autoevolution
 

The Once-Forgotten Boler and Trillium Camper Trailers Are Being Resurrected From the Dead

During the 1970s, there was an explosion of campers known for their ability to last through the ages, Bolers. Today, these vintage machines can still be found in their original form, so it's really no wonder manufacturers are looking to revive these fiberglass habitats.
Outback Trillium Camper 16 photos
Photo: Robert Germain
Outback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium CamperOutback Trillium Camper
One team hard at work bringing attention back to these campers is Trillium Trailers Manufacturing (TTM). If you're aware of the history of these trailers, then the word Trillium means something to you; Trillium Recreational Vehicles Ltd. is the Canadian crew that kicked off the craze in the 70s. Want to see what's in store for the modern era?

One prominent feature of Trillium or Boler campers is that they're typically built out of nothing more than fiberglass, but the best part is that they're completed using two molded halves for the shell. Why is this important? Aside from featuring a one-piece roof, the lower half is also achieved from a single mold; weatherproof much? Monocoque molding is the only other shaping process that yields a more impermeable shell.

While fiberglass may seem outdated or primitive, don't get me wrong, it kind of is; with proper shaping and treatment, this material can still yield a camper with a great cost-for-capability factor. For example, the Outback we're looking at today is built as I've described above but starts off with a price of $21,900. Here's the best part, TTM is a Canadian company, so my bet is that this rate is in Canadian dollars, meaning it costs $16,900 American (€16,050 at current exchange rates).

Outback Trillium Camper
Photo: Robert Germain
But things aren't so simple. Because TTM offers a rather bare camper for this price, you will have to invest more to transform it into your optimized version of an off-grid home. Nonetheless, let's say you invest another $8,000 into this sucker. That's still $25,000 spent, resulting in a durable machine. Here's what you may be up against.

After you've decided on the lifestyle you want to live as you adventure through forgotten lands, you'll have a better idea of what you'll need to survive. This means you can tatter the exterior with features like an awning, solar panel, and outdoor shower, but inside, you'll create the mobile world you dream of.

The fiberglass shell offers an unwavering background upon which to add storage spaces, secure a modular dinette, and even the galley seems built into the body. Sure, you may want to work some magic and paint the walls your favorite color, maybe add some tapestry or wallpaper that represents you, but other than that, you should be set. Diving deeper into the manufacturer's website, I was also able to notice that some of the interiors depicted even include bunk bedding, leading me to believe that TTM will do whatever stands in their power to meet your needs.

Outback Trillium Camper
Photo: Robert Germain
Once you have all that, latch this baby onto the rear of your favorite truck or able vehicle, and off you go. You'll be able to wake up on the side of the road, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, have lunch in the Redwood forests of Northern California, and before you know it, you're on your way again. Next stop, that little X you have on your map.

Because you've taken the time to invest in heating and cooling systems, you'll be able to extend your adventure season into the colder months. But I'm not too sure how low of temperature this bugger can take. I'm sure a phone call to TTM can answer all your questions.

At the end of the day, if these travel trailers are built anything like their archetypes from the 70s, then spending $25,000 on a camper like this one is a deal to consider if you're in the market for an off-grid habitat.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories