Squint and you can see a novel TC design

[RickW]

OTIS (or the Optimal Traveling Independent Space) was created by students at Green Mountain College, Vermont.

gizmag

It is designed to move on a flatbed trailer, but with some easy redesign, it would fit nicely in my truck bed. The amenities inside are a bit sparse compared to our pickup palaces and the light structure may suffer at highway speeds but novel for a small budget class project.

And leave behind the black water tank by using the composting toilet.

Always good to get a fresh perspective.

[whazoo]

Sitting here on Cedar Mesa I can't access the website for the little thang that looks to me like an escape pod. While Mrs. Whazoo says it looks like something made by the Anasazis, using waddle and daub. Funny isn't it, maybe it could be used as a Rorschach Test.

[54suds]

it appears to be designed and built to liberal arts quality (imaginary)standards. these students may end up actualy designing a product you buy :S

[s1214]

I didn't see a fridge, and rudimentary sink is right. It's just a bowl.

[Bill607]

I completed building this last year. It's a 8' x16' smoker, but could also be built as a camper.

[delosholly]

"I wonder if such materials could be translucent"

As a Star Trek fan, I must suggest transparent aluminum.

[Dog_Folks]

I love the heater/stove vent stack!

[sabconsulting]

Very interesting to see their design approach. Obviously a concept rather than a fully practical design, but it demonstrates some very interesting ideas.

I love the stained-glass-window style rear wall.

The idea of using translucent panels is also an interesting one. In future composite materials will probably hold the key to weight saving in campers - producing something light but incredibly strong, like a Formula 1 racing car tub. I wonder if such materials could be translucent, especially if this can be done AND still provide insulation? You might be able to produce a camper that gives a natural daylight feel inside during the day. I love the amount of natural light the moon roof of our shadow cruiser bring in - other truck campers look dark by comparison, but we pay for that in heat loss.

Maybe more importantly you have a group of young people interested in doing a project like this. The more new talent is involved in providing input to RV design the more we will benefit in future as it will push the market to compete with new designs and features.

Steve.