Type 2 Campers has rolled out the new Model T2.3 travel trailer. The Woodburn, Oregon, manufacturer bills the T2.3 as “The only RV that blends the nostalgic appeal of Volkswagen camper vans with the robust standards of automotive design.”
Redefining The Standard
Type 2 president and co-owner Heather Gardella entered the market 12 years ago as the owner of Dub Box USA. The company’s Dinky Dub and Adventure series campers were reminiscent of the classic VW camper van. And they were a hit, standard RV manufacturing practices slowed the company’s ability to scale.
“It was clear to me that the camper category was ripe for an evolution,” says Gardella. “We needed faster production times, lightweight and durable materials, and a form factor easier to tow and store.”
The Model T2.3 is made using automotive-grade stamped steel panels. The steel body ensures durability and safety, and also shortens production times. The lightweight T2.3 weighs less than 1,000 pounds.
“There is not a single other RV on the market that is being built like a car,” says Type 2 Campers co-owner Ryan Schassen. VW buses and Airstreams continue to be popular not only for their compelling design, but for their durability. We are literally using stamped metal that is following the engineering and the structural integrity of the now 60-year old VW bus.”
Size Is Everything
The Model T2.3 is towable by most trucks and SUVs, and even some cars. It measures 9.6 feet long and provides 6-pus feet of head room with the roof extended. The Model T2.3 easily fits in a standard garage in travel mode.
Gardella continued: “Our goal is to extend the VW culture to those who seek the charm of a VW vehicle without the intensive mechanical upkeep or storage and hauling limitations of a traditional RV. The Model T2.3 camper is our way of sharing this iconic legacy in a modern, accessible design, with functionality that opens up the market to a broader range of customers.”
History Lessons
The T2.3 name is a tribute to VW’s iconic heritage. The VW Beetle was called as “Type 1” post WWII, while the subsequent bus was named “Type 2”. The “.3” refers to the three windows on the sides of the trailer
T2.3 campers are available exclusively at the Type 2 Campers. There are five color options and three distinct packages: Sleeper, Sleeper Plus, and Kitchenette. Prices start at $29,950.
It’s way too small, but very cute.
Not quite the size I prefer, but just looking at this trailer is a positive delight!
It’s cute as… a bug!