FoamStream...

[GPW]

Bill, never though of that either ... but that’s certainly a consideration .. just like assembling a Big Model ...
Especially Nice all the parts would fit exactly , avoiding many problems for the builder ...

[KCStudly]

Yeah and with the cookie cutter puzzle lock feature you could offer extension piece options (like leafs in a dining room table) to alter the width. Need it a little wider? Add a short flat section on top, snap in. Little taller? Separate cut file for longer risers.

You could offer full starter kits with pre cut ply arches, and a basic kit with just thinner MDF router templates; cheaper to ship (lighter), but still very accurate. Pass the savings onto the customer and open up the market a bit.

[GPW]

Good ideas , but let’s take this one step at a time ... Gotta’ get the FS built and tested first ...

I sat down last night and had a long talk with the wife , explained everything about the trailer ... surprisingly , she approved..

[eaglesdare]

see "she who must be obeyed" isn't so bad afterall!

[GPW]

After 38 years , Never Bad , just sometimes just disagreeing with “the Plan”... Now here’s a woman with more degrees than a thermometer , and absolutely ZERO technical skills ... True !! She cant even fold up one of those flat cardboard boxes... but she still has her “opinions” ... I usually work “around” all that ... or after these many years , just Ignore it ...

[GPW]

Another drawing , showing the wainscoting inside cut away to form storage pockets in the sides ...
This is the FS scaled to fit my new trailer ... unless I can cheat another foot or two in length ...

[bonnie]

Very nice, I like it a lot.

[atahoekid]

Kayak kits are sold that way. Puzzle cur pieces join together. It's up to the individual builder to decide on a finish. Sounds like a great business idea

[GPW]

Great business idea , but I’m RETIRED!!! ( Rest for the Tired) But Vinnie’s a young guy , I’m sure he can supply parts to anybody that wants one ... I talked to him about this , and he’s excited about the build ... and he has the CNC ... I’d be glad to coordinate any orders or plans etc...
I’m thinking the best thing is to get this one done and see how it actually works , before going any further , business wise ...

[GPW]

More thinking , this time about the bed .... was considering making a Trundle bed ,wood frame and all... but now a big Futon sorta’ thing makes more sense and is lighter weight ... Fold up for sofa, fold out for bed... Lots of extra pillows (could be “decorative” ) to make up for any comfort deficiencies ...and I could place it where we wanted , and it would be easily removed for cleaning ...
Just foam cushions , and we can sew up some covers pretty easy ... gotta be Light .... The FS may be a standy' , but no reason it can’t be LIGHT too ...

Just doing a little Guesstimating ,no reason we couldn't easily come in way under 1000 lb. Streamline and Light it should tow easily ...

And another thought ... with the CNC doing the cutting it would be easy to make the last two rear ribs with walls in it , and pre slotted for slide in shelves/drawer for the mini galley ...

[mezmo]

The wider ribs where needed as combined structure/cabinet sides is a good idea.

Here's an example of someone who did so:





Just be sure to allow the same plywood thickness/length, between the end of the shelf slots and the edge of
the wider plywood rib, that you are using with all the weight-saver cutouts, for structural integrity. [Maybe
as drawn it was just a fast jot down of the idea - not the actual design ?] At least an inch or two. The slots
may not be necessary if you just use 1x strips applied to the ribs as supports for whatever shelving you use.

As far as the bed goes, have you considered using the 3ft space of the front shelf
by mounting the bed longitudinally [front to back] and using the bottom end of the bed as
the daytime couch bottom and have a support for couch back cushions for daytime use ?
Drawers under the bed/seat base would be the most useful way to access and use that storage space.
A futon like frame wouldn't allow for any/much storage and in a small area wouldn't be an efficient
use of space.

This drawing shows such a setup. If you look at the side view part there is a faint line
drawing of a back cushion, thus making the 'bottom' half of the bed the couch's 'bottom'.
[Click on pic for larger size, use "Ctl+" to increase that if needed.]



The 3ft space as a 'shelf' is sort of a dead area, if used as part of the bed [at least 2ft
of it] it uses the space/volume a bit better.

Since you have access to a CNC cutter and the owner/operator of it sounds as enthusuastic
about the Foamstream as you are, you've a good bit of serendipitous synergy going on over
there ! It sounds like it will take the project results at least a step beyond what you were
thinking of originally.

Just for your consideration.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[GPW]

Norm , my drawings are not mechanical drawings , just an expression of an idea ... I do understand your concerns. Thanks !!!:thumbsup:
The front area , while looking like wasted space has already been planned for ..
The futon bed suits my needs just fine ... Everyone has there own ideas and should apply the information to their particular situation ... My main concern right now is the trailer shell itself ... once we get that done , I’m sure there is enough flexibility in the design to make changes on the interior... all these projects need some decision making/calculations by the owners to better suit their individual preferences , so nothing is really written in stone ...

Much like Art , it’s just an idea till it’s done , then it becomes an opinion .... True !!!

[KCStudly]

"I know it when I see it"".

[GPW]

Vinnie called , he’s finalizing the drawing for the CNC , and said he’s going to cut it out this week ... I’d better get busy on my floor asap ...

[bonnie]