It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (2024)

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It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features

ByMike Richard

It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (1)

We first caught wind of Polydrops way back in 2019. The angular, retro-future design of its debut, limited-edition travel trailer felt like something straight out of Blade Runner, with a unique love-it-or-hate-it, ugly-cool aesthetic. But the California-based company seemed to go relatively dark since then — until now. Behold the next-gen Polydrops P21 camper trailer.

Everything we know about the Polydrops P21 camper trailer

It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (2)

The next evolution in the Polydrops lineup brings the company’s latest trailer design more in line with legit lightweight travel trailers rather than “mere” teardrop-style, rolling sleep pods. The P21 features the same unique aesthetic that sets it well apart from any other RV at your local campground. It’s stark silver with hard angles throughout — a design that’s reminiscent of TAXA Outdoors’ unique brand of travel trailer. But, unlike its predecessors, this flagship model is roomy enough to sleep four and packs a ton of off-road and tech-forward features.

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Stepping inside, the P21 is taller than it looks, with a full 6 feet of headroom — significantly more than you’d expect from a tiny teardrop. Blonde wood, a wide-open layout, and liberal use of glass all around create a bright, airy interior that feels roomier than it is on paper. Indeed, it’s roomy enough to sleep an entire family, with a convertible dinette at the rear (it’s a queen-sized bed, a lounger, or a workspace, depending on the time of day) and a smaller kid-sized bed tucked into the front. In between lies a “blank canvas” that’s left to buyer’s imaginations with how they prefer to customize it. Polydrops can outfit it with an optional kitchenette (including an induction cooktop, a microwave, a portable camp refrigerator, and more) and even a bathroom, with room for a portable toilet, a sink, and a shower basin.

Like many of today’s best travel trailers, the P21 is outfitted with a robust power system. The 5kWh battery bank is fed by a whopping 1,300 watts of solar power, beefy enough to support the camper trailer’s onboard A/C unit and heat pump. Combined with full insulation on all sides, the P21 is a legit, all-season rig. It’s all controllable via a 7-inch touchscreen display and a Bluetooth remote control.

Despite all its high-tech gadgetry, the P21 weighs a scant 1,200 to 1,800 pounds, depending on how you decide to option it. That’s lightweight enough to tow with almost anything on the road with at least four wheels. It’s also tricked out with the latest Timbren independent suspension for a buttery smooth ride.

Buy your own Polydrops P21 camper trailer

It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (3)

Polydrops’ flagship P21 is now available for pre-order, with a refundable $100 deposit to secure your spot. The company confirms the base price will be just under $39,000, but add-on and option pricing has yet to be finalized. Production is expected to start later this year, with the first deliveries sometime in early 2025.

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Topics

  • Camping

It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (4)

Mike Richard

Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

  • Outdoors

This expandable luxury RV concept previews the future of off-grid living, and it’s amazing

The ultra-modern concept RV expands Transformer-like into a full-blown two bedroom apartment on wheels

It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (5)

Slideout technology reinvented modern RV travel, allowing larger motorhomes to go from ordinary campers to full-blown luxury homes-on-wheels. But that clever technology has yet to reach even the swankiest campervans. With the help of world-renowned design house Pininfarina, RV maker AC Future is looking to change that with the ultra-futuristic eTH that expands like no campervan on the market today.

Get the full details of AC Future's expandable luxury RV camper
From the outside, the eTH RV looks like a vehicle concept straight out of Minority Report. Its cube-like design vaguely resembles today's modern box trucks, but the chiseled corners, polished glass and paint, and Tesla-like LED lighting provide clues that this is something altogether different. At just 20 feet long, it's barely longer than a typical American parking space and only a few inches beyond a Mercedes Sprinter 144 (the platform for many of today's luxury campervans and next-gen van life campers).

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  • Outdoors

Winnebago reveals the Ekko Sprinter, a camper van with more off-roading capability than ever

The RV maker ups the ante again with a Sprinter Van-based class B+ rig that's built for serious off-road fun

It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (6)

Winnebago made a splash in the RV and overlanding worlds when it debuted its Sprinter-based Revel camper van back in 2017. The off-road-centric coach was a distinct departure from the company's well-established line-up of leisure RVs. It doubled down a few years later with the Ford Transit-based Ekko — a more spacious, more capable big brother designed to take you and your gear, well, just about anywhere. Now, the RV maker is upping the ante yet again with its all-new Ekko Sprinter — a Sprinter Van-based class B+ rig that's ready for serious off-road fun.

Get the low-down on the all-new Winnebago Ekko Sprinter camper van
With the new Ekko Sprinter, it's clear Winnebago recognizes that size matters. The latest model is bigger in every way than its Transit-based brother. With a 170-inch wheelbase, it's 18" longer, to be exact. That's still compact enough to navigate twisty backcountry roads yet roomy enough to accommodate more amenities, gear, and passengers. The Ekko Sprinter offers belted seating for four adults and sleeping space for three. An optional pop-up adds sleeping quarters for two more for a total of five (in a compact camper van!). Plus, the deep gear garage allows you to pack everything you need and then some (think: a whole arsenal of outdoor adventure gear).

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  • Outdoors

This $16K teardrop trailer is trail-ready and light enough to be towed by a Subaru Forester

New Bean teardrop trailer is ready for serious off-road adventuring

It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (7)

Custom van life vans and over-the-top overlanding rigs have stolen most of the public attention for anyone daydreaming about serious long-term road life. But those aren't your only options. Teardrop trailers, for example, have been around for almost as long as vehicles could tow things. These ultralight travel trailers are designed for minimalists looking to explore the world with only the essentials. While most aren't designed for hardcore off-road use, Bean Trailers doesn't design "most" teardrop trailers. Case in point: Its all-new Bean Stock 2.0 is a rugged, featherweight design ready to go, well, pretty much anywhere you need it to—all for under $20K.

All about Bean Trailer's all-new Bean Stock 2.0 teardrop trailer
Despite their compact appearance, many teardrop trailers are bulkier and heavier than they look, and most just aren't built for spending any serious time off-pavement. The Bean Stock 2.0 tackles both of these issues with a seamless fiberglass shell that's far lighter (less than 1,200 pounds!), more durable, and more leak-resistant than conventional "stick-built" (i.e., plywood and aluminum) teardrops. The design is purpose-built for even the roughest trails. Coupled with a slimmer, trail-friendly profile, it can readily be towed by most midsize and even compact SUVs, like Toyota RAV4s and Subaru Foresters.

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It's sleek, modern, crazy aerodynamic, and packed full of off-grid tech features (2024)

FAQs

What is the most efficient off-grid power source? ›

As an eco-friendly and abundant resource, sunlight makes solar energy an ideal solution for off-grid living.

Is off-grid living worth it? ›

If you have your own system to support your heating, water, and energy needs, you can keep functioning normally day-to-day, with no worries about power outages on the grid. Going off-grid is a kind of eco-friendly living. You can have less carbon footprint, which benefits the global community in the long run.

Can I go off-grid with solar panels and batteries? ›

You can go off the grid wherever you live with solar panels and batteries.

What state is the best to go off-grid in? ›

The 10 Best States to Live off the Grid
  • Georgia. ...
  • Tennessee. ...
  • Texas. ...
  • Louisiana. ...
  • Indiana. ...
  • Hawaii. ...
  • Colorado. Colorado is another state that has a lot to offer for those looking to live off the grid. ...
  • Arkansas. For those looking for a more affordable off-grid lifestyle, Arkansas may be the state for you.
Jan 18, 2024

What is the cheapest way to produce electricity at home? ›

The most efficient way to produce electricity at home is with a renewable energy system such as solar or wind power. These systems can generate significant savings over the long term and help to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable sources of energy.

Can off-grid solar run AC? ›

Yes, you can run an air conditioner with solar power.

It is conceivable because of powerful solar panels and a converter system. Be that as it may, you may be connected to the grid or be completely off-grid. Both of the systems will allow you to power an AC with solar energy. It will reduce electricity costs rapidly.

What happens when off-grid solar batteries are full? ›

The solar panels will keep working and generating voltage but that voltage is not going to be used in any way or stored anywhere unless you use an appliance or there is battery space to store that excess energy.

How long do batteries last for off-grid solar system? ›

On average, solar batteries last between 5 to 25 years. Lithium-ion batteries are the most prevalent solar battery type and have a lifespan of up to 15 years. Some factors that impact a solar battery's longevity are battery type, installation, depth of discharge, cycle life, environment and maintenance.

What is the cheapest off-grid power source? ›

What is the best cheap energy source? Wind and solar power are the two best cheap energy sources as off grid power solutions.

Can I create my own electricity? ›

It's possible to generate your own electricity using a small-scale wind turbine. A typical set up involves placing the system in an area of wind exposure, which in the right conditions, is more than capable of generating electricity for lights and electrical applications.

What is the best power source during a power outage? ›

There are a few options when it comes to backup power for your home. We've found that solar with battery storage and/or whole-home generators are the best options for power outage protection in most cases.

What is the most energy efficient power source? ›

They lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming and air pollution. However, they are influenced by the weather, and their energy is more difficult to store. At present, wind power is the most efficient method of sustainable energy production.

What is the most economical power source? ›

Renewables are the cheapest form of power today confirms a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency. Amid climbing fossil fuel prices, investments in renewables in 2021 saves US$55 billion in global energy generation costs in 2022.

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