Tiny Trailer Pops Up in 5 Minutes for Electric Car Camping

Camping with an electric vehicle just got a whole lot easier thanks to a cleverly designed micro-trailer that thinks small but lives big.

The Wheelhome Dashaway ECT is a pop-up camping trailer built from the ground up for electric cars and other fuel-efficient vehicles. At just 12.5 feet long and under four feet tall when closed, it barely adds drag to your vehicle while delivering everything needed for comfortable off-grid camping.

Setup takes five minutes or less. Campers crank up the roof using a gas-strut mechanism that reveals six feet of standing room inside. Two support poles lock the corners in place, and the interior furniture unfolds into a surprisingly spacious living area.

The trailer comes in solo and two-person versions, both fitting the same compact footprint. Inside, cushioned seats convert into beds, fold-down shelves become dining tables or workspaces, and a built-in sink handles cleanup duties. The single-person model includes a fixed kitchen counter and even a tucked-away toilet cubby.

An optional awning system integrates seamlessly with the quick setup process. It rolls up on the front during travel, then slides to the back and pitches into either a sunshade or a fully enclosed tent room. This creates private outdoor space for the portable toilet or simply extends the living area by another 21 square feet.

For tight camping spots where maneuvering a trailer seems impossible, an available motorized mover positions the Dashaway via remote control. The feature comes standard on the solo version and optional on the two-person model.

The Bright Side

This trailer represents a smart solution to a real challenge facing electric vehicle owners who love the outdoors. Traditional camping trailers create significant drag that drains EV batteries quickly, limiting range and adventure possibilities. The Dashaway's low profile and lightweight design let eco-conscious travelers explore farther while maintaining the camping comforts that make trips enjoyable.

Founder Stephen Wheeler originally envisioned the design as a rooftop camper for the Tesla Model 3 before giving it dedicated wheels. That origin story shows in every detail, from the aerodynamic wedge shape inspired by rooftop tents to the carefully considered weight distribution.

The production models are now available after final testing in France confirmed the awning system works as planned.

Comfortable camping no longer requires choosing between environmental responsibility and outdoor comfort.