expedition vehicle - design challenge!

[martinf]

Hi everyone,

I've been toying for a while about building a vehicle that would be more rugged than a Class C or Class B motorhome.

The design specs are very strict for various reasons and here they are:

- maximum overall dimensions when driving: 21' long x 8' wide x 10' high (think vehicle must fit in a box of that size)
- 4x4/awd
- shower and toilet
- enough room to carry 2 mountain bikes inside without compromising living space, i.e must be able to live inside vehicle when bikes are in
- all season (10F to 90F)
- bed and kitchen
- access from cabin to house from inside
- if vehicle extends (slide out, pop up top, etc.), bed and restroom must still be accessible in driving mode
- max GVWR of 10K best, up to 12k

Now some an obvious choice would be a van but I want something more unique and something custom could be wider than any van is.

Anyone want to pitch in some ideas?

 

[DarkBladeRunner]

Why not pick up and old schoolie with rear locking differential?

 

[java]

Box truck!

 

[Plumb Bob]

that is a lot to try and fit inside a vehicle with 21' OAL? The bikes are what I struggle with, awkward to keep inside and be able to move around.

 

[sg1]

I think this http://www.exploryx.de/index.php/modelle/ would work.

 

[Joe917]

budget?

 

[The Artisan]

Hi everyone,

I've been toying for a while about building a vehicle that would be more rugged than a Class C or Class B motorhome.

The design specs are very strict for various reasons and here they are:

- maximum overall dimensions when driving: 21' long x 8' wide x 10' high (think vehicle must fit in a box of that size)
- 4x4/awd
- shower and toilet
- enough room to carry 2 mountain bikes inside without compromising living space, i.e must be able to live inside vehicle when bikes are in
- all season (10F to 90F)
- bed and kitchen
- access from cabin to house from inside
- if vehicle extends (slide out, pop up top, etc.), bed and restroom must still be accessible in driving mode
- max GVWR of 10K best, up to 12k

Now some an obvious choice would be a van but I want something more unique and something custom could be wider than any van is.

Anyone want to pitch in some ideas?

 

[The Artisan]

What is your budget? I have a prototype frp composite shell I am thinking of selling.
12.4 x 7.4 x 6.8
https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/fuso-composite-camper-under-construction.163571/
Kevin

 

[martinf]

Budget is not set yet, so let's assume it's unlimited.

For the bikes being awkward, they don't have to be in the standard up position, you could hang them by the fork on each side or remove both wheels and stash them under a cabinet, there's no restriction.

I like the exploryx models, a tad wider than a regular van while not being too wide.

A skoolie or box truck could work but I feel they wouldn't fair well in rough forest roads

Keep the ideas coming, I like it!

 

[The Artisan]

This is what my sister and brother in-law use on their sprinter.
Kevin

 

[C p weinberger]

Most compact bike storage I’ve seen in vans seems to be under bed in rear “garage” slide out tray with 2 bikes with front wheels removed, one bike facing forward other facing rear, surprisingly compact. Easy fit in sprinter van should be even easier in a wider than sprinter set-up

 

[Pinnacle Campers]

I think this http://www.exploryx.de/index.php/modelle/ would work.

Bikes inside!

 

[Joe917]

That is a lot of internal volume to give up for 2 bikes!

 

[DarkBladeRunner]

28000$ CAD

 

[rruff]

- enough room to carry 2 mountain bikes inside without compromising living space, i.e must be able to live inside vehicle when bikes are in

I decided bikes will go in the back seat (with seats removed) on my build. The bottom of that compartment will store heavy stuff (with drawers for access), but there is still room to nest a couple bikes with front wheels off.