Just over 5 meters long and yet capable of accommodating up to 8 people, meet the Japanese mini-camper that deserves a closer look: the Annex Liberty 52 REi.
Camping is a highly personal experience. Some may be content with a small e-bike camper or a clever tent trailer, while others might desire a 12-meter luxury camper equipped with multiple slide-outs and a sports car garage.
The All-Rounder: Annex Liberty 52 REi
In the world of camping, space does not always require a large vehicle. This is where the Japanese camping scene excels, as seen with the Kei-Car concept. Mini campers like the Liberty 52 REi from Annex RV are remarkably spacious and incredibly well-equipped, proving to be true everyday heroes.
Compact yet Functional Design
The Annex Liberty 52 REi is built on a Toyota Cam Road chassis featuring a 3-liter diesel engine. An optional all-wheel-drive variant is available at an additional cost, but the dimensions remain compact: 5.2 meters long, 2.07 meters wide, and 2.88 meters high. For context, a standard German pick-up like the Toyota Hilux is about 5.30 meters long. Anyone venturing off the beaten path should be wary of low-hanging branches, as there is no branch guard included.
Innovative Interior Layout
The camper’s structure is made of fiberglass, ensuring good insulation for winter camping. Various floor plans are available that can accommodate up to eight people. The clever design includes a rear entrance that maximizes interior space by allowing both side walls to be utilized for furniture installation. The living area can also be accessed through the driver and passenger seats.
Comfortable Living Space
Inside, a spacious seating area dominates the design, converting into a large sleeping area at night. During the day, a movable table allows multiple people to sit comfortably. As seen in larger models, the side wall includes a generous sofa, enhancing the overall comfort.
Functional Kitchen Design
Similar to the well-known Westfalia Nugget, a corner kitchen is situated at the back. This placement minimizes the impact of cooking odors and splatters near the sleeping areas, while also giving the interior a cozy apartment-like feel.
Extensive Features and Options
The list of features is extensive and includes options like underfloor heating, a water heater, air conditioning, a heating system, solar panels on the roof, and more. The onboard batteries can provide up to 9.6 kilowatt-hours of capacity, allowing for several days of autonomous camping. Alternatively, you could run the built-in microwave continuously!
Availability and Considerations
Currently, the Annex Liberty 52 is available in three base configurations exclusively in Japan. For those interested in driving this compact camper in Germany, importing it will incur additional costs. Additionally, due to Japan’s left-hand traffic, the steering wheel will be on the “wrong” side for European drivers.
For those seeking a more affordable option that is readily available in Germany, there’s a “stealth” camper based on Ford, allowing discreet overnight stays anywhere.
