Honda’s Newest Vehicle Isn’t a Car- Say Hello to the Base Station Trailer
Honda has decided to expand their catalogue, dipping their toe into the camping market. They recently unveiled a new towable travel trailer, the Base Station Prototype, designed with modularity, clever packaging, and integrated smart technology. This project was created by the engineers and designers at Honda’s LA and Ohio R&D centers. The team behind the Base Station Prototype explained they wanted to design something that would make outdoor adventures like camping or road tripping more accessible to all. That’s why it has the unique ability to be towed by many of the most popular cars in the US, like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, and even some electric vehicles! It also has a lower price point, maintaining a competitive price in the lightweight travel trailer segment.
Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the American Honda R&D Business Unit, says, “Base Station is a perfect example of what can happen when you let a team of researchers, designers and engineers pursue bold new ideas to create new value for our customers. Just like the Motocompacto, Base Station is the product of fresh and innovative thinking. We designed it to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for families across America.”
The Base Station Prototype aligns with Honda’s “Man Maximum/Machine Minimum” design philosophy, which aims to minimize the space taken up by mechanical components to allow more space for the people using it. This means the Base Station will still be able to fit in a regular garage or parking space, while simultaneously having a bright and spacious interior. The trailer has five large side windows, so you can enjoy the views and natural light, but if you’d like some privacy, they can be removed and replaced with various accessories. If you’re on the taller side, you’re not left out! The trailer can be raised to create seven feet of stand-up space, ensuring no one bumps their head. The top-hinged tailgate allows for ease of access between the trailer and the campsite and helps the two become one unified space.
Moving to the interior, the Base station can fit a family of four comfortably. It has a large couch that folds out into a queen-sized bed, and has an optional kids’ bunk bed. It features ambient light rings around the windows that allow you to control the brightness and color. Its modular design easily allows accessories to be added or swapped as needed. Included in these accessories so far are an air conditioner, an external shower, and an external kitchen, which includes running water and an induction cooktop.
Their innovation doesn’t just extend to the look and design of the trailer though. It has zero emissions power off the grid, which is enabled through its standard lithium battery, inverter, and integrated solar panels. It also allows for external power sources for longer stays.
If you love the outdoors, keep an eye out for more updates on this vehicle!