Bowlus launches an off-grid glamping trailer for the not-as-wealthy
Bowlus presents a number of the most trendy, luxury-loaded journey trailers available on the market, however they’ve by no means come low-cost – in any respect. Bringing these costs slightly nearer to earth, the California firm this week launched an all-new entry-level mannequin known as the Heritage Version. This one nonetheless prices as a lot as a pleasant Ford Transit camper van, but it surely’s over US$100K lower than the following trailer up in Bowlus’ lineup. It nonetheless packs in every week’s value of off-grid lithium energy, a well-appointed inside for 4, and glamping comforts like air con and hydronic heating.
Each time we see a brand new Bowlus, we’re reminded of a lingering query: What number of consumers with the means to spend $200,000 or $300,000 on a trailer really need to journey and camp in a trailer, versus a bigger, comfier motorhome … or perhaps a trip apartment. However to Bowlus’ credit score, it is spent the final decade introducing high-specced, high-priced trailers, every extra lavish and costly than the final. It have to be doing one thing proper.
It will appear that Bowlus has lastly warmed to the concept of momentarily switching to a downmarket gear. And whereas a $159,000 base worth continues to be greater than sufficient to maintain us questioning concerning the whos and whys, it is the lowest price ticket we have seen on a Bowlus since we seemed on the authentic Highway Chief redux precisely 10 years in the past this month.
Bowlus
Bowlus has constructed an identification on its distinctive riveted aluminum trailer shell, and it does not dilute that identification in crafting a base mannequin. It does tweak the look of the Heritage Version’s aluminum monocoque slightly, although, providing it in “mill end,” a matte satin silver that is extra refined than the brilliant, shiny aluminum on its different trailers. We expect the brand new end works even higher with the trailer’s classic Streamline Moderna styling, however those that do not dig it could additionally choose both a matte black or satin gray customized wrap, a brand new choice from Bowlus.
The 27-foot (8.2-m) Heritage Version has the identical flooring plan as different Bowlus trailers, carrying a pointed-nose king bed room on the rear, a dry bathtub with separate rest room and bathe rooms simply fore of the bed room, a eating and couch lounge amidships, and a connoisseur kitchen up entrance. The central lounge converts over to 2 single beds in order that the trailer can accommodate as much as 4 adults in all.
Bowlus
Lithium battery energy has lengthy been a cornerstone of Bowlus’ builds, and that continues with the Heritage Version. The usual package deal features a 2-kWh lithium battery pack and 1,000-W inverter that Bowlus says will help off-grid getaways for roughly every week. These searching for extra electrical functionality can add 2 or 4 kWh of further battery capability, a 2,000- or 3,000-W inverter, photo voltaic charging, a touchscreen management panel, Bluetooth and distant monitoring, and 4 to eight hours of off-grid air conditioner runtime.
Together with A/C, the Heritage Version comes commonplace with cabin and water heating, a dual-burner Italian cooktop, 88-L fridge and microwave in its galley, and 72 L of contemporary water capability. The non-compulsory expertise package deal tacks on Starlink web prep, a 5G router, a mobile booster, a backup digicam, and inside pill mounts.
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Fewer commonplace options means much less weight, and the Heritage Version is the lightest Bowlus within the fleet at 2,900 lb (1,315 kg). Its 3,500-lb (1,588-kg) gross car weight ranking leaves 600 lb (270 kg) of payload for including on choices and carrying baggage and equipment.
For many who do not need to take down the $159,000 with one large swing, Bowlus additionally presents a financing choice that breaks right down to $1,027/month. Nonetheless ouch.
Supply: Bowlus
