Unusual Designs Found on Internet

Design & Construction of anything that's not a teardrop e.g. Grasshoppers or Sunspots

Expanding Hitch Box

Postby WizardOfOdds » Sun Jun 18, 2017 8:26 pm

Now this really is different.
TIP: Link picture too big for your screen, try right-click > "View Image".
http://i65.tinypic.com/vollz7.png
http://www.hitchhotel.com/wp-content/up ... -CARS1.png
Animation video

Details at http://www.hitchhotel.com/
Last edited by WizardOfOdds on Fri Jul 21, 2017 8:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Homemade All Metal A-Frame

Postby WizardOfOdds » Sat Jun 24, 2017 3:58 pm

Well done, I wonder what it weighs.
https://youtu.be/ejeeJcTqFbs?t=110
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Very Unusual Light Wt Folding Design.

Postby WizardOfOdds » Fri Jun 30, 2017 11:44 am

Not for everyone, but I like what this guy did! Some good ideas, and a lot of camper & features for under 700 pounds! It might need some thought/work on fold-up (and, like a lot of designs, I'm not sure I would want to fold this one up in the rain), but it looks like a "work in progress" worth keeping an eye on!

Video at https://youtu.be/NbDjGWTyIu4?t=5


Plans are available at a very reasonable price at
https://www.etsy.com/listing/482765832/drawings-and-instructions-how-to-build-a?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=tiny%20camper&ref=sr_gallery_1
Image
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Update 8 Aug 2017: The builder has added a 2nd video on YouTube and has made some very valuable improvements: (1) roof bow to prevent puddles, (2) door for access to interior while in folded (mobile) mode, (3) springs to half the effort of opening the bed, and (4) a large entry handle.
The new video does not indicate how how long it takes to install the roof and window screen; you might need a step ladder to reach all the attachment points. Be aware that some tarp tops can heat up the interior in sunny locations.

I suspect he uses a travel mode cover to keep rain off the bottom of the (filpped over) bed, and it appears that he removes the springs during travel, so the added access door is really nice. All-in-all, for the weight and a 3X increase in interior volume, many will find the set-up and fold-down quite acceptable. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.
Last edited by WizardOfOdds on Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:06 am, edited 2 times in total.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Re: Expanding Hitch Box

Postby QueticoBill » Fri Jun 30, 2017 1:12 pm

WizardOfOdds wrote:Now this really is different.
TIP: Link picture too big for your screen, try right-click > "View Image".
Image
Animation video

Details at http://www.hitchhotel.com/


Nothing on their site newer than 2015. Makes me wonder how it went.
QB
A tear with no name: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=67624
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Nice old Pop Up

Postby WizardOfOdds » Sun Jul 02, 2017 9:51 pm

You probably have seen this before, even thought I posted a link, but I could not find it. So at the risk of redundancy, here are linked photos of a really nice old pop up.
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See a dozen or so pictures at
https://www.facebook.com/vintagecampertrailers/photos/a.890256171015986.1073742861.128986567142954/890256474349289/?type=3&theater
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Plans for mini telescoping pop-up

Postby WizardOfOdds » Tue Jul 18, 2017 9:37 pm

Image

This one caught my eye for several reasons:
1- It is small (5x8) and light (660#) for (4 cyl) small car towing
2- It has full (6 ft+) interior height
3- It is simple (I think) and straight forward
4- Looks like it could be "foamed" without undue complications
5- They sell plans which I would expect to have decent diagrams (??)

But
1- I found no details about the lift mechanics
2- The rear door is 2 piece and may not open smoothly as one.
3- Not a lot of detailed information.

Here is a video, but it leaves out many critical views, like erection.


More info on Home page at http://woodenwidget.com/Slidavan.htm
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WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Re: Unusual Designs Found on Internet

Postby greygoos » Wed Jul 19, 2017 7:33 am

As always thanks for the posting. Did some investigating and come up with this. http://www.ventspleen.com/designing-the ... c-caravan/
Not detailed but easily understood on the lifting mechanism.
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Slidavan

Postby WizardOfOdds » Wed Jul 19, 2017 5:42 pm

greygoos wrote
As always thanks for the posting. Did some investigating and come up with this. http://www.ventspleen.com/designing-the ... c-caravan/
Not detailed but easily understood on the lifting mechanism.


Great find - thanks, it answers a lot of questions.

About the lift: I noticed in the video the guy (watch his feet and the trailer's rear height dip) entered the tailer to raise the top. As it rises, the light from the open rear door can be seen through the rising window but he can not be seen, so I figured he is somewhere in the front two thirds of the trailer or on the floor well below the window. It’s now clear he was near the center with the lead screw lift.

He speaks of the leadscrew inside a wooden tube and a cross brace. Several configurations may be possible, and at first I assumed he used the cross brace to distribute the upward lift among the center 3 roof ribs. But the photo suggests something else: the leadscrew penetrates the cross brace and the drill is hooked to the short non-threaded end.

If the brace is at the top, then the drill would be between the brace and the center peak of the ceiling, with the brace running parallel to (under) the center rib. If the brace is at the bottom, it probably spans the two bench seats and the drill is between the brace and the floor. In this case the brace is much shorter and there is probably more room for the drill, but it also reduces the extension of the lead screw (see below). Based on the photo, the brace seems to be rather short, so I suspect it spans the bench seats. In either case, the center rib carries the full load.

The important issue is that there is only a single central support during erection and load on the leadscrew is compressive, unlike a scissor jack where it is in tension. I still worry about binding during erection of the top: what works well while “shiny and new” may become problematic as things age. A snag during erection could lead to bending of the compressed leadscrew and even minor bends prevent smooth screw rotation.

The room taken by the drill is important because it reduces the possible length of the screw, and the lift extension can never exceed the screw length. Although it is possible to avoid linear alignment of the drill and screw, it adds complexity. It is also important to have a minimum overlap between the screw and extension tube.

If all this works, then so should a pneumatic lifter, and it would not need the cross brace and all the space taken by the drill, so the extension could be larger (or the minimum piston overlap can be greater). But I doubt a DIY PVC lifter would weigh less than his 3KG (6.6 lbs), a rather remarkable achievement.

He spends a lot of time on the virtues of the curved fabric roof, but I have long been convinced that is what best fits the bill. This is one of the most interesting trailers I've seen in some time. And the WoodWidget site has other unusual bike & boat projects too.

Thanks again for the link, I need to read it again.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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For the record

Postby WizardOfOdds » Thu Jul 27, 2017 10:05 am

Long time readers of the tnttt forum will not find anything new here, this post points out some common and opposing characteristics of some classic folding trailers and contrasts panel versus concentric shell schemes.

Many of the folding panel group feature four flip-up sides as used by both commercial (e.g. Esterel Carvan) as well as DIY builders. Small DIY builds may leave the top untied to anything during erection, but larger trailers (like this one) may use rollers and tracks to tie together the ends and top to ease erection and folding. Let’s call this a “pop up” design for obvious reasons. This is just one variation of a concept in which the roof rises to some higher elevation when opened.


The design above requires only normal hinges that pivot up to 180 degrees. Limiting yourself to such hinges eliminates many otherwise clever folding schemes. This ice fishing shanty uses simple flat panels but relies on a 270 degree hinge (which is not easy to achieve, especially with thick panels) to streamline folding. While the Esterel is a pop up, I call this shanty a “flip top”: although the top panel in the folded configuration is also the top panel when opened, it has been flipped over, that is the closed roof surface becomes the opened ceiling surface. Most (all?) flip top designs seem to rely on a pivot with more than 180 degree rotation (usually more like 270).


Yet another concept employing panels uses bifolding sides, as below (Jim.M and others). Although 270 degree hinges are avoided, notice how erection must be stabilized after the first sidewall is erected (2x2 pole and strut respectively in these examples).
Image


The Rapidio features massive expansion of volume and floor area. Notice the entire design relies on a pair of hinges (joining the roof and side panels) that rotate (almost) 270 degrees. Again the closed top is flipped, but it becomes the floor of the expanded foot print. Then, the two halves of the structure are both unfolded like the Flip Top ice shanty.


The Trailmanor replaces the folding panel concept with fully configured telescoping shells. Like the Rapidio, this unit also expands its footprint, but differs in many ways. Notice the lower half of the door has two sections which allow it to align its hinge line with the upper half so the entire door can operate as a single unit. This is a common complication with telescoping top & bottom.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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1929 Tent Trailer with Solid top (video)

Postby WizardOfOdds » Wed Aug 02, 2017 7:43 pm

My post of 1 Jan 2015 included a brief of this very interesting trailer, but I was unable to find any further information about it. Now I am delighted to say I discovered a 1929 video clip of it in action. While I am editing the original post to include a link to the video, I am also adding it as a new append because many readers read only new additions to the thread and this is one too good to miss.

I can’t watch this gem too often: I love the automatic brake, 7 HP tow car, the bed legs bent to match the sculptured sides, and the way it opens and closes. I’m a bit concerned about the rigidity of the top support, especially where it meets the bed end panels.

Hard to accept the fact that the young ladies in this video are now well over 100 years old. Calendars can be so cruel.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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1954 Light Wt Tent Trailer - Cool video

Postby WizardOfOdds » Wed Aug 02, 2017 7:46 pm

I may have run across this video some time ago, but today I find it particularly interesting. At only 200# it offers amazing room. I like the use of the fender as a wheel chock, and the overall efficient design. Not sure how well it scales to a larger size.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Updated video of DIY Tiny Camper

Postby WizardOfOdds » Tue Aug 08, 2017 6:54 am

I've added an Update to the DIY Tiny Camper of my post of 30 June 2017, see this link for full post http://www.tnttt.com/posting.php?mode=reply&f=5&t=64495#pr1208679 . I am adding this note only to alert those who only read the most current entry. The edit there reads:

8 Aug 2017: The builder has added a 2nd video on YouTube and has made some very valuable improvements: (1) roof bow to prevent puddles, (2) door for access to interior while in folded (mobile) mode, (3) springs to half the effort of opening the bed, and (4) a large entry handle.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Panel Clam Shell

Postby WizardOfOdds » Sat Aug 12, 2017 1:04 am

I wish I had more information on this very neat clam shell unit.
From the video, I conclude that:
1- It probably has form core panels,
2- the exterior sides seem to use FRP skin
3- total weight must be pretty light (towed by VW bug)
I suggest you play the video at half speed.
WizardOfOdds: Chalet shaped rag roof clam shell TIER drop for 4 cylinder tow
Tip Top Tier Drop thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=56232
Unusual Designs thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64495
Tale of 2 Trailers thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=61451
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Re: Unusual Designs Found on Internet

Postby OP827 » Sat Aug 19, 2017 10:19 pm

Another trailer with folding down walls, looks like a home built.
The idea is not new, but it has higher lower portion walls than UK based caravans like Gobur, which makes side folding walls shorter and everything is then easier to lift, less stress from gas springs. This makes sense. Square shape is not as appealing as curved lines, but I like the utility and simplicity of its straight lines. Must be spacious inside too. Can be assembled in heavy rain with not much of a problem.
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Re: Unusual Designs Found on Internet

Postby OP827 » Sat Aug 19, 2017 10:28 pm

Better video of the same trailer, and roof is now also improved:
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