Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Custom Motorhome Design 2










This is another version of the Custom Motor Home Design shown below.  This design has a full rear bath and substantially more storage space within the same 26' length. Placing the bath at the rear creates a single multi-level space for a more spacious feel inside.  Both these designs do not open to the truck cab as is common in Class C RV's.  This is partly for the aesthetic reason of not having to sit and look at the truck's dash board after driving hundreds of miles and partly to allow a more complete thermal seal of the living section.  The truck body is the least insulated part of a motor home and a cause for substantial heat loss (or heat gain with a hot engine).

Class "B" designs can be seen here and here.

My design for a Mobile Cabin can be seen here.

See an article about this design on DoItYourselfRV.com

35 comments:

  1. Can this be purchased in a slightly larger size that includes a washer/dryer?

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    1. This design has not been built yet, so anything is possible.

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    2. If I decide to sell my very small Roadtrek and buy a larger RV, would you collaborate with this fellow architect to create one for me? I live in Portland as well. I sent you an email.

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    3. Be happy to. Please contact me at the email link above.

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  2. I love the design, but think the floor plan should be flipped so entry is on the drivers side of the truck. Less walking. Door would not be on curb side when parked on a street, but my hunch is most owners would be parking off of the streets.

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    1. The convention is to have the door on the right side. Most RV parks are set up with the patio or picnic table on the right side and the power/water hookup point on the left side.

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  3. Robert: I had to actually come to your blog to compliment YOU on your design!!! I read about this challenge you gave yourself on Alex Pino's Tiny House site. Forget the whiners and bashers: this is one BRILLIANT DESIGN, mate! Love it! Since I'm not criticizing one single inch, I'll not belabour the point by listing what I love, so suffice it to say, I find this design sheer perfection. <3

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments.

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    2. Agreed.....it's perfect!!

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    3. I have to agree with everyone. The design is fantastic.

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  4. Robert: what's the width? Eight feet? I see it's 26' long. Just curious. :)

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  5. Both designs look wonderful. Where would one go to look at one of these vehicles? Also, if appropriate what price range are we looking at?

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    1. These are design concepts that have not been built yet. I am looking into the feasibility and cost of getting one built.

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  6. Your design reminded me of our Safari Trek (no longer made). It had a spacious rear bath, large kitchen/dining room and a nice sized living room. Where's the bed? On a track that lowered the bed from the living room ceiling for night use. Out of the way during the day. Class A, 29' (also available as a 26'). We full-timed in it for 7 years.

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  7. hi robert
    i'm from Bahrain. i drive my dodge Durango to France on 2011 the trip 160000 km cost of the gas around 3000 euro
    i have plan to drive to china and i'm in process to develop my own rv
    base on Toyota mini bus so the job is as you said
    " it requires a very logical problem solving process. Often it can be frustrating and time consuming ... becomes a place that people enjoy
    i like you work but not the gas of the ford
    regards
    ahmed

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  8. First let me say that your design left me and my husband speechless!! We have visited numerous motorhome companies and sales lots never to find the look we want. We are mid 30's and enjoy a more contemporary or modern look. This design was point on for what I had in my head minus the opening from the driving area but your heating issues made sense. I literally searched for your site with the hopes that this was something we could purchase!!! Maybe win a Mercedes Benz sprinter type engine like on the smaller b class or c class homes we have seen. When you research, can you price that? Much quieter on the road and handles the weight better!! I think this could be an amazing area that's lost in the rv world for buyers who want a more up to date look!!!! I'm totally in love!!!! I plan to email you for more info!

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  9. This is simply a brilliant, elegant design! So well done, I'm surprised no RV manufacturer hasn't licensed the design. I do have a question about the dimensions: if I use your stated 8' wide or 36" HDTV as a scaling reference then the length only measures 20'. Where's the other 6'? Once again my compliments, so fresh and ingenious!

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    1. 26' refers to the total length of the vehicle, including the truck. Thank you for your compliments.

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  10. Gorgeous. Unfortunately is likely not feasible cost-wise (for me) but it gives me ideas :)

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  11. Do you have a height? My limit "may be" the ability to ship between Panama and Columbia via standard cargo ship.

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  12. This a very interesting concept. Have you built one as of yet? What type of truck would be used? maybe a 3/4 ton or 1 ton? Is this built and attached to a flat-bed of the truck or is the camper portion a sealed unit in itself? I want one.

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    1. The design is based on a Ford F450 Super Duty chassis. The camper/house portion is sealed unto itself, sort of a cross between a truck camper and motorhome. Not had anyone yet who is interested in building one. Hopefully one day.

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  13. Have you come up with an estimated cost to build it as of yet? I would love something like this...perfect for a single who wants to travel for a few more years of my life. I think the only thing I would like to see is added length so that the living space is at least 24' and preferably 26'. Thanks for any further info you might have come to as you receive this. Would love to stay in touch and see where this goes. I'm a Washington State resident so not too far away. Thanks.
    cathy

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    1. I have not found anyone willing to have one built yet. The consensus is that it would cost about 20% more than a brand unit. I would hope for less, but it is probably realistic for a one off custom build. Thank you for your comment.

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    2. What would you set as the requirements for building it ... Ill build it I just cant afford to build this out of my own pocket ... However i am a person looking for personal freedom leaving a life of puffed up expensive bills and bullshit and want to transition my lifestyle to one of that on the road so i have a personal want to help with this project also i have an advisor that build utility trucks and was a master of hydraulics for cen-weld for the better of 20 years and multiple years of remolding ,construction, and metal working under my belt please lemme know if you are interested in starting a fund to build this or are willing to supply me with the neccesary supplies I look forward to hearing back from you ...I am volunteering

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    3. Thank you for your comment. I am not interested in funding this one at this time.

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  14. What's the price range for this build? Excellent design BTW!

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  15. Thank you for dissatisfaction with what is available for current motor home shoppers! I feel exactly the same way. My husband and I have walked through every class A design out there and all we can so is wondering what they were thinking! Most of them don't even make sense for modern lifestyles. Have you ever considered designing a Class A? I'm sure you would so a far superior job! I love your creativity and use of so many windows. Thank you for thinking outside the box. I wish you all the best!

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    1. Thank you for your comment. I have been approached by a couple of people about designing a Class A Motorhome, but none that have gone ahead with the project.

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  16. Hi, like everyone else I think your design is fantastic. Have you still had no interest from RV/Truck camper manufacturers? I can't believe that not one of them has contacted you! I sent your link to Lance Campers a big manufacturer of Truck Campers.

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    1. No, I have not been contacted by any major manufacturer. I have had so many people contact me about where could they can buy this design, that I hope someday a smaller manufacturer, or custom builder, will express interest. Thank you for your comment.

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    2. Lance replied that they don't build this type of Truck camper and that the design might be better suited for a motorhome builder. Unbelievable!!So will send to Winnebago now.

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  17. I really want a motor home to retire in, I need a small washer dryer built in. I really want the interior to be to be knotty pine or rustic looking, not plastic siding, do you make something like this?

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