Honda has launched the Base Station Prototype, a towable travel trailer built by engineers and designers at the company’s U.S. research and development centers in Los Angeles and Ohio. Designed with modularity, integrated smart technology, and clever packaging, the Base Station Prototype was conceived with the ability to be towed behind many of the most popular vehicles in America, like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, as well as electric vehicles like the Honda Prologue and upcoming Honda 0-Series SUV, while remaining competitively priced in the lightweight travel trailer segment, according to a press release from Honda.
“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,” said Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the American Honda R&D Business Unit. “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 follows Honda’s signature “Man Maximum/Machine Minimum” design philosophy, Honda said in a release, maximizing space for people while minimizing the footprint of mechanical components. As a result, the Base Station will fit in a standard residential garage or parking space, yet its interior is open, spacious, airy and bright, the company said.
Five large side windows allow for natural light, and can be removed and replaced with various accessories. The top of the Base Station Prototype can be raised to create 7 feet of stand-up space, while a top-hinged rear tailgate enables free flow between the Base Station and campsite. Base Station can sleep a family of four with a large futon-style couch that folds out to provide a queen-sized sleeping area and an optional kids’ bunk bed, the press release said. Ambient light rings around the windows are not only programmable for brightness and color, but will illuminate a campsite to make setting up easy at night.
Showcasing the potential of its modular design, the Base Station Prototype is outfitted with various accessories, including an air conditioner, an external shower, and an external kitchen complete with running water and an induction cooktop, Honda said. Zero emissions power off the grid is enabled through a standard lithium battery, inverter and integrated solar panels. External power sources, whether campsite hookup or Honda generator, can be quickly connected for extended stays.
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