Date:         Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:51:29 -0600
Reply-To:     Tom Buese <tombuese@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom Buese <tombuese@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Standard Pop Up Alternative
Comments: To: dlwilhite@COMCAST.NET
In-Reply-To:  <102620071457.20690.4722006500000EE7000050D222028887440A9B0708040799040B@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Hmmm, could be a great idea- sorta like a super doublewide Dormmobile
top that flips over the other way & the roof is the awning/bed roof/
floor?

-see link below to Dormmobile tops:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=5849

This could be done-the trick would be to make the awning/roof light
enough to flip over yet stout enuf to support sleepers-posts to
support wouldn't be a problem.  Maybe made w/ SIPS-structurally
insulated panels-foam insulation w/ "plywood"(OSB) laminated to each
side for strength.  A custom insulated/reinforced fiberglass top
would be really nice.

Tom Buese, A.I.A.
Architect


On Oct 26, 2007, at 8:57 AM, David Wilhite wrote:

> With all the talk lately about roof top tents I figured I'd mention
> something that I always thought would be neat, which would be for
> the pop up to open along the side of the van perpinduclar to the
> way they currently open.  The thought is that the roof would be
> hinged along the passenger side of the van.  The roof could fold
> all the way over and become the floor for the sleeping quarters.
> In this setup, when the roof/floor is opened up, it would also
> provide a nice awning area  I don't know if I'm clear enough or
> not, but basically, the upper sleeping area would be off to the
> side of the van and up in the air.
>
> It would be somewhat similar to the Overland tent in the link below.
> http://www.autohomeus.com/products/overland.php
>
> I just think it would be really slick, especially if it was the
> length of the whole roof, and not just the 3/4 or so that it is
> now.  Of course, the difficulty would be in making the roof
> structure strong enough to be a floor and also in how to support
> it.  The space currently taken up by the existing upper bunk and
> front cargo area could be left open for plenty of storage.
>
> David Wilhite
> 84'  Westy