Futuristic camper expands to reveal huge party deck

In the camper world, there are only so many types of vans, trailers, and RVs. Need a ton of space? Class A is your best bet. Don’t want to haul anything and like stealth camping? Check out an adventure van. It’s rare to see anything that challenges these categorizations, because for the most part, designing a brand new type of camper requires thinking way, way outside the box. Love campers and trailers? Come join our new community group.

Sometimes, however, that’s exactly what happens. Way back in 2012 New Zealand architectural and interior design firm W2 designed a camping caravan called the Romotow that—at first glance—looks a bit like a normal trailer. Push a button, however, and the center of the camper folds out, spinning around to reveal a deck area. It was the stuff of camper sci fi dreams, a concept that could reinvent camper design if only it could actually be built.

And now it has. Well, almost. The world’s first Romotow is currently under construction in Christchurch, New Zealand. A team of experienced boat builders are tackling the project—you can follow their progress here—and the Romotow should be complete in just a few months.

Courtesy of Romotow

As one of the few innovative concept campers that’s come to fruition and because Romotow is currently taking orders for a limited number of custom builds, we decided to take a closer look. The Romotow measures about 30 feet long by 8.5 feet wide when closed, and it boasts an impressive 290 square feet of living space. The sleek white exterior is made from an advanced composite body shell and the whole thing sits on a carbon composite chassis.

Even in the closed position, the Romotow is an impressive camper. The cabin can sleep four adults comfortably, two in a rear bedroom and two other people in a front sleeping area created from the living room couch. A customizable kitchen backs up to a spacious bathroom outfitted with high-end fixtures, and the show model will feature teak for all of the interior timber and a leather headboard. A state-of-the-art sound system is integrated throughout the three living areas—bedroom, living room, and deck—and windows with built-in shades create a comfortable sleeping cave at night.

The deck is lined with synthetic teak normally used on luxury super yachts, and you can cook outside thanks to a fold-down electric barbecue. Up to 1 KW of solar panels and a 400Ah battery will power the camper whenever it’s off the grid, and a diesel heating and cooking system provides the comforts of home. A deck enclosure kit with awnings and screens will also be available, meaning that the Romotow could sleep an additional four people on the deck.

Courtesy of Romotow

The first Romotow is under construction and the company is taking orders for a limited number of custom trailers that will be shipped to clients directly from the factory. Pricing starts at $350,000, but will vary according to custom finishes. Head over here for more.

Courtesy of Romotow

Courtesy of Romotow

Courtesy of Romotow