Outdoors

Wild Romotow rotating glamping RV now available to order for $270,000

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After several years of construction and testing, W2 gave the Romotow T8.3 prototype a world premiere in New Zealand this month
W2
A signature feature of the Romotow T8 is the window array that wraps the nose of the cabin, providing panoramic views from the dinette
W2
Initially introduced as a concept in 2012, the Romotow caravan is now officially here
W2
W2 and ACM construct the Romotow body out of aluminum and composite
W2
King bedroom layout
W2
A look at the dinette next to the entryway
W2
The separate rotating cabin and deck design sets the Romotow apart from other caravans
W2
Bathroom door on the left, bedroom at the rear
W2
After several years of construction and testing, W2 gave the Romotow T8.3 prototype a world premiere in New Zealand this month
W2
The arched deck wall can be equipped with a fold-down table, as pictured, or a fold-down bench seat
W2
The C-Zone command center provides monitoring and control
W2
The Romotow rotates into camping form via an automated hydraulic system
W2
The Romotow T8 expandable caravan
W2
Romotow T8 expanding glamping trailer
W2
The Romotow T8 includes an expandable power system with lithium battery and solar charging
W2
W2 offers two kitchen designs and four to six sleeping berths
W2
Romotow T8 in trailer mode
W2
Romotow dry bathroom
W2
View gallery - 17 images

One of the wildest camper concepts we've looked at is finally a reality. The Romotow caravan was originally revealed over a decade ago and had all the makings of being a one-and-done concept. It was created by an architecture and design firm, existed only as renderings at the time of introduction, and looked entirely like a flight of fancy. But in late 2018, word arose that the Romotow was actually headed for production. And now, another four years later, it's here. The production-ready version remains true to the original concept – an amenity-loaded mobile that's a cross between an expandable travel trailer and a tiny home with observatory and covered porch.

W2, the firm behind the Romotow design, and its manufacturing partner ACM Motorhomes held the world premiere of the Romotow at the Covi Motorhome, Caravan and Outdoor Supershow in Auckland, New Zealand earlier this month. Despite the Romotow having existed in the virtual world for 11 years and counting, this was the first public showing of the actual prototype we last saw W2 working on in 2020.

While many concept RVs and automobiles get simplified and dulled down on their way to market, W2 stuck to its original blueprint, keeping the Romotow T8 as wild and impressive as it was on paper in 2012. The 30.5-foot (9.3-m) dual-axle caravan's main cabin nests inside of the open deck area on the ride to camp before swiveling out to create a two-part space with large covered deck and four- to six-sleeper main cabin. The automated hydraulic system pushes the cabin outward and swings it out 90 degrees.

Romotow T8 expanding glamping trailer
W2

The floor plan inside has a roomy dining area in the rounded front cabin, surrounded by wraparound windows. This scenic area doubles as a sleeping space, as the dinette converts over to two single beds or one double bed. A lift-away double bed is available for two added berths.

Just behind the dining lounge, the kitchenette comes in buyer's choice of two available styles: a two-counter design with center aisle and under-counter fridge/freezer or a single-counter variant with tall fridge/freezer. The dual-counter version sees the sink and gas range on separate counters, while the single-counter plan has them side by side.

W2 offers two kitchen designs and four to six sleeping berths
W2

Whichever kitchen the buyer chooses, an L-shaped dry bathroom with corner toilet, sink and shower stands behind it. The bedroom is at the very rear, closed off via its own door. It includes a closet and can be ordered with a single king-size bed or two single beds.

The patio features composite teak-look deck flooring and paneling and is primarily an open space upon which owners can place camping furniture. Options include a fold-down bench seat or table inside the rounded front nose and removable canvas/mesh sidewalls to keep the pests out.

The arched deck wall can be equipped with a fold-down table, as pictured, or a fold-down bench seat
W2

The T8 is powered by a 200-Ah lithium battery charged with help from a roof-mounted 395-W solar array. A C-Zone integrated control system with accompanying app offers monitoring and control of electrical components and other hardware. Buyers can also add more battery capacity, additional solar panels and an inverter. Entertainment options include pop-up or wall-mounted 32-in 4K smart TVs, an outdoor projector system with pull-down 82-in screen, and a multi-zone Fusion sound system.

The 7,495-lb (3,400-kg, gross weight) Romotow T8 rides on a mild-steel tube chassis and tandem Cruisemaster ATX spring suspension. An automated chassis system levels the trailer out at camp. The cabin has an aluminum structure and includes insulated composite walls, flooring and roofing. The standard package brings along 300-L fresh and gray water tanks and a Truma Combi space/water heater. An air conditioner is available optionally.

Romotow T8 in trailer mode
W2

The Romotow T8 starts at NZ$429,000 (approx. US$268,500), and price escalates quickly once the buyer starts adding on options. AMC Motorhomes will build the caravans in New Zealand, and W2 is focusing on the New Zealand and Australian markets, though it does encourage those in other countries to contact it. Securing a place in the build queue requires a non-refundable NZ$10,000 deposit (US$6,300).

The video shows the hydraulics closing the Romotow trailer in less than a minute.

Source: W2/Romotow

View gallery - 17 images
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9 comments
riczero-b
That is a massive increase in vehicle size , complexity and towing weight ( and cost) to gain a modest covered sitting area. Looks cool though.
3Bravo7
Over priced.
guzmanchinky
It's obviously awesome, but I don't think it will work in the US, where it would really intrude into the space between RV's, not sure if that's true in other countries? They always show it in a lovely field with no one parked next to it! :)
CraigAllenCorson
Very nice, but I would want A LOT more water and electricity capacity for my quarter MILLION dollars - an expense which I could never ethically justify anyway, even if I had it.
BlueOak
Wow that’s cool. What a clever idea. And it appears to be aerodynamic to boot. But if the design requires a price like that, ouch.
Fairly Reasoner
$270K doesn't buy what it used to.
clay
US$268,500 Wow...
Kim Domjahn
Great Design, Great Concept, BUT! how many do they expect to sell if they are supposedly targeting the Australian and New Zealand market at that price. And for that price I would expect A/C as standard. You also have to possibly add $175,000 to buy a RAM or Eqv to tow it plus more to ship to OZ. Sadly definitely not Value for Money.
bottombracket
Very curious what the optional AC will look like, where it would go, and the btu capability