Photo courtesy of Nick Millward.

 

Camping Trailers

I am working on affordable, top-quality, minimalist camping trailers.  "Mini" campers have exploded in popularity, but also size, cost, and frills!  My design family seeks to take the towability and simplicity of classic teardrops, but add more fresh air, a place to sit while dressing, and a small "floor" area for wet shoes.  Unlike virtually all living-room style campers, the lengthwise bed placement allows full-length mattresses.  The design influences are intentionally classic and include Basque sheep wagons and Vardos (Gypsy caravans).

 
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4' and 5' wide models

I have several aluminum chassis to prototype two different widths, both quite small.  The 4' can fit a full-length Single size mattress.  The 5' can fit a full length Full size mattress.  I'm going to research putting a sleeping platform above the wheel wells (instead of lower to the floor).  This would require more elaborate construction, more weight, and more windage, but it would allow the smaller chassis to accommodate the larger mattress.  My current bias is to keep it economical, tight and minimalist.

Styling

I would love to experiment with upside-down-boat shapes, because I think that would be beautiful.  However, I am very interested in using foam laminates with wood skin for structural & insulation reasons, and the stiff insulation makes curvy 'acorn' shapes quite difficult.  Plus, I need the straight walls for big windows and ventilation.  Form follows function, and for me that means I'm leaning toward gypsy wagon/Basque sheep wagon  styling.   

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Kitchen

All models are being drawn with an eye toward a rudimentary teardrop-style hatch kitchen.  Executing on this is not the first priority for the prototypes.  However, I think it is a necessary value-added item...and I love cooking on adventures.  The most likely location for this added weight will be near the hitch, and I'm unclear on specifics but I want at least space for a substantial ice chest, cook/prep surface, and 7 gallon water storage container.