Telescoping Trolley

[icematrix]

...Or Tram for those not from America. I posted my boxy minimalistic home design a few weeks back, but was told it would probably lead to terrible gas mileage, so I started thinking about a curvier design that my kids would like.

Here's my first few rough sketches, please forgive the lack of door, or the missing part of roof, those compound dome-like shapes are really hard to make even with "follow-me"

trolley-up.jpg (53.98 KiB) Viewed 9670 times

trolley-down.jpg (44.81 KiB) Viewed 9670 times

[icematrix]

Added a few more touches, changed the roof color, added a door with stained glass, positioned the wheels, etc.

camper-wdoor.jpg (48.73 KiB) Viewed 9642 times

[icematrix]

Had to square the door again for folding issues/gaps. I also changed the color to a patina green, and created an animation of the folding process. I think with an awning, this will be a really fun popup.

output_c4dmVh.gif (225.79 KiB) Viewed 9570 times

[bonnie]

I really like the concept.

[KCStudly]

Neat look.

Any concerns about stones thrown up by the TV taking out your windows?

[GreenViking]

I have been working on solving this in my own build design. I keep coming back to that for a whole lot of reasons (relate to alignment/weight/windows cracking exposure/waterproofing and WEIGHT) it needs at-least one permanent durable hinged and well sealed side facing direction of travel. Any ideas on potential mechanism used to hoist that up after driving all day without throwing out your back or taking up lots of space and weight?

Concepts are great, and figuring out the details is the work. where there's a will... sustained for a while, there may be a solution... or LOTS of ways on how not to do something (learning!)

I wish you the best in finding a great solution that works well and feels great on the eyes and your senses!

[Sheddie]

That looks really cool. It is almost a shame to collapse when you are towing it, it would look super cool following you down the road like that What size are you looking at.

Neat look.

Any concerns about stones thrown up by the TV taking out your windows?

You could either look at a clip on padded bra, or I remember seeing things like below on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KUTvduHsBk

[aggie79]

The design looks fabulous. The details may prove troublesome though. Whatever method to lift will need to keep the top level or very near level (actually in the same plane as the bottom). If it racks going up it will bind. The door opening is on two different planes so the jamb design will need some attention. If you can work these out you'll have one helluva TTT!

[dales133]

Google Kimberly campers , they obviously look totaly different but expand the same way you propose

[aggie79]

One way to lift the roof would be to use an old-fashioned cable and pulley system. This website shows a teardrop with a lifting roof that uses this system: www.purplesagetradingpost.com.

[GreenViking]

I would still think that having one edge like the Alto Safari hinged is a better solution with the same result. Again, a few reasons.
The leading edge being hinged creates a pivot close to where the cabinets are attached to the ceiling in the previous mentioned Teardrop. Doing away with that complicated winch system and multiple points of failure that would be a pita to deal with if something failed on the road.
Also gaining better potential moisture penetration protection with the overlap and seals on the Alto type layup.
More food for thought!

[GreenViking]

OOOppps! My bad, your doing a trolley top and I spoke to soon, solution for a different guy!

[GreenViking]

If your REALLY ambitious! Load up on some inspiration here with the unfolding Castle Truck!
http://www.livingbiginatinyhouse.com/transforming-castle-truck/

[tac422]

Neat look.

Any concerns about stones thrown up by the TV taking out your windows?

One answer would be to have the top drop down inside the bottom.
Instead of over the bottom .

[Sheddie]

Neat look.

Any concerns about stones thrown up by the TV taking out your windows?

One answer would be to have the top drop down inside the bottom.
Instead of over the bottom .

Issue with that would be getting it water tight.