Verdict
5/5: An elegant, expansive living space that packs neatly away into a 3m x 1.5m trailer. It’s clever and good-looking, too.
Pros
Ingenious design that works brilliantly
Once you’ve mastered the setup procedure, you can convert your trailer tent into plush living quarters in just 20 minutes
The Cocoon S has looks to die for, too
It may seem expensive, but you get what you pay for, and with the Holtkamper Cocoon S you get plenty for your cash
Cons
Lacks washroom so you’ll have to use sites with facilities
No heater supplied so only suitable for two-season touring
With its canvas sides and orange and green colour cues, the Holtkamper Cocoon S wouldn’t look out of place on an African safari camp. You can just imagine enjoying a nice cream tea in it, before climbing into the rear of a Land Rover, binoculars at the ready to spot some big cats on the move before sundown.
A product that redefines the meaning of the word ‘clever’, this Dutch-made folding trailer tent knocked us sideways when we first saw it at the NEC show in autumn 2011. Holtkamper is a family-owned firm that has been manufacturing high-quality tents for more than 80 years. And it shows: the concept, design and finish of the Cocoon S is top drawer.
It defies belief that such an unassuming object transforms into a thing of beauty, but the clue is in the name. In a matter of minutes, this checkerplate-sided trailer becomes a handsome tent that will sleep two or more occupants in considerable comfort.
Pitching & Setting-up
The Cocoon S runs on a braked Al-Ko chassis with shock absorbers and 13in alloy wheels, so it will tow safely as well as looking sharp. The trailer frame is manufactured from anodised aluminium and is fully sealed, so you could even tow the Cocoon S through a stream without getting the canvas wet.
Once on site, you can be up and running in a matter of minutes. Position the trailer where you want it, drop the heavy-duty steadies and unzip the top cover. The front canopy is permanently attached to the rest of the tent, the groundsheet is already zipped in and, with only three external poles plus guy ropes to contend with, assembly is straightforward.
And we’re not just saying that. Because it’s easier to show rather than tell, click on the ‘Video’ tab at the top of the page to see how easily the Cocoon S goes up.
Living
Moving inside, Holtkamper hasn’t skimped on the attention to detail. The lounge features a sturdy built-in groundsheet and measures 2m by 3.2m so there’s plenty of space to put up a table (not supplied) and eat inside. Weather permitting, there’s plenty of space under the sun canopy at the front of the unit. Opposite the bed, a pair of windows allow light to flood in while offering a good view outside. The windows have a tinted plastic mesh for use in bright sunshine.
Kitchen
The aluminium ‘BaseKitchen’, one of three types offered, rests at the front of the A-frame during transit. On site, you can leave it in position or use its integrated wheels to move it where you want. The unit has a trio of gas rings and a three-way (12V/220V/gas) fridge. Three hanging plastic storage boxes are included.
Washroom
The Cocoon S has no washroom provision, so you’ll have to use on-site facilities.
Beds
The double bed measures 2m x 1.35m, and has a slatted base to enable air flow around the high-density foam mattress. Raised off the ground, at the same height as your bed at home, it offers home-from-home comfort. It also lifts on gas-assisted struts to reveal a large storage area beneath.
An optional ‘Adventure Tent’ can be used to provide additional sleeping space for children. This can be attached to the main tent, or used as a stand-alone tent if little ones want their own space. It’s accessed via a zipped door in the living area and has its own groundsheet.
Storage
The bed frame lifts up on gas struts to reveal a 750-litre storage cavity that can be loaded when the trailer is collapsed. Handy storage pockets are fitted to the side of the bed, on the lounge-facing side, to help keep things tidy.
The ‘BaseKitchen’ comes with storage, too. Plastic containers clip onto the bottom of the fold-down flap in the kitchen unit’s lid, and provide handy storage for everyday foodstuffs and utensils.
Visit www.blackcountrycaravans.co.uk for more information about the Holtkamper Cocoon S.
Click here to visit the Holtkamper website.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 2 |
| MiRO | 200 kg |
| Payload | 550 kg |
| MTPLM | 750 kg |
| Shipping Length | 3.5 m |
| Width | 1.45 m |
