A year and a month ago, we featured the Bowlus Heritage, a travel trailer designed to evoke the golden age of aviation. The Bowlus Rivet travel trailer is cut from the same cloth as the Heritage but offers even more luxury and technology for the discerning traveler/aviator. Howard Hughes would have approved and tacked a Hell’s Angels poster above the bed. As with most large travel trailers, the aerodynamic and lightweight (3,500 pounds dry) Bowlus Rivet has limited appeal to many overland travelers except as a base camp for further exploration.
Inspired by the iconic aircraft designs of the 1930s, this travel trailer exudes a sense of nostalgia while embracing cutting-edge technology. Its sleek aluminum shell, adorned with rivets reminiscent of classic aviation, not only enhances its visual appeal but, apparently, also ensures durability and longevity. The Rivet is named thus for a very good reason. The trailer is not only adorned with rivets but it is held together, internally and externally, by rivets, enough to make even a Classic Land Rover turn its headlights in admiration.
The interior of the Rivet is a nod to old-school craftsmanship and ergonomic design. Every element, from the premium leather seating to the handcrafted wooden cabinetry, is curated to create an ambiance of luxury. Despite its relatively compact footprint, the trailer offers ample room for relaxation and entertainment and can accommodate up to four people. At night, the lounge area transforms into a cozy bedroom, the sofa can be transformed into a third sleeping berth, and the armchairs can convert into a fourth sleeping berth.
The travel trailer features a silent hydronic heating system compatible with LPG and 120-volt power sources. It also includes an integrated freshwater heating system. The trailer incorporates five silent radiators for comfortable heating, ensuring an even distribution of warmth. Additionally, it is equipped with a vented air conditioning unit that can be powered by batteries. The trailer’s electrical systems are easily accessible, with inverter output available to all outlets. It also includes advanced entertainment systems and, unspecified, high-speed internet connectivity. Designed with sustainability in mind, the trailer incorporates energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly materials, minimizing its carbon footprint without compromising on luxury or performance.
The travel trailer’s bathroom is equipped with privacy doors and features a toilet with a hygienic, easy-emptying cassette system. Additionally, the bathroom includes a stainless steel sink and one vent for proper ventilation. The shower area is designed with seating for convenience, and the hotel-style shower features a marine shower head.
The kitchen is equipped with a two-burner induction cooktop, composite countertops, and a high-quality faucet in the kitchen area. It also features a fridge/freezer, a high-efficiency compressor running on 12-volt power, and a microwave. Additionally, the kitchen provides ample storage space with three large aluminum cupboards.
Safety is paramount in the Rivet’s design. Its range of features, from the robust construction of its frame to the advanced braking systems, are designed to provide peace of mind.
For an extra $10,000, you could upgrade to the AeroMove power self-sufficient and remote control capable self-propulsion system. The AeroMove system enables the Rivet to ascend steep slopes, execute 360-degree turns, and navigate into various spaces such as campsites, driveways, and parallel parking spots. The system utilizes powered rollers to turn either or both of the trailer wheels, depending on the direction of movement required.
Head to head, the Rivet and Heritage seem remarkably similar, but there are some subtle differences. A buyer will likely be hard-pressed to decide between the two. The Bowlus Rivet is a premium product with premium pricing starting at $165,000, without tax credits (approximately $148,000 after tax credits).
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