Tiny clamshell camper cranks into madly efficient micro habitat

Originally envisioned as a Tesla Model 3 hatch camper, the all-new Wheelhome Dashaway ECT micro-camping trailer series eventually earned its own wheels. It's still aimed at efficient all-electric camping trips but is able to furnish travelers with a surprising number of amenities, giving an adventurer or two everything they need to survive in comfort: a cozy lounge-cum-bedroom, a high-efficiency kitchen, cargo storage and even a toilet room, all in a pop-up wedge-shaped vessel inspired by a rooftop tent.

Last time we looked at the Dashaway trailer, it was in the final development stages. Wheelhome founder and all-around tiny camper guru Stephen Wheeler was about to embark on a trip to France to test out an awning for it. That trip and testing are now complete, and it appears everything went well because the awning has become a rather striking part of the greater trailer package, extending the interior and delivering a private outdoor space for using the portable toilet.

Beyond the addition of the optional awning, the production Dashaway ECT is laid out much the same as the prototype, albeit offered in solo and two-person varieties. The two individual models share overall exterior dimensions of 12.5 feet long by 5.3 feet (3.8 x 1.6 m) wide, but simply feature different seat/bed layouts inside for accommodating either one person or two. Both models pack down to a ride height of 3.8 feet (1.1 m), popping up to offer an even 6 feet (1.8 m) of headroom inside.

The setup process is quite straightforward, designed to take no longer than five minutes. An available motorized mover positions the trailer into place via remote control, perfect for tight camping spaces in which maneuvering a trailer via tow vehicle is difficult or maybe not even physically possible. The mover comes standard on the ECTS solo camper, optionally on the ECT2 two-person version.

The trailer's stabilizer legs are then lowered, and the roof lifted up via a gas strut-assisted crank mechanism. Then it's a matter of installing two corner support poles for the roof and arranging the furniture and appliances inside.

The optional awning is meant to fit seamlessly within that quick, hassle-free setup process. It rolls up and rides on the front of the trailer during the drive to and from camp, unfurling and sliding to the back, where it latches in place via three rooftop eyelets. It then flips out on the two side poles attached to the rear corners of the trailer, pitching into form as the roof is raised.

Campers can then either tie the awning sides off at the poles for use as a sunshade or stake them out into a tent room covering a ground area of 4.6 x 4.6 feet (1.4 x 1.4 m). The tent can then serve as an outdoor toilet room or simply as an extension of the interior. For those who'd prefer an auxiliary tent large enough to sleep in, Wheelhome also notes its two-pole awning system is compatible with the Vango Arden Tailgate Awning, the only caveat being it needs to travel in the car and not on the trailer.

The Dashaway ECT interior layout remains much the same, which is a good thing because it's a high-efficiency configuration that lets you experience the full breadth of RV life within a tiny fabric-walled trailer body with a 9 x 4.8-foot (2.7 x 1.4-m) footprint. The floor plan centers around a single- or dual-seat lounge that faces rearward to provide views through the open entryway. At night, the seat(s) flattens down into a 77 x 31.5-in (196 x 80-cm) single or 77 x 50-in (196 x 127-cm) double bed, leaving room on the front floor for a furry loyal companion.

ECT dwellers can cook from the comfort of their seat. The ECTS features an inbuilt induction hob on a fixed countertop on the right side of travel. The ECT2 model uses this space for the second recliner, splitting the kitchen out into a portable induction cooker and foldaway work surface in place of the fixed setup. Both models include a microwave, and Wheelhome offers a mini-oven, air fryer and kettle as options.

The 12-L compressor fridge drawer is stowed stealthily under the lounge seat, and while it's small by RV standards, Wheelhome has sized it out to carry a day's worth of food. The sink is located toward the left rear corner, fed by an electric pump and external 10-L water tank.

Both ECTS and ECT2 trailers feature long fold-down worktops on either side. In the two-person trailer, they work as both primary cooking/prep countertops and dining/desk space, whereas in the solo trailer, they're primarily there for dining and desk work and supplementary prep/shelf storage since there's a separate kitchen counter with built-in cooktop.

Wheelhome completes the ECT setup with various storage cabinets and compartments, including under-seat storage, available under-floor storage, and interior cupboards, one of which is sized to fit the available portable toilet. That toilet cubby even has a flip-up lid so you can use the toilet right there in the cabin if you dare (a little close to the pillows if you ask us), or pull it outside for use in the optional awning tent (please do).

The ECT series operates entirely LPG-free, its electrical appliances powered by way of a 3-kWh lithium battery, 3,000-W inverter and 200-watt roof-mounted solar panel system. The electrical system is designed to supply two+ nights of off-grid use, and Wheelhome also equips the trailer with a shore power inlet for powering equipment and charging the battery when at a campground with hookups. The standard air heater requires hookup for use.

With a low, rounded closed profile and a base weight as low as 816 lb (370 kg), the ECT series is ready to serve as a loyal tow companion to electric cars and other small, efficient vehicles. It was purposefully designed to give campers and road travelers a convenient and complete camper van alternative that allows them to maintain a single vehicle for everyday driving and have the option of easily hitching up a camper and taking off for the weekend or a full holiday.

Both the ECTS and ECT2 are available for order now at prices starting at £19,750 (approx. US$26,750), which includes VAT. That's actually lower than the original advertised price of £26,225 (US$35,525).

Source: Wheelhome