Dutch expedition tenting module specialist Bliss Mobil has launched its smallest mannequin to this point. Fairly than getting tied to the likes of a giant heavy-duty Mercedes Zetros or MAN TGS cab, the brand new Bliss 8 is designed to experience aback smaller, nimbler 4×4 chassis just like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford F-Sequence. With assist from an electro-actuated hard-walled raise system, it nonetheless provides the exactly organized necessities and trendy comforts on which Bliss stakes its status, together with a wi-fi sensible residence suite with Sonos audio.
As spectacular as huge seven-figure expedition trucks constructed like heavy-duty mining autos are to gawk at and tour at RV exhibits, many adventurers will in the end want far, far smaller (and cheaper) rigs for truly exploring the wild. So whereas Bliss Mobil’s lineup of state-of-the-art, go-anywhere motorhome bins stretching as much as 23 ft (7-m) lengthy is definitely cool, it is the smaller items that actually pique our curiosity.
Bliss has been sizing its tech down for years, and final time we checked out it, it was launching an 11-foot (3.4-m) module on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog chassis. With the brand new 8-footer (2.4-m), it expands the provision of its tech and design proficiency out to homeowners of extra on a regular basis truck fashions.
Bliss’ promoting initially prompt the brand new 8-foot module was designed for chassis as small as midsize vans just like the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator, however the math did not add up on mounting a 2,000-lb (907-kg) camper to truck chassis variants that max out at 1,805 lb (819 kg) of payload (in naked inventory 2WD spec). Even after subtracting the load of the pickup mattress, you are still left with too little payload to a lot as replenish the gasoline tank or carry a single passenger.
We reached out to Bliss Mobil USA to make clear, and the corporate was fast to verify that Bliss 8 patrons will in the end wish to upsize to one thing extra like a full-size 1-ton platform, similar to a Ford F-350, Ram 3500 or Chevy Silverado 3500, maybe one thing even bigger like a 5500-series. The corporate plans to alter its web site info to replicate that, but it surely’s value mentioning within the meantime to go off any confusion.
Bliss Mobil
In Europe, Bliss debuted the 8-ft module atop a Land Cruiser 79 Sequence pickup chassis, a lighter, sleeker possibility than a 3500-series truck. That truck provides as much as 2,921 lb (1,325 kg) of payload straight from Toyota, nicely greater than any US-market midsize truck, and also can get an aftermarket gross automobile mass (GVM) improve in markets round Europe and Australia to spice up functionality.
Even with all that in thoughts, the mix of two,000 kilos and eight.6 ft (2.6 m) of physique size is a giant step into compact, light-weight building territory for Bliss Mobil, which counts the three,527-lb (1,600-kg) Bliss 11 its subsequent smallest unit. And gone is the necessity for a hulking cab like a Unimog or restomodded military tactical truck – not that we do not respect these rigs, too, however a single-cab pickup up entrance will probably be extra acquainted, compact and nimble.
Bliss Mobil
The 8-ft-series module compensates for its compact sizing with a power-lifting telescopic roof that nests over prime the principle physique when lowered for journey. It even covers the camper’s home windows, defending these susceptible panes from the stray kicked rock or rogue indignant tree department. At camp, a push of the button sends it into excessive place in a matter of seconds, including just below 2.5 ft (76 cm) to the 5.1-foot (154-cm) closed module top (measured to the automobile chassis, not the bottom).
The small, cube-like dimensions of the Bliss 8 naturally require an inside simplification, which begins with designating it a two-person tenting area with lift-away 81 x 59-in (206 x 151-in) queen-size mattress. Whereas optimized for 2 individuals, a 3rd particular person can crash on the 75 x 25-in (190 x 64-in) sofa area within the dinette, however that actually looks as if a cosy possibility greatest left to occasional grandchild-type use, not common three-sleeper journey.
Bliss Mobil
You may not suppose so from it from exterior, however the Bliss 8 does come full with a rest room. Bliss Mobil exhibits two totally different lavatory places in its images, with the rear door-equipped mannequin utilizing the entryway because the bathe, very like a classic Earthcruiser. The entry has a bathe flooring, and the bathe itself is positioned on the wall to the left. To the appropriate, the macerator bathroom stands on a better part of flooring. There is no point out of a door to shut off the bathroom from the bathe, however the bathroom is up and out of the way in which of the bathe, not proper in it.
The entryway lavatory location not solely serves to save lots of area in the principle inside however permits the bathe to double as a kind of mudroom for stripping down and washing up earlier than getting into the principle residing space. A translucent internal door works with the skin entry door to wall off a personal bathe/bathroom room.
Bliss Mobil
The second lavatory location is up towards the rear wall, a flooring plan that includes shortening up the sofas on the dinette.
The compact kitchen block has a sink and dual-hob induction cooktop up on the counter and a 95-L compressor fridge/freezer down beneath subsequent to the drawers. Recent water shops in a 235-L tank, and Bliss’ superior carbon/UV multi-filtration system offers campers the power to replenish from pure water sources with out worrying about pathogens, offering for true off-grid autonomy.
Bliss Mobil
Energy for that cooktop, fridge and different electrical {hardware} comes from a 330-Ah lithium battery pack supported by 860 watts of rooftop photo voltaic. The Bliss 8 module additionally features a 110-V shore energy connection, world Wi-Fi system with 4G, 6 dBi, GPS and Sonos Audio, and a wise home-style command system with cell connectivity.
The Bliss 8’s two-part heating system pairs collectively a diesel air heater and electrical flooring heater. Air con is on the market as an optionally available improve. Bliss Mobil’s 2.4-in-thick (6-cm) sandwich-panel decrease partitions and 1.2-in-thick higher partitions maintain the inside local weather remoted from no matter’s occurring exterior, even in excessive climate.
Like all Bliss modules we have checked out beforehand, the Bliss 8 is a self-contained module that packs all its tools and utilities contained in the field, slightly than leaving something to be bolted to the truck itself. Which means the field may be simply transferred between different base chassis, doubtlessly outliving the truck (or a number of vans). Particular person programs (electrical, water, and so forth.) are packaged collectively below the benches, beneath the counter tops and in exterior hatches to simplify upkeep, troubleshooting and restore.
The Bliss 8 can also be designed to suit inside a regular transport container for patrons who intend to ship it to totally different beginning factors for worldwide journey and journey. Relying upon automobile specs, it will probably slide into the container when totally mounted and able to drive.
Bliss Mobil
Bliss Mobil started displaying the brand new power-lift tenting dice atop the white Land Cruiser in Europe final yr and launched the pictured American-spec mannequin on the Ram 3500 chassis earlier this yr. The 8-foot unit is now out there to order at a base value of US$160,000 within the US or €120,000 in Europe, neither of which incorporates the bottom truck.
Have a fast have a look at the Land Cruiser with Bliss 8 exploring unbelievable landscapes within the intro clip beneath.
Bliss Mobil 8 foot – Introduction
Supply: Bliss Mobil
