For some camper and RV owners, there’s no such thing as too big. For others who value mobility, versatility, and portability, less is more. That’s where a well-made, ultra-light travel trailer comes in. The new Hitch Hotel, billed as the “world’s first expandable wheel-less trailer,” may be the most clever and compact model we’ve ever seen.
From the outside, Hitch Hotel’s boxy design is straight-up utilitarian. Beyond the brand logo and a gently sloping roofline, the exterior is devoid of graphics, paint, and unnecessary aesthetics. It’s a bland, straightforward cube that’s meant to be purely functional, good looks be damned. The aluminum and fiberglass shell weighs less than 240 pounds and mounts to any standard Class II (or higher) trailer hitch. It easily fits any SUV. In fact, it’s small and light enough to affix to the rear of even a Smart car or Mini Cooper.
The unit is comprised of three telescoping segments that collapse into one another. In the closed position, it’s less than 3 feet deep but provides 60 cubic feet of watertight storage. It’s ideal for packing up mountain bikes, camping gear, fishing poles, and anything else you might need for a weekend (or a few adventurous months) on the road. A full-size cargo door at the rear guarantees easy access to your essentials. This ultra-compact footprint also means it’ll fit neatly into almost any garage.
Once expanded to the “open” position, Hitch Hotel lives up to its name. In a few minutes, the interior stretches to a spacious 135 cubic feet of living space. That means it’ll sleep two adults or three who really like each other. A lockable door leads to the inside which features a 12V overhead light and a USB charging port. An exhaust fan and two vented windows also help maintain a comfortable interior.
After a fully funded Kickstarter campaign in summer 2018, we were just waiting for production news. The trailers retail for $4,199 (plus taxes and shipping). Models are expected to be delivered in March 2019.
Article originally published July 23, 2018.
