Finally going a lil more public with Project FireBeetle!

[Gold5one]

I worked at three different RV dealers, my observation is that people who buy small campers are usually budget conscious shoppers. Airstream makes a small 16-18ft size trailer that sells for a premium price, because the resale values are so high on used models. As long as gas prices remain low, I think the consumer is going to be looking at larger RVs.

[Sheddie]

I love your series of drawings..a bit like watching an opera in another language.

I think one of those ancient Asian puppet shows.
I figure there has been at least 6 years of design happening. Just go build something simple so you can take it camping and enjoy it. You can always look at the fancy designs while you are sitting by the camp fire.

[S. Heisley]

For some people, dreaming up the design and how to build it is the enjoyment.

[GreenViking]

I really would like to find a better way to communicate with all of you in a way that those of you giving technical advice/build details are able to see the latest iteration of the build plans as well as a history of why those choices where made.
And then also a place for the much needed (imo) and appreciated words of encouragement and knowing you have a virtual team of eyes walking the path with you.

I have started to stamp the build book pages with "This page updated on: (date)" to help and I am really craving more interaction as I move foreword.
Like most things in life, while some things might lend themselves to being talked about in isolation, I think that the WHY of building and using a teardrop trailer is mostly about a person wanting to have more of certain experiences as well in some cases and times, a way of escaping some experiences from the places they left from.

[GreenViking]

I watched this TED talk on collaborative design over the weekend, http://www.drawtoast.com/ it got me wondering how I might be able to accomplish this virtually with some of you in real-time.

[daveesl77]

Whether building a boat, camper, house, whatever a good method to determine what you want and what can or should be done is to go through the physical steps of actually doing it. I've built boats, houses and campers. I'm now starting on my first adventure in building a teardrop(ish) camper. I have decades of experience in both long distance sailing and camping and have a pretty good idea on what works for me and what doesn't. I was also a crewmember on a ballistic missile submarine in the early 1970s. That means I've spent a fair amount of time in closed in, compact areas for extended periods of time. Before one designs and builds something you do need the physical knowledge of what is reasonable.

My advice would be to first build a cardboard box room in your home, being essentially 4wx4Hx7l . This is cheap and easy. Do a box and not a tent, as the tent allows light and air in, making it seem larger. Sleep in the box for several nights, alone or with another preferable. Begin with no windows. Each day add one window. After a few days, increase the width of the box to 5'. A few days later increase length to 8'. After that increase height to 5', then perhaps to 6. Finally, increase width to 6'. During each section, keep a journal of things you liked and things you did not.

When doing the bed thing you need to determine the type of mattress you will use and the actual height above the mattress. Will the mattress be on the floor or on a pedestal. If you don't want to build a pedestal, then lower the height of the box to simulate. Here is why - We look at a 4' height and say "that's plenty". Then subtract say 3 inches for the actual roof. If using a foam mattress, remove another 6-9 inches and possibly another 3 inches of the floor. Your 4' height is now 3' or less. Still good for most, but not all. Add in a 9" pedestal or change mattress system to say an 18" inflatable "never flat" and now you have a bit more than 2 feet of clearance. Try that out for awhile. At that point, most (but not all) people will get claustrophobic.

If you know someone with a small truck camper or van camper with the overcab bed, you can also try that out, as they often have less than 2' clearance.

Sitting up is wonderful and I'm designing my build to incorporate a "sortof" settee. But to do this you need to determine the actual height a person needs from seat to head. It surprises many. Airlines get away with 31" legroom, but that is actually the distance from the back to the knees. Think about how comfortable an economy airline seat is (not). So when doing the design, you need to determine the real need of the seat and what it will be used for. This gives both height and depth.

Most of all - Go for it!

dave

[GreenViking]

Thanks Dave, all great advice!

Here is an interesting link to a folding trundle top teardrop top design: http://www.mikenchell.com/zephyr/Teardrop%20Designs.htm

[S. Heisley]

Thanks Dave, all great advice!

Here is an interesting link to a folding trundle top teardrop top design: http://www.mikenchell.com/zephyr/Teardrop%20Designs.htm

If you haven't already looked at all the trailers with lifting roofs, please look here: www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50969
I think that the zephyr may have been the forerunner to the Winter Warrior.

[GreenViking]

Thanks S, I have been looking through them.

[GreenViking]

NEEDING 3D CAMPER/RV Related OBJECTS:
Any of you digital veterans know of a good FREE source of 3D files for all things RV/Boat/Tow Vehicles. (I am using Rhino 5 for my 3d modeling and can import: 3DM/3DS/DWG/DXF/OBJ/PLY/SOLIDWORKS/STEP)
I need scale models of practical things like LP Gas tanks, toilets, trailer hitch, honda generator etc. If I have to model each item I will go nuts, been there, know that. So, if you have some links to share it would be much appreciated!
Thanks All!

[GreenViking]

Working on some more space studies in 3d today after pulling the legal permit towing free trailer size data yesterday from:
Also thought I would include some of the areas of inspiration that are influencing my design on the "form-finding" evolution side of this project.

Spoiler, some of you might scratch your heads and be like "?", and others may really get it and the deep passion I have for combining my design/artist and science/biology/morphology sides into this project. I had a new direction begin to blossom after my hands on introduction into the world of public art back in 2012 when I designed this: https://www.behance.net/gallery/7888697/The-Making-of-the-New-2012-All-Souls-Procession-Urn

Now, with the directions that Additive manufacturing is going along with more affordable software tools, things like this are just the tip of the iceberg... and hopefully we are not on the titanic.
http://designplaygrounds.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz7LpDR-Gew
yeah, I know... not exactley the easiest conversation starter when somebody asks you "what do you do?"

I have felt an urgency to study and expand and grow in the areas of how we as a humans modify and change the physical environments we inhabit with tools beyond our own bodies. Unlike most other lifeforms on this planet whose reach of physical influence is limited by what their body can move, humans use tools in very clever ways (arguably both beneficially and detrimentally.)

The top focuses that Project FireBeetle have got me hooked into can be summarized by these questions;
Can I use a combination of Form-finding math formulas that have been informed by naturally observable patterns that have been quantified to help guide the physical placement of matter that is being directed by my perceived needs and wants in a habitable space?
Are the types of art/design and crafted sculptures that inspire me just as important to my health as say eating? While not always able to be quantified by the written or spoken word, do these inspirational drivers project me into directions that when collectively pursued and given attention provide benefit to not only myself but those around me as well?
And last but not least, anybody got a job that lends itself to solveing thes sort of questions with this kinda thinking?... no, really... I am looking!

[GreenViking]

Been working on the virtual modeling... getting better with the software and that will help when it comes time to print out a 3D model at 1/12th scale as well as create the GCode tool cutting paths for the shopbot. Thinking that doing a small scale version with pockets and depth cuts.

I need to get the exact specs on the components so that I can attempt to do some virtual prototype stress tests and find close weight estimates as well as center of gravity.

Still working with how to combine my 3D CAD software precision models with my 3d Sculpting software so that I can get some good quality relief carvings for the fiberglass panel back lit art. One step forword, 2 sideways and an occasional wormhole.

[GreenViking]

[Sheddie]

Very nice

[GreenViking]

Thanks Frank, sooo... whats on YOUR wish list of things in a 5x10? (pretend money no option for sake of this question!)