Transform your car into a motorhome

The country that convinced the world that the humble pen knife should be a multifunctional tool boasting over thirty features has crammed a kitchen, dining table and double bed into the back of a small family car.

The swissRoomBox modular system transforms almost any size of car into a motorhome of sorts. Prices start at around £2,700.

Most cars can be fitted with the roombox without modification, but a specific electric cable must be installed and connected directly to the car battery.

DIY motorhomes

The American artist Kevin Cyr is best-known for the bicycle ‘motorhome’ he built in 2008. It was conceived as a standalone piece and the subject of a series of paintings. The sculpture provided the inspiration for the QTvan miniature caravan, launched earlier last year by the Environmental Transport Association.

Bicycle caravans of the world unite

It’s the ideal accessory for cyclists who demand the height of luxury on their camping trips – a fully-equipped, single-berth caravan designed to be towed by a bicycle.

The £5,500 caravan boasts a full-sized single bed, 19” television, drinks cabinet and tea-making facilities.

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

The caravan’s designer, Yannick Read, said: “The caravan was inspired by the work of Kevin Cyr and we built it to illustrate the versatility of the bicycle. Few people in the west realise how much you can carry or tow with them.”

The caravan can be towed by most conventional bicycles, but its range can be extended considerably by hitching it to an electric bike.

The bicycle caravan	Watch it in action
Bicycles are many times more efficient than a car – even when they have a caravan in tow
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

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’ European cover and 60’ days worldwide.