Unfolding, rotating off-grid camper.

[cbshoestring]

The SCARABANE camper popped up on my FB page. I thought I would share it here.

[fj12ryder]

Interesting, but highly impractical. Maybe for a small vacation cabin on property you own but aren't allowed to keep a trailer on it.

[Bumpyroad]

MrWizard wrote:
that track is one BIG pain to deal with

this is nothing but a concept vehicle to show off different technologies

like the wind turbine, folding deck, solar water heater , and the tiny home track, so your solar water heater is always in the sun

Of course then you would have to locate it so that all sides could get sun all the time. but do they make/sell a solar setup that can do the same thing on a stationary roof?
bumpy

[MrWizard]

that track is one BIG pain to deal with

this is nothing but a concept vehicle to show off different technologies

like the wind turbine, folding deck, solar water heater , and the tiny home track, so your solar water heater is always in the sun

[toedtoes]

I think from the photos that you lay the track down, then drive the trailer so the wheels are inside the track. Then you use a remote control (the guy has it in his hands in one photo) to level the track. The wheels may raise up slightly (there are two tongue wheels that fold).

The main issue I see is that with the automatic rotation, your outdoor patio is always getting full sun as the solar panels are directly above it. So if you want a shaded patio or a view of a shaded area, then the panels aren't getting the exposure.

Nice idea, but not really meant for our campgrounds and RV parks. Boondocking would be nice - areas of wide open spaces.

[Bumpyroad]

how do you back it in over that circular track? seems to me that any TT would be preferable at 1/10 the cost.
bumpy

[spoon059]

Interesting concept for sure. I agree the rotating track seems highly unlikely for most users. I think of our campsites at the lake that are built up and just barely wide enough for the camper... let alone that ring.

What I do find interesting is the fold out room that effectively doubles the interior footage. The fold out deck is pretty neat too. I could see something like that being effective at a seasonal spot.

I wonder if any of that technology could make its way to a traditional camper... the foldout rooms that double in width are especially neat.

[F-TROUP]

Looks to me like a boondocking camp site is the only place it would fit. Think you have enough problems with slideout, stiff legs and level systems. No thanks

[Thom02099]

Interesting concept, no doubt.

I'm wondering if it's required to put it on the rotating track. If not, then I'm trying to imagine it sitting in a USFS CG somewhere here in the Rockies. Or some of those commercial "resorts" that are little more than a parking lot with minimal space between sites. I do like the minimalist interior concept, but don't know how practical it would be for most of us.

[Isaac-1]

I could maybe see the concept as a portable cabin sort of thing without the turntable. My thought being seasonal use in a flood prone waterfront location.

[Fizz]

Just setting up that turntable would put me off.
Over the years how many places have you stayed at where you would want to rotate for a different view of your other neighbor.

[cbshoestring]

DutchmenSport wrote:
I wonder though, how do you get the wheels out of the way so the unit can rotate on the ring?

I just assumed the wheels retracted into the camper...lowering itself on top of the track??????

Getting the track in place, perfectly level, is sure to be a PITA.

[DutchmenSport]

Well, that's definitely an interesting concept. I wonder though, how do you get the wheels out of the way so the unit can rotate on the ring? Or do those corner jacks lift it up so the ring can be put under it and then lowered on it with tires off the ground.

Not sure how well that would work in the USA. I think the feasibility of it becoming widely accepted would be the price and someone daring enough to do it and then get notoriety out of it, like ... like Rose O'Donnel :S or Oprah Winfrey, :E someone like that! Not for me though. I'm too much "old school".

Edit:
The more I think about this, I'm beginning to see some real problems. Number 1 being, it has to be level for it to rotate correctly on that ring. Now, if WE who have conventional campers have challenges level 4 wheels on the ground, in mountains, sloped driveways, and some really uneven campsites, how in the world will you find somewhere with enough foot print for that ring to be perfectly level.

Which makes me think, the purpose is not for camping, but it's real purpose is for alternative "tiny houses" for living in, not camping. Thus, the reason for it to rotate.

Just my thoughts here.