Unique DekPod expands camping options

First there was Sky-Deck, a unique Australian design that delivered outdoor balcony living to the caravan market.

Now an enterprising South Australian inventor has taken the expanding caravan verandah concept to a whole new level with the arrival of the potentially game-changing DekPod; a unique, built-in contraption that folds out over the caravan drawbar to provide a raised, undercover kitchen and ensuite section separate from the main camper living and sleeping area.

A few years in the making, the DekPod is the brainchild of Barossa Valley-based boutique accommodation provider James Knight, who devised his novel fold-out front deck concept as a solution to his own personal and family camping issues.

“My wife’s not a camper and likes being off the ground and I don’t want to tow anything big,” Knight explained. “The original concept was something that opened up at the front because I wanted something that connected up to my (dual cab ute) while still being hitched.”

The first HUTrv family hybrid camper prototype (HUT stands for hybrid utility trailer) was custom built by aluminium trailer specialists Wilmax as a “proof of concept’ for the DekPod design, which could also be adapted for other applications including a tradie’s trailer, toy hauler or mobile office.

“There are a lot of options out there in regards to camping trailers, but we’re envisaging something that’s more than that, that’s multi-purpose,” he said.

The tandem axle, pop-top prototype is 5.7m long overall and has a travel height of 2.52m, with the body expanding to 5.2m long with the DekPod set up.

As can be seen in the video below, the DekPod opens up by dropping down the bottom hinged front floor extension/guard before the side-hinged kitchen module is swung out. The lightweight canvas-covered roof with drop-down support is then lifted into place, with an ensuite partition swung out to provide access to the main camper body through the front entry door.

Canvas side-walls with windows can also be attached to fully enclose the DekPod platform for privacy or shelter when cooking or using the shower and toilet. There's even a free-draining floor section with sump that diverts grey water into a separate 80 litre tank.

The caravan-style kitchen module includes a fridge, two-burner gas cooktop, microwave and pull-out hot/cold sink drawer that’s also accessible from the bathroom.

Designed for off-road use, Knight claims the DekPod’s front clamshell section is fully sealed and “totally waterproof’ when closed up.

The main camper body of the prototype, which features a powered pop-top roof, incorporates a queen-size east-west bed that extends to king size, plus two side lounges that can be used as single beds, with a slide-out table in between.

Externally, the prototype also features an awning on both sides, plus a large rear storage boot and a side locker for the gas bottles, plus space for a slide-out BBQ.

The HUTrv prototype weighs 1860kg (Tare) and has a payload of 640kg, but Knight is working on a lighter and more compact version that he hopes to introduce to the Australian market sometime next year for around $35,000.

The plan eventually is to produce a modular design with up to seven different sizes suitable for a variety of different trailer chassis.

“The new version will be completely different and a lot more compact… about four metres in length from hitch to tail-lights,” he said.

Knight is hoping to get an existing Australian RV manufacturer to build production versions of the DekPod trailers, but he’s also had some interest in the patented design from companies in the US.

“We are seeking expressions from Australian manufacturers who are interested in producing it commercially,” he said. “We’d really like to have it Australian made ideally.”

Further details: HUTrv website