The 2024 Living Vehicle HD Is Here as the Luxury RV That Makes Its Own Water and Power

Living Vehicle is a California-based builder of luxury trailers whose main focus is sustainability and quality. Founded by Matthew Hofmann, it delivered its first trailer in 2018, based on an original design fueled by Matthew's years of experience as an architect and, later on, as a restorer of vintage trailers, buses, boats, and vans.

Each year, Living Vehicle unveils a new flagship model based on the previous year's model and comes to replace it. Once the new model goes into production, all previous models are discontinued, so we're talking about limited-series RVs with serious collectible potential.

Matthew and his wife Joanna continue to be digital nomads even though they run one of the most successful, limited-series premium RV companies in the U.S. Living on the road allows them to keep refining their trailers, with the ultimate goal of delivering a unit that meets all their sustainability and quality standards.

One could argue that each new series does that, but that would mean no more room left for innovation. And it would be a wrong assumption, as evidenced by the 2024 LV model, officially called the 2024 Living Vehicle HD: a badass trailer that's equal parts capable and luxurious.

The HD Series was introduced formally a couple of months ago, but it's just now that we're getting a full tour of the first completed unit. Think of it as the lovechild of an Airstream with a fancy celebrity apartment on wheels, and you get a good idea of what's in store. But the LV HD's biggest "get" is, without a doubt, its ability to go off the grid – and stay there indefinitely.

The HD Series is offered in two layouts, 30 feet and 20 feet (9 meters or 6 meters) long, and four different trims, ECO, COR, MAX, and PRO, differentiated by their off-grid capabilities. Any one combination can be then further customized by adding options from an existing series, depending on how many people are going to be calling the trailer their home. Make no mistake about it, the LV HD is designed for long-time living, offering sleeping for four to six people and durable interiors that can stand the wear and tear that comes with this kind of traffic.

The first unit to leave the production line is a 30-foot (9-meter) one with a triple-axle with electric brakes, fold-down terrace, a basic living room layout, and a queen-size bedroom. It's also finished with a separating composting toilet and packs 4,400W of solar cells on the two folding awnings and a 72kWh battery pack.

That's the PRO configuration, in case you were wondering, and it allows the RV to remain off the grid indefinitely. It relies on a propane generator and gas heater for backup, but it's perfectly able to run everything inside, including the burner, large-size fridge, and heat/AC on solar in a warm, sunny climate.

Another thing that helps the LV HD stay off-the-grid indefinitely is the integrated Watergen system, which, in this particular unit, generates 5 gallons (19 liters) of water a day "out of thin air," as Matthew says. This water can be used for household chores but is also drinkable, as the system comes with three separate filters and one sterilizer.

The Living Vehicle trailer is the first commercial application in the RV segment that offers this feature. It's a pioneer in the true sense of the word.

Water generation pairs with highly-efficient appliances that minimize waste. For example, the integrated drawer dishwasher can do an entire load of dishes for six with a little over one gallon (3.7 liters) of water, five to six times less the quantity needed to do the same dishes by hand, in the sink. The washer and dryer combo is also efficient, while shower options include a rainwater head and a less wasteful off-grid handheld wand.

The layout includes a nice kitchen with a removable island, underneath which hides the air-conditioned basement with the batteries. Next to it is a lounge that serves as guest bedroom, dining area, and entertainment lounge, and which can be further maximized by adding an automated drop-down secondary bed.

The bathroom is at the end of the hallway, behind a walnut sliding door, and offers a dry shower, a choice of toilet, and a small sink with vanity. The main bedroom is at the end, with a choice of bed, a large wardrobe with the laundry station and a safe, and storage aplenty.

Because these trailers are designed to be durable, they come with powder-coated aluminum walls and cabinetry, with the occasional hardwood used for contrast. Every piece is solid, made to last, secured, and, why yes, heavy. That's part of the reason why the LV HD got a third axle and chunkier tires.

The 2024 Living Vehicle HD recently received its TRA certification for Emerald off-grid level, so it looks like Matthew and Joanna are steadily making their way to that ultimate goal. They're hoping the RV industry's shift to electric will accelerate, and they're clearly determined to do their part to make it happen.

You probably anticipated this, but the LV HD is priced to match the impressive features and the "luxury" label. A 2024 LV HD unit starts at $359,995 and goes as high as you're willing to or can afford to invest in your future off-grid, sustainable, ultra-comfy off-road adventures.