After a few early stumbles, several design evolutions and literally thousands of hours of effort, we are now officially announcing the launch our new fiberglass travel trailer company, Nest Caravans.
We admit that some design and marketing choices defined by our premiere model will not appeal to everyone. But we have high hopes that its sophistication, innovation and quality will find its niche within the marketplace.
We begin the manufacturing process with the creation of patterns and molds within the next two weeks. If all goes according to plan, we should have prototypes built by end of January, 2014. Sales commence next spring.
If you have any interest in learning more, we invite you to visit our website for details: Nest Caravans | Home
And of course, we would very much appreciate your feedback.
Very interesting concept, Robert. It looks like a lot of attention has been paid to detail. Lots of great ideas incorporated, and it looks great too.
I like the idea of the unibody design. What have you done to give it it's strength?
Is there any insulation included with the hull liner, and any options for dual glazed widows, for those of use regularly camping in colder environments?
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True $30k is somewhat high, but there is intro pricing with $6k discount, bringing it down to $24k. I see a lot of thought has gone into the components vs off the shelf items. Very impressive.
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Due to the design of the shell and the infusion molding process which utilizes composite materials of about 2" thick (no chopper guns!), our floor has been engineered to provide incredible rigidity and load-bearing capabilities.
Under the Hulliner will be Prodex Ad 10 insulation, and yes, dual-glazed windows will become available.
I think they look really nice -- great job! I love that rear-entry design and have often wondered my more trailers weren't designed that way. Anyways, if I didn't already have an egg, I'd definitely consider one of these. LOVE the interior height and the queen size bed. What luxuries!
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Of course we really struggled with the high price tag, but with so many upscale features, we could not make things pencil otherwise. As it is, Nest will be some $12 — 14K below the cost of a similarly-sized Airstream, and if I am not mistaken, not too far off the cost of the original Oliver.
Our experience at The Egg Plant convinced us that there was a market for an upscale compact and lightweight trailer. Many of our customers bemoaned the fact that their trailer was originally built so cheaply. Our goal is to minimize compromise and address those concerns with a product that is thoroughly vetted for quality and value.
In the early days, several manufacturers — Hunter, Trailswest Campster, Compact, and others — featured a rear entry.
Some folks prefer a side entry for a more direct access to the campsite. However, providing a queen-size bed AND a shower-enclosure within a 13' cabin dictated much of the overall design of the Nest.
Of course we really struggled with the high price tag, but with so many upscale features, we could not make things pencil otherwise. As it is, Nest will be some $12 — 14K below the cost of a similarly-sized Airstream, and if I am not mistaken, not too far off the cost of the original Oliver.
Our experience at The Egg Plant convinced us that there was a market for an upscale compact and lightweight trailer. Many of our customers bemoaned the fact that their trailer was originally built so cheaply.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Johans
However, providing a queen-size bed AND a shower-enclosure within a 13' cabin dictated much of the overall design of the Nest.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Johans
And of course, we would very much appreciate your feedback.
I can appreciate all of the thought that went into this product!
Many existing trailer designs with 13' cabins are only 16' overall. Here in California, there is a HUGE cost disparity between licensing a 16' trailer vs. licensing a 17' 2" trailer. A California PTI license amortizes out to a flat $2 per year. But it is limited to 16' overall while anything over that increases licensing cost 500% or more at your price point. This is a significant factor in the calculus of total cost which could have mitigated the sticker shock.
Rear entry door designs rule.... it is the best way to maximize space utilization. Excellent floor plans result. Bed size is super, a real selling point.
You could make 1/2 of that beautiful bed fold forward for a 2 person dinette to get eating and socializing out of the cooking area.
A Cassette toilet would be tons nicer, porta-potties are soooo 1990
Nose cone is cute, but could be a separate items, ala early BigFoot, as it is subject to damage while connecting etc.
Including euro items seems nice, but experience has shown that getting parts and service, especially while on the road can become a PITA.
Portable horizontal LP Tanks usually have to be removed to be filled, is your LP tank portable or permanently mounted.
Can't express how concerned I would be about a frameless design and I am sure the competition will be quick to make hay of it.....
IMHO: At least 1/4 of the Airstreams price is paying for the prestige and image that comes with owning an Airstream, a hard point to sell against with a new product.
Luv the look.... especially the aerodynamic, split window front end. Suggest you connect the Nest to a classic 63 Corvette coupe as your advertising photo.
Also like the large bed, Hi tech features, and the quality suspension/axle. Would like to see the trailer sit a little lower. Maybe a lower profile tire would do the trick. A lower center of gravity improves towing stability IMHO.
Looks like a top quality product. Hope it works out for you.
Very sleekly European in styling! I can see where the Airstream 16' Sport Bambi might be your competition. You have designed a really beautiful high-end camping trailer which will appeal to those with money to spend on the finer things in life. It would be really nice, as an owner, to know every detail has been attended to and that one would not need to jerry rig, "make do" or adapt anything.
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