The last 12 months have seen a real explosion of interest for slide-out caravans in the UK, with both Fifth Wheel and Eterniti Caravans launching expandable tourers.
Well now it appears that the French want to get in the act too, as Gallic inventor Eric Beau is looking into bringing his BeauEr 3X to our shores.
Originally launched back in 2010, this tin-can shaped tourer looks like just another micro-caravan, until you put the key in and operate the telescopic sliding mechanism, which allows this tourer to slide out in both directions, tripling the interior space in just 20 seconds.
The 3X has already proved very popular on the continent, attracting much attention at the 2011 Dusseldorf Caravan Show and following a French TV appearance, Mr Beau’s YouTube videos have already attracted more than 70,000 views.
His company is now looking into launching this exciting product in the UK, and with a very competitive level of specification and a surprisingly low weight, this could be quite an appealing prospect.
Despite a maximum interior space of 12 metres squared, which is more than the average four-berth caravan, the 3X weighs with an MTPLM of just 1,203kg – making it much lighter than any other slide-out model on the market.
Built on an Al-Ko chassis with a polyester bodyshell, Mr Beau claims it is also highly aerodynamic due to its smoothly curved exterior design.
Moving to the inside and you get a shower, toilet, 130-litre fridge, sink and hob, but no oven or microwave, while the gas heater and water heater both come as optional extras.
The four-berth layout comprises a pair of double beds, measuring up at an ample 6’3″ x 4’7″ and 6’10” x 4’7″ respectively.
However, the price could prove to be the major stumbling block, as the BeauEr 3X is currently retailing at 23,000 euros, or just over £19,000. But one thing’s for sure – if you pitch up in one of these this summer you will certainly turn heads…
