In the ever-evolving landscape of outdoor camping gear, Wild Land, a Chinese company renowned for its innovative remote-controlled rooftop tents, has unveiled its latest creation—the Safari Cruiser. This new entry stands out as a 3-in-1 solution, ingeniously combining a pickup bed rack, a truck topper, and a panoramic two-story camping complex into one. The Safari Cruiser is not just another addition to the market; it’s a testament to Wild Land’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in outdoor adventure gear.
The Safari Cruiser’s design is a departure from traditional pickup toppers. It prioritizes aerodynamics by maintaining the cab’s height and width during transit, a feature uncommon in the realm of truck campers. This design choice not only enhances fuel efficiency but also maintains the vehicle’s maneuverability.
The unit, weighing 550 pounds (250 kg), attaches seamlessly to the pickup truck’s bed rails, presenting a square-cornered silhouette reminiscent of cab-height pickup shells but with a twist. It’s a loaded box that, when closed, promises a blend of aesthetics and functionality.
One of the most striking features of the Safari Cruiser is its electric double-lift system. This system allows the camper to expand vertically, creating a spacious two-story base camp that includes a panoramic rooftop tent and an additional tent space within the pickup bed.
The ability to transport cargo without sacrificing interior space is a significant advantage, with the design adding an extra 7.9 inches (20 cm) of height for secure storage capacity. Additionally, the crossbars atop the Cruiser can accommodate up to 66 pounds (30 kg) of gear, from bikes to kayaks, emphasizing its versatility.
At the campsite, the transformation is as simple as activating the battery pack and using a remote control. The Cruiser’s scissor lifts, powered electrically, elevate the structure to reveal a spacious interior. Unlike traditional setups, the Safari Cruiser’s upper tent doesn’t extend over the truck cab, potentially limiting sleeping space. However, Wild Land ingeniously incorporates front and rear fold-out tent floor extensions, expanding the sleeping area to accommodate two to three people comfortably.
The sleeping quarters measure 87 x 55 inches (220 x 140 cm), offering ample space for a restful night under the stars. The full-mesh front panel and clear skylight of the rooftop tent afford campers a 270-degree view and a unique opportunity to gaze at the stars from the comfort of their bed.
The lower tent space, accessible via a ladder, serves as a flexible area that can be adapted to various uses, from storage to a cozy lounge area. However, it’s important to note that this space does not offer full weather protection or standing height for adults, which may limit its functionality for some users. Yet, the inclusion of a 360-degree awning adds value by providing additional shade and shelter around the truck.
While the Safari Cruiser showcases Wild Land’s innovative approach to outdoor camping gear, it’s not without potential drawbacks. The high, broad sides may not fare well in windy conditions, and the lack of standing height and hard lower sidewalls in the lower zone could be seen as limitations compared to other truck toppers. Nonetheless, the diverse market for camping toppers means there’s a variety of preferences and needs, and the Safari Cruiser is poised to meet a specific niche.
As Wild Land launches the Safari Cruiser in the Chinese market with plans for international expansion, it eyes the U.S. market with particular interest. Set to make an appearance at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, the company has set a base retail price of $10,000. This price point reflects the innovative features and the potential it offers for a unique camping experience, though it may change as distribution expands.
Source: Wild Land
