Xpedition Camper out of Minnesota
- Thread starter Hoefler
- Start date
Haf-E
Expedition Leader
You might look at some of the small AC units used on the teardrop trailers - "climate right A/C" - instead of the rooftop AC unit - especially if the camper is well insulated. It would reduce the height and be a bit less top heavy depending on where it was located. There is a posting of a similar camper box with it over the cab on the front of the box - it was a military S250 communication box. Removing the roof mounted AC unit also would allow more solar modules to be installed.
Also - you won't want the roll bar tube to cross over the solar modules - it will drastically reduce their output. Shading even one cell of a solar panel can reduce its output substantially as the material goes from producing current flow to resisting current flow. I also would be concerned about the side bars shading as well.
Also - you won't want the roll bar tube to cross over the solar modules - it will drastically reduce their output. Shading even one cell of a solar panel can reduce its output substantially as the material goes from producing current flow to resisting current flow. I also would be concerned about the side bars shading as well.
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I really like the 'wet room' style entryway on the earthcruiser. It seems like it would save some floor space and open the place up a bit. Taking off muddy/dusty shoes in an area that could be hosed down later sounds good as well.
XP camper also has a trick fold down bathroom to save space.
Coming from someone with a fully enclosed bathroom in a class b van, having a telephone booth sized room eats up space quickly.
These thoughts came to me while envisioning the floorplan with the cabover sleeping area getting closed off by the bathroom.
XP camper also has a trick fold down bathroom to save space.
Coming from someone with a fully enclosed bathroom in a class b van, having a telephone booth sized room eats up space quickly.
These thoughts came to me while envisioning the floorplan with the cabover sleeping area getting closed off by the bathroom.
Taking all the advise. I will check out the climate right site. The air conditioner unit that we have seems to weigh in at around 100 pounds. We are moving the external tubes to prevent shading.
The area where one walks in and passes the bath area is an in efficient use of space. So, making the entrance into a combination bath room-I will lay that out to see how we can make that work. Thanks to all.
Pete
The area where one walks in and passes the bath area is an in efficient use of space. So, making the entrance into a combination bath room-I will lay that out to see how we can make that work. Thanks to all.
Pete
Darwin
Explorer
Will the new walls have any more R value? Is it possible to add more R value to the roof? What construction and side panels are you using?
I will be working in Fargo ND 3 days a week until Oct. and spending the rest of the time in northern MN around Grand Rapids. Since I am going to be in your part of the country I look forward to checking these campers out in person sometime in Oct.
I will be working in Fargo ND 3 days a week until Oct. and spending the rest of the time in northern MN around Grand Rapids. Since I am going to be in your part of the country I look forward to checking these campers out in person sometime in Oct.
You could reduce some rear overhang in the cabover model. Since there will be a dedicated sleeping area, the dinette doesn't have to be so big. Perhaps eliminate the back portion of the U-shaped dinette and chop a foot or two off the overall length in the rear.
Combine that with the mixed use entryway and you're building my dream camper.
A small battery powered AC unit would be a godsend. I hate running my generator.
Combine that with the mixed use entryway and you're building my dream camper.
A small battery powered AC unit would be a godsend. I hate running my generator.
Darwin
Explorer
I see some do this, but it would it would be merely for aesthetic reasons with no actual functionality. The camper if on a flat bed would already be up high enough that departure angle would have no effect. Personally I would rather have the storage space, which you would need for batteries if attempting to run an AC from batts.
Silverado08
Observer
Nice design and build,,however was wondering why not make the roof with bit of a sloping crown to make the rain water run off easier..?
Also making the sides extending lower in front of wheels would give more storage space and lower center of gravity..if you place heavy stuff like batteries water tanks down there..
Finaly..to improve the flow of air and increase fuel economy, Id build the rear end rounded ala Airstream style,,or the old Avion if youre familiar with and or GMC Futureliner..
Also making the sides extending lower in front of wheels would give more storage space and lower center of gravity..if you place heavy stuff like batteries water tanks down there..
Finaly..to improve the flow of air and increase fuel economy, Id build the rear end rounded ala Airstream style,,or the old Avion if youre familiar with and or GMC Futureliner..
Haf-E
Expedition Leader
Lots of options for making the back more aerodynamic - there are semi-trailers with folding and even inflatable streamlining devices. Adding any permanent additional length would not be a good idea for a lot of reasons of course...
The flat back is also handy for carrying bikes / motorcycles also.
The flat back is also handy for carrying bikes / motorcycles also.
With such a massive rig, I think the fuel savings a more aerodynamic configuration would gain will be negligible. At least not enough to warrant compromising the ease of roof and rear mounting options (solar panels, bikes, etc).
Can't wait to see the changes to the deconstructed rig.
Can't wait to see the changes to the deconstructed rig.
