Skip to main content

Get Far, Far Off-Grid With the Solar-Powered ERV Electric Camper

We’ve long been fans of a proper digital detox. Few things can clear a man’s head like disappearing into nature for a weekend (or a few months). Now, in a year when social distancing seems as essential as oxygen, water, and bacon, there’s never been a better time to find a legit escape. If you’re looking to get far, far off-grid, Australia’s Retreat Caravan has the perfect RV for you.

Aussies love “caravanning” or what Americans would call “camping.” Most Statesiders think nothing of packing up the RV for a weekend in the mountains. Likewise, Australians are prone to weeks- or even months-long holidays in the outback. The problem, of course, is that getting hundreds of miles from civilization means bringing plenty of water and, just as important, an adequate and sustainable power supply. The solution, according to Retreat Caravan, is the ERV Electric Camper.

ERV Electric Camper
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The 20-foot ERV promises all the comforts of most upmarket RVs, including a full bedroom, modern kitchen setup, ensuite bathroom, and even a top-loading washing machine. What truly sets it apart, however, is a massive 14.3-kWh lithium battery bank, powered by a state-of-the-art, roof-mounted, 15-panel solar array producing up to 2,033 watts. The flagship setup can deliver enough juice to power all the comforts and electronic conveniences found in most modern homes. Retreat Caravan claims its 5,000-watt inverter is powerful enough to run everything from lights and laptops to hairdryers and convection ovens simultaneously. The setup is self-contained and charges on the go with the potential to stay off-grid indefinitely. Plus, there are no open flames, gas fumes, or refillable propane tanks to worry about.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

On the outside, the ERV is equipped with all the comforts most outdoor-loving owners care about, including an external shower, powered awning, fusion sound system, and a slideout Weber barbecue. It also boasts all the must-have features and capabilities of a hardcore off-grid towable. The fiberglass composite body rides on 265/16 all-terrain tires and 16-inch wheels, while 10-inch drum brakes provide plenty of stopping power. The chassis-mounted energy system is dustproof and water-resistant to around three feet for ten minutes. A crush-resistant shell also keeps the batteries safe in extreme conditions.

ERV Electric Camper
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The ERV Electric Camper is available in a variety of bespoke configurations, starting around USD $67,500. Sure, you could score a relatively well-equipped Airstream for around the same price. But, few can take you away like the ERV camper.

For a more budget-friendly alternative with similar overlanding chops, check out Lotus Caravans’ aptly named 2020 Off-Grid Travel Trailer.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Snowboard gear 101: Sintered vs extruded – which snowboard base is right for you?
Snowboard buying info you really need to know
Snowboarder making powder turn

Snowboarding is all about the glide. As you gain momentum and rip turns, there's an exhilaration like little else. Add in beautiful mountain surroundings, and sliding on snow is a seminal experience. But what makes a snowboard so slippery? Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has a unique combination of abrasion resistance and low friction. That makes it an ideal material for a snowboard's base, enabling lap after lap of high-speed fun. It just works.

Snowboarders have two base options when picking a new board: sintered and extruded. Each has its pluses and minuses and suits a particular rider. So what's the difference between the two? Let's dive in.

Read more
The 10 best chore coats for men: They’re perfect for seasonal layering
Look great and work hard when you wear these canvas barn coats
Man zipping up a jacket

At a certain age, there are things that every respectable male should possess: a decent suit, a reliable pocket knife, and the confidence to change a tire, for starters. Some tasks require tougher tools and tougher apparel, though. Things like splitting wood, grinding in the shed, and mending fences at the ranch, for example, all call for a proper barn coat (also called a barn jacket or chore coat) -- a durable outer layer that blends timeless style and rugged construction with all-day comfort.

Like virtually all menswear items, there is a long list of options for you to choose from if you are in the market for such a coat. If you're looking to upgrade your life while working hard or looking rugged when you're not in the barn, we have done all the heavy lifting for you. Here are the best men's chore coat options for you to look and work your best in.

Read more
Snowboarding tips: Set your snowboard stance for a winter of shredding
Your snowboard stance is the key to a successful run
Beech Mountain snowboarding

When you first learned how to snowboard, chances are you picked up your board from the rental shop, they asked you a few questions that you weren't totally sure of the answers to, and then you went off to learn how to snowboard — or to fall over on the mountain for a day. It's different now. You've bought your own snowboard. You're fully decked out and ready for the winter season. But your new bindings are still sitting alongside your pristine snowboard, waiting to be attached.

Whatever your snowboarding level, you can always benefit from a little ride optimization. Setting your snowboard stance correctly should be at the top of any list of snowboarding tips — or perhaps second, under finding a well-fitted pair of snowboard boots. Your stance underpins every move you make on the board. It amplifies your riding style. It sets you up for shredding powder, ripping groomers, or sending it big in the park. But first, you need to understand the difference between regular and goofy, get ride angles, stance width, and more. We're here to help you get set up.

Read more