Hard wall popup

[icematrix]

I've been toying with designs for a hard walled popup with minimalistic architecture for some time. I like the idea of a camper with a view for scenic sites.

I have the donor trailer (an old tent camper trailer) and I've begun sketching designs on top of the trailer dimensions.

floorplan-rough.jpg (69.04 KiB) Viewed 10858 times

interior-rough.jpg (84.46 KiB) Viewed 10858 times

Chad

[KCStudly]

Nice renderings.

Welcome to the forums.

Any thoughts on methods and materials of construction, and specifics on how you will seal the upper and lower halves together?

[icematrix]

Thanks

I plan on using aluminum square tube for the framing. The walls will be skinned with aluminum on the outside, then a layer of foam. On the inside the materials vary from hardwood ply to sheet metal. I will probably use VHB tape and construction adhesive wherever visible to avoid lots of fastener holes.

I will use guides at the corners to keep the halves in line, and front and rear linear actuators coordinated by a microcontroller to do the actual task of raising and lowering.

There will probably be some sort of stiff brush material or a rubber gasket in the gap between halves to keep nature out. I need to do some more research on that.

I plan to use this for spring and summer camping only, and keep it garaged in the winter.

[KCStudly]

Cool. Mind sharing a little of your background? Sounds like you are in some sort of technical industry and obviously have design skills.

[icematrix]

I'm just another nerd. Computer programmer, systems admin, network engineer, web designer, I do a bit of everything.

I like to do woodwork and metal fab for fun. I've built or restored lots of things from furniture to vending machines.

Here is some of my recent stuff in no particular order:

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Hexagonal Greenhouse

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Donkey Kong

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60's Vendo Coke Machine

[icematrix]

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Concessions Stand

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Lemonade Stand for my kids

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Little Free Library for the community garden

[icematrix]

Ok, I know it's off topic, but one more. This is a little Trade Stimulator (slot machine) that I restored for my father's birthday a few years ago.

Before:

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And After:

imp_after.jpg (53.11 KiB) Viewed 10821 times

[KCStudly]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

[icematrix]

I originally was going to just have an outdoor shower. But lately I have been toying with the idea of a small wet bath like the T@b and the aliner.

Any opinions on the value of having one of those little baths?

[OP827]

This is a cool idea, camping with a view in urban modern style... Looks like if you aim for urban style "glamping", the inside bath could be in order, right? I have no experience using those wet bath, never had one like that, sorry, but I like your ideas.

[DrewsBrews]

Very neat idea!

Any precautions you would take to prevent it becoming your second greenhouse?

[Gladtobehere]

Have a look at the Alto by Safari Condo. I think they are gorgeous but a little to expensive for my blood.

http://www.safaricondo.com/en/caravanes

[BigGoofyGuy]

I've been toying with designs for a hard walled popup with minimalistic architecture for some time. I like the idea of a camper with a view for scenic sites.

I have the donor trailer (an old tent camper trailer) and I've begun sketching designs on top of the trailer dimensions.

floorplan-rough.jpg

interior-rough.jpg

Chad

I think that is way cool.

[fm-usa]

I've been toying with designs for a hard walled popup with minimalistic architecture for some time. I like the idea of a camper with a view for scenic sites.
I have the donor trailer (an old tent camper trailer) and I've begun sketching designs on top of the trailer dimensions.

floorplan-rough.jpg

interior-rough.jpg

Chad

CHAD:
When you design these up, do you consider the gross weight?
If you do, give us your thoughts.
We're interested.

[mallymal]

Coolest thing ever, and probably the most modern design on the forum I've ever seen!

I guess you would need some kind of soft rubber gasket to seal the pop up bit. Im assuming your huge windows are some kind of plastic... I would just worry about scratches on those when elevating the top....