Expanding Your Camper: How Big Can You Go?

There are several ways to expand a camper, from raising the height of the roof to expanding the width of the camper. The most popular models for expansion are the panel van, a van, or a transporter. The expansion possibilities are limited by the model and available space. For example, the ioCamper, which is a camper van that sleeps outside the van, expands to four times its packed size. It can be used as a standalone camping shelter or remain attached to the van. On the other hand, the Beauer slide-out campers triple in size and can fit up to six people. They were originally designed and sold in France and Europe but are now available in the US.

The ioCamper expands to four times its packed size

The ioCamper is a unique, expandable camper van that offers a spacious and comfortable camping experience. The most impressive feature of the ioCamper is its ability to expand to four times its packed size, providing ample space for campers. This significant expansion sets it apart from traditional camper vans and even other expandable campers on the market.

When packed, the ioCamper measures 8.2 by 4.3 by 5.6 feet, but when fully expanded, it offers a generous living space. The expansion process is designed to be efficient, with set-up taking approximately 5 to 10 minutes. This is made possible through a combination of manual and automatic steps. Users first deploy the structural support beam and then initiate the expansion using a smart device, after which they pull out the side rooms to complete the setup.

The ioCamper's innovative design allows it to be used in two distinct ways: cargo mode and apartment mode. In cargo mode, the ioCamper sits in the cargo bay of a standard van, such as a Mercedes Sprinter or a Ford Transit. This mode is convenient for those who use their vehicles for daily work, as it requires no permanent modifications to the van's interior.

Apartment mode is where the ioCamper truly shines. Once out of the van, it transforms into a freestanding lodge or guest house, offering a spacious and comfortable living area. The interior of the ioCamper is thoughtfully designed to include a central kitchen, a dining area, and a bathroom. The kitchen comes equipped with a dual-burner stove, a sink, and a refrigerator, providing all the essentials for meal preparation. The bathroom includes a shower, a sink, and a toilet, ensuring privacy and comfort during your camping trip.

The ioCamper also offers flexible sleeping arrangements. It can accommodate up to four people with its four full-size beds. Additionally, the dining area can be converted into a second bedroom, providing additional sleeping space if needed. The master bedroom features a larger bed, long windows, and a wall-mounted TV for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

The ioCamper's design prioritises comfort and convenience. It is constructed with high-quality materials, including fiberglass-reinforced PE (polyethylene) and high-density insulation, ensuring a sturdy and weatherproof structure. The interior features LED lighting, air conditioning, and a touchscreen control centre that allows you to adjust lighting, climate controls, and monitor battery and water levels. With its combination of comfort, technology, and ample space, the ioCamper provides a unique and modern camping experience.

Beauer campers expand to double or triple their width

Beauer campers are innovative slide-out campers that can double or triple in width. They are designed to be spacious on the inside without being too wide for storage. The 3X camper, for example, measures 6.4 feet wide by 8.5 feet long in its compact state but expands to a width of 14.4 feet, offering 130 square feet of space. This is nearly double the space of the smallest compact camper trailer, which is typically around 7 feet wide and up to 12 feet long.

The expansion process of Beauer campers is fully automatic and can be activated at the touch of a button or by dragging a slider. Two electric cylinders expand outward, increasing the living space and allowing for a more comfortable camping experience. The unique design of these campers makes them a popular choice for those who want the convenience of a compact trailer without sacrificing interior space.

The interior of the Beauer campers is modern and stylish, offering a range of amenities. The kitchen is fully equipped with a two-burner stove, a fridge, and a sink, while the bedroom features a double bed and adjoining toilet with the option to add a shower. The living room is spacious and can accommodate up to five people, with a bench seat and a central table. The camper also includes large windows, LED lighting, and storage cupboards, providing a bright and functional space.

The Beauer campers are designed with practicality in mind, offering a unique solution for those with limited storage space. The compact size when folded makes it easy to tow and store, while the expansion capabilities provide a spacious and comfortable living area at the campsite. This makes them a popular choice for those who want the convenience of a small trailer without sacrificing the comforts of a larger camper.

Expandable travel trailers can be customised

One example of a customisable expandable camper is the ioCamper, which offers a freestanding camping shelter that can be set up outside the van. This design frees up the van for other activities during the day and eliminates the need for packing and unpacking camping equipment. The ioCamper can expand to four times its packed size, providing a roomy interior with sleeping berths, a kitchen area, a bathroom, and a dining table.

Another option for customisation is the Beauer slide-out camper trailer, which can double or triple in width while remaining the same size in storage. This design is ideal for those with limited space, as it can be parked in the same width and length as a large sedan. The Beauer 3X, for example, expands to 130 square feet, providing a spacious interior for up to four people. The Beauer 2X is a lightweight option that can be towed by many small crossovers, while the 3X Plus offers room for up to six people with three beds, a full bathroom, a couch, and a table.

When customising an expandable travel trailer, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Think about how much space you require, the number of people who will be using the camper, and the types of activities you plan to engage in. Additionally, consider the type of vehicle you will be using for transportation, as this may impact the size and weight of the camper.

There are a variety of resources available to help you plan and customise your expandable travel trailer, including online forums, social media platforms, and specialist companies that can assist with the conversion process. By taking the time to plan and customise your trailer, you can create a unique and tailored camping experience that suits your individual needs and preferences.

The Beauer 3X expands at the touch of a button

The Beauer 3X is a truly innovative camper trailer that expands at the touch of a button. This unique design was invented by Eric Beau and built by his father, Pierre, both French enthusiasts of RV-ing. The 3X is a stylish, modern, and futuristic-looking camper that offers a comfortable living space for four people.

The 3X is a telescopic, expandable trailer that triples in size in just 60 seconds. It starts at 43 square feet and expands to 129 square feet, providing a spacious and well-appointed living area. The expansion is an effortless process thanks to electric actuators run from a 12V battery. The interior features a kitchen, bathroom, private bedroom, and living area.

The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, cooktop, and sink with a water reservoir for washing dishes. There is also separate LED lighting so you can cook long into the evening. The bathroom is attached to the bedroom, which comes furnished with a wardrobe and a double bed. The living area has a sofa that can be converted into a bed, accommodating two additional people.

The Beauer 3X is designed with durability and aesthetics in mind. It is constructed with lightweight materials such as polyester, aluminum, and polystyrene, making it easily towable by most vehicles. The interior finishes are made from high-pressure laminates, ensuring both durability and a sleek, modern look.

The 3X is highly customizable, allowing purchasers to choose the colour of everything from furniture cushions to the exterior of the camper. There are also a variety of add-ons available, including a shower, TV, air conditioning, solar panels, a bike rack, and an outdoor awning.

The Beauer 3X is a revolutionary camper trailer that offers the best of both worlds: compact and easy to tow when on the road, and spacious and comfortable when at the campsite. With its unique design and ample features, it provides a one-of-a-kind glamping experience.

The ioCamper can be used as a standalone camping shelter

The ioCamper expands to four times its packed size, providing a roomy interior with four sleeping berths and some glamping comforts. The T-shaped interior includes a main living area with a kitchen block, a bathroom, and a bedroom with a bed for two. There is also a dining area and a second bedroom, as well as a 23-inch touchscreen control centre that doubles as a video playback screen.

The ioCamper's freestanding capability is made possible by its design as a camper box that fits inside a large van. When initiated by a smart device, the camper box slides out of the van and onto a support beam, with legs folding down for freestanding support. The process takes about five to ten minutes and can be done either as a standalone camper or with the vehicle attached.

The ability to use the ioCamper as a standalone camping shelter offers a unique camping experience with more space, comfort, and flexibility than a typical camper van. It provides a spacious interior without taking up too much storage space, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

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