The four weeks field test report of the living cabin

Now I’m traveling for four weeks with the Cramer Fernweh-Mobil cabin and the Toyota Hilux Extra Cab.
Time for a first report!

There are several things in common: the technology, the personal organization, the stress and demands, the weather and the mood and feeling of the journey.
As you can see from the route (see TRIPLINE), the first two weeks were marked by cold Europe. Afterwards three weeks of piste in Morocco.

1. The Webasto diesel heater (positive)
The heating is golden, especially at temperatures below zero degrees. It works very fast and reliable, but a bit too loud for my taste. At night to sleep I did not want it to run. As a result, the roof tent cools significantly during the night. With the winter curtains as insulation of the roof tent that works better. Not quite well solved is the space for the diesel tank. This is housed on the pickup bed, can be filled there, but not taken out when the cab is fitted. Now that the runway and the desert have been driving for some time, the exterior of the diesel tank is clearly polluted. I hope that we do not have to go there now for cleaning, then we would have a problem.

2. In order of needs: the big bed (very positive)

I think that is pure luxury 1.60 m by 2.10 m leave nothing to be desired. the mattresses with 8 cm thickness and the slatted frame are just right. We have supplemented the bed with trekking sleeping bags (cheap the execution up to ten degrees of declathon). The special feature is that here with zipper two can be combined to a large blanket and lying surface.

3. And we stay sleeping is the skylight (very very positive)
For Morocco and the starry sky an absolute must. Only to be recommended. Small side effect: It is also good to the solar panel on it, if times to clean or on the roof. Actually you could do without the outer hatch in the presence of the roof hatch.

4. The cooking and rinsing field (positive)
Here is my organization not really mature: cooking and rinsing are not really together. Everything in a confined space is a bit tricky. I would also like warm water that I have to heat in the pot right now. The gas cylinder – of which two would be installable – lasts surprisingly long. For Morocco I should have taken two bottles with me, because in Morocco either only small 5kg or too big 15kg bottles are available. For the 5kg bottle you have an adapter.

5. Electrical energy (very positive)
In order to show sustainability and environmental awareness and above all to be independent, the photovoltaic system with 100 watts is perfect. I can only write about this weather here in Morocco (pure sun) but there is no problem with the energy supply. Refrigerator, diesel heating, lighting and small appliances are well supplied.

6. The water (positive)
Do you get here Morocco at every gas station; but sometimes a bit salty – then the refueling with a hose is good and easy. However, if you have to fill in water from the canister over the side wall, then this is a special task in this higher-placed vehicle and the filling of 20 liters via a funnel requires partially a third hand.
There is also a filter system installed, which was not yet used due to the supply of tap water.

7. Wastewater (neutral)
The waste water tank with 10 liters is very tight because I’m constantly emptying – that could be bigger.

8. The fridge / cooler (positive)
Since, as is known, no alcohol is served in Morocco, no beer must be cold, that is, for the food, the cooler with 32 liters of sufficient. In the summer with some bottles I can imagine that this is a little short.

9. Porta Potti the little toilet (positive)
Since I was very skeptical at the beginning how this can work and honestly, the organization is when you are two in the vehicle is also a small challenge. Private and private sphere are put to the test here. In nice and warm weather certainly less of a problem when the second on the “terrace” can go outside.
The way the toilet works is really good. For emptying, however, the lower part must be separated from the upper part or the entire toilet must be lifted out of the vehicle. That’s a bit tricky but it works.

10. The garment bags (positive)
The with the garment bags is a great idea, however, here is still a personal need for optimization which part is in which subject.10.

11.The storage compartments (positive)
Here I see the most need for optimization. on the one hand in the personal organization but on the other hand also in the distribution of the subjects.
Some subjects are very deep, which means that you have to clear everything if you want to get to a part in the lower area. Here you can certainly do a lot better if you work with suitable containers. This also applies to the small kitchen cupboard, which is located in the back of the cabin. In this area of the cabin, the greatest vibrations occur; There it is advisable to pack dishes and food again in boxes. If you learn fast when it has risen again.

12. Stair and door (positive)
That’s nice that you do not have to make extra stairs to the vehicle, but there is the lower part of the door which can be folded down. Be careful at the beginning so that the part does not slip out of your hand. The upper part of the door is provided with the lock. To close from the inside you have to bend pretty far out of the vehicle that is certainly not so pleasant for everyone. The door is stuck something here must be adjusted again. And was clarified over a short call. The rubber seal was dry and could be made docile with a little oil in one minute.

Overall impression of the cabin (very positive)
After five weeks and 6,000 km of which 1,000 km of track in Morocco.
In the cabin a lot has happened at the beginning but since you learn to stow away better very quickly. On very bad slopes, I’ve been a bit worried but the four guys are great. The only part that has failed is one of the LED interior lights.
The screws of the hinges I have tightened all the other screws checked and no need for rewinding.
Unpleasant was a sandstorm with gusts up to 100 km. The vehicle wobbles with structure already a lot. Here the roof tent has remained closed.

By the way…
The sand sheets have also been used. They bend something, which is then difficult to get them back into the holder. Since then you have to go back a bit. And to make sure you are not without fuel in the desert, a 20 l reserve canister is also attached to the outside of the cabin. I’m looking forward to the next 1,000 kilometers.

The next part of the review then revolves around the vehicle and accessories.

Author

rolande