British campervan specialist Wheelhome has a demountable camper that turns a Tesla Model 3 into a two-berth, fully equipped tourer. Called the Dashaway eRC, it costs from £23,400 (plus the cost of the car) and promises the comfort and convenience of a small motorhome without compromising the Tesla’s range or usability.
Unlike a rooftop tent, the Dashaway eRC is a proper roof camper with standing headroom, a double bed, cooking facilities and even space for a portable toilet. It mounts on a Tesla Model 3’s roof rack and towbar, weighs about 150kg, and can be removed in minutes when not needed – returning the car to a standard five-seater. Wheelhome recommends the Long Range dual-motor Model 3, but says it works on Standard Range cars too.
The unit is designed for touring, with rapid two-minute setup and pack-down, and can be left in place for daily driving. Facilities include a sink with fresh water, induction hob, oven, microwave, air fryer, compressor fridge, lithium battery and inverter. Clever storage drawers in the boot provide easy access to kit from inside.
Tried and tested on long journeys
Wheelhome founder Stephen Wheeler tested the prototype in Iceland over a month-long, 3,500-mile trip via Holland, Germany and Denmark. Even in the cooler northern climate, the Long Range Model 3 with eRC returned 245 miles per charge – and range increased to nearly 300 miles in warmer UK conditions. That, coupled with Tesla’s fast and affordable Supercharger network, makes it one of the most practical EV camper setups we’ve seen.
‘Dashaway eRC won’t suit everyone, but it offers a real alternative to a conventional campervan – especially if you want to stick with electric power,’ said Wheeler. ‘You’ve got almost all the space and equipment of our Vikenze III-e camper, just in a completely removable format.’
Wheelhome is also offering a lightweight towable version called the Dashaway eCT for those who want similar facilities in a trailer that can be towed by almost any car.
What this means for you
If you already own a Tesla Model 3 and love camping, the Dashaway eRC could mean you no longer need a separate campervan. It gives you touring capability with very little impact on running costs and driving range, and you can still use your Tesla as normal when the camper is removed.
For buyers thinking about going electric but worried about practicality, this shows that an EV can be more versatile than you might expect. With the right kit, you could have a single vehicle that does the weekday commute and the summer holiday.
Yes, it’s not cheap – but when you add up the cost of a small campervan plus the savings of EV running, it might not be as expensive as it first appears. And because it’s removable, you’re not stuck with the compromises of a dedicated motorhome.
Editor’s view: British innovation comes shining through
I love this idea. Campervans are brilliant, but they’re often expensive, thirsty and hopelessly compromised for day-to-day driving. This Wheelhome kit solves that in one hit – you keep your Tesla for normal use, then attach the roof camper when the open road calls.
It’s also a strong statement for EV practicality. Critics love to say you can’t go touring in an electric car, but the range figures from that Iceland trip are proof it can be done without endless charging stops. Pair that with Tesla’s charging network and you’ve got a seriously capable electric tourer.
Yes it’s expensive, but I can’t help thinking that 20 years from now, we might see these Dashaway-equipped Teslas turning up at car shows as a quirky slice of EV history. But for now, it’s just a very clever way to make your electric car do more than you ever thought it could.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
For all the latest advice, news and finance deals, sign up to the Parkers newsletter here.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
