One of the members of a new generation of stylish camping trailers that includes theMogo Freedom and Happier Camper HC1, the Nest caravan is designed for a more luxurious road-tripping experience. It combines a sleek, infusion-molded monocoque body with a comfortable, fully featured interior.
We've seen some impressive new camping trailers out of Oregon this season, includingHigh Camp Trailers and Freespirit. The Nest adds yet another. Based in Bend, Nest Caravans completed its first prototype in late March and is now ready to start taking orders.
We're very accustomed to seeing camping trailers built as boxes secured to metal frames. This traditional construction is exemplified quite well by the Teal Tail Feathersince you actually start with a utility trailer and then assemble the camper body up from there.
Nest eschews convention and integrates the frame and body into a single monocoque shell. The start-up says that the move cuts out 75 percent of the weight of the frame – there is still a small section of powder-coated steel tube frame at the front of the trailer secured to the monocoque via mechanical fasteners. It also assures that the infusion molding process provides the structural strength necessary for a functional home away from home.
The fiberglass body gives the camper a clean, sleek look that Nest uses as the starting point of trailer aimed at "enthusiasts of both good design and the great outdoors." It explains the interior materials and components were "carefully chosen for their form and function" and sourced from the marine, homebuilding and aviation industries wherever possible.
Built for two, the interior includes a queen-size bed with spring mattress and a space-efficient dining/food preparation countertop with folding chairs. A marine-grade, stainless-steel dual-burner cooktop is located next to the countertop. In contrast to the typical all-in-one stove/sink camper kitchen, the Nest trailer's 3.7-cu ft (105-L) Nova Kool fridge/freezer and stainless steel sink are located on the wall opposite the stove.
The 40-cu ft (1,133-L) wet bathroom includes a Thetford Porta Potti Curve toilet and a Scandvik shower. The greater plumbing system is composed of an Alde space/water heater, 20-US gal (76-l) fresh and grey water tanks, and Shurflo water pump.
The electrical system includes a 105 Ah AGM battery, 45 A converter, three interior 120 V AC shore power receptacles, USB ports, and a 30 A exterior shore power inlet with 25-ft (7.6 m) cord. An LED lighting system with dimmer switches illuminates the cabin, and a Maxxair remote-controlled vent/fan delivers cooling. A Bogart Engineering battery monitor serves up key system data, and safety features include the Nest smoke detector– seemingly a perfect fit in both name and design ethic – and a propane gas detector.
The cabin has a height of 75 to 81 inches (191 to 206 cm), providing plenty of headroom for average-height campers. The space is accessed via a tall rear door and includes a tilt moonroof and windows around the sides and front. There's cork flooring underfoot and a full-height closet in the corner.
Back outside, the 2,000-lb (907-kg) Nest rides on 16-in five-spoke alloy wheels secured to a 3,500-lb (1,588-kg) torsion-flex axle. It has an electric braking system, all-LED DOT lighting and a spare full-sized tire. The liquid propane canisters travel up front on the tongue. The trailer measures 16.7 x 6.6 x 8.2 ft (5 x 2 x 2.5 m).
The Nest starts at US$29,995, and all of the aforementioned equipment and specs are listed as standard in Nest's brochure. The company is currently estimating a 12-week lead time.
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