Bowlus Trailer

Doug & Betty · 09-12-2021, 10:55 PM

Had an opportunity to see a Bowlus today in Poulsbo WA. Quite impressive and interesting in every aspect... but not worth 6x to 8x (base model prices) a new E19! Their web site is worth a curious look. It would be interesting to know how many units they sell, and if they have any of the usual problems folks have with trailers.

We're happy with our Escape!

Doug2000 · 09-13-2021, 03:36 AM

If a Jayco can be built in 40 hours and an Airstream built in 200 hours, I would expect they have 400 to 500 hours to build one of those trailers. I would expect they only build 25 a year if that.

One thing I wish Escape had improved on the Gen 2 trailers (2017+) is a lower front so they would be more aerodynamic.

MyronL · 09-13-2021, 06:40 AM

You've got to see one in person to believe it.

cpaharley2008 · 09-13-2021, 07:02 AM

They are like "works of art" ......beautiful!

escape artist · 09-13-2021, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

They are like "works of art" ......beautiful!

Hi: cpaharley2008... "Abstract"?

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

cpaharley2008 · 09-13-2021, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: cpaharley2008... "Abstract"?

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Yes......

Chamberman · 09-13-2021, 07:37 AM

While I can appreciate the engineering, I hate the aerodynamic tail. In addition, is that a common hand crank on the tongue of that $200k trailer? Really

For the price they're asking I would expect a bullet shaped polished aluminum enclosed custom motor lift of Bowlus own engineering design. IMO nothing should seem common or standard issue on a trailer of this price, everything should make you stop and think "Wow that's amazing".

**rbryan4** · 09-13-2021, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamberman

While I can appreciate the engineering, I hate the aerodynamic tail. In addition, is that a common hand crank on the tongue of that $200k trailer? Really

For the price they're asking I would expect a bullet shaped polished aluminum enclosed custom motor lift of Bowlus own engineering design. IMO nothing should seem common or standard issue on a trailer of this price, everything should make you stop and think "Wow that's amazing".

Nobody buys a Bowlus because they're a great value. They buy them for completely different reasons like nostalgia or a status symbol. If we evaluate them using the same criteria we'd use on a 30K rig, we'll come up with nonsense.

cpaharley2008 · 09-13-2021, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Nobody buys a Bowlus because they're a great value. They buy them for completely different reasons like nostalgia or a status symbol. If we evaluate them using the same criteria we'd use on a 30K rig, we'll come up with nonsense.

Well said.........

rubicon327 · 09-13-2021, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamberman

In addition, is that a common hand crank on the tongue of that $200k trailer? Really

For the price they're asking I would expect a bullet shaped polished aluminum enclosed custom motor lift of Bowlus own engineering design. IMO nothing should seem common or standard issue on a trailer of this price, everything should make you stop and think "Wow that's amazing".

At that price i think it should have a complete auto-leveling system.

Chamberman · 09-13-2021, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubicon327

At that price i think it should have a complete auto-leveling system.

I agree.

Imagine getting into a new Ferrari and finding out it has crank windows and manual locks.

MyronL · 09-13-2021, 09:13 AM

OK, maybe ugly is not the right word. Weird works. But I still wouldn't buy one with your money.

Chamberman · 09-13-2021, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Nobody buys a Bowlus because they're a great value. They buy them for completely different reasons like nostalgia or a status symbol. If we evaluate them using the same criteria we'd use on a 30K rig, we'll come up with nonsense.

I never said anything about value. What I did say is, at this price everywhere you look you should think "Wow that's amazing".

**rbryan4** · 09-13-2021, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamberman

I never said anything about value. What I did say is, at this price everywhere you look you should think "Wow that's amazing".

Yeah, but that's not the appeal of the Bowlus. It's not designed to be the ultimate trailer at all. It's quirky on purpose - a throwback. For example, right out of the gate, the body shape is inefficient. I don't think much of the whole "let's travel back to the glamor days of the 50s" thing, but some do.

cpaharley2008 · 09-13-2021, 09:45 AM

"50's" I was thinking more like 30's......

**rbryan4** · 09-13-2021, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

"50's" I was thinking more like 30's......

Yeah, but definitely not today.

lonewolfjb · 09-13-2021, 11:25 AM

Wow, that is a beautiful looking retro trailer! The interior is amazing hope to see one in person some day. Wishing I had 250K to throw down for one!

Centex · 09-13-2021, 11:58 AM

The Bowlus is a lovely (approaching stunning) bit of "art", and the only purchase appeal is for those who desire and can afford art for art's sake - not to be confused with a tool for recreational camping as practiced by the overwhelming majority of folks who enjoy that activity (not too unlike many comparably-priced automobiles when talking transportation).

Not being in the former category I can't help but look at the functional specs and features, and find them wanting in many respects.

Notwithstanding token suggestions by Bowlus that their products are "designed ... for the solitude of off-grid camping ... (and the) ... thrill of exploration", that's not their market and I suspect they know that full-well. Much more likely to be seen at the paddock of the Palm Beach Concours methinks, the 3.1 cuft refrigerator packed with Champaign.

Yep, nifty art, punches the retro-aesthetic button, and the odd mix of features along with the price doubtless will ensure the exclusivity and cache that the few buyers in that market demand. Nothing wrong with that, but it fails to inspire even vicarious interest in me.

IMO, YMMV.

Ops · 09-13-2021, 12:15 PM

Beautiful rig...with a corresponding price.
Terra Firma base $265,000USA/$325,000CDN.
Plus taxes of $39,000 here in British Columbia.
Of course the roughly $80,000USA (guesstimate) worth of LiFePO4 batteries would jack up the price somewhat.

Certainly well above my grade, but then again if you can afford to "tow with the Tesla X one day, the Porsche Macan the next" as the website suggests, you aren't feeling the potential pain of affordability.

I'd be afraid of taking it on the road, or worse, into "hail country".

AND what CENTEX said...

JeffreyG · 09-13-2021, 12:29 PM

It has a very pretty 1930's aero style to it. It's also completely impractical never mind the price.

The galley is way too cramped.
The bedroom is dark and stifling.
Where is the AC?
Who is going to empty that toilet? I guess you have to bring along some servants, but then where do the servants sleep?

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