Compact camper alternative: New Beetle TDI with hard mounted pop up tent

[HHOTDI]

OP4...thanks for the heads up. What's even funny is watching the faces/heads of the cops that do see it..all they do is stare at it as it goes by! Evidently, none of them know what to do with it or even what to think about it ROFLOL...or what code to use for the write-up!! Anyway, i know better and will not push it. I did buy a nice set of magnetic trailer lights for it from H.F. earlier today to. I will have the long leads shortened and take advantage of the preexisting flat-4 pigtail.

Metro= absolutely, let's do and thanks!

[MetroMPG]

Thread split.

It should be interesting to see the comparison numbers between the rear-mounted location vs. the roof-mounted location.

[skyking]

wow that is fantastic! We just got a TDI beetle, and this is something I would have never thought of. Could you post a picture of the C-pillar bracket and some reference for scale?

[richierocket]

HHOTDI, nice fabrication on the rack.
Please don't be offended, I just still think your fuel mileage would be significantly better if you mounted the tent unit on a lightweight trailer. Your current location does not add to the frontal area, which is good compare to mounted on top. The airflow stays attached over the roof and down the rear window until it separates, as we know, this reduces the pressure drag area (the old golf ball dimple flow example). This airflow wrapping over the top slams into the front of the tent unit.

On a trailer down low, it would not disturb the upper airflow. The lower airflow is already disturbed coming around the wide bumper area of the car. The trailer may have other problems for you though...

[HHOTDI]

Thanks FreeBeard! I just returned home from a 770 mile round trip to Portland, lake Oswego and home! I returned home late last night and checked the hard mileage and found 770 miles, 15.6 gallons netted 49.3MPG! So as Freebeard suggested, what will we do if the mileage goes up?!?
Beetle w/o any attachments/slick top= ave 48mpg :{)
Beetle with factory VW Roof racks and CVT tent= 38mpg :/
Beetle with new areo-hitch mounted rack/CVT tent= 49.3MPG WhoooRah!
That is a gain of 11.3 mpg boys and girls!

the beautiful Multnomah Falls


Lake Oswego, free camping at the wal*mart parking lot


Here is the real reason for making the aero-hitch rack and the trip to Portland! Seeing the Elio Motors team as they tour the country and stopped in the Portland area for 4 days! note=(EcoModder sticker in the window)


So much room in these, nearly cavernous even with my 6'6" 210lb frame!
Sporting the EcoModder T-Shirt too!


For a size comparison...amazing there is actually a lot of room inside, even in the back seat with plenty of room for a second adult! So cool! Hey..nice shirt! :{)


More pics to follow, thank you to everyone for your comments and ideas! :{)

[freebeard]

[does a little victory dance]

Sounds like a fun road trip. Through the Columbia River Gorge, no doubt. Did you take the old highway, or is there even any left? I think the daylighted tunnels are gone.

How did they refer to Elio Motor's product in the singular? EMC? And what's that piece of 2x4 doing just to the right of your right knee in the last pic?

[HHOTDI]

Here are the build shots. I will post close ups and any measurements ya'all would like!







I will post more later, enjoy! :{)

[HHOTDI]

Originally Posted by freebeard

[does a little victory dance] WhooRah!

Sounds like a fun road trip. Through the Columbia River Gorge, no doubt. (it was)

Did you take the old highway, or is there even any left?(nope, I-84 straight through)

I think the daylighted tunnels are gone. (it really was a fun trip, made it all by myself-enjoyed the quietness. There are a few of the lighted tunnels left and always fun to honk as you go through, the kids love it and always ask me to do that when we go that way to the Ore Coast, namely Tillamook-love the cheese-ice cream/camp at Cape Lookout).

How did they refer to Elio Motor's product in the singular? EMC? (the "Elio" as it is referred to now. They are having a nation wide "Naming" campaign soon for folks to all write in and name it!)

And what's that piece of 2x4 doing just to the right of your right knee in the last pic?

( i saw that but never asked, the prototype that i sat in had an E-brake and it was on, so who knows...) :{)

[HHOTDI]

i found another pic..more to follow, Enjoy! :{)

[Xist]

Originally Posted by HHOTDI

Ha! I had not thought about the viability of a rearview mirror and rear window in a car like that!

I am glad that your tent rack is working out so well and it is great to have some more information on the Elio! If you fit comfortably, then I had better shut up!