ECamper from Honda

[kcowyo]

The Ursa Minor Vehicles ECAMPER™ is the only Honda Element Camper on the market! (http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper.htm)

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/Baja_La_Bocana.JPG

"Our conversion adds a pop-top sleeper for two onto any Honda Element® Four Wheel Drive model (2003 through 2008 models with removable skylight). Ready to camp? Simply release the latches, pop it up, and climb up through the former sunroof.

The ECAMPER™ uses the latest in high-performance composites technology to minimize weight and to create a streamlined profile that adds only 5" to the overall height of the vehicle."

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/ap_lake_mead_sunset.JPG

[Rhode Trip]

That's pretty cool.

[mountainpete]

Yes, that is very cool. Really like that system.

[compactcamping]

Those are very nice looking campers, but the $4K+ price tag is a bit high compared to a Rooftop tent, especially since most Rooftop tent are much roomier.
--
Scott

[adventureduo]

That's awesome!!! Not $4k awesome.. but still cool nonetheless!

[paulj]

I don't know about the 'only Honda Element Camper'. Maybe the only one with head room and built in cooking facilities. But if the primary purpose of a camper is to provide a sheltered place to sleep, lots of owers have adapted their Elements to that.

paulj

[Christian P.]

i knew I wasn't crazy...i saw one on the freeway the other day, and i wasn't sure if I was hallucinating or not...

:)

[kcowyo]

Not splitting hairs, the Element does have a loyal following for a good reason. How about the only 'conversion' Element Camper on the market?

The benefits of this over a RTT to me, would be the hard top, a very low aerodynamic profile and the ability to carry bikes, kayaks, etc. on top. There aren't too many RTT's less than 5" when closed, most don't have a hard top (the Maggiolina & Columbus notwithstanding) and carrying extra trail toys with a RTT is a challenge, if not impossible, for most set ups.

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/ep_lakeside_sm.JPG

This is a creative idea and I like seeing people trying new, or revisiting old, concepts. Someone is thinking outside the box and that is always a good thing. Now who's going to build something like this (stateside) for a Landcruiser? :jumping:

[Dave]

I definitely think something like this is what I would prefer over a RTT, mainly for the reasons KC mentioned (hard roof that can support some weight, aerodynamics, etc.). I would LOVE to see something like this offered on an SUV that was a little bigger, a 4Runner or a four door Wrangler perhaps? Maybe even the diesel Grand Cherokee?

I'm so turned off by the sleeping solutions that my Tacoma can support (RTT, in bed platform, and so on) that I have all but decided to stop building it and wait until I can afford something like a Sportsmobile. If jkam's van he has had for sale was closer, I'd be all over it.

Sorry, that was kind of off topic for this thread.

[elysium]

Actually, if you order the maggiolina grand tour (smallest one is about $2200 not including shipping), you can buy their kit to mount load bars above the tent. So you can carry kayaks, surf boards, etc...

Certainly, that honda conversion is a cool ecamper, but you might be able to get the same benefits for a little less coin using an RTT.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/elysium_bucket/155_GrandTour_dett_02.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/elysium_bucket/155_GrandTour_dett_04.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/elysium_bucket/155_GrandTour_dett_01_kit-d.jpg

Images are from the autohomeus website.

[paulj]

Judging from the steel wheels on this sample camper, it is a 2003 DX model, just like mine. This was the bare bones version without AC or radio, though both can be added.

paulj

[Martinjmpr]

Looks very interesting. I think the Element has a lot of potential, but is not quite "there." For one thing, the carrying capacity is pretty low (something like 650lb, IIRC, and that includes passengers) and of course the low ground clearance is a problem. Also, MPG isn't that good, probably because of the boxy shape. From what I've seen on message boards, 21-25 seems to be about average. Well, hell, an Xterra with stock wheels will give you nearly that, plus true off-road capability to boot.

Love the functional interior, though. Also it has a real tailgate - got to be one of the only CUVs that does (most have a side-opening door or a liftgate.)

Like the HHR, I wish they could make them just a little more off-road friendly (i.e, better ground clearance) and I think they will be serious contenders, especially as fuel prices continue to increase.

[chet]

very cool idea. was it AEV that had the same type of top on a new 4 door jeep at SEMA last year? Now that would be perfect!

[Ursa Minor]

I posted over on another thread a while back to intro myself, but since there's pics of my rig here I figured I'd poke in on this thread.

Chet, if ya wanna loan me a 4 door wrangler for "a while" maybe I can arrange something similar. Don't mind that sawz-all over there, we'd just need to open 'er up a bit :)

Here's another one we just converted for a local triathlete. Not intended to be a hard core expedition rig, rather a quick escape vehicle that is invisible during daily driving (mileage impact/height restriction/secure etc.)

cheers,
John

[Joaquin Suave]

Ursa,
I travel down to So Cal on a regular basis & would like to check out what you guys are doing. I've gotten kind of fond of pop-tops since i did this to my scrambler.

http://www.overlandhardware.com/images/jeep_travel.jpg

http://www.overlandhardware.com/images/jeep_windsun2.jpg

Please PM me your info and I'll call to see when its convienent to come by.

[compactcamping]

John,
The ECamper is very cool, I especially like the "invisible" aspect. One spec I couldn't find was, inside tent height?

Few RTT notes:
Smallest RTT closed I know of is an Oasis at ~6".
With most RTTs if you mount them for opening over the side of the vehicle or trailer, it's easy to put racks on either side of the tent. This works well with kayaks, bike racks would need some quick release pins. If you want to get fancy, fabbing a swing up rack wouldn't be hard.
--
Scott

[paulj]

Inside height of an element is 45". It may be possble to estimate the extra height from the picture.

Oops, I was thinking that this camper opened up the whole inside of Element, replacing the roof. But I see from the pictures that this is more of a 'built on' RTT. It does make nice use of the rear skylight that 4wd Elements have. Others have put a RTT on an Element, but this has a lower profile, and should be lighter, with less effect on vehicle stability.

In theory you could sleep four in an Element with this - two on top, two inside. That's a bit like what one family did with a LR Discovery on their Alaska trip.

For two people, there's more of a toss up as to whether this is better than sleeping inside. This makes it easier to use a foam mattress, as opposed to inflatable one (I use 2 backpacking style air mats). Also there is less need to shift cargo around when switching from road to camp configuration. But if sleeping inside, some gear can be stored on the roof, in basket or roof box.

Element campers also talk about alternatives like tailgate tents, side awnings, tents with connecting sleeves, standalone tents and enclosures, and various lightweight trailers. One fellow who practically lived out of his Element for a year used a trailer with a popup tent (Tentrax).

paulj

[hoser]

From memory (don't quote me), I think it was 18"-32" of interior height.

[Ursa Minor]

That's about what the numbers run, 18" up front, 33" in back, or standing in the vehicle you've got 6'-6" headroom via the hatch that passes through body (the former sunroof). Unlike the RTT, using the hatch you can climb in from the interior. If you latch/unlatch by reaching out the front windows you can set up and go to sleep without stepping outside...

[Sleeping Dog]

This is pretty neat Ursa Minor. Now for your next job, if you decide to accept it. Build something like this for the 08 Liberty with the fully opening roof.

True 4WD and getting toward Westy like space.

Jim

[blupaddler]

I am/would be very interested in this as well.

I will gladly be the first 80 series landcruiser owner to go under the knife. :chowtime:




Very neat design. And 20+ mpg! A friend of mine has an Element that has gone most places in Baja. Elements are cool. (hhhuh,huuh,huuh,hhuh, yeah cool)



Thanks for the post!

[madams557]

I am/would be very interested in this as well.

I will gladly be the first 80 series landcruiser owner to go under the knife. :chowtime:

I second this. I would be interested in something similar for my 80-series.

[Sleeping Dog]

It would be nice if there were a North American mfg or pop top kits that can be used on a number of SUVs similar to what is available in Germany.

Jim

[compactcamping]

Yes, it would be nice if someone was making a generic top and tent unit that could be attached to various base units depending on your vehicle type and DIY. The other item on my wish list would be more head room when sitting on the bed, more roof pitch like a Westy or AutoHome Columbus.
--
Scott

[AZCPP]

I was thinking about this on my way home from work and I think the new Jeep Liberty might be a great candidate for a unit like the E-Camper. They have a long flat roof and you can option the Sky Slider Roof which would allow you to stand and move around inside the vehicle. I would remove the rear seats and build a flat deck with under floor storage and maybe a higher floor in the rear with a padded seat along the front edge. You would then have a couple filler boards to fill the Sky Slider to make your bed.

JUST THINKING OUT LOUD!

Sky Slider Roof
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/Buds387/libby.jpg

[kcowyo]

Ohhh...the Sky Slider Roof....

Man, I just got a wicked flashback to my Mom's 1982 Renault Fuego with a full sliding sunroof.....
http://graduate.gradsch.uga.edu/archive/white.jpg

She bought it new off the lot and I think that was our first car with a sunroof. That l'il thing with it's 1.6ltr had some balls and I understand it was a big seller in Europe. Funny to see one now, but at the time it was quite a step up from her VW Squareback.

Sorry for the tangent but thanks for the stroll down memory lane Chuck! - :beer:

[toyrunner95]

so from what i understand its kinda like a RTT with access to the inside of the car, now theoretically if the top of the element is a rather flat surface then it could be attached to anything with a flat top like the afore mentioned commander. now if im right then a truck canopy would be the same idea, right? depending on the model?

[paulj]

Curiously, for all its boxy appearance, the Element's roof curves more than most SUVs and minivans. The stock roof rack mounting points are only 27" apart. The roof slopes down in both directions from there. It's one thing that canoe/kayak owners don't like about it. I haven't paid attention to how this top compensates for this curvature.

paulj

[calamaridog]

I think it is pretty cool. I'm all for as many options as the market can handle.

[Christian P.]

well, in case some of you have never seen my truck, it also has a similar concept..

http://www.pbase.com/2aroundtheworld/image/52915459

I would like to point out that it gets cramped really quickly.
I am not sure you would want anything smaller if you intend to live in it.

[VWVagabonds]

Wow!

That is an exceptional design. What Westfalia did for the Volkswagen Van you folks have done for the Honda Element.

[Ursa Minor]

...my aim was to replace my ol' VW with a simple camper van that I didn't have to adjust the valves on! VW wasn't selling enough vans to bother with bringing the T5 over here...heck, with the exchange rate a VW T5 California Synchro would be $90K these days. If they had it, I'd have bought one. eh, financed one that is...

Instead, for me the Element resonated due to a lot of design cues I had in my '65 micro- dash shelf, pass through to rear, flat floor and a certain function > form approach. But then Honda added AWD, A/C and it's even ULEV rated. It really is the moden micro...just no VW logo. It is by no means a Rubicon ready camper, that's what the Earthroamer JP deal is for.

For Paulj, the mod consists of two composite parts, the base replaces all the plastic cladding and provides a level surface for sleeping.

Other vehicles...ok, seriously this was a side-project much like many other mods but it was silly how many requests I got to build more. If I ever catch up on the Elements, I'll be looking for volunteers with Jeep Liberties (hm, Libertys?) and Land Crusiers...and 4 door Jeeps. It isn't a quick build though!

For all the guys here, I was hoping to go to the SD ExPo meet-up but will be in LA that weekend - We put a couple of Ecampers we just built in the LA Auto Show - if anyone is wandering through say hello, we'll be down in Kentia Hall.:costumed-smiley-007

cheers
John

[paulj]

So it is possible to remove the top, and restore the Element to its original condition? Minus any dings and dents acquired while driving to choice camping locations :)

paulj

[AZCPP]

I'll be looking for volunteers with Jeep Liberties (hm, Libertys?)[/COLOR] and Land Crusiers...and 4 door Jeeps. It isn't a quick build though!



cheers
John

I haven't bought on of the new models (we have an '06) but if you decide to build a unit for the new Liberty(Sky-Rider Roof) I will go buy one and let you use it as Ginny Pig.

AZCPP@aol.com

[Travelmore]

One of the top names in Jeeps has come up with there own spin... no not the Earthroamer. AEV
http://www.aev-conversions.com/images/vehicles_show_outpost_jk.jpg
http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/show_jk_outpost.php

[ujoint]

I checked the Ecamper out last night @ the LA auto show, it's really a cool little rig. Now we just need to develop a small lift kit so you can put some 30's or 31's on it. ;)

[TACODOC]

Very cool.

[blupaddler]

John,
Are you in Encinitas/Solana Beach area? We were driving around today, and drove by an ECamper! I wanted to stop and oogle, but we were late for a meeting.



Oh, and I have an 80 to, ummm, donate when you're ready...

[Ursa Minor]

well as I wasn't up that way this weekend, if it was silver - it was likely my co-conspirator/biz partner as he's up in Solana Beach. There's a few more roaming around S.D. though

cheers
John

[Scott Brady]

cheers
John

John! Great to see you around. The E Camper is so dang cool!

[Backwoods Rambler]

Man, if I didn't already have an Overladen pop-up camper trailer, I would ABSOLUTELY be doing a sleek RTT like this.

Don't get me wrong, the Maggies and others are sweet, but I really dig the integrated aspect with roof rack on top.

Great work!!

[rwb0481]

I really like this.. :ylsmoke:

[Jake5326]

I see that E-Camper in Encinitas/San Elijo Hills all the time and have been so envious. I have a westfalia and have been dying for someone to make a roof for the Jeep JK Unlimited and put the same functionality that the element has in its interior in the Jeep as well.........

[Jake5326]

I would like to see this same set up plus:

A Wildernest
A Flippac

version on a Jeep JK 2 and 4 door.

I think the flippack would offer the most usable space and allow the tent to go forward or rearward as you design it. Forward keeps it within the vehicle footprint and supports from the bumper. Rear offers a awning.

If you could make your regular one the full length of the JK Unlimited roof w/rear access, I would donate my rig as long as it can be clean like a eurovan camper, but still able to support kit. Maybe a side cage built in that is connected to the vehicle, but w/load bars on the roof......

[Jonathan Hanson]

I got a chance to see the Ecamper in person last month, and I was extremely impressed. They thought out the design perfectly before executing it. It's roomy and comfortable, and the aerodynamics of the Element are barely affected.

I think one of these with a couple of skid plates, and perhaps slightly larger tires, would be capable of all sorts of adventures. We're all stuck on the 110/75-series paradigm, but Volkswagen Combis have been all over Africa and everywhere else. With gas heading for five bucks a gallon it's time to start thinking outside the box.

Besides, imagine one of these with a nice Honda turbodiesel in it . . .

[The Swiss]

Chet, if ya wanna loan me a 4 door wrangler for "a while" maybe I can arrange something similar. Don't mind that sawz-all over there, we'd just need to open 'er up a bit :)
cheers,
John
John,

Bummer that you are on the wrong coast; otherwise I would drop off my hard top for you to get creative (while I drive my Wrangler with the soft top :D)

All kidding aside, I really hope you can extend the great idea and execution from the Element to the JK Unlimited!

[Starscream]

:drool: Man, I would love to have one of these. I have alsways been an admirer of the Element.

[Ramjet]

That is really nice. I'm not the biggest fan of the Element, but the concept is original.

[Grover]

No a huge E fan but cool concept, and they do make a small lift for E's allowing almost a 30" tire.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27431&highlight=lift

[paulj]

No a huge E fan but cool concept, and they do make a small lift for E's allowing almost a 30" tire.
The lift does not allow for a larger tire, just more ground clearance. 225/75/16 tires will fit on a stock Element, though 235/70/16 or 225/70/16 are the more common alternative sizes. In the front tire, size is limited by the bell shaped top of the strut tower. The 225/75 has sufficiently narrow tread to clear the tower even though it is taller.

The lift kit adds some spacers above the springs, but does not change the strut tower. It is also worth keeping in mind that this kit is essentially a custom job, not an off the shelf item. My guess is that there are fewer than a half dozen Elements with a lift like this. The market for a dropped Element is much larger.

[Ursa Minor]

Few months ago with little fanfare a nice couple had us build them a camper, and said they'd be doing some traveling. Well, they didn't mess around - they really did escape thier cubicles and are now checking out Nicaragua and points south. It's not hard-core off road stuff, but the miles are rolling by in places I've never been for sure. Check out www.thedarienplan.com or for you folks down that way, keep an eye out for a blue Ecamper!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3119362118_01356d5d4a.jpg?v=0

[iandraz]

The couple in the Ecamper just made it to the end of the road - Tierra del Fuego:

http://www.thedarienplan.com/

Goes to show you don't have to have a built-up Unicat or Earthroamer to get to some really cool places!

There is another couple traveling Central America in an Ecamper:

http://fromcolfaxtoxela.blogspot.com/2009/05/ecamper-in-action.html

[Scott Brady]

Great post!

I enjoyed their blog.

[Ursa Minor]

For anyone that followed Chris and Kristin's blog at www.thedarienplan.com (http://www.thedarienplan.com) the word is they'll be at Overland Expo presenting on their experiences on their trip down to Tierra del Fuego. If you haven't checked out their blog, it's a good read with some great photos.

Not sure if they're driving their Element to the show, but there will be an Ecamper at the Expo again if you want to see one up close.

Cheers,
John

[ETAV8R]

Those Ecampers are nice. So neat to see ingenuitive designs.
:victory:

[AmericaOverland]

I would LOVE to see one made for the Honda CR-V. Even with the rear seats removed, it's a bit short. There is a particular build that someone did for about $100 - http://rockclimbergirl.com/honda-cr-v-sleeper-and-storage-platform-conversion.html - the problem is it becoming a dedicated two-person camper with the rear seats removed. I would like to dedicate the Scout II as a camper instead - more room, perfectly flat bed, but my concern is gas mileage. I would have to budget for fuel as if I was budgeting for a medium-sized 6 or 8-cylinder RV platform. Too bad the CR-V is not exactly camper-friendly without major modifications.

[FusoFG]

how about an Ecamper built on a Ford Transit Connect?