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Pint-Sized RV Concept Just Right For The Lone Adventurer

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

RVs represent a sense of freedom and life lived on one’s own terms. The ultimate expression of these ideals may be found in small, self contained dwellings that are also motorized transportation. Here’s a really cool design for a small living unit on wheels, based on a vehicle similar to the “jeepney” taxis found in many developing countries around the world.

The Bufalino set up for travel.

travel mode cutaway
Cornelius Cormann

The platform was invented by German industrial designer, Cornelius Cormann. Cormann chose the piaggio APE 50 as his concept vehicle for the Bufalino. With three wheels and handle bar steering, the APE 50 represents mobility with fuel efficiency.

Relaxing on the Bufalino’s roof.

driver relaxing up top
Cornelius Comanns

The design was created to provide maximum flexibility to travelers. Cormann had this to say,

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My aim was to give people a better understanding of the country, the surrounding, and the range they have travelled. The travelling vehicle is always with you like some kind of a base camp, while also being used for moving on in an easygoing and spontaneous way.

Like most small RV projects, every square inch of the Bufalino has been designed for maximum usefulness. The interior features room for two seating units, which convert to sleeping space for one.

Interior space as seen from the cockpit.

interior view from front
Cornelius Comanns

To the driver’s left, a storage wall features open shelving with large plastic tubs in place of drawers. The drawers are held in place with an ingenious strap system, fastened to toggles on the shelf edges.

Sleeping in the Bufalino.

sleeping in the bufalino
Cornelius Commans

A small refrigerator, single burner stove top, removable basin sink and a large plastic water storage tank to provide running water make up an adequate kitchenette with enough space to prepare meals.

Interior space as seen from rear.

rear view of interior
Cornelius Commans

Since the interior space is short on headroom, standing is not possible – cooking is accomplished while sitting. The area to the right and behind the driver is left open, making the sleeping area easy to transform.

Rear door open to access interior space.

rear doors open
Cornelius Commans

The rear of the vehicle features full height doors that fully open. There’s enough room inside to haul small to medium objects, such as furniture or packages. The lift up door also doubles as a clothes line.

The cockpit desk in action.

cockpit desk
Cornelius Commans

In the cockpit, a wraparound laptop desk gives you room to work, while the simple controls feature a dash mounted speedometer and hand brakes. Glass on three sides gives the driver good visibility.

Large doors for easy cockpit access.

cockpit door open
Cornelius Commans

Another removable desk section extends over the sleeping area to provide more work space and an upper storage shelf above the kitchenette is enclosed with a cargo net to keep belongings in place.

Head lamp and marker light details.

head lamp and marker
Cornelius Commans

The vehicle is road worthy, featuring head lamps and LED marker lights and mirrors for safe operation on public roads. All in all, the Bufalino is a small, mobile home that is long on great design and only slightly short on space. But, we are sure you’d never have a problem finding a place to park it!

SEE ALSO: This Well-Insulated $150 DIY Bicycle Camper Is Perfect For Year-Round Solo Trips

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