Outdoors

SwissRoomBox car camper conversion kit gets streamlined

SwissRoomBox car camper conversion kit gets streamlined
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech plus roof tent
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech plus roof tent
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The SwissRoomBox EasyTech set up for sleeping in a Honda CR-V
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The SwissRoomBox EasyTech set up for sleeping in a Honda CR-V
SwissRoomBox ready for sleep
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SwissRoomBox ready for sleep
Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding
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Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding
Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding
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Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding
Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding platform
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Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding platform
Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding platform
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Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding platform
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech set up for dining in a Honda CR-V
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The SwissRoomBox EasyTech set up for dining in a Honda CR-V
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech set up for dining in a Honda CR-V
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The SwissRoomBox EasyTech set up for dining in a Honda CR-V
Food prep with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
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Food prep with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech in a Honda CR-V
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The SwissRoomBox EasyTech in a Honda CR-V
Preparing dinner in the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
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Preparing dinner in the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
Dinner on the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
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Dinner on the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
Showering with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
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Showering with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
Dinner is served off the back of the Renault Kangoo
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Dinner is served off the back of the Renault Kangoo
Dinner is served off the back of the Renault Kangoo
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Dinner is served off the back of the Renault Kangoo
Preparing dinner with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
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Preparing dinner with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
Personal hygiene with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
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Personal hygiene with the SwissRoomBox EasyTech
The bedding platform installed in a Renault Kangoo
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The bedding platform installed in a Renault Kangoo
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech plus roof tent
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The SwissRoomBox EasyTech plus roof tent
Sleeping comfortably in the back of a Renault Kangoo
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Sleeping comfortably in the back of a Renault Kangoo
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech plus roof tent
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The SwissRoomBox EasyTech plus roof tent
View gallery - 21 images

Swiss company misC sport & leisure has designed a lighter, simpler version of its SwissRoomBox camper-in-a-box system. The RoomBox EasyTech is designed to transform a station wagon or van into a functional camper within just five minutes. Its series of panels, attachments and hardware creates sleeping, cooking, eating and showering space, even in smaller cars.

In an effort to bring down the CHF7,800 (US$8,350) price tag of the original RoomBox "HighTech," the Swiss company stripped the concept down to its most basic components. The EasyTech is an à la carte system that lets the buyer choose to use their own existing camping equipment, such as stoves and showers, or purchase it as an all-inclusive package, more like the HighTech.

The SwissRoomBox EasyTech in a Honda CR-V
The SwissRoomBox EasyTech in a Honda CR-V

The entry level CHF4,000 ($4,275) EasyTech one-star model includes only the basic sleeping and table structure. The tool-free system is designed to be quicker to set-up than the HighTech, taking only about 5 to 10 minutes. It uses a new adjustment system that allows it to fit inside of both smaller and larger cars.

The EasyTech one-star measures in at 38.5 x 30 x 16 in (98 x 77 x 41 cm) and weighs 132 lb (60 kg). It travels in the form of a two-sided chest and appears to be about half the size of the HighTech, which has a total of four compartments. One of those sides houses the sink, and the other the stove, with room for other gear.

The package comes to the life with the help of a series of panels. Two large panels and two smaller extenders create a table for up to four diners. Those panels and extenders then flip to the top of the chest to create a bed for two, with the help of additional hardware. Telescoping table and bed legs adjust to properly support each structure. The components can also snap together in other configurations for activities like showering.

Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding
Setting up the SwissRoomBox EasyTech bedding

The one-star model is good for those that have their own camping stoves, sinks, showers, etc. Other EasyTech models build upon the basic one-star framework, adding some of those components. The CHF5,800 ($6,200) two-star model adds a dual-burner stove, sink, shower, fresh and waste water tanks, and all necessary hardware and connections. The three- and four-star models add additional hardware, such as hot water heaters.

For those that need more sleeping space, the CHF2,600 ($2,780) clam-shell roof tent pictured up top sleeps two adults or up to three children. Suddenly your crossover is a fully functional camper for a family of four or five.

We like that the SwissRoomBox concept was broken down into an à la carte version, giving people that already own their own camping gear the chance to save money on redundant gear. Because it's simpler, we also think the EasyTech looks a little more durable than the original. That said, even at the lowest, one-star price point, it's still significantly more expensive than competitors like the QUQUQ.

The EasyTech launched in Europe last fall. We imagine some of the first adopters are driving it around the Alps as we type.

Source: SwissRoomBox

View gallery - 21 images
4 comments
4 comments
ZekeG
Just make a van with all the camping stuff-a diesel hybrid Eurovan-I can't understand why VW does not bring a new one out-with new designs-MILLIONS of people would buy them-and many live in them. Make an affordable camper van with pop-up top that goes straight up-no angle. Slide out awning. Stove, fridge,-some counter space. With todays designers many components can be like transformers and be useful in various simple adjustments.
Joseph Boe
Did I miss it? How do you climb into the rooftop tent? I saw no ladder.
Also the in-car sleeping platform doesn't go to the edges. It looks like the sleepers would be rolling off to the side.
Finally, can a roof-rack support two adults with the platform as shown? Many roofracks clearly state they only support 100 lbs, evenly distributed. In this case you would be looking at 300-400lbs.
kilgatron
For those interested in a less-expensive, more functional camping product, take a look at the QUQUQ.
http://www.gizmag.com/ququq-van-camper-one-minute/28009/
tigerprincess
I keep seeing these camper conversions and they look nice but the prices are just OUTRAGEOUS. You can buy a full size used van for $500.oo US and up and a camping stove for $75.oo, a propane frig for $300.oo or so and other related gear for decent prices. If you are not handy with tools a handyman can be hired for much less than $500.oo and the whole camper can be custom designed for much less than $2000.oo. The money saved can be used for any future repairs, gas money, camping fees, etc. I myself have made several camping setups for less than $1500.oo that are much more elaborate than these setups, although not as clean looking.