Unique off-grid campervan unveiled

America’s Winnebago is offering what appears to be an RV industry first with the release of a new 17ft 6in long compact campervan that’s available with a portable and expandable, all-in-one lithium power pack instead of a more traditional, permanently wired-in battery set-up.

Most caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes sold around the world, including Australia, feature built-in battery systems, whether it’s a basic 12V AGM set-up designed to power a few lights, the TV and radio when camping off the grid, or a more sophisticated 48V lithium powerpack that can keep power-hungry on-board appliances, including air-conditioners and washing machines, running for hours at a time...

Based on a left-hand drive Ram ProMaster panel van, buyers of the new Airstream Solis Pocket 36B camper will be given the option to add a ‘five-in-one’ EcoFlow portable power station, in lieu of the two AGM batteries that come standard in the base model.

Developed in partnership with portable power solutions specialist EcoFlow, the optional Power Kit Pro powerpack is exclusive to Winnebago and combines a 5-in-1 power management controller with inverter, chargers, solar controller, etc in the one portable unit that is stored inside under a dinette seat when travelling.

Packing a 5kWh lithium battery and controlled by a new digital touchscreen, Winnebago says the Power Kit Pro is superior to other ‘off-the-shelf’ EcoFlow power stations available, boasting up to 50 per cent quicker charging from either the vehicle’s engine or a mains outlet.

It claims it will be able to run the campervan’s rooftop air-conditioner for up to five hours on a single charge, while owners also have the option to ‘plug-and-play’ up to two additional lithium batteries for longer stays off-the-grid.

Winnebago has packed a lot of other clever features inside its latest camper, which is about the same size as the Toyota Hiace-based Frontliner Adventurer.

A multi-function floorplan designed to maximise the limited interior space, includes a versatile dinette area that can be reconfigured in eight different ways, including two Dinette modes (two- and four-person), a Travel mode (two forward-facing seats with three-point seatbelts), two Sleep modes (a 75cm x 187.5cm single bed or a 132.5cm x 187.5cm double bed), and four Lounge modes (a 195cm sofa, forward or rear-facing L-shape seating, or a day bed).

They’ve also managed to squeeze in an ensuite in the rear part of the campervan that can be used as either a shower or a ‘mud room' for wet gear, and incorporates a removable portable toilet, a built-in sink with countertop, and a medicine cabinet with mirror.

Winnebago is yet to announce any pricing details for its nifty new camper built for the North American market, but it should cost a fair bit more than the US$140,375 Solis Pocket 36A campervan on which it’s based, particularly with the EcoFlow option box ticked, with similar capacity, off-the-shelf EcoFlow portable power stations retailing in Australia for around $7000 to $8000 depending on specification.