling Boltus Volterra.

The latest American built wonder-van is from new Californian manufacturer Exodus (not to be confused with the Australian-based 'Complete Campsite' Exodus), which has just pulled the wraps off its Capax auto-erecting hybrid family off-road camper.

With three Capax variants available, priced from US$120,000-$160,000-plus, the new business is firmly focused on enticing cashed-up early-adopters, and judging by the promotional video there are plenty of innovative features and eye-candy to get them excited...

Designed to fit into garages, the Exodus Capex sits at 1.8m tall, 2.5m wide and 6.4m long (overall) on the road, and boasts a fully loaded (ATM) weight of around 3400kg.

The Exodus Rigs website says it can also carry up to 390 litres of fresh water and 348 litres of grey water (it sounds a bit high but that's what we came up with after converting from gallons), and comes standard with a 400Ah lithium battery system with four rooftop solar panels and a 3000W inverter.

The largely automated set-up is child's play, using either a digital touchpad or smartphone app to operate the powered stabilizer legs, fold-out walls and pop-top roof, as well as the slide-outs for the TV and speakers inside.

Once set up there are 14 windows and skylights and 17 compartment doors in total, with a five-berth layout that includes a convertible living area and king size bed, as well as bunk beds that convert to a workstation (unfortunately the layout conversions are done manually). There's also a kitchenette with sink/stove combo, fridge and microwave, with an outside kitchen and shower as well.

The climate control and zoned and dimmable lighting systems can also be adjusted remotely, with up-spec versions getting premium finishes like leather seats, a birch dining table, butcher-wood kitchen countertop, and marine grade teakwood bathroom flooring.

The camper has also been designed with multiple indoor-outdoor 'dual-access' compartments, including the kitchen storage and spice drawer, bedding storage, a safe box, and an insulated icebox 'bar'.

As far as construction goes, the Exodus Capex is built with a rivetted aluminium chassis and TransCore body panels, with dual-pane windows and smart-key locking for doors and compartments, as well as airbag suspension with auto-levelling.

You're unlikely to get lost, with GSM and hikers trackers, a built-in WiFi booster, and satellite and radio communication systems also part of the package, as is a 'Man Cave' tools compartment and auxiliary air system for on the run repairs.

If that's not enough the upmarket camper also gets a vehicle dust suppression system, 'Devil Dust' vacuum, and a surveillance and back-up camera system.

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