Colorado Campworks Makes a Tiny Camper That is Big on Features
The NS-1 is a Solar-Powered, Fully-Electric Teardrop Trailer Built for Adventure
Image Caption: Image Courtesy of Colorado Campworks
Electric vehicles seem to be all the rage in the RV industry these days. Recently both Airstream and Winnebago threw their hat into the EV ring by unveiling new models that give us an exciting glimpse of the future of RVing. But those campers have nebulous release dates and are likely years away from going into production.
If you don’t want to wait that long, there are alternatives available now. Take the NS-1 travel trailer from Colorado Campworks, for example. This innovative teardrop may seem small in stature, but it is big on features and amenities—including built-in solar panels and an all-electric power system.
Image Courtesy of Colorado Campworks
A School Project
The NS-1 began its life as a college design project. Campworks founder Thomas Hoffmann came up with the idea for the trailer while he was attending the University of Colorado. When he graduated, he wasn’t ready to pursue turning it into an actual product yet, so instead, he went to work building expedition vehicles for EarthRoamer.
In 2019, Hoffmann decided to branch off on his own, launching Colorado Campworks to help make the NS-1 a reality. When the company first got started, he shared its ambitious mission statement, which is to become “the world’s leading designer and producer of camping experiences. Using sustainable practices and innovative construction to build the most functional and rugged camper on the market.”
Since then, Hoffmann has refined his original designs for the NS-1 and integrated new technologies that can help him reach his goal of producing an innovative and eco-friendly camper. And unlike most other electric RVs, customers can actually go online and place an order for the NS-1 today.
Image Courtesy of Colorado Campworks
Built for Sustainable Adventure
The “NS” in the NS-1’s name stands for Nomadic System. That’s the term given to Campwork’s approach to overlanding and off-grid camping. The company takes a sustainable approach to building its flagship camper and encourages others to adopt an eco-friendly approach to outdoor recreation. That includes respecting the environment and serving as a responsible steward for the places where we pursue our favorite activities.
For Colorado Campworks, the Nomadic System isn’t just a set of buzzwords. The company is committed to working only with brands that share its approach to enjoying the outdoors in a manner designed to help preserve it for future generations. Campworks has also pledged 1% of its profits to the 1% for the Planet organization and supports the Leave No Trace principles for camping and other outdoor activities.
The NS-1 gives owners the chance to pursue that lifestyle by providing a comfortable, go-anywhere basecamp for boondocking experiences. The teardrop provides everything that RVers need to escape their hectic lives and immerse themselves in nature. That includes a surprising amount of amenities designed to facilitate another Campwork’s creed that says “live where you are.”
Image Courtesy of Colorado Campworks
A Feature-Packed Travel Trailer
For a camper with a dry weight of just 2000 pounds—which allows it to be towed by a wide range of vehicles—the NS-1 is packed with standard features. Some of those include a queen-size bed, an outdoor kitchen with induction stove, and an external shower with a solar-powered water heater. The trailer features LED lights throughout and has eight cubic feet of storage under the bed, with five additional cubic feet inside beautifully handcrafted cabinets.
The teardrop’s electrical system plays a significant role in separating it from other small trailers on the market. The NS-1 comes with a standard battery capacity of 400 amp hours with an option to upgrade to 1600 amp hours for those who need more power. The base model also ships with a 240-watt fixed solar panel—upgradeable to 810-watts—for recharging the batteries while on the go. That power is accessible via a 3000-watt inverter connected to AC and DC outlets located throughout the trailer.
Additional features include a 30-gallon water tank, a heat pump, and a built-in awning. Two inches of insulation throughout the entire cabin help to maintain warmth even during the winter, while five windows provide ventilation when needed. Acoustic wall panels help to keep the interior calm and quiet, even when parked at a busy campsite. The trailer even comes with a first aid kit, an ax, and a shovel.
The NS-1 rides on an over-engineered frame that is off-road ready straight from the factory. Its axle-less suspension and BFGoodrich KO2 tires allow it to go just about anywhere. The trailer also includes mounting points for bike racks and storage boxes and has room for a rooftop tent that expands its sleeping capacity.
Image Courtesy of Colorado Campworks
Ready to Hit the Road
Thanks to its tightly integrated electrical system, the NS-1 doesn’t require propane tanks or a noisy gas-powered generator. The teardrop trailer’s onboard batteries are charged via the sun, making it ready to go at a moment’s notice. Owners just need to hitch it up to a tow vehicle and hit the road.
The simplicity of the NS-1’s design and functionality has made it a hit with customers. Colorado Campworks began taking orders for the trailer last year and has been steadily delivering them to customers ever since. For Thomas Hoffmann and his team, the promise of an all-electric future for RVing isn’t still on the horizon; it has already arrived. And they’re happy to help adventurous outdoor enthusiasts experience this game-changing approach to camping and overlanding today.
For more information on the NS-1, visit the Colorado Campworks webpage.
