There are some travel trailers out there that simple redefine the game, and over the years, the Carapate was one of them. Well, did you know that they also craft a miniature version of this unit? It’s called the Carriole, or Cart, and it takes all the timeless French camper has been known for and crams it all into a much more compact package.
Over the years, we’ve shed light on the Carapate time and time again, and with good reason; this camper stood out from all the rest out there with a unique design that granted its owners a very clear view of the world outside, and right from bed.
Photo: Carapate Aventure
The Carapate was signaled by a large hatch integrated into one side of the unit that could be lifted in order to reveal a large hole in the side of the unit that acts as nothing more than a large screen TV to the world outside, and you never even have to get out of bed to make this possible.
Another important trait of the Carapate is the kitchen integrated into the side of the camper, very similar to the way Rivian called upon the camp kitchen in their earlier models. While these two traits were most important, there’s clearly a whole lot more that goes into the Carapate, so be sure to check out our previous coverage on the camper.
All this brings us to the Cart, a smaller and more compact RV from this brand and built in the image of the Carapate. Oh, and smaller does not mean in any way less capable, with the Cart showcasing some rather awesome traits that can even expand its sleeping capacity to four guests total. Not bad for a camper that weighs as little as 490 kg (1,080 lbs).
Photo: Carapate Aventure
While the Cart is made in the image if the Carapate and does include that side hatch that makes the brand so appealing to weekenders, it’s lacking the slideout kitchen. This does mean that you’ll have to bring along your cooking gear. Some are sure to see this as a downside while others will welcome the ability to customize things to their needs.
At least, that’s as standard. According to the manufacturer’s website, an option for the galley does exist, and some folks are bound to love how this setup looks, feels, and functions. We unlock 12 liters (3.2 gals) of freshwater with this upgrade, a gas top, and folding faucet over a sink.
Carapate does offer ample room inside to bring along essentials, including some shelves, optional baskets, but most importantly, an optional roof rack that we can use to load a garage onto or a roof-top tent, the latter, unlocking the capacity to bring along another two guests or reserve the lower bay for your camping essentials.
Speaking of cargo, the Cart is rated for a peak of up to 800 kg (1,764 lbs) GVWR and includes a braked axle too.
Photo: Carapate Aventure
Inside this camper, two guests can look forward to a place to rest their heads, but also arrange the mattresses to lounge around, read a book, or just take a view of the world outside. After all, that’s why we do this whole camping thing: to envelope ourselves in the natural world.
What I feel compelled to point out here is that Carapate calls upon a particular material to give life to the Cart: wood. Just about every inch of this camper is completed from this material, even those little table ledges we see lining the exterior of some of the Carts.
But, a trait of wood that is not to be overlooked is the smell. Imagine how these babies must smell and waking up in that aroma with a cool breeze rushing through the side hatch as you lie in bed with your significant other and catch the sunrise over a vineyard or beach.
One particular modification that we can make to the Cart is adding a second door on the opposite wall of the hatch I kept talking about. Keep in mind that the additional door is a traditional one with an action that works on a horizontal plane.
Photo: Carapate Aventure
Last but not least, I noticed that some Carts showcased on Carapate’s website are carrying solar panels on top of the shell, so all you have to do is figure out where you’ll stuff the batteries for your needs, but a portable power station is also a clear option, all of which will cost you extra.
Speaking of which, Carapate is asking us to drop €14,900 on a new and standard Cart, which is around $16,700, a price which, in the US, unlocks an RV that’s clearly larger and most likely built out of composite material.
But, there’s no doubt that there are countless people that will fall in love with the Cart, as they have with all the other models from Carapate, and if you’re in the US and feeling out of luck with this one, keep in mind that an experienced craftsman and woman would have no trouble figuring out how to brung this one to life if you show them some images.
Would you rock a Carapate Cart? Drop a comment below.
Editor’s note: Images in the gallery showcase an array of Carapate campers.
