FoamStream...

[GPW]

Definitely !!! For my size the potty room has to be at least 28" Wide Plus the 2" wall (inside) and you see the need for the offset door ... Could replace that wall with just a curtain ??? Lighter , easier and a little more elbow room ... Many things to still consider ...

[GPW]

Well since it was too HOT to do anything , I've been doodling the FoamStream ( pencil and paper ) ... Just a rough sketch of what the inside would/should look like ... Trying to keep it SIMPLE !!!!

[wagondude]

A rough sketch he calls it. That is looking good. I like the layout.

Bill

[mezmo]

Hi GPW,

Nice perspective drawing!

I have a suggestion for you to consider regarding the bath. - I've never
quite understood why TT/RV designers etc. make the baths/toilet rooms
as small as they do. Very few real sized people that I've run into can
actually FIT in them to use them. You might be able to cram-stand
yourself inside them but try to bend your body to use them or turn around
or raise your arms etc.. I realize they have a small amount of space to
use or deal with, but to enclose the 'facilities' in their own small cramped
'cubicle-ette' just because most people "think" it has to be that way is a
ridiculous way to design a useful and comfortable camping vehicle.

Here's my proposal: Turn the toilet 90 degrees to face the center of the
Foamstream. Keep it in an area that is at least 32-36in wide. You can
infill any room on each side of the centered toilet/porta-potty within that
space with small storage spaces that aren't higher than the seat height.
[Ideally one of the cassette toilets would be great here.] You can build
overhead cabinets above the Toilet/PP space at a height that avoids head
banging on them. To enclose the toilet/PP when not in use build either:
Two overlapping doors the width of the distance of the aisle between the
cabinets on each side that fold out to create 'bath' walls, one against the
back [entry] wall and the other partitioning off the living area. [Use thin
ply panels or foam&canvas], if you want a totally enclosed space, add an
additional 32-36in panel to fold out from one of the primary panels to form
a 3rd wall against the cabinets opposite the toilet/PP. This could also be
made as one "Z" or three piece folding panel to accomplish the same
purpose. The other way would be to make a wall the width of the cabinet
space used for the toilet/PP that faces the center, which would pull out
towards the opposite cabinet, using bi-fold side walls that would close off
the rear entry wall and the living area. Both these methods would give an
ample space for use of the toilet/PP. What ever time and effort that would
be needed to open up the bath is negligible, especially for the benefit it
provides in my opinion. Panel sizes and configurations to accomplish the
enclosure can be adjusted and tweaked per final design. Why waste the
center aisle space when it can be temporarily included and used for the
toilet/PP room. You have it available so use it.

If one of the occupants need to go outside for a moment or two, what's
the big deal? The Foamstream would allow both occupants to stay inside -
one in the living area while the other uses the toilet/PP room.

Just trying to exercise [or should that be "exorcise"?] one of my pet
peeves about TT/RV design!

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[GPW]

Norm , I was thinking of eliminating (no pun intended) the potty wall , and just using a shower curtain kind of thing across that area ... Having traveled in train sleeper cars , those tiny bathrooms just barely provide enough room ... Maybe just a little stub wall at the back for support , and then the potty area would be wide open ... Like the idea of putting it sideways ... for more elbow room ...

[eaglesdare]

on the amtrak sleeping cars i have been on, they potty is not even enclosed. it is right there next to the bed. no curtains or anything, you just lift the lid and do your thing.

[GPW]

I Hate those ,like being in an aquarium, with curtains ... we always get the "little room" , last time we ended up in an empty handicapped room and it was HUGE !!! They've had some pretty interesting layouts over the years utilizing the space available ... Some principles easily applied to Foamie construction

[steve smoot]

GPW, you kinda artistic dude...I like it the way you have it drawn. very nice work.

[GPW]

Thanks Steve, I've managed to make a good living as an Artist for the past 41 years ... against all odds ...

This was really just a quick sketch to better visualize the interior layout ... and something to show the wife , who doesn't quite share my enthusiasm for trailer building ...
BUT (the qualifier) We are fast approaching the peak of Hurricane season , so she's now more willing to consider my "crazy" ideas , as long as I provide a suitable mobile abode for EVAC... our Primary trailer need !!!
The layout just has to be right for the both of us (plus a Cat and a dumb Dog) , too HOT to build right now , might as well do the fine tuning of the design ... still trying to attain the original goals of Strength , Lightweight, and THRIFTY ... and streamline so as to tow efficiently ... more drawings forthcoming ...

[Wolffarmer]

The only time I have ridden US passenger trains was in 1967. We didn't have sleeper cars. Toilet in a room in one end of the car. Flush the john and if you looked down you could see the rail bed rushing by. And there was a sign to not use the facilities when stopped.

I don't think we can get away with that these days.



Yes. The little space they put the john in makes it nearly impossible for me to use. Though I will admit I have never tried it in any recent memory but just looking at that tiny room really makes me wonder.

How about using the john in the middle of the trailer as a support for the table top.

Just suggesting.



Randy

[GPW]

Wolf , they have improved since then , but it seems the bathrooms have gotten smaller and smaller , and now include a shower too .. Cramped but workable . Some as Eagle described , have the potty right in the middle of the room ...
I remember the old see through johns... then promptly gave up walking along the tracks ...

[eaglesdare]

not all have the showers, they cost more. i did not mind the potty in there, but there is no privacy. i have only used the rooms so far with young kids, so it wasn't a problem.
..i guess i could now just tell them to turn around. but i haven't used the trains in 2 yrs now.

i love taking the train. would love to do the grand canyon tour on amtrak. but i think the cost is pretty expensive.

[GPW]

The Nice thing about taking a train is you get to see Americas' backyard... All the things you can't see from the highway , or from the air ...
Being old now , we can't travel coach anymore ... Just have to have a place to lie down and rest ... look out the window and dream about the past , the way things used to be ...

[eaglesdare]

The Nice thing about taking a train is you get to see Americas' backyard... All the things you can't see from the highway , or from the air ...
Being old now , we can't travel coach anymore ... Just have to have a place to lie down and rest ... look out the window and dream about the past , the way things used to be ...

coach is not comfortable at all. but the rooms are tolerable. you just have to reserve them when they are at their cheapest price. i made the mistake one time of waiting to get one, and the price went up to $911. and that was a room without the shower, only the potty. so i did end up coach on that one.

[GPW]

Those rooms can get EXPENSIVE , so is last minute plane travel , and none of the meals (included on the train fare )
The FoamStream should solve all these little problems ... Big enough to live in for a short while if need be ... Comfortable layout for "lounging" ... and since we always travel (EVAC) with both vehicles , the little Foamie will also come along ... just to carry the 500 lbs. of beer... and a small bag of potato chips ... Gotta' have a support vehicle ... Two Foamies are better than one ...
The really good news is I sold my old Letterpress blocking the door , so Now I can build the FS INSIDE in the AC ... Yippee !!!