FlexCamp expanding RV pod camps comfortably on truck or trailer

New Atlas ^ | December 20, 2021 | C.C. Weiss

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Expandable campers have really been pushing above and beyond simple pop-tops into more advanced forms, like transforming Cybertruck A-frames, stretchable off-road teardrops, and flip-open truck-top tents. Germany's ICC Offroad played a big role in the rotating Flip90 pickup camper, and it also has another expanding camper design in the pipeline. Its FlexCamp prototype is designed to start the journey as a basic trailer or pickup-top box, expanding up and out at camp to become a cozy micro-cabin for a family of four.

ICC Offroad is developing the FlexCamp to meet the demand for a compact, four-season, off-road-ready camping solution. With experience building everything from Mercedes G-Class mini-RVs to full-size 7.5-tonne+ expedition Unimogs, it knows a thing or two about making campers that hold up to all types of weather and terrain.

ICC Offroad is positioning the FlexCamp first as an off-road camper trailer, but it also shows a few sketches of it sliding in a pickup truck or mounting directly to the back of a truck chassis, meaning it could be a multipurpose, vehicle-independent camper pod, a design similar to the Tipoon but born from German practicality instead of French artistry. Whereas the Tipoon was created to be displayed neatly and proudly atop a utility trailer, the FlexCamp's boxy shape makes it equally at home inside a pickup bed.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

This looks quite cool. Just drop it off somewhere in the wilderness and you have your instant, portable housing all set up.

[mylife]

I always wanted a little teardop camper for weekend jaunts

[wally_bert]

I like the idea.

[Tax-chick]

It does look cool. We often discuss advancing beyond tents!

[mylife]

Had a 6pack cabover camper and do not recommend it, it really messes with center of gravity on the truck.

[mylife]

When deployed with the 104th MI I quickly ditched my tent and slept in a hole or on the hood of my humvee

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I ran across a very nice teardrop camper at Half Moon Bay (CA) State Park a couple years ago. I was very tempted after seeing that and talking to the owner. Mrs. POF has zero interest, so it would be for me alone.

I just checked and it was an "R-Pod Hood River Edition" that I saw, a bit bigger than a teardrop trailer, but still compact.

[Uncle Miltie]

I have TAB 320 in black and red.

Great little teardrop.

[alternatives?]

That fire is really close to the door.

I always wonder about sagging over time or fixing it if it is damaged.

[mylife]

Everything you need except a crapper.

[Bigg Red]

Thank you for your service.

[mylife]

Looks quite large.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

The article snidely mentions the similar French Tipoon camper in passing. That big cantilevered pull-out would sure make the thing feel tippy and wobbly without some sort of outrigger support legs.

[Night Hides Not]

Is it fireproof? The campfire is too close for my comfort.

[mylife]

anytime

[rktman]

Neighbor has a “NOBO” trailer with a pop up on top and bat wing awning. Cool little setup. Unload the four wheeler and two inside and two in the pop up. They also got one of those compacting/composting crappers.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

Tax-chick :" It does look cool.
We often discuss advancing beyond tents!

Ideal for 'off road' and mobile preppers who value relocation to another area, and still have comfort and storage.
Think about it. The next step up.
Practical and functional and can be modular added upon - but has basic comfort, ..and is beyond tenting.

[Tax-chick]

We were thinking more of a few days at a state park.

[tennmountainman]

Neat.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

We have the same dream! Well, sort of. ;)