by The Birth of an Idea from Failure
Sometimes the best ideas are born from failures. This is exactly what happened with the Dashaway eCT — a smart small camper from the British company Wheelhome. It was initially conceived as a stylish roof tent, specifically designed for the Tesla Model 3.
The goal was to create a low-drag, futuristic camping capsule that would perfectly blend with the contours of the Model 3. It was supposed to become the perfect companion for electric journeys. But a problem arose: nobody wanted to buy it.
Transforming Failure into Success
This is unfortunate because the eRC roof-camper prototype was much more complex than a regular roof tent. It was manufactured to follow the body contours of the Model 3 and featured a two-seater sofa that converted into a double bed, as well as shelves and partitions for power, kitchen equipment, and even a toilet.
Wheelhome owner Stephen Wheeler tested it on his own Model 3, traveling 3,500 miles across Iceland, and received positive feedback at electric vehicle exhibitions. However, this did not translate into actual sales.
Instead of giving up, Wheeler transformed the prototype into something smarter. He took the same teardrop-shaped capsule and placed it on a lightweight single-axle trailer chassis.
A New Lease on Life for the Camper
Suddenly, the eccentric Tesla tent became the Dashaway eCT — a tiny camper that can be towed by almost any car. Instead of a niche product for a small group of electric vehicle owners, it became a fully-fledged mini-trailer with broad applicability.
At less than 3800 mm in length, the eCT weighs only about 340 kg, making it light enough to be towed even by small hatchbacks. And due to its low profile when folded, it shouldn’t significantly reduce fuel economy. But after parking, the top section expands so that one can stand up inside.
Functionality and Comfort
The eCT’s design still carries the DNA of the original concept but has an additional advantage: it doesn’t interfere with trunk opening and offers extra storage space under the floor thanks to the trailer chassis.
Each camper has a sink with an electric pump and a 10-liter water supply, as well as a space for a Porta Potti, accessible even with the bed unfolded. In fact, it’s so close that it can be used without getting out of bed.
Mains hook-up and a large lithium battery with a 2600W inverter allow for powering electrical devices like air fryers, microwaves, and kettles. Combined with a 200W solar panel, this provides enough energy for at least two days of off-grid camping.
Larger batteries are available for longer journeys, but this will increase the starting price of £26,225.
This transformation demonstrates how adapting to market realities can open up new opportunities. The transition from a specialized accessory for a single car model to a universal trailer significantly expanded the potential audience while preserving the innovativeness of the original idea. The ease of towing and self-sufficiency make it an attractive option for modern travelers who value mobility and comfort.
