Whenever you set out to write history with a new product, you have to expect at least some growing pains. This innovative rotating trailer has been through the wringer – and it's still not there yet!
Back in 2012, a concept trailer went viral for proposing a unique approach to pop-ups, slide-outs, and canvas add-ons to expand available space in camp mode. Much like a USB flash drive, the Romotow featured a section that rotated out of the main body, expanding available space by as much as 70%.
The Romotow looked good, too. Sitting on a double-axle trailer measuring 9 meters (29.5 feet) in length, it had an instantly recognizable, sleek, and slightly futuristic design, even when not showing off its expanding capabilities. The fact that it would get a suspended patio deck that became kitchen and dining area (with the possibility to enclose it, too) helped turn it into the dream RV of millions of people from all over the world.
W2, the New Zealand-based design and architecture firm that came up with the idea, announced plans to bring the trailer into production almost right away. Then, the growing pains started and haven't stopped since.
Photo: W2
In 2019, W2 announced progress on the Romotow trailer, confirming that it was still on track to series production but taking a detour there. The developments of 2020 almost became the nail in the coffin for the concept, but interest in "the ultimate caravan" kept it afloat.
In early 2023, the growing pains continued, but so did progress on the Romotow. The last time we covered this unique, high-end trailer, the plan was to offer three models for it, which meant the base model would also be the cheapest. It would still be painfully expensive in comparison to other towables, but hey, those other towables don't swing out at camp, and they don't look this good!
The latest update from W2 brings even more changes and, fortunately, further confirmation that the trailer is one step closer to reality. The Romotow is still called the T8, and customers can still get three variations of it, but they can also opt now for two different models.
Photo: W2
And, omg, one of them is the cheapest yet, but don't gloat! There's a big "but" here that we'll discuss later on.
The T8 is now offered as the base T8 and the T8+, which is actually the original concept, refined to the status of an ultra-premium RV. Either model is available in three trims – the three layouts we talked about last time. There's The Shell, which is a blank canvas you can do whatever you want with; Pure, which is the mid-level entry; and Ultimate, which is the most tech-packed and expensive option.
The good news is that the Romotow T8 comes with a starting price of NZ$195,000 (US$115,100 at the current exchange rate). The badvery bad horrible news is that it doesn't come with the swing-out automated mechanism.
Photo: W2
The Romotow T8+ starts at NZ$295,000 (US$174,200), which gets you The Shell, the trailer with the fold-out option, and nothing else besides it.
If you want to be able just to hook up the Romotow and drive away for a family vacation, you're still looking at a NZ$375,000 (US$221,400) and NZ$475,000 (US$289,400) starting price for the Pure and the Ultimate variants, respectively.
It's not just the unique design that warrants this high price tag, though. W2 promises the best quality of materials and finishes, a wide range of options to choose from so that you can semi-customize your future mansion on wheels, a 6-person sleeping capacity, premium appliances, and enhanced comfort. In other words, yes, it's very costly, but it's also high-quality and good-looking.
The T8+ in the Ultimate spec, for example, comes with enhanced autonomy thanks to an upgraded solar system, tandem Cruisemaster air suspension, a pair of smart TVs, and premium multi-zone audio system as standard. Customization options range from adding a dinette to adding canvas walls to the deck so you can make the most of that extra space.
Photo: W2
Throw enough money at it, and the T8+ can easily serve as a permanent mobile residence, rivaling other premium products like the all-electric Living Vehicle trailer from the U.S.
If you're a "see it to believe it" type of guy/gal, you'll be able to check out the Romotow T8+ prototype in action soon. W2 has announced viewings between 22 and 24 September 2023 during the NZMCA Motorhome and Caravan Show held at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. Viewings are free, but you have to book your appointment online.
W2 doesn't specify, so there's no telling whether this is the same prototype they've been showcasing for years – and which is also on display in the video below. Either way, it's bound to be an interesting experience, so check it out if you're in the area.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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