|
As evidenced by this new style, super economical, all-wheel drive RV that uses as its platform the Honda Element, URSA Minor Vehicles (a Chula Vista, CA manufacturer/converter) has taken the next step in what can be characterized as the cross-over RV market. Just as the VW Westphalia did so many years ago, URSA Minor Vehicles takes the Honda Element and adds a pop-top roof that when extended comfortably sleeps two full size adults.
The beauty part of the URSA Minor Vehicles Ecamper™ is that there is no cutting of or violating the integrity of the Honda roof structure for the pop-top sleeping canopy that is fabricated from light weight composite material and fabric is simply attached to the existing Honda roof structure. Once the security latches are released at each corner of the outside roof line, the aft end of the pop-top raises up with access to this sleeping compartment made available through the existing factory installed Honda sun roof that is available exclusively on all-wheel drive Element models. This is really slick stuff! The fabric walls are fashioned from Sunbrella fabric which is guaranteed for five years (because of its marine grade quality) to beat back the effects of the sun and moisture.
 A zippered and screened panel feature allows for ventilation access. Two goose neck lights along with a dome light illuminate the inside of the sleeping area. Just to make sure these lights are off after the pop-top is lowered for travel; the driver has a master kill switch that insures that has taken place. Both layers of panels can be fully unzipped for total exposure to the outside world. The sleeping roof area is reinforced and features a high density foam pad for a comfortable night's rest. Because of the access provided through the factory sun roof, the interior can be used as a changing room to don or remove wetsuits, bathing suits, etc. for with the rear of the pop-top extended and the sun roof open a person can stand up inside the Honda as needed. Two light weight composite inserts help close off the sunroof area in order to complete the roomy 7' x 4' sleeping area.
 The interior design of the Honda Element also yields mega amounts of storage and cargo carrying capacity as the seats can be folded up and out of the way or totally removed which will also gain you another 70 lbs. of cargo carrying capacity. The beauty part of this motorized quasi like RV is that because of its size it is totally garagable which means that the parking issues often associated with RV in urban settings are a total non problem with the URSA Minor Vehicles Ecamper™. Furthermore, you can escape for the weekend to a favorite primitive and pristine destination and turn right around when you get back to the office on Monday and use this vehicle to take clients out to lunch or run around town in without it costing an arm and leg.
 With fuel prices so volatile and trending upward, another beauty part of this Honda based RV is its fuel economy which yields between 20 and 25 mpg. With the pop-top locked down in place for travel the roof line is raised a mere 4.5 inches above what it normally is on the Honda Element. Because of the use of strong light weight composite materials, the pop top adds a very stingy 130 pounds to the overall weight of the Honda. (Good Job!).
Saving the best part for last, the base price of having the pop-top added to the Honda Element starts at about $4,300. With all options, it retails for about $5,350 and takes about five working days to complete at the Chula Vista facility. This URSA Minor Vehicles Ecamper™ addition can be retrofitted to any AWD Honda Element that dates back to model year 2003. This kind of innovative stuff represents outside the box thinking is the mother's milk and the future of the RV industry. Happy Traveling!
|
