Rough it in a rugged camping rig
Wilderness camping is now a whole lot more comfortable with the introduction of a new, tightly engineered “adventure unit.”
The tough, self-contained Expedition Vehicle System is designed for the rugged outdoor enthusiast.
It is the latest “survival system” developed by Campa (Camping Adventure Mobile Personal Accommodation) USA.
“So many people who travel on blacktop roads are missing the bulk of the beauty in America,” says Chris Cole, president of Campa USA.
“With the EVS you can be literally off the grid for a fairly substantial period of time and return to re-supply your basic necessities,” he says from his office in Ohio. “Then you can get back off the grid again in another remote destination.”
The list of options includes a roof-top tent with zip-in kitchen room, fully-fitted kitchen unit, on-demand hot water shower, 17-gallon water and fuel tanks, electric refrigerator/freezer, water purification system, solar panels and generator.
All of this is built into a stainless steel and aluminum unit that has the capacity to handle harsh conditions encountered in remote environments, according to Campa’s Web site.
Additional features include mobile communication and GPS capabilities that make this unit ideal for extended expeditions.
“You can enjoy your outdoor lifestyle and have an absolute blast,” says Cole.
It is designed to go anywhere a four-wheel drive vehicle can take it.
“If you see a little road and wonder what is down it,” says Cole, “with this unit you can drive down that road and discover what’s there without the fearing what will happen if you get stuck or break down.”
For its prototype, Campa USA selected a 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD four-wheel-drive V6 for the platform. The EVS modular design, however, easily transfers to other truck makes and models.
“We’ve built the unit so that you can plunk it on the back of any half-ton pickup truck, within reason,” says Cole. “You don’t want to put this on a truck that is five years old.”
Campa engineers added about $10,000 in aftermarket equipment to the Tacoma to make it more off-road capable without compromising the on-road drivability.
“We put a lift on it, so we could add bigger tires,” says Cole. “Then we put on a fancy front bumper with a winch, HID headlights, ARB front and rear air lockers, plus a number of other off-road accessories.”
Due to the wide range of options and “built in redundancies” it’s difficult to price out a customized truck and EVS unit.
The truck and the top-of-the-line unit would cost “in the range of $80,000 to $90,000,” says Cole.
“Because of the way it is made and the materials used,” he says “I would bet that the truck will wear out before the camper.”
It that were to happen, the owner can simple have the EVS removed and “plunk it down” on a new pickup platform.
Information
There are two Web sites with information and photographs of the Campa: www.campausa.com and www.campa.co.nz (New Zealand). You can also write to Campa USA, 7720 Race Road, North Ridgeville, OH 44039 or call (440) 353-1917.
RV Life on Wheels
The five-day RV Life on Wheels educational conference is only about six weeks away. It all begins July 8 on the University of Idaho Moscow campus.
There will be more than 100 different classes of interest to RVers on the “how to,” “what to,” and “where to” of life on the road.
Learn about RVs and tow rigs including their capabilities, repairs and maintenance. RV lifestyle enhancement courses include topics that make the lifestyle interesting and rewarding.
Cost is $249 per person which covers courses, an Idaho Repertory Theatre ticket and evening entertainment. A $130 RV fee includes 30-amp electrical hookups and water services. People who wish to dry camp (no power or water) on campus pay a $25 parking fee. Attendees without RVs can stay at nearby motels.
For detailed information about courses, check www.rvlifeonwheels.com.