The Bowlus Camper: Luxurious Adventure, Priceless Experience

Bowlus campers are luxurious travel trailers that come with a hefty price tag. The cost of a Bowlus camper varies depending on the model and features included, but they typically start at around $159,000 and can go up to over $200,000. The Bowlus brand is known for its high-end amenities, elegant finishes, and off-grid capabilities, with some models offering up to two weeks of battery life. The campers are also lightweight and highly aerodynamic, making them suitable for electric vehicles and other luxury crossovers. With a rich history dating back to the 1930s, Bowlus campers have become a sought-after choice for modern adventurers and camping enthusiasts.

The Bowlus camper price range

Bowlus campers are luxury travel trailers that come in various models with different price ranges. The Heritage edition, for instance, is a lighter and less expensive model that starts at $159,000. It features a compact kitchen, a living/dining area with a sofa that converts to twin beds, and a bedroom with a king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom. The Heritage edition is also equipped with a battery system that allows it to venture off-grid for up to a week and a half.

The Endless Highways Edition is another model offered by Bowlus, starting at $215,000. This model continues the Bowlus legacy of ultimate off-grid luxury with a spacious floor plan, elegant finishes, and a separate bedroom. The Endless Highways model is also known for its power management system, allowing it to power appliances such as air conditioning while operating off-grid.

The Endless Highways Performance Edition takes the Endless Highways model a step further, starting at $240,000. This edition includes additional features such as a powerful electrical system with a 600-amp hour, 7,680-watt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery, enabling it to stay off-grid for up to two weeks. It also boasts a unique history as the first direct-to-consumer RV company to use online sales and create a sustainable trailer.

The most expensive Bowlus model mentioned is the 95th Anniversary Limited Edition Endless Highway, starting at $235,000. This limited edition celebrates the brand's history and includes special packages such as the Adventure Package, Luxe Package, and Off-Grid Power Package II. It is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, with the Bowlus screen door taking over 100 hours to create.

Overall, Bowlus campers offer a range of prices and features, catering to those seeking luxury, off-grid capabilities, and spacious floor plans for their travel adventures.

The Bowlus camper weight

The Bowlus camper is an RV trailer that comes in three models: the Terra Firma, Endless Highway, and Endless Highway Performance Edition. The base weight of the Bowlus Performance Edition is 3,200 lbs, while the Endless Highways model is listed at 4,000 lbs. The weight of the Terra Firma model is not explicitly stated, but it is likely similar to the other two models.

The Bowlus camper's weight is a significant advantage, as it is much lighter than other trailers in its class. This lightweight design allows the Bowlus camper to be towed by a mid-size luxury SUV, such as a Tesla Model X or Porsche Macan, without sacrificing build quality. The low weight also improves handling and stability, making it easier to manoeuvre on rough roads.

The Bowlus camper's weight is achieved through its all-aluminium construction and monocoque structural technique. The aluminium skin provides structural integrity without adding excessive weight, and the monocoque or single-shell design makes the trailer robust and able to withstand high compressive and tensile forces.

The Bowlus camper's weight is an important factor in its ability to stay off-grid for extended periods. The lightweight design, combined with its aerodynamic shape, results in better towing dynamics and gas mileage for the tow vehicle. This makes the Bowlus camper a great choice for those who want to explore remote campsites while enjoying the comforts of home.

The Bowlus camper features

The Bowlus camper is a luxury travel trailer that comes in various models, each boasting a wide range of features. Here is a detailed overview of the features found in Bowlus campers:

Exterior and Construction

The Bowlus camper is known for its sleek and aerodynamic exterior, featuring an armor-like shell made of riveted aluminum with a signature shape. The exterior finish can vary, with options such as satin silver, matte black, or satin grey. The Bowlus camper is designed with off-grid adventures in mind and is exceptionally lightweight, weighing around 3,500 to 4,000 pounds. This lightweight construction not only enhances its aerodynamic performance but also makes it towable by a wider range of vehicles, including SUVs, crossovers, and electric cars. The Bowlus camper has an iconic heritage, dating back to the 1930s, and is known for its innovative use of aluminum in its construction.

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the Bowlus camper is designed for comfort and luxury. It features a spacious layout with a living/dining area, a compact kitchen, and a separate bedroom with a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom. The living area seating can be converted into twin beds, providing additional sleeping space. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave, and a two-burner cooktop. The bathroom features luxurious chrome finishes, a shower with an extendable head, a vanity with a medicine cabinet, and a toilet. One of the standout features of the Bowlus camper is its skylights, which bring in natural light during the day and offer stargazing opportunities at night.

Technology and Amenities

The Bowlus camper is equipped with a top-tier power management system, allowing it to operate appliances such as air conditioning while off-grid. The electrical system includes a lithium iron phosphate battery, providing enough power to stay off-grid for up to two weeks. The entire electrical system can be monitored and controlled via Bluetooth using a cell phone. Bowlus campers also offer optional technology packages, including a cell signal booster, a 5G router, and Starlink-ready internet. The campers are designed with convenience in mind, featuring soft-close drawers, heated floors, and a "60-Second Hitch" towing connection assistance system.

Performance and Sustainability

The Bowlus camper is designed for supreme performance and sustainability. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic shape give it an extended EV towing range, making it ideal for long-distance travel. The Bowlus Power Management System optimizes battery performance, ensuring reliability and flexibility for off-grid adventures. The campers are designed with master craftsmanship and the highest quality materials, ensuring a sustainable and long-lasting purchase.

The Bowlus camper history

The Bowlus camper has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century and is known for its innovative design and luxurious features. The story of the Bowlus camper began in 1934 when Hawley Bowlus, a renowned designer and aerospace engineer designed and built the first riveted aluminum travel trailer. Hawley was already known for creating the Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, and he brought his expertise in aircraft construction to the development of the Bowlus camper.

The original Bowlus camper was a true pioneer in the RV industry, with its sleek, aerodynamic shape and polished aluminum body. It was the first of its kind, offering luxurious finishes and amenities that attracted the Hollywood and business elite. From 1934 to 1936, over eighty Bowlus campers were built at the Bowlus family ranch in San Fernando, California. However, in 1936, production of the Bowlus camper came to an abrupt halt when Hawley Bowlus stopped building travel trailers and did not transfer the assets to another party.

Despite this setback, the Bowlus camper had already made its mark on the RV industry, inspiring more than a dozen copycats. In 1936, Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream, adapted the Bowlus design for the Airstream Clipper, further solidifying its influence. Approximately half of the original Bowlus travel trailers have survived, and they remain highly sought-after by collectors. In a Scottsdale Gooding & Company auction, a vintage Bowlus Road Chief sold for $187,000, showcasing the enduring value and appeal of these iconic campers.

Decades later, the Bowlus camper was revived thanks to the vision of Geneva Long and her family. In 2013, production of a modernized and enlarged Bowlus camper resumed in Oxnard, California. The new Endless Highways model is described as the most advanced travel trailer in the world, incorporating innovative features and sustainable practices. Today, the Bowlus camper continues to lead the RV industry with its impressive list of innovations, including the first production of all-electric RVs, setting the standard for quality and performance in luxury camping.

The Bowlus camper has come a long way since its inception, evolving to meet the needs of modern adventurers while staying true to its roots of innovation and luxury. With its iconic heritage, the Bowlus camper has secured its place in the history of land travel, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and functionality for those seeking exceptional camping experiences.

The Bowlus camper models

Bowlus offers three camper models: Terra Firma, Endless Highways Performance Edition, and Endless Highways Edition. The starting prices for these models are $265,000, $240,000, and $215,000, respectively. The Endless Highways Edition is also available in a Performance Edition, which starts at $190,000. For $200,000, you can purchase the Bowlus Travel Trailer, which features LED taillights and a redesigned kitchen with soft-close drawers.

The Endless Highways model, starting at $173,000, is a lightweight luxury RV with a spacious floor plan. It includes a separate bedroom with twin beds that can be converted into a king, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a roomy living room, and a kitchen. The exterior length of the trailer is 26'9" or 27'2" with the Luxe Package, and it stands at 8'6" tall or 8'9" with the Adventure Package. The interior height is 6'4'. The trailer is designed to be off-grid-friendly, with the option to add AeroSolar technology. The electrical power system is designed for off-grid adventures, with a lithium iron phosphate battery that can last up to a week and can be extended to provide infinite time off-grid. The entire electrical system can be monitored via Bluetooth on your cell phone.

The Bowlus Road Chief's Endless Highways Performance Edition is another model that starts at $225,000. This trailer can travel across the country on a single battery charge and can stay off-grid for up to two weeks. It includes a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and dining area, and can seat five people while sleeping and dining four. The cabin features large skylights for natural light and stargazing, and the walls and ceiling are lined with real wood for a cozy feel. The bedroom has twin beds that can be converted into a king, and there is a heating and cooling fan to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.

Frequently asked questions