Pebble to Release Semi-Autonomous ‘Flow’ Travel Trailer – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
When we walked through the prototype of the all-electric Pebble Flow travel trailer last summer, the advanced technology shone through. Pebble was started by Bingrui Yang in 2022 with a vision to reimagine the RV experience using sustainable materials. Powering the Flow is a 45 kWh lithium iron phosphate EV battery bank that resides underneath the trailer, and a 1.1 kW solar system is integrated on the roof. The Flow has universal charging so it can be juiced up at home, in a campground and at EV charging stations. The trailer will also charge itself while being towed with its regenerative braking. A NEMA 14-50 outlet allows for charging up an electric vehicle and the Flow can even serve as a backup power source for a house.
The Flow’s smooth rounded shell sits atop a rigid, lightweight space frame. Panoramic windows feature Smart Glass that enables the user to set the windows to opaque, darkened or transparent. This, as well as all of the Flow’s other features and systems are controlled through the Pebble app. The owner can monitor and configure the Pebble, while onboard diagnostics monitor what’s going on with the trailer.
It has been a constant process for the company to refine and improve this 25-foot semi-autonomous trailer. Said Yang, “We’ve made some changes. We’ve really taken the feedback from our new customers to heart and made improvements in the design and features. There’s been a lot of testing and research going on, and the components work well together.” The company recently moved into a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, where production will begin in early 2025. The first Pebble Flow deliveries are expected this spring.
Inside Look
The Flow comfortably houses a family of four with sleeping accommodations at opposite ends of the trailer. At the front of the trailer, the U-shaped dinette easily transforms into a bed by use of a lever to adjust the table height—no need to wrestle with table leg posts. When the table is set back up for dining, everyone seated can enjoy an outside view, and the big windshield and skylight ensure that daylight won’t go to waste. Interior height is 6 feet, 5 inches, with a little less at the front and back where the roofline tapers off.
At the rear of the trailer is a queen-sized Murphy bed that folds down from the street side. When the Murphy bed is stored against the wall, this now-open floor space can be turned into an office with a tabletop that’s attached to the underside of the Murphy bed. The Pebble is plug-and-play-ready for Starlink.
The window that’s directly over the kitchen’s countertop opens outward like a concession window on a food truck so items can be easily passed through. And no need to go back inside the trailer if you need water—the sink’s faucet can simply be turned 180 degrees to supply water outside. A flush-mounted induction cooktop is set in a black lightweight composite countertop; the dark countertop contrasts appealingly with the light wood cabinets. “Aesthetics and sustainability were critical when it came to material selection,” said Yang. The company refers to the cooktop as the “wandering cooktop” as it can be removed for outdoor use.
A multi-oven convection microwave/air fryer resides above the built-in fridge, and a floor-to-ceiling closet is alongside it. Yang said that customers requested more storage, “so we doubled the capacity on that closet from the one on the prototype.” Overhead cabinets with doors that open upward are engineered to follow the curves of the trailer. At the back of the Flow where the ceiling tapers off to follow the Pebble’s contours, open-style cubbies have aluminum brackets that can act as tiedowns. For instance, the rear window can be lifted up to slide in a stand-up paddleboard, which then can be secured using the brackets.
In another example of the company listening to customers’ feedback, freshwater capacity has been upped a couple of gallons to 40, and what was originally a combined tank for gray and black water are now separate. Gray-water capacity is 37 gallons, and the macerating black tank holds 13 gallons.
Glass-Enclosed Bathroom
Adding to the Pebble’s open and airy feel is the large amidships bathroom that’s enclosed in glass. A shower—that a 6-foot-3-inch company representative stood in to demonstrate the height—and modern cabinets and stylish fixtures are all visible…that is until you press a button and the electrochromatic glass changes to opaque. This switch for toggling between opaque and transparent is accessible from inside the bathroom only so loved ones don’t get any bright ideas to put you on display while using the bathroom.
Take It Outside
The Flow’s entire exterior design is streamlined, especially at the back. There are no latches for the outside storage compartments; opening and closing these are all done through the app. Cameras are incorporated as well. A 10-foot awning extends eight feet. The entry door with an automotive handle is intentionally made wide, and Pebble took a different approach by using a removable magnetic screen for the door that can be buttoned up all the way around. Once you go through the screen, it automatically buttons back up. All windows have fixed screens that are also removable.
To keep it quiet inside the trailer when the heater or air conditioner is running, the mini-split HVAC system resides outside at the front of the trailer, where propane cylinders are usually housed. A hard-shell shroud protects the system, and when the trailer is being towed, this whole set lifts vertically to redirect airflow. Claimed GVWR on a fully loaded Flow is now 6,800 pounds.
The company has just added a fourth exterior color to its choices that are designed to complement the natural surroundings: Sky Blue, Sand, California Poppy and Fern. Fern is exclusively for the Founder’s Edition trim level and comes with all the upgrades, limited edition badge and other perks (priced at $175,000).
Off-Road Capability and Magic Hitch
Regarding the Flow’s off-road capability, “Since it’s a single axle, there was a lot of overhang, so we moved the axle back and raised the suspension a little so we’ve added more ground clearance,” said Yang. Rear bumper ground clearance is measured at 20 inches. “In addition to moving the axle back, we’ve upped the size of the caster wheels to 18 inches. We’ve done real-world testing where there’s mud, grass and sand and there are no problems. Caster wheels can conquer a lot of terrain.” Tires are 275/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT All-Season.
Pebble has simplified the sometimes-two-person task of hitching up with its Magic Pack option that adds a dual-motor drivetrain, and the caster wheels are “essential for the ability to move the trailer on its own power.” With Magic Hitch, once the trailer is within 3–5 feet of the tow vehicle’s hitch, the Flow will align itself and drop down onto the hitch by itself. When the trailer is unhooked from the hitch, the operator can use a remote control through the app to reverse, park and position the Pebble exactly where wanted, saving the owner from having to jockey the trailer into an awkward camping spot. The trailer can even be turned 360 degrees while in place. Yang clarified that the Pebble isn’t built for extreme off-road conditions, but “With two motors, one powering each of the massive powered wheels, plus caster wheels, that allows us to go to some challenging terrain.”
InstaCamp
One of Pebble’s goals is to have customers enjoy more time in the outdoors and less time spent setting up and breaking camp. With a press of the InstaCamp button, the electric parking brakes are set, four heavy-duty electric stabilizers automatically deploy, the entry steps unfold, the door unlocks, the interior lights turn on and the temperature sets itself to what has been programmed in. Breaking camp is just as easy as InstaCamp can be set to do the reverse. “It takes most people half an hour to set up camp,” said Yang. “With us, you’re set up within minutes.”
Pebble is taking orders with a refundable $500 deposit. The basic Flow (without the dual motors) starts at $109,500, while the Flow with the motors starts at $135,500. Additional accessories and options are available. pebblelife.com.
