Unusual Designs Found on Internet

[WizardOfOdds]

Here is a well done Zig-Zag (my nomenclature, he calls it a "double pop top"). I always liked the Zig-Zag for it's rock-stable open/close transitions with minimal effort (you only lift half the top weight at a time with no loose ends to connect), zero exposure to rain during erection, and the ability to leave it half opened in extreme wind. However, building one with rigid walls is a challenge, especially if you want the door head room to increase with opening.

If you don't need to walk on the top, it could be made a lot lighter and probably not need the gas struts. But, I see it a better match to a trailer because the pickup cab restricts access to the front end (how does he raise & lower the front, from the inside?). A disadvantage is the diagonal member restricts window placement. And things get a bit more complex if you need a vertical back (to accommodate a tall door).

[WizardOfOdds]

There are a lot of commercial and DIY pickup camper tops on YT which, like this one, feature aluminum frames with water proof fabric (vinyl/PVC/etc) pop-up sidewalls, so why post this seeming common design in a "non-traditional" forum? What I found somewhat unique is how he built it: All aluminum frame but with no welding, he uses only brazed and screw/rivet joints. The build includes a covered screen window, solar panel, quiet vent fan, and slide out kitchen top & storage. Additional storage is accessible via the sidewall window/door. Sleeping can be at either the lower (with roof lowered) or upper level (roof up). Further, the cap breaks down in steps allowing even more flexibility. Judge for yourself.

[WizardOfOdds]

Some of the best lines/scenes are fleeting, to avoid missing them
read the tips BEFORE you watch the video,

This may become one of my all time favorite videos. I was drawn to it by the portable folding hut, but after watching, it's almost a side issue. There are several thousands (3257 as of 5/20/2022) comments posted, so don't expect to read them all in a single sitting, but here are 2 that I found appropriate to quote:

"I spend years saving up and building my dream custom water-cooled gaming PC setup and what do I do with it? I watch a man go camping in a made-up plastic hut........................and I love it!"

"Not sure which is more awesome. The origami structure or Steve."

My tips: Watch it when you are sure to not be interrupted. Pay particular attention to how he starts the fire. Oh yeah, watch closely while he opens the package of onions & peppers. Don't miss his introduction to his Big Foot comments. Pay close attention to his mini paper model, it better explains the structure than the folding demo. And by all means, check out the scenery!



About the folding hut:

I've always questioned the practicality of origami huts because what works with folded paper usually does not "scale-up" well with the thicker walls needed for realistic sizes. And the need for joints which rotate more than 180 degrees is always problematic. But let's keep an open mind...

It does not take a genius to conjure up a folding hut. What is genius -- minimizing the number of edges that must be joined upon erection, especially if the entire structure "folds-flat" yet has reasonable structural integrity when opened. Oh yeah, parts must transit between open & closed configurations without warping segments (i.e. avoid what I call "lock-down"). His design has only one open seam that runs from the peak down the roof and side edges. All other edges are permanent joints. And you can't beat triangles for rigid stability. Not bad! Still a lot of issues (longevity of joints, wind anchor, floor, etc) but I have put this one on my list of most impressive folding huts, but let's leave them for another append.

I feel compelled to ad a WARNING: Judging from the thousands of comments, Steve Wallis videos appear to be addictive to those attracted to weird camping. The mere fact that you are reading about "non-traditional designs" from "The Wizard of Odds" suggests you may not be immune. So far I have resisted the temptation to view "Camping In Highway Median", "Police Station Stealth Camping In Hammock", "Camping In Storm Drain", "Camping In Abandoned Gas Station", and even "Body Bag Camping In Freeway Interchange", but I fear I may have already been bitten. You have been warned!

[RJ Howell]

Here is a well done Zig-Zag (my nomenclature, he calls it a "double pop top"). I always liked the Zig-Zag for it's rock-stable open/close transitions with minimal effort (you only lift half the top weight at a time with no loose ends to connect), zero exposure to rain during erection, and the ability to leave it half opened in extreme wind. However, building one with rigid walls is a challenge, especially if you want the door head room to increase with opening.

If you don't need to walk on the top, it could be made a lot lighter and probably not need the gas struts. But, I see it a better match to a trailer because the pickup cab restricts access to the front end (how does he raise & lower the front, from the inside?). A disadvantage is the diagonal member restricts window placement. And things get a bit more complex if you need a vertical back (to accommodate a tall door).

I've attempted to contact him to understand just how it operates. I can see a piano hinge between the two tops (on the side). I'm designing again, trying for hard sides and like this wedge/full lift of his!

[WizardOfOdds]

A few notes on the instant pop-up folding hut in Steve Wallis video of my 5/20/2022 append.
Here is my diagram of his hut which you may find helpful.

Two beautiful things about the Wallis hut:

(1) it makes very efficient use of 4 x 8 panels, and
(2) it folds into a 4x4 square stack

But such huts with more than 3 sides put both of these properties at risk...

With regard to (1), Steve's hut only needs five 4x8 sheets and leaves you with only a single 4x4 remnant. But for configurations with more than 3 sides, the height of the roof triangles must exceed half the wall width to realize a roof peak. So for 8 ft wide side walls, the roof triangles must be more than 4 ft high. This complicates cutting the required segments from 4x8 sheets and means the folded roof peaks will protrude beyond the folded side squares unless you make the sides at least as tall as the roof triangles. I avoided both these problems in my 4 sided scale model by adding a peak vent.

Finally, there is another advantage to these configurations: you can overlap segments, which reduces the foot print but increases the peak height which strengthens the entire structure against wind and rain. Overlapping also minimizes any leaks associated with the open joint seam. For example, you can build a 4 sided unit with a shallow slope roof, but erect it as a triangular hut for poor weather or to get extra head room as a shower house. That's a rare flexibility, even for fabric tents!

[OP827]

There are several good ideas in this build.
One thing is I am not sure about is this open outdoor kitchen, especially in a bear country.

[OP827]

This is an interesting renovation project of a well-known folding Esterel caravan.
Main features:
1. Inside shower and bathroom with folding hard walls.
2. Outside kitchen made of removable hanging boxes that are stored under a seat (and bed?) during transport.

[OP827]

A few notes on the instant pop-up folding hut in Steve Wallis video of my 5/20/2022 append.
Here is my diagram of his hut which you may find helpful.

Two beautiful things about the Wallis hut:

(1) it makes very efficient use of 4 x 8 panels, and
(2) it folds into a 4x4 square stack

But such huts with more than 3 sides put both of these properties at risk...

With regard to (1), Steve's hut only needs five 4x8 sheets and leaves you with only a single 4x4 remnant. But for configurations with more than 3 sides, the height of the roof triangles must exceed half the wall width to realize a roof peak. So for 8 ft wide side walls, the roof triangles must be more than 4 ft high. This complicates cutting the required segments from 4x8 sheets and means the folded roof peaks will protrude beyond the folded side squares unless you make the sides at least as tall as the roof triangles. I avoided both these problems in my 4 sided scale model by adding a peak vent.

Finally, there is another advantage to these configurations: you can overlap segments, which reduces the foot print but increases the peak height which strengthens the entire structure against wind and rain. Overlapping also minimizes any leaks associated with the open joint seam. For example, you can build a 4 sided unit with a shallow slope roof, but erect it as a triangular hut for poor weather or to get extra head room as a shower house. That's a rare flexibility, even for fabric tents!

That is a good writeup, thanks for getting the brainstorm started. I think it should be still possible to make a four sided Wallis hut and still have a roof slope by simply reducing the side width by 1 foot or even little more to still maintain enough space to sleep. Reducing the side by one foot gives an almost two feet roof height. It is not much, but still much better than an average tent. This will also reduce the folded size of one side to be less than 4 ft wide, which in many small cars is an important space saving. The 1 ft material can be used to create a good panels overlap

[OP827]

Here is a well done Zig-Zag (my nomenclature, he calls it a "double pop top"). I always liked the Zig-Zag for it's rock-stable open/close transitions with minimal effort (you only lift half the top weight at a time with no loose ends to connect), zero exposure to rain during erection, and the ability to leave it half opened in extreme wind. However, building one with rigid walls is a challenge, especially if you want the door head room to increase with opening.

If you don't need to walk on the top, it could be made a lot lighter and probably not need the gas struts. But, I see it a better match to a trailer because the pickup cab restricts access to the front end (how does he raise & lower the front, from the inside?). A disadvantage is the diagonal member restricts window placement. And things get a bit more complex if you need a vertical back (to accommodate a tall door).

I've attempted to contact him to understand just how it operates. I can see a piano hinge between the two tops (on the side). I'm designing again, trying for hard sides and like this wedge/full lift of his!

Hi RJ, for folding hard sides, check out this camper build: https://www.casa-trotter.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=7838 If you are not fluent in French, then Google translate can help to understand some details beyond pictures.

Cheers,
Oleg

[Ottsville]

Don't know if this one has been posted before.

https://www.hotomobil.com/en/mohican-caravan

[QueticoBill]

rather like that mohican. Very simple and clean lines.

[MickinOz]

Unusual to me, everyone else has probably seen it before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVTLgEsBM5k

[OP827]

Another retractable caravan. Not sure if it is commercially manufactured or home made. This time from Czech Republic.
What is interesting is the lower door frame design that allows function it as one piece with upper door half.

[JasenC]

Another retractable caravan. Not sure if it is commercially manufactured of home made. This time from Czech Republic.
What is interesting is the lower door frame design that allows function it as one piece with upper door half.

I like it, I've been playing with the idea of one that goes up and down or in and out but decided to KISS for my first one, no moving parts.
That doesn't mean that I have been working on it in my head.

[WizardOfOdds]

OP827 wrote:

"Another retractable caravan. Not sure if it is commercially manufactured of home made. This time from Czech Republic.
What is interesting is the lower door frame design that allows function it as one piece with upper door half."

and JasonC wrote:

"I like it, I've been playing with the idea of one that goes up and down or in and out but decided to KISS for my first one, no moving parts."

A very interesting trailer, I hope we find more about it. Maybe the video intended to feature the power lift, but the flap hinged door captures all the attention -- it seems the Slideavan (https://duckworks.com/slidavan-plans/ & viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495&start=75#p1210338 ) and many other telescoping pop-ups could benefit from something like this.

We've seen a few examples of flap hinging used to align walls and doors, a good example may be the extending door jams of the famous Trailmanor ... there is pretty good view of it in the video in the append of July 27, 2017 (the one with the caption
"Notice the lower half of the door has two sections which allow it to align its hinge line with the upper half so the entire door can operate as a single unit. This is a common complication with telescoping top & bottom.") at this link:

I considered hinge flaps for both wall and door alignment several times, but always preferred simpler designs that didn't need them. My original plan for the Tip Top Tier Drop (which opens like a clam shell; roof hinged at one end) needed door alignment. The attraction of flap hinging was the hope of using the flip-out door jams to also support the elevated top. But things worked out far simpler with a more conventional design.

Added 6/10/2022
There is a much better view of the door assembly in these links: This is short

this is a longer videohttps://youtu.be/GAI2KU86vww