Smaller than a Grasshopper... must be a CRICKET
Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 11:14 pmSo I'm sitting around wondering "how small can it get and still be comfortable?"
A few dozen sheets of scratch paper later and Cricket is born. I call it that because it is smaller than a Grasshopper. Dimensions of cabin: 48" wide, 78" long' 48" to 60" high -- depends on how much headroom you want.
Cricket sits on a Harbor Freight or Northern 40" by 48" trailer or, if you choose to build it without the tuck-under wheels, you can use the front six feet of a 4' by 8' folding trailer.
As you can see from the top view, it is a solo rig. A comfortable 28" by 74" foam pad makes for good sleeping. The side galley offers reasonable counter space and storage for the single camper.
Is it practical? Maybe not. But it could be fun. Keep it stocked with whatever you need and hit the road anytime you want.
No fancy wiring or other luxury features. Just enough to get past the level of backpacking. No insulation either. The idea for the Cricket is that you can probably build it from the scraps you have lying around the garage and a few sheets of plywood. The framing is both internal and external and only enough to hold it together safely. Windows are fixed plastic and ventilation is provided by screened awning type wood flaps.
Estimated cost: $200 to $300 minus trailer and foam pad. $160 for the trailer. I've got the pad.
The scraps in my garage are calling to me. I might just do it for the fun of it.
P.S. I think the "suicide" door of the galley will work. Lots of pickup trucks use them for access to the back seats.
A few dozen sheets of scratch paper later and Cricket is born. I call it that because it is smaller than a Grasshopper. Dimensions of cabin: 48" wide, 78" long' 48" to 60" high -- depends on how much headroom you want.
Cricket sits on a Harbor Freight or Northern 40" by 48" trailer or, if you choose to build it without the tuck-under wheels, you can use the front six feet of a 4' by 8' folding trailer.
As you can see from the top view, it is a solo rig. A comfortable 28" by 74" foam pad makes for good sleeping. The side galley offers reasonable counter space and storage for the single camper.
Is it practical? Maybe not. But it could be fun. Keep it stocked with whatever you need and hit the road anytime you want.
No fancy wiring or other luxury features. Just enough to get past the level of backpacking. No insulation either. The idea for the Cricket is that you can probably build it from the scraps you have lying around the garage and a few sheets of plywood. The framing is both internal and external and only enough to hold it together safely. Windows are fixed plastic and ventilation is provided by screened awning type wood flaps.
Estimated cost: $200 to $300 minus trailer and foam pad. $160 for the trailer. I've got the pad.
The scraps in my garage are calling to me. I might just do it for the fun of it.
P.S. I think the "suicide" door of the galley will work. Lots of pickup trucks use them for access to the back seats.
