Steering a trailer from an iPad

Engadget's Karissa Bell tested the Pebble Flow electric RV by steering a six thousand pound trailer around a parking lot using only touchscreen controls on an iPad.

What Pebble promises

The Pebble Flow combines integrated solar panels, electric motors and automated hitching to simplify the complexities and annoyances that often come with RV ownership.

First seen at CES 2024

Bell had been intrigued by the Pebble Flow since colleagues first saw it on the CES showfloor in two thousand twenty-four, but wanted to test it in real-world conditions.

The price tag

The Pebble Flow costs one hundred fifty-nine thousand dollars, with an upgraded founder's edition running one hundred ninety-three thousand dollars with the self-powered upgrade.

Comfortable workspace inside

The trailer has a dinette that converts into a bed, a queen-sized Murphy bed that doubles as a desk, and enough room for two people to work comfortably in the compact space.

Smart glass windows

All exterior windows are made of electrochromic smart glass that changes from clear to frosted with a button press, offering privacy but creating a spaceship-like interior feel.

“it felt a bit like being in a bright, if pleasantly lit, spaceship”

Bathroom and shower

The Pebble Flow has a flushing toilet and separate shower stall with heated water and good pressure, though the water pump is quite loud when using the sink or shower.

iPad controls everything

Each trailer comes with an iPad Mini that functions as the main controller and hub, adjusting climate control, lights and other functions, plus automated hitching and remote control features.

Self-hitching in 45 seconds

The hitch has a camera detecting the tow vehicle's ball position. Within four feet, you can engage self-hitching mode via iPad even if vehicles aren't perfectly aligned, taking about forty-five seconds.

Automatic leveling on arrival

The Pebble Flow's instacamp feature deploys hydraulic lifts to automatically level and stabilize the trailer when you reach your destination, streamlining tedious camping setup tasks.

In-wheel motors help towing

The in-wheel motors provide added power to help save gas mileage or EV range. Bell found towing the trailer around the campground and onto Highway one felt stable and foolproof.

Two thousand twenty-seven models upgrade

New two thousand twenty-seven models offer dual twin beds instead of a queen Murphy bed, with stationary beds allowing under-bed storage, or beds that push together to form a king.

Jackery solar partnership expands power

Pebble partnered with solar maker Jackery to offer additional solar capabilities. Existing models have one point one kilowatt of rooftop solar, but two thousand twenty-seven models can support up to three point one kilowatt total…