Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

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

By

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.

Recommended Videos

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
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Turn Your Pickup Into a Go-Anywhere RV with Scout’s Olympic Truck Camper
Scout Olympic

Many of us are figuring out creative new ways to do the things we enjoy doing safely. Long-distance travel, in general, isn’t an option for some right now, and won’t be for the foreseeable future. All of which is why 2020 is becoming the year for road tripping and RV travel. If you’ve toyed with either and happen to own a pickup truck, this versatile, state-of-the-art camper truck camper just might give you the final push to hit the open road. 

The all-new Olympic camper from Scout is a next-generation truck camper. It boasts the same portability and versatility of its predecessors, but with all the high-tech gadgetry and conveniences that today’s adventure-seekers demand. At a base weight of just over 1,100 pounds, the shell is designed to fit neatly in the bed of most full-sized pickup trucks. The durable design features a gel-coated fiberglass exterior and roof, aluminum exoskeleton framing, and solid, wood-free construction. The composite structural panels guarantee year-round, all-season use without having to worry about rot or water damage.

Read more
Trek Far, Far Off-Grid in Ready Set Van’s Electric Campervans
Ready Set Van

The movement to downsize is now firmly entrenched in our culture. It started with many (mostly young) Americans eschewing traditional 2,000-square-foot homes in favor of tiny houses. But, some want to go even smaller and more portable by taking their house on the road. If you’re considering the switch to vanlife, you could do worse than Ready Set Van’s lineup of high-tech, built-to-order campervans.

Ready Set Van’s off-grid adventure vans are designed to take their drivers just about anywhere. The company starts with the trusty Ram ProMaster platform — a pared-down “blank slate” that’s become a favorite among vanlifers. From the outside, most of its conversions look like ordinary delivery trucks. That’s part of the draw for many campers looking for a stealth ride that won’t draw unnecessary attention when camping in, say, a residential neighborhood or the city.

Read more
Try an empty Tic Tac box for this weird camping hack
Will Tic Tac containers save your camping experience?
A camp stove cooking food with a desert landscape blurred in the background

For a lot of campers, simple food while out in the wild is the go-to. While that might be okay for some, you shouldn't have to settle for bland fare if you don't want to! A flavorful meal while in the outdoors can elevate your camping experience. We've covered how to do this before, but here's a whole new thing to try: repurposing your empty Tic Tac containers to hold spices.

That's right — don't throw them out! Believe it or not, Tic Tac containers are perfect for this purpose. They're small, compact, and have a flexible plastic lid that can open and close repeatedly without breaking. Try using them for all your favorite spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, whatever you like! You can also use them to store dry herbs such as thyme, oregano, and basil. Just use a clean funnel for a mess-free transfer.

Read more