The concept of mobile living has evolved significantly with the advent of tiny houses on wheels, offering more versatility than traditional motorhomes or van conversions. Travel trailers have gained popularity due to their convenience, customization options, and the ability to facilitate a low or debt-free lifestyle.
However, a significant challenge has persisted: accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. Traditional mobile homes, built on trailer chassis, cannot fully lower to the ground when stationary, creating a step-in height that necessitates ramps for wheelchair access. These ramps often encroach on interior space, limiting the living area and flexibility of the layout.
Addressing this challenge, Dutch company Expandable has introduced the Touchdown, a mobile unit designed to offer ground-level accessibility without compromising interior space. The Touchdown features a retractable axle bogie system that moves from beneath the unit to rest at the front, a mechanism controlled via an integrated control panel.
This innovative design allows the unit to lower to just 35 centimeters above ground level, significantly reducing the step-in height and eliminating the need for additional ramps or modifications. As a result, the Touchdown becomes the first tiny house on wheels to provide such accessibility, making it an inclusive option for people with mobility impairments.
The Touchdown is not only accessible but also highly flexible and easy to transport. It can be towed by a standard or low-deck truck and set up in approximately 15 minutes. Once in place, the entrance can be lowered, and the interior space is ready for use in various configurations.
The unit’s versatility makes it suitable for a range of applications, including temporary roadshows, mobile offices, classrooms, and even makeshift hospitals in emergency situations. The potential for customization and adaptability opens up new possibilities for mobile spaces that cater to diverse needs.
Aesthetically, the Touchdown boasts almost edge-to-edge glass panels on either side, providing ample natural light and a modern appearance. Additionally, it features a spiral staircase at the rear, leading to a spacious roof terrace that spans the length and breadth of the trailer. Expandable offers several cosmetic customizations to enhance functionality and comfort, including options for an electric entrance door, air conditioning, and heating systems.
The Touchdown’s design has not gone unnoticed; it has received recognition through the prestigious Red Dot Award for its innovative approach to mobile living spaces. By combining accessibility, flexibility, and modern design, the Expandable Touchdown presents an interesting alternative to traditional travel trailers. It redefines the boundaries of mobility and flexibility, particularly benefiting those who require accessible living or working spaces on the move.
The Touchdown starts at around $346,000 for a basic 38-foot model with solid sidewalls and minimal features, while adding options like full-length glass, climate control, and LED lighting can push the price over $500,000. Despite the premium pricing, the unit represents a significant step forward in making mobile living more inclusive and adaptable.
Updated on 20th Feb, 2025
Source: Expandable Trailers
