Top 5 Coolest New Green Campers

Tonke Camper

Photo: Tonke Campers

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Contributed by Squob, the magazine featuring the coolest new and classic RVs, travel trailers and campers.

The RV industry is on the verge of a major shift toward downsizing. Not many people these days want to drive a 40-foot behemoth with lurid graphics.

There will always be a market for big "diesel-pusher" coaches that average less than ten miles per gallon. But what do you buy if you can't face piloting a giant "Class A" motorhome?

Squob has put together some greener options for recreational vehicle fans who value style as well as utility. This selection has a decidedly European slant, because RVs from the other side of the Atlantic tend to be much kinder to the environment. Gas is much more expensive in Europe, and the locals tend to take shorter vacations.

1. Tonke Camper

$45,000 and up for the unit, $80,000 complete vehicle. Tonke Campers are hand-built in Holland the old-fashioned way, by craftspeople. They're blessed with timeless two- and three-berth interiors, inspired by the classic yachts created by Dutch boat builders in the 1920s.

Gorgeous polished wood fittings provide a pleasing contrast to the teak floors. The sinks are porcelain, and the faucets are chrome. You can specify solid wood doors and enjoy the view through flat, clear glass, not molded or tinted plastic.

There are two models, the Explorer and the Fieldsleeper, which both meet the Euro IV emissions regulations. For overseas customers, Tonke ships the living unit and the steel platform that supports it. Then you buy a basic Sprinter van chassis at your local Dodge dealer, and you're ready to go.

Tonke Campers

2. Airstream Safari Sport

Around $30,000. "Silver is green," says Airstream. Well, maybe. Its trailers are more aerodynamic than conventional "white box" trailers. They're mostly made from aluminum, steel and wood — all of which are easily recycled. And they're built to last, with nearly 70% of all Airstream trailers ever produced still on the road.

But there's one thing standing between true green creds and the typical Airstream trailer: weight. Despite the light aluminum skins, most Airstream trailers are pretty hefty, and need V8 power to get from A to B.

The good news is that Airstream has put its Safari trailers on a diet, and created two slimline Sport models. There's a 17-foot with two berths, and a 22-foot with four berths.

With a 3,500 lb Gross Vehicle Weight, you can tow the 17-foot Sport with a Ford Escape, a 3.5-L Saturn Vue or even a Lexus RX 400h hybrid. Now that's more like it!

Airstream Sport product page

3. The Lodge-On-Wheels

$37,900. On the other hand, the Lodge-On-Wheels has the aerodynamics of a garden shed. Literally. And it's heavy. But it's also lovingly crafted from pine, cedar and cypress, and free of volatile organic compounds.

Built in Mississippi, these travel trailers have a certain rustic charm. (As the blurb says, "Real men prefer our masculine, all-wood bath facilities.") We just love the cozy upstairs loft sleeping quarters.

Customization is easy. You can select any width from 8 to 14 feet, and the roof can be shingles or metal. You can choose to have your trailer stained or painted. Even the size and number of windows is up to you.

There's a composting toilet, and you can specify propane if you want to go boondocking. Tempted? Before you call, just decide where to put that gun rack and freezer for the game...

Martin House to Go

4. Dodge or Freightliner Sprinter

Around $36,000 for just the cab chassis. If you're looking for a small motorhome, check the platform it's built on. Many of the most advanced European motorhomes are built on the super-efficient Mercedes-Benz Sprinter truck chassis.

This is sold in the U.S. under the Dodge and Freightliner brands, and in the States, the engines are usually 3.0-L V6 turbo diesels. These are economical yet powerful motors that also meet the latest Euro IV emissions standards.

Fleetwood, Winnebago, Airstream, Monaco Coach and Coachmen RV have all started using the Sprinter chassis for their smaller motorhomes. Just find one that suits your style — you can rest assured that the underlying engineering is top-notch.

Dodge Sprinter product page or Freightliner Sprinter product page

5. EarthRoamer XV-JP

$110,000 before options. Lots of RVers like to go off-road. And if you want to tread as lightly as possible, a good starting point is the two-berth EarthRoamer XV-JP.

It's the first camper to conquer the legendary Rubicon Trail, and it's based on the latest Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD Unlimited platform.

In some quarters, the Wrangler is regarded as an unusually green vehicle. It's simple, cheap to make, and has a long lifespan due to its rugged build.

The 3.8-L petrol engine is reasonably efficient, and the EarthRoamer is light compared to your average RV — you'll get fuel consumption around 15 city/19 highway.

The XV-JP's batteries are charged by a rooftop 80-watt solar panel when you're parked. When you're driving, a 160-amp alternator takes over charging duties — and the engine also heats up the four-gallon hot water tank.

Food, meanwhile, is kept nicely chilled by a high-efficiency refrigeration system that uses advanced cold-plate technology to conserve power.

It's a vehicle packed with smart design and thoughtful little touches. And with an equally thoughtful driver at the wheel, it can take you further into nature than you ever thought possible.

EarthRoamer XV-JP product page

Other vehicles recently profiled on Squob include the very retro and very cool $20,300 Shasta Airflyte from Coachmen and the revolutionary Mehrzeller "polygon" travel trailer concept sponsored by BMW.

-Chris
Squob

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