Me and my fiancee camp a lot during the warm months. It's always pansy camping; we even mounted an AC unit in our tent to stay cool But, setup and tear-down time always kill our fun, and make a three-day trip feel like a two-day, or even sometimes a one-day trip.
We always haul my Honda Reflex with us. It is a maxi-scooter (over 400lbs!), with a CVT, and practically drives itself. It's a ton of fun. The tiny utility trailer we had has been sold, to add to the budget of the TTT.
We also rescued two dogs, and certainly don't want them to have to sit in a tent while we are out playing on the beach! Most beaches won't allow them during peak hours, so they will have to have "naptime" from 11am-5pm when we go.
We originally tried to restore a camper, but my poor Honda CR-V couldn't tow the giant thing without me fearing for our lives. It was promptly sold (we even made a few bucks ) and now it's time to attempt to build a lightweight, yet comfy and large TTT.
To be put simply, the design necessities:
- 0 setup / teardown time
- Can haul the Honda Reflex (400 lb scooter) in the back
- Comfy for the pups during the day
- Comfy for us on rainy days
This in mind, here is the first draft of my design:
- Front:
- Back:
- Back ramp unfolded:
- Back ramp folding:
I haven't finished the interior layout, but here is an ASCII diagram for your amusement:
- Code: Select all
________________________
| | | |
| bench | table |bench |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|----------------------|
| | | |
| | | |
| | | | <countertops (w/ sink, etc)
| | | |
| | | |
|--------- --------|
| | |
| <door | | <closet
| | |
------------------------
^ramp
The bench / table combo will become a queen-sized bed. The closet may or may not (leaning towards the latter due to cost) contain a bed / shower. The main campground we go to anyways (Rocky Bayou in Destin, FL) has full bathrooms.
The exterior will get epoxy, then semigloss white paint. The interior will be wood stain probably. The floor will be bamboo hardwood, and I'll put down rubber mats when the scooter is parked inside.
Tie-down points will be embedded in the floor and walls. Only 4 are necessary -- two of them to control bouncing / forward and back motion, two more for tilting left and right.
Frame is 1x4's, sandwiched between 1/4" luan. Roof struts are going to be 2x4's. I was thinking of 1x4's, but that seems too flimsy for the 6'4" width.
What do you think? Any experts have any tips?
- Dave