What makes a cool caravan or RV? That’s a subjective thing, but most people might agree that custom, rugged off-the-grid type ones would tick more than a few boxes on their own.
There are potentially many companies offering a rugged RV but there’s something inherently awesome about the two distinct buses on offer from Torsus, a Czech company with its production facilities operating out of Slovakia.
From landing on their European webpage, you are treated to the company’s two configurable vehicles and it’s evident from the image that the target audience is anyone, anywhere (with money) who wants something strong, powerful, and un-stickable to move people to and from a quarry or indeed anywhere you could think of.
Should be a little more rugged than a Ford Transit Custom then.
Two Rugged RVs For A Cautious Customer
On the website, there is a configurator which is today’s highlight. Two vehicles are on offer at the time of writing, a Praetorian and a Terrastorm.
The former is a midi-coach style vehicle with what looks around 33 seats and the latter is a minibus with 8 or 9 seats, both designed to be rugged and durable in tough conditions.
Which conditions you say?
Mine sites, jungles, or just badly paved roads are all navigable in your Torsus and it doesn’t stop there, as there are models specifically designed for military or law enforcement use, mining transport, ambulance, and even ultra-rugged UPS-style transport.
In this case, we’re really thinking about the opportunity to have one as an RV and happily, Torsus have thought of that and you can select an empty shell, the vehicle interior ready to receive whatever furniture and accessories you could dream of – or an armory if that’s your thing.
Customize Your Own Rugged RV
The Praetorian is a bus built on a MAN truck platform, so expect (apart from a huge outlay) 4-wheel drive, 9-speed manual truck transmission, and a 250hp truck engine with as much as three times as much torque.
Not only does it look phenomenal and intimidating, but you can also spec it up as much as you like with regard to the interior and exterior.
Options include, but are not limited to; winches, lights, electric steps, auxiliary heating, fire extinguishers, tachographs (for monitoring drivers’ hours), double-glazing, extra storage, and much, much more – even muscular bull-bars to show people that you mean business.
Although it would be a lot of cash and commitment to jump in and order one if you go for the big Praetorian - there is the fact that you are getting something which is based on a truck and so theoretically it will be built to last, it will also literally get you anywhere where there’s a dirt track, beach, field and more.
So, it would be a great off-grid camper to spend days, weeks, or months in.
How much does it cost for such a capable and possibility-laden vehicle?
On the Torsus.EU site – and for the empty shell – we’re looking at around 168,000 Euros or just under $200,000 dollars currently.
You would need to leave extra cash aside for fitting it out, but for the wealthy off-grid camper or ex-military security consultant, it might be tempting. Just make sure you have the correct driving license and off you go.