When Denise and Michael Rogers of Cranbrook, B.C., embarked on a trip to Africa to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 2011, they were not looking for a business opportunity. They travelled through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland—doing lots of camping and backpacking as well as a luxury safari—enjoying the sights, the food, the beaches, the people they met and, most of all, the animals they saw.
A perfect fit
The couple began to notice a recurring sight at the campsites where they stopped.
“Everywhere we went camping, we saw these amazing trailers, like nothing we’d ever seen before,” said Michael. “Obviously tough enough to handle the African terrain, but lightweight and compact. Then we saw them opened up, transformed into a full camping compound with a kitchen, a bedroom, awnings and incredibly well-designed storage.”
“Michael and I are both from the Kootenays in British Columbia, where there is a huge population of outdoor enthusiasts who love to camp, hunt, fish, hike and bike,” Denise said. “This trailer seemed like the perfect fit for this population—a truly off-road-capable camping trailer. When we left Africa, we just couldn’t get it off our minds.”
Bringing the idea home
Excited at the idea of bringing the trailer to North America, Michael began to do extensive research. His work as a surveyor and Denise’s work in interior decorating did not provide them with a background in importing, so their progress was slow, sometimes stressful, and included another trip to Africa. This time they returned with the North American distribution rights for the Echo 4x4 trailers, manufactured in Pretoria, South Africa.
“It has been almost two years since we got back from our second trip,” said Denise. “We have been working hard with Transport Canada, Health Canada and other government agencies—and with Echo—to make the trailers compliant with North American standards.”
Easy, practical, convenient
Michael was happy to demonstrate the ease with which the Echo trailers can be manoeuvered, opened and set up by one person, and to point out how cleverly they are designed for maximum efficiency, comfort and convenience. The practical fittings include a custom wash basin and drain tray; stay-put storage for dinnerware, cups, beer and wine glasses—service for six is included—and sturdy, removable bins for groceries and personal belongings.
They’re in business
The Rogers’ company, NASC (North American Safari Company), now has a market-ready product: the Echo 4x4, an off-road trailer that will follow your truck or SUV anywhere. Alpine Toyota in Cranbrook is on board as the Echo’s first local dealer.
These Echo 4x4 trailers come in three user-friendly sizes: the Echo 3 at GVWR 960 kilograms and the Echo 4 and Echo 5, both at GVWR 1930 kilograms. For more information or to view these exciting new Echo 4x4 trailers, go to echo4x4.net or call 250-489-8343 or 250-420-7213.