World’s first wheel-less caravan?
Hitch Hotel blends camper trailer design with bike carrier versatilityThe “world’s first expandable wheel-less trailer” is about to hit the market.
After three years' design and testing, the creators of the Hitch Hotel plan to start shipping the first production versions to North American buyers next month.
Blending elements of a tow bar-mounted bike carrier, a compact teardrop camper and quirky, expandable caravans like the BeauRr 3X, the idea for the Hitch Hotel came about after inventor Geoff Patterson built a cargo box that would safely carry his son’s mountain bikes when travelling.
Mounted on the tow bar, the Hitch Hotel has three wall sections that expand out on runners to create a big enough internal space for sleeping up three people. The self-supporting capsule features four adjustable, fold out legs and it can slide up to 45cm rearwards when hitched up, to provide access to the rear of the vehicle.
The Hitch Hotel has a tare weight of 109kg, and a paylod of 45kg with the minimum required tow ball weight of 158kg. Tow vehicles with higher ball loads will allow greater payloads.
Closed, the Hitch Hotel measures 125cm high by 170cm wide by 85cm deep, expanding to 7ft 4in (220cm) deep when set up. The unit is big enough to store up to three bikes when closed up.
The American creators say the Hitch Hotel is “built tough” with TIG-welded aluminium frame and a gel coated fiberglass shell. They reckon it’s a cheaper option than a conventional trailer, and takes around the same time to set up as a tent.
“Wherever you're going, whenever you get there, your room is ready. Just hitch us to your vehicle and slide out when ready to sleep,” the founders say.
A Kickstarter public funding campaign for the Hitch Hotel raised more than $171,000 in pledges, and included the opportunity to snap up one of the first 100 of the Hitch Hotel Classic units for an 'early bird' special price of US$2998. The bare-boned Classic version comes with a lift-up and lockable rear door, two vented windows, roof hatch, brake/running lights, and 12V light and USB port.
There will also be the opportunity to upgrade with custom paint and decals, for those who want to personalize their Hitch Hotel.
The Hitch Hotel creators have not indicated yet whether the product will be available in other regions including Australia.
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