Retro-inspired camper trailer is coming to the U.S.

Whether it’s a sleek camper van or a compact travel trailer, Europe is packed with cool campers. Talk to any RV manufacturing CEO (like we did at RVX, the new RV Industry Trade Show) and they’ll all tell you the same thing: Camper innovation in Europe is about 10-15 years ahead of the U.S.

This oft-repeated opinion has adventurers stateside constantly asking, “Why are all the best campers across the pond?” It’s also inspired one of Curbed’s most-read camper stories on European camper vans we covet from afar, and lead to lengthy discussions in the Curbed camper Facebook group.

Now, a popular European camper is coming to the U.S. The Barefoot Caravan was founded by Cathy Chamberlain because she didn’t like the available campers on the market. Working with students from the Automotive and Transport Design Course at Coventry University, Chamberlain spent three years designing the fiberglass camper.

NüCamp RV has announced that they will bring the Barefoot Travel Trailer to the North American market in early 2020.

We saw the Barefoot in person at RVX and its cute style didn’t disappoint. At about 16 feet long, the monocoque, egg-shaped body features a compact living space that can sleep two. The inside boasts a small kitchen area with a fridge, a two burner stove, solid oak countertops, and a sink. It can be hard to fit a bathroom in a trailer this size, but the Barefoot delivers with a shower, cassette toilet, mirror, and sink combo. A good sized seating and dining area transforms into a six foot by six foot bed which can sleep two people.

In the European version, windows with screens and blackout blinds, LED lighting, and a heating and hot water system come standard, as do the retro-styled 13-inch hubcaps. There are loads of storage cubby holes to stash your clothes, and the Barefoot even comes with a small wine rack for all the camping oenophiles out there. Weighing 2,094 pounds, the Barefoot is heavier—and more expensive—than the popular Happier Camper, but it does offer a more spacious interior and a bathroom.

Details are scarce on exactly what the North American version of the Barefoot Caravan will offer, but we do know that it will be manufactured here by nüCamp RV and should be available sometime in Spring 2020. Spokespeople for nüCamp reported that the camper will be “similar in nature” to the U.K. version, and that details like pricing are subject to change.

The camper in Europe sells for approximately $33,000, but it’s also made there. It’s hard to say what it will be priced for in the North American market. We’ll report on more details as we have them, and in the meantime you can see more photos here.

Pricing aside, the fact that a sought-after, unique European travel trailer is making its way to North America is a big win for RV lovers. When we reported on the Barefoot Caravan back in May 2018, owner Chamberlain told Curbed that she was looking to partner with an American manufacturer. Less than a year later a deal is in the works, and that’s impressive. It shows that North American buyers value innovation and uniqueness, and it could point to similar deals in the future.

Courtesy of NuCamp RV