ECamper from Honda

[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.





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