Fanplastic!

Think the era of teardrop caravans is consigned to history? Take a look at the new EdgeOut, and think again.

- By Leon Botha

The EdgeOut is loosely based on the teardrop design - a double bed-on-wheels with a kitchen at the back. But that's where the similarities end, as the EdgeOut is unique in many other respects.

The angular shape is quite reminiscent of an American Stealth bomber and is the work of industrial designer Retief Krige - he's just walked away with an international award in Germany. (Read the news report on p 22. - Ed)

It's not only the EdgeOut's shape that is trendy, but also the building material: plastic. The owner of EdgeOut, Vonnie Heyns, also owns 4EVR Plastic Products that focus on industrial plastic products, and the specific material used for the EdgeOut is known as LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) composition.

Aside from the chassis, the hull consists of two plastic capsules: the front in which you sleep, and the kitchen at the back. The wall thickness of the kitchen is 8-10 mm, whereas the sleeping section consists of three layers that total 25 mm.

The basic model is equipped with a roof rack and you can decide for yourself what type of awning or add-on room you want to buy on either side of the EdgeOut. The roof rails also have space for a solar panel (up to 270 W) - or even a rooftop tent, if there are more than two of you.

On the inside