What to do if you’re a self-confessed nature lover but you can’t stomach the thought of camping? The mosquitos, the cold, the uncomfortable tent floor? This was exactly the inspiration behind Dutch inventor Hein Van De Laar’s creation: the LUME Traveler Adventure Trailer.
This trailer combines modern comfort with classic retro design to create the ultimate camping crash pad- oh, and did we mention it has a stargazing roof too?
The LUME Traveler’s distinct riveted exterior design makes it really stand out.
You wouldn’t be wrong if you’d mistaken the LUME Traveler for that 1950’s classic, the Airstream; the LUME draws inspiration from both modern and retro designs, although it is easily a fraction of the size of a regular caravan. It measures a small yet comfortable 6.66ft x 6.73ft, with a total towing length of 17ft. Thanks to its self-supporting aluminum sandwich construction it weighs just 2200lbs with a load capacity of 772lbs, ideal for any extra luggage or equipment you might want to tow along with you.
The entire trailer is mounted on a high quality KNOTT chassis, and crafted using a blind rivet construction. The interior is made from a blend of sustainable teak wood, black leather, and wool felt upholstery and walls, which acts as a natural dirt repellant, and also gives a modern yet vintage feel.
The trailer’s interior materials make it feel modern yet homely.
The floor, roof and walls are well insulated, at 4cm and 3cm (1.6” and 1.2”) thick respectively.
The trailer’s central feature is certainly its immense stargazing roof, which measures 1.85m x 1.1m (6.1ft x 3.6ft), is made of Sunbrella soft top fabric, and rolls back to reveal the night sky. If you fancy sleeping under the stars but don’t want the added bother of mosquitoes, there’s even an insect screen you can pull across while you gaze at the moon from a comfortable double bed.
Behind the bed, you’ll find USB charging ports, two adjustable bedside lights and a set of roll-down curtains made of the same wool felt and leather tie-backs as the surrounding interior.
Over in the rear, flip up the back door to reveal everything you’d need in an outdoor kitchen. There’s a sink, two PITT gas burners, a stainless steel countertop for prep space, three upper cabinets and two lower cabinets for storage. The 40L fridge is an optional extra, but the kitchen does feature a gas connection for an outdoor BBQ. And if you don’t fancy cooking in the rain, there’s even the option of a large detachable rear awning for an added $2,888.
The unit is powered by a 100W solar panel, but if you want heating and hot water, mobile WiFi, a 32” flatscreen TV or a set of Bose speakers installed you’ll be looking at paying extra.
The exterior kitchen makes perfect use of the trailer’s tiny footprint.
Does the LUME Traveler’s compact size and its incredible stargazing roof appeal to you? Well it’s going to set you back $53,705 for LUME’s No.1 edition, which comes complete with all the camping gear, kitchen and bed. If this is a little over your budget you could look at the Basic trailer for $42,364, or if you want complete control over customization then you could opt for the Shell, which, as it sounds, is an empty trailer, ready to convert into a food truck, or to transport a motorbike, or even just create your own camping trailer. The Shell costs just $28,897, and while it keeps the character and charm of the exterior trailer it is lacking in the LUME’s cozy and modern interior features.
While the LUME Traveler’s tiny interior can just about sleep two people, and the outdoor kitchen may not be to everyone’s taste, that stargazing roof and the trailer’s quirk and charm certainly make up for it, and it’s perfect for outdoor lovers who want the comfort of a camper van combined with the appeal of an open air tent.
Source: LUME Traveler
