Founder/Engineer At I4WD Discusses Technology & The Off Roading Lifestyle At The China (Beijing) International RV & Camping Exhibition
The birth of RVing in China has spoken by many insiders as having come out of the aspect of “off roading”. With such a vast area of beauty across the country spanning many different ecological areas including deserts, mountains and rivers, the outdoors continues to be a big driving force for the China RV culture. But for a select few, there is the want go beyond and have a journeyman experience. That’s were I4WD comes in with its intrepid founder/designer Zhang Xinghong who designs his RVs to be there against the elements but also provide comfort. Xinghong sat down with MRV: The Buzz Editor In Chief Tim Wassberg at the China (Beijing) International RV & Camping Exhibition to discuss efficiency of design and the essence of technology.
The Buzz: Why did the notion of “Off-Road” first influence you in terms of building these kinds of RVs?
ZX: China has a vast territory and different geographical environments such as plateau?lakes and deserts. These places are very deserted and there is only a small number of people living there so RVers can definitely find places to stop [and camp].
The Buzz: Where have you taken your vehicles for R&D testing and where would this vehicle would have the most impact?
ZX: We have taken them into the West of China, [places] like Xinjiang Province. [In that area] there are grasslands…snow-capped mountains. The Gobi Desert is there. [In] some places, it is very hot in the day, but at night, it is very cold.
The Buzz: Could you speak on the engineering and design? Is the material is good for off roading especially with the uneven surfaces?
ZX: The pop-up roof we have here in the RV. It is our design insulating layer. It is made in China [to keep heat in and cold out].
The Buzz: Could you talk about the design efficiency?
ZX: [As a designer] I make things not just for “off road” but for toys…like a “toy hauler". In the front of the RV is the living room. But, in the back of the RV, you can put a UTV. It is not very popular though. because it needs a Class A driver license.
The Buzz: What is your most popular model?
ZX: The one [we are in] is very popular. People who have a Class C driving license can drive these though some tunnels have a limited height at 2.2 meters.
The Buzz: This model seems fairly very light but also incorporates water tank and solar technology
ZX: The RV has four points. The roof is opened by a motor drive that can be done by remote control. This is a patented technology. The remote sensor and water tank is all under the world. I built [and invented] the system myself.
The Buzz: Why did this area of the business appeal to you?
ZX: I like the outdoors, and I design the RVs [purely] by my outdoors experience. I like drive to wide areas. I was born in Shenzhen City which is in the south of China, near Hong Kong. But 10 years ago when I was traveling through these wide areas, I felt I needed a comfortable place to stay. I needed a room. So I started to think about making a RV [and my background] is as an electrical engineer.
The Buzz: Where do you see “off road” technology progressing in terms of its possibilities here in China?
ZX: The most important reason [for its use] is now in the different scenic places like public parks. Half a million people go on holiday to these parks. More and more people in China are loving to go outside but they need their own space. [For that reason], here will be a big market demand in the future.
Tim Wassberg
A graduate of New York University's Tisch School Of The Arts with degrees in Film/TV Production & Film Criticism, Tim has written for magazines such as Moviemaker, Moving Pictures, Conde Nast Traveler UK and Casino Player. He enjoys traveling and distinct craft beers among other things.
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