The cramper van: A tiny pedal-powered motorhome

A designer better known for his custom car creations than any interest in cycling has built a pedal-powered campervan that boasts four seats, a cooker, sink, table and bed. Andy Saunders chopped up an already small Bedford Bambi van and mounted it on a four-wheeled pedal cart, that had seen service at a Butlins holiday camp, to create what he calls a ‘cramper van’.

The Cramper Van joins a growing number of unusual pedal-powered mobile dwellings. The Tricycle House is pedal-powered recreational vehicle (RV) similar to the Cramper Van, but offers even more comfort because it boasts its own bath and shower.

Each piece of the tiny house is made from lightweight plastic that has been cut with a CNC router, scored, folded and welded into shape. The polypropylene plastic bodywork can expand like an accordion to create more space, and connect to other houses. The translucent plastic allows the interior to be lit by the sun during the day or street lamps at night.

The sink, stove, and bathtub are collapsible and stow away at one end of the tiny home.

Bicycle caravans

It might not have a bath like the Tricycle House, but it’s the ideal accessory for cyclists who demand luxury on their camping trips. The QTvan is a fully-equipped, single-berth caravan designed to be towed by a bicycle and allows the bike to be used independently.

The QTvan boasts a full-sized single bed, 19” television, drinks cabinet and tea-making facilities.

The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) commissioned the bicycle caravan to illustrate the efficiency of the bicycle.

Versatile bicycles

Designer of the QTvan, Yannick Read, said: “The caravan illustrates the versatility of the bicycle. Bikes don’t just beat traffic, get you fit, save you money and go easy on the environment, few people realise how much you can carry or tow with them.”

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Battery boost

The caravan can be towed by most conventional bicycles, but its range can be extended considerably by hitching it to an electric bike such as the Wisper 706 Alpino pictured.

Cycle camping was at its height in the 1950s, but a renewed interest in camping over the last three years has seen cycle touring clubs attract record numbers.

The QTvan bicycle caravan
Top speed: How fast can you pedal?Dimensions: 2m x 75cmRange: You decidePower for TV/kettle: 240v hook up
Entertainment: 19” TV, radio, alarm clock, book shelvesAccommodation: Full-sized single bedCooking facilities: Kettle, drinks cabinet
Optional extras include: Solar roof panels, satellite dish, gaming console, central heating, external luggage rack, bespoke paint

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover, race event cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Electric bicycles can also be covered. Includes 90 days’ worldwide cover.

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