Kiwis conceive Swiss army caravan

A New Zealand design consultancy has come up with what it believes is the perfect caravan. The only problem is it’s just a computer concept at the moment, with no funding yet for a prototype, let alone a production version.

Inspired by a Swiss Army knife – and no doubt a horse float and motorcycle helmet, judging by the pictures – the Romotow design concept from Christchurch-based W2 is described as “a radical departure from the boxy and cumbersome hybrid travel trailer and caravan concept of yesteryear”.

According to W2 directors Stuart Winterbourn and Matt Wilkie, the Romotow’s “point of difference is a living area that uniquely extends out from its sheltered exterior, with an ingenious automated swivel, to reveal up to 70 per cent more floor area to enjoy”. 

Features include aerodynamic and lightweight construction for increased fuel efficiency and towing stability, power assisted braking, pneumatic shocks, gyro assisted self-levelling pads and struts, and a rear mounted camera.

Fit-out variations can include a sheltered BBQ deck area for entertaining and relaxing, a windbreak, sliding doors, louvered windows, and stylish, easy clean furniture.

The idea of what an extendable mobile living space should look like came up while enjoying a family picnic at the park.

“A friend of ours imports caravans from the UK and we got talking one day about the potential cost savings of a flat-packed caravan design that would be easy to manufacture, ship and use," says Winterbourn.

“Often the negatives of campervans and RVs (compared with larger tents) are the expense and lack of covered transitional space. While looking at the movement of a Swiss army knife at our picnic, an idea came to us on how we could create this covered area.

"We then sketched a ‘mobile living’ unit that could be anything: a caravan, a mobile café, a home office, a weekend escape, or a new lifestyle of discovery and wonder for retirees - and from that moment the concept took on a life of its own.”

According to W2, "there is not a single (RV) design that can meet everyone’s needs. The Romotow can provide this flexibility".

The radical van can even be used as a "home and horse float and travel with your horse to an overnight equestrian event".

It will be available "in a range of sizes and aesthetic features, including a sheltered decking platform providing 70 per cent more floor area, multiple berths, kitchenette, bathroom, large louvered windows for air flow, shade and privacy, and much more”.

The Kiwi company says it’s currently approaching caravan manufacturers with the view of building a prototype for testing and fitting and eventual production. It hopes to have a production version on the road by 2015.