OT: Micro campers

[AngryScientist]

i'm in the process of putting together a little home built micro camper. anyone have one they've bought or built? seems like a fun alternative to tent camping. off the ground and dry. hop out of the car and crash in the camper. perfect for solo camping, on the road!

google image:

http://www.motoringalliance.com/gallery/data/727/medium/MINI-Cowley-Caravan-001.jpg

[commonguy001]

I haven't built one or use one but did talk to the guy at our RV show in 2013 about these http://vistabule.com/ which are made locally.
Very cool concept and high quality materials.

I'm more of a full size travel trailer person as I always have the wife and a couple of dogs with when we're going for a week or weekend (not to mention a bike or two).
If I did more solo non-motorcycle trips I'd be all over one if I had the money. Most of my trips without the wife and dogs are via motorcycle so tents are my best option.

[MattTuck]

http://www.wimp.com/wantedtrailer/

Check out that Skaleetal design. :banana:

[moose8]

Those are pretty cool, but you sure could buy a really nice tent every year and still not come close to the price. But I still could totally see myself getting one if I had unlimited funds.

[thirdgenbird]

I've always thought a micro camper behind a sporty car of some type would be a great way to road trip.

[josephr]

Those are pretty cool, but you sure could buy a really nice tent every year and still not come close to the price. But I still could totally see myself getting one if I had unlimited funds.

+1 --- they look like they'd be a lot of fun, but cost effective? you'd have to use it a lot to recoup your investment....and then with the hassle/fuss, not sure it beats having a hotel room with a hot shower and Wi-Fi.

[SlackMan]

Those are pretty cool, but you sure could buy a really nice tent every year and still not come close to the price. But I still could totally see myself getting one if I had unlimited funds.

In addition, with tent camping, one can usually fit everything inside the car, which makes for way better gas mileage (much lower weight and much better aerodynamics). For short trips, though, the micro camper concept is pretty cool!

[AngryScientist]

to be clear, i've started the build process. mine will be MUCH less expensive than the production models and a lot more pedestrian. i think it will be pretty cool for occasional trips when getting off the ground is a better alternative than tent camping.

[Cat3roadracer]

You've got a week to complete the project before Deerfield.

[AngryScientist]

You've got a week to complete the project before Deerfield.

dont worry - it'll be there.

[torquer]

Not quite what the OP had in mind, but this may be the 11-speed, Super Record version (or maybe just the Rivendale one):
http://www.orvis.com/p/custom-teardrop-camping-trailer/5r6g
http://www.orvis.com/orvis_assets/prodimg/5R6GP1HS.jpg
http://www.orvis.com/orvis_assets/prodimg/5R6GL1HS_alt1.jpg
Full disclosure: the wife works at Orvis, and we saw one of these at the company HQs in Vt. Off the charts stylewise, maybe less so for practicality. Even factoring in her employee discount...

[christian]

Guy on Advrider built a fantastic one out of a 5x8 trailer with A/C, windows, side table, double bed, etc. He's selling it for $2700.

http://hightechcoonass.smugmug.com/Other/Vacation-2013-NM-CO-and-UTAH/i-snrn9Jx/0/L/IMG_8351-L.jpg

[josephr]

to be clear, i've started the build process. mine will be MUCH less expensive than the production models and a lot more pedestrian. i think it will be pretty cool for occasional trips when getting off the ground is a better alternative than tent camping.

sorry if came across as a negative nellie....just rationalizing away the envy. ...I think its AWESOME you're building one of these! I'd certainly would like to take on a project like this -- you should post (re-sized) pictures as you go through the build process!
Joe

[fiamme red]

Who needs a car?

http://tinyhouselistings.com/tiny-bicycle-houses/

[moose8]

sorry if came across as a negative nellie....just rationalizing away the envy. ...I think its AWESOME you're building one of these! I'd certainly would like to take on a project like this -- you should post (re-sized) pictures as you go through the build process!
Joe

+1 - I think they're awesome and would love to have one if I had the time, space and money. If you're building one, you definitely should incorporate a bar into it.

[PaMtbRider]

I think these little campers are a great idea. We tent camped for many years before buying a travel trailer. We didn't go the micro camper route but kept it modest at 26'. We spent last week cycling and camping all over Ohio. Didn't miss the tent and glad we weren't in hotels.

[Louis]

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/usa.html

;)

[bobswire]

i'm in the process of putting together a little home built micro camper. anyone have one they've bought or built? seems like a fun alternative to tent camping. off the ground and dry. hop out of the car and crash in the camper. perfect for solo camping, on the road!

google image:

http://www.motoringalliance.com/gallery/data/727/medium/MINI-Cowley-Caravan-001.jpg

That's pretty cool, a project worth considering since it fits within my skilz.
I visit Yosemite a couple of times a year and has gotten to be expensive, I'm not crazy about sleeping in a tent at this time in my life but something like that I could live with and feel a bit more secure leaving it locked up while out hiking/cyclng besides saving me lots of $$$. $20 a night versus over $140-$180.

[AngryScientist]

That's pretty cool, a project worth considering since it fits within my skilz.
I visit Yosemite a couple of times a year and has gotten to be expensive, I'm not crazy about sleeping in a tent at this time in my life but something like that I could live with and feel a bit more secure leaving it locked up while out hiking/cyclng besides saving me lots of $$$. $20 a night versus over $140-$180.

Bob - i've seen some of your work, go for it! there are easy to find and follow plans all over the 'net too.

[paredown]

Cool you are building one--can't wait to see the finished product.

My lovely wife has been obsessing about the Cricket (http://www.crickettrailer.com/index-v2.php) trailer

Nice because it is very light and also deals with the gear problem!

[Louis]

Option #2, if you don't want to do the B&B thing:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/87-90_Dodge_Grand_Caravan.jpg/1280px-87-90_Dodge_Grand_Caravan.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

That's funny stuff

[fiamme red]

Airstreams are making a comeback:

http://www.npr.org/2014/08/10/338896687/a-new-golden-age-for-silver-bullets-airstreams-make-a-comeback

http://airstreamlife.com/mcclure/files/2009/06/100_0320.jpg

[dave thompson]

Airstreams are making a comeback:

http://www.npr.org/2014/08/10/338896687/a-new-golden-age-for-silver-bullets-airstreams-make-a-comeback



That article is only about 4 years late. Airstreams have made a huge comeback and are more popular than ever. When my wife and I first started to contemplate retirement several years ago we were looking for something to "do". We were taken by the Airstream mystique and their iconic mature. We quickly realized that a good Airstream, new or used, is on top of the RV foodchain and always expensive. We now have a 35' motorhome but still look fondly at the aluminum bullets.

[Mikej]

Check out sylvan sport - pricey as can be, but they look sturdy and useful. www.sylvansport.com

[PaMtbRider]

Airstreams are making a comeback:



Not to go too far off topic but we toured the Airstream factory last week. They make about 50 trailers a week and are 1100 units behind right now. They are the Harley-Davidson of the trailer world. If you want one, nothing else will do. As nice as they are, they are so overpriced it is ridiculous. A new 27'-30' Airstream can easily msrp over $100,000 With a 6 month wait most dealers won't discount more than 10-12%

[nighthawk]

Not quite what the OP had in mind, but this may be the 11-speed, Super Record version (or maybe just the Rivendale one):
http://www.orvis.com/p/custom-teardrop-camping-trailer/5r6g

Full disclosure: the wife works at Orvis, and we saw one of these at the company HQs in Vt. Off the charts stylewise, maybe less so for practicality. Even factoring in her employee discount...

Hold the phone.... Your wife works at Orvis? Do you want to trade any bike parts for a Frequent Flyer?

:)

[Likes2ridefar]

I really, really want one of these some day

[Saint Vitus]

Google "Teardrop trailer" and you'll find more info than you care.

[commonguy001]

I really, really want one of these some day

Adventuremobile!!
I tell my wife I'm getting one in the diesel flavor if we ever trip over a big pile of money.

[likebikes]

angry scientist, please post pictures of your trailer when you're done!

[Louis]

What was the thing Top Gear raced against the dog sled to the North Pole? That looked pretty tough to me. I seem to recall it being something by a Japanese manufacturer - maybe Toyota.

Edit: found it on Wikipedia:

Vehicle
The Hilux pickup used for the expedition.The vehicles used in the challenge were two 2006 Toyota Hilux double cab 3.0l diesel pickup trucks and one Toyota Land Cruiser 120, all heavily modified by Arctic Trucks. A trailer on 38" tyres was also used to carry part of the equipment and fuel ("A freeze-resistant mixture of diesel and AvGas", according to Jeremy). One Hilux was used by the presenters and was fitted with camera and sound recording equipment, the other two were used by the film crew, two driver/repair experts and one polar expert. All vehicles underwent the same extensive modifications to make them suitable for the Arctic conditions. The major modifications to the trucks included:

The standard wheels and tyres were replaced with bespoke Arctic Trucks wheels and 38" studded snow tyres. The tyres were able to run at pressures as low as 0.2 bar (3 psi) for better traction over snow. The tyres are called Arctic Trucks AT405
The wheel arches were raised and extended to protect (and accommodate) the larger tyres.
The standard 3.0-litre D-4D engine was modified to cope with the very low temperatures. Heaters were added to increase fuel and coolant temperature, a large heavy-duty battery was fitted and the air intake was modified.
A 90 litre auxiliary fuel tank was fitted, along with an extra-thick sump guard.
The gearing ratio was lowered to 1:4.88.
Two winches that could be fitted either to the front or rear of each of the vehicles were carried, in case they got stuck in the snow.[1]

http://gearpatrol.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/arctic-trucks-hilux-red-top-gear-4.jpg

[robin3mj]

Not sure I understand the logic of "getting off the ground"...

If you're car camping, you can just buy the nicest, most breathable/bombproof tent, a top flight footprint, and the heaviest most expensive thermarest they make, (all irrespective of weight), and you're still out comparatively little money and don't have to tow around a trailer.

[Likes2ridefar]

Not sure I understand the logic of "getting off the ground"...

If you're car camping, you can just buy the nicest, most breathable/bombproof tent, a top flight footprint, and the heaviest most expensive thermarest they make, (all irrespective of weight), and you're still out comparatively little money and don't have to tow around a trailer.

I got a six person (for two people) Coleman with built in screened porch last year and it is pretty excellent. teamed up with the thermarest neoair dream, my favorite puffy feathered friends bag, and a nemo pillow it's better than any luxury resort...well, in it's own way anyways.

we almost always take the coleman now instead of the hilleberg rogen 2p we have for backpacking.

I would think towing something would be a hassle...thus my $70k 4x4 van pictured earlier.

Those pods sure look pretty neat though. Certainly easier to deal with than the airstreams i've been in a number of times with my grandparents when I was little.

[Cornfed]

I really, really want one of these some day

Didn't Mr. T have one of those? ;)

[Cornfed]

angry scientist, please post pictures of your trailer when you're done!

Please post pictures IN PROGRESS!

BTW, I've seen used, bare Little Guy trailers for cheap, if you wanted a foundation to work from.

[crownjewelwl]

this is perfect

[AngryScientist]

and the project is complete, sort of.

full shell came together in one full weekend. tested last night at a local campground. poured rain half the night and i woke up warm, dry and well rested. this thing totally rules.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Vv2yPllkG8/U_ZIOv8KrJI/AAAAAAAABvs/ALAOVn48q24/s900/IMG_0145.JPG

[christian]

Harbor Freight to the rescue!

[William]

and the project is complete, sort of.

full shell came together in one full weekend. tested last night at a local campground. poured rain half the night and i woke up warm, dry and well rested. this thing totally rules.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Vv2yPllkG8/U_ZIOv8KrJI/AAAAAAAABvs/ALAOVn48q24/s900/IMG_0145.JPG

Interior picts please. :)





William

[AngryScientist]

interior is totally incomplete. now that i'm watertight i'll be working on interior details slowly. the kitchen worked marvelously last night though.

and yes, harbor freight utility trailer is the chassis.

[William]

How about some close-ups on the details? Doors, windows, back hatch, what you did to water proof? Very interested in the details of the Scientist's work. :)




William

[MattTuck]

What is the method of joinery? Tig? Brazing? Lugs?

[AngryScientist]

How about some close-ups on the details? Doors, windows, back hatch, what you did to water proof? Very interested in the details of the Scientist's work. :)




William

i'll grab some detail shots at d2r2 this weekend. for sure it'll be present at the next RIr!

[crownjewelwl]

nick - you'r an effin renaissance man

i can barely change an a/c filter

[nicrump]

that is impressive

http://www.wimp.com/wantedtrailer/

Check out that Skaleetal design.

[William]

that is impressive

Agree. After following the LC heard for a long time you come to the conclusion that the Aussies are hard core for those times they choof off and go walkabout in their utes looking for the Albany Doctor. They come up with some of the coolest camping gear.







William

[Louis]

Very cool, and nice work.

Serious question: If you're buttoned up for inclement weather is there enough oxygen in there? How do you get fresh air in?

[William]

Very cool!

Serious question: If you're buttoned up for inclement weather is there enough oxygen in there? How do you get fresh air in?

White thingy on top is a vent lid. It probably has a crank so you can open it as much or as little as you like, plus a lip and overhang to prevent water from coming in.





William

[AngryScientist]

William is right, the lid works great, plus I was inside during a heavy rainstorm last night with the windows partially opened and no water was coming in. This little thing is pretty rad, freedom from the tent!

[CaptStash]

interior is totally incomplete. now that i'm watertight i'll be working on interior details slowly. the kitchen worked marvelously last night though.

and yes, harbor freight utility trailer is the chassis.

"Kitchen"? For shame, where did you go to school anyway? Oh yeah... The thing moves, you sure the food prep place isn't a galley?


This was your captain speaking.....

[weisan]

Angry-pal, this is awesome, great use of your gifts.

[William]

Some other ideas on micro campers....

http://tinyhousetalk.com/category/teardrop-trailers/







William

[bobswire]

and the project is complete, sort of.

full shell came together in one full weekend. tested last night at a local campground. poured rain half the night and i woke up warm, dry and well rested. this thing totally rules.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Vv2yPllkG8/U_ZIOv8KrJI/AAAAAAAABvs/ALAOVn48q24/s900/IMG_0145.JPG

Very cool, more pics and where did you score the plans.

Which trailer did you use? http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Utility+trailer

[William]

Another "commercial" hand made micro...

http://silvertearscampers.com






William

[Louis]

How about this? Not micro, micro, but nifty just the same.
(although it might attract the wrong crowd)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IUZzQ2kJsRE/TNl7arMmiQI/AAAAAAAABK0/e7mmkhXHrLo/s1600/woody6.png

[Peter B]

I really, really want one of these some day

Oh c'mon, don't be shy...

[Louis]

Oh c'mon, don't be shy...

If you aren't going off-road you can always get this instead:

http://livinginmycar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Huge-RV.jpg

[Peter B]

If you aren't going off-road you can always get this instead:

http://livinginmycar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Huge-RV.jpg

OK, so long as one of these comes loaded on the dolly...

[Louis]

Picky, picky.

If the rest came with it, I'd settle for one of these:

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02/89/14/52/0002891452443_500X500.jpg

[rugbysecondrow]

Damn, now something else I have to occupy my time and money. Thanks Angry. ;)

[djg]

OK, so long as one of these comes loaded on the dolly...



Reminds me of a very different RV/car combo -- the kids and I were just heading back home from a southern PA ski hill when we came upon a 21st century RV behemoth towing...a Prius. Average mileage?

[William]

Guy on Advrider built a fantastic one out of a 5x8 trailer with A/C, windows, side table, double bed, etc. He's selling it for $2700.

http://hightechcoonass.smugmug.com/Other/Vacation-2013-NM-CO-and-UTAH/i-snrn9Jx/0/L/IMG_8351-L.jpg

Found it.

http://hightechcoonass.smugmug.com/Other/Camp-Trailer/43451178_G2sCZK#!i=3440327996&k=FtXNqNP

Lots of potential there.





William

[Louis]

A/C ?

If you're taking that route, why bother to leave home?

Stay planted to the couch swilling beer, eating nachos and cheese, and watch TV.

I know, 85*, 90% humidity at midnight sncks, but if you hike/ride long and hard enough you should have no problems getting to sleep in the evening, regardless of the weather.

[gdw]

If you have AC you're not camping.

[donevwil]

If you have AC you're not camping.

If it has wheels you're not camping. My personal opinion only of course.

[AngryScientist]

from the other thread:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCWvvSI-0cU/U_pKibzcD9I/AAAAAAAABwI/Xl_FKYnOcGc/s1000/P1080297.JPG

[William]

A/C is not on my list, but I can see some potential there with the rig. There are different types of "camping"......just tools for the job.;)




William

[William]

Thought of you Nick!

https://www.facebook.com/chesapeakelightcraft/posts/10153919914032398








William

[merlinmurph]

If you have AC you're not camping.

Agreed.

I have a co-worker that has a 5th wheel with a 40 ft trailer and get a kick when he says he went camping. Hey, we've always tent camped, but are now in the market for an RV-type vehicle, probably a trailer, for a long trip. I will not call it camping. ;-)

[Bradford]

William, that is fantastic!

I've build a CLC kayak; it was pretty easy to build, is a great boat to paddle, and looks beautiful. I'd build one of these in a heartbeat.

If I didn't have two little kids that need a place to sleep when we camp, this kit would be on the way to my house right now!

[William]

William, that is fantastic!

I've build a CLC kayak; it was pretty easy to build, is a great boat to paddle, and looks beautiful. I'd build one of these in a heartbeat.

If I didn't have two little kids that need a place to sleep when we camp, this kit would be on the way to my house right now!

I thought it was really cool as well. I've been eyeballing their SUP kit. There are sone really beautiful examples from customers on the website.






William

[AngryScientist]

most excellent.

i have a feeling my little micro is going to get some upgrades and lots of use this summer!

[guido]

Thought of you Nick!

https://www.facebook.com/chesapeakelightcraft/posts/10153919914032398








William

That is so cool. Thanks for that William! I built a CLC kit years ago. It went together nicely. I'm really tempted by this!

[ceolwulf]

I thought it was really cool as well. I've been eyeballing their SUP kit. There are sone really beautiful examples from customers on the website.













William


I really want to build that SUP kit.

[Bradford]

I thought it was really cool as well. I've been eyeballing their SUP kit. There are some really beautiful examples from customers on the website.

William

My kayak wasn't too hard to build, although it more days than you would think because you work in spurts while things dry. There is a lot of sanding involved, but all of it is very therapeutic.

[William]

Thought of you again Nick...

100% homemade micro camper...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irAcBNe69zo





William

[AngryScientist]

Cool!

I'm hoping to get out with mine this weekend actually. Sporting solar panels now and completely self contained!

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJjgt-lxo8/WIfhB0YCITI/AAAAAAAACsc/i363wNtbHS4FQJ0GbkFPcYuSB4pOo_PtgCLcB/s1100/micro.jpg

[William]

Cool!

I'm hoping to get out with mine this weekend actually. Sporting solar panels now and completely self contained!

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJjgt-lxo8/WIfhB0YCITI/AAAAAAAACsc/i363wNtbHS4FQJ0GbkFPcYuSB4pOo_PtgCLcB/s1100/micro.jpg

Nice!

How is the interior coming along?





William

[AngryScientist]

Nice!

How is the interior coming along?





William

that part of the project has stalled, to be honest. there's plenty to do in there, but it's very functional now. i need to pick a warm, dry weekend to spray some insulation in, especially on the roof. it can get a little warm in there when the sun is beating down.

[William]

that part of the project has stalled, to be honest. there's plenty to do in there, but it's very functional now. i need to pick a warm, dry weekend to spray some insulation in, especially on the roof. it can get a little warm in there when the sun is beating down.

Understood. I think the guy in the video had some cool ideas for the interior of his micro. Beyond that, think boat. :) Lots of great ideas items for form and function in small spaces from the boat building world.






William

[Fatty]

I saw this guy for sale on the Fayetteville Craigslist and studied his plan.

I'm liking the roof top AC.

https://images.craigslist.org/00b0b_iRlmf3EWqPd_600x450.jpg

https://fayar.craigslist.org/rvs/6133038756.html

[William]

That is so cool. Thanks for that William! I built a CLC kit years ago. It went together nicely. I'm really tempted by this!

The time to act is now!!:banana:

Not mine and no relation to seller...
https://portland.craigslist.org/grg/tro/d/underwood-clc-teardrop-trailer/7506479365.html






W.

Sorry for reviving this thread from the dead. :)

[rice rocket]

I know zip about boatbuilding except guys on YouTube sanding for weeks, that seems like a great deal even if it is a kit.