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

here is the little TDI Beetle with the new CVT Roof Top Tent as I couldn't find a tent trailer small enough that i liked!

http://i40.tinypic.com/2expjsm.jpg

Neat! That looks pretty well thought out with the generous awnings over the window and entrance.

Did you get a picture of the frame without the canvas? Or does it not work that way?

HHOTDI, that's an interesting tent! Do you stow the tent inside for driving, or does it fold up and stay on top? If it stays on top, that will add a lot of drag and frontal area, lowering mpg :(

You could mount that tent on a small utility trailer like those shown on this thread and tow it behind, better mpg...also you wouldn't have that ladder to climb.

It is all one piece and stays together. I really bought it for the top of our Excursion and will post a few pics of it mounted on it as soon as I get it off of the Beetle. Here is another pic of it all closed up and ready for transport. I too have thought of the newly added frontal area and how to combat that. I have been thinking of making a new mount for it to get it down out of the main airstream. I had drawn out a new mounting system using a bike rack, thus mounting it rearward of the roof racks and over the rear window keeping it inline with the airstream. I really like it up off of the ground and using the ladder is still enjoyable. here is the company's website www.Cascadiavehicletents.com. They are in Bend Oregon and have many different models to choose from! The one I purchased is the Mt Rainier model, it will sleep 4 up there and has a load rating of 750lbs! They do make one larger but i didn't need that one and they do make three smaller ones. They even have one mounted on top of a Polaris Razor...way cool!

http://i42.tinypic.com/2ngrc0g.jpg

new CVT areo mounting location
 

Well, i did the mileage test and i went from 48mpg at a steady 70mph down to 38mpg....Oooch! So, what does any good Ecomodder do...Heh! I looked at the Aerotemplate and went to work on an old Bicycle carrier that i have for the Beetle that I rarely ever use. I unbolted the top portion and welded up a nice carrier rack for it. So, now it mounts down out of the AirStream and looks like it will turn in some good MPG numbers. I will be testing it this week and will let everyone know what the results are! Many Blessings, :{)

http://i42.tinypic.com/wail3q.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2h5703k.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/fxgj0p.jpg

i'm digging the rack, well done!

Seriously, that's awesome. What will you think if your gas mileage goes up?

I'm curious about how you did the brackets on the C-pillars, but the only way I see to improve it would be if the vertical member was an electric screw jack.

Can you feel the weight re-distribution out on the highway?

Thanks all, I appreciate the comments. I don't mean to highjack the thread... I simply made 1/8" plate for the C pillar brackets and used to nice/large stainless screws to attach each of them. Five screws each side with the brackets bent outward as they exit the hatch so the hatch will open/close with them still on. I attempted to design the mounting rack so the hatch would still open, but that placed the CVT tent too far back. There is no noticeable change in the drivieability/handling characteristics, even at freeway speeds. You do have to watch out for Tail-Swing though when you maneuver in and out of tight parking spaces! In the one picture, you can see where I placed a block of wood under the hitch for stabilization when the CVT Tent is set up for use. That cured the vehicle's suspension softness and rocking/sideways motion almost completely. easy to do too. I spent about $25.00 in steel tubing and $40.00 in wal*mart Textured rattle-can paint. The donor 2place bike rack was a craig's list find for $25.00 and fit nicely. The upper portion of the rack simply unbolts and I was able to use the rest for the new CVT Hitch rack! if someone knows how to start a new thread, i'll post pictures of the build and answer any questions you/they might have and help as I can with others who may be interested if they wish. We love the CVT Rooftop Tent, they are so comfortable...and pretty cool too! thanks again, Mike :{)

Good camper alternative.
Be sure to attach a red flag or orange ribbon to the back, pretty much every state requires anything that protrudes from the rear of the vehicle to be flagged.

HHOTDI: mind if I split your project into a new thread? It's definitely threadworthy, especially compared to version 1.0 (on the roof)!

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!

Thread split.

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

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?

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...

FreeBeard was right...what would we do if the MPG goes up!?!?
 

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
http://i42.tinypic.com/21epa9g.jpg

Lake Oswego, free camping at the wal*mart parking lot
http://i41.tinypic.com/s5ifyu.jpg

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)
http://i43.tinypic.com/jaf3i8.jpg

So much room in these, nearly cavernous even with my 6'6" 210lb frame!
Sporting the EcoModder T-Shirt too!
http://i44.tinypic.com/ypb9s.jpg

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! :{)
http://i39.tinypic.com/140gglk.jpg

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

[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?

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

http://i39.tinypic.com/sq6xj7.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2073l1l.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/rwt0y1.jpg

I will post more later, enjoy! :{)

road trip'n
 

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

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

http://i42.tinypic.com/2iie6mx.jpg

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

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! :)

viability-visibility
 

Thanks X, i had a similar concern and the guy stood right in the middle at the rear of the vehicle and i could easily see him in both side mirrors! There was a guy in line, a few folks after me who had a concern about being able to fit in it. He asked my size and told me he was 6'3" and 360lbs! The Elio folks lowered the seat and reclined it a little and the big guy fit right in it! He laughed out loud and was visibly excited at it's comfort for a man his size! He signed up as soon as he exited the car and is on the list to be one of the first folks to get one! Hopefully they will make it through your area and you can see/fit in one for yourself. I certainly enjoyed it and was the sole purpose for making the nearly 7 hour trip one way to Portland! Seeing/fitting in the Elio made it all worth it though!

A lot of people have questions/thoughts and ideas about the little car, myself included. I just want them to get it to production, then we can worry about modifications, accessories, options, diesel etc in the years to come! My wife and i are signing up on line...we are "All in"...

https://www.eliomotors.com/my-strengths/


:{)

You are four inches taller than me, but about the same weight. I had read about who had fit inside, although everybody seems to have their own standards for comfort. I have had discussions with guys on here who were taller than me and said they loved driving tiny cars.

You know, I think the Elio might be the best candidate for replacing the mirrors with a camera. Are motorcycles required to have mirrors?

I had been wondering how easy it was to get in and out of the back seat. They skipped that part in a video that I watched, but someone on here said that it was fine.

I kind of do not want the original Insight because I could not put one of my nephews in the back, but of course, with the Elio, it might be weird to put a date behind me.

Logistics! :)

Going to their website, it almost looks like Washington is their last stop. Don't they need to return to Louisiana? It would not make sense to me to not go through California, Phoenix, and Texas.

Going to their website, it almost looks like Washington is their last stop. Don't they need to return to Louisiana? It would not make sense to me to not go through California, Phoenix, and Texas.[/QUOTE]

Yup, that is the way they do it...keeping us all guessing as to where they will be next! I had to send them a personal email asking about the Inland Northwest and finally i got a response..Seattle/Portland dates. Then i was able to plan to make one of them and it all worked out, so glad i was able to have made it.

Anyway...here are a couple of more pics as promised!

Shots of the "C" Pilar brackets...nothing fancy here, just had an idea, made it out of Cardboard trim/cut here-n-there and there you have it!

Driver's side..measurements to follow, sorry.
http://i41.tinypic.com/2qipirr.jpg

Pass side..measurements are an exact copy of the driver's side, just bent to opposite way...
http://i39.tinypic.com/2j6a4wm.jpg

My 01' PowerStroke Excursion...
http://i42.tinypic.com/2i91sg4.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/nd2yw9.jpg

as of today, it is now mounted on my Daughter's 07' Ram Hemi..!
http://i44.tinypic.com/z23bl.jpg

Thanks for the pictures :) Looks like you had a great trip.

Awesome! What a great way to go camping! Thank you for posting your experience and your pictures.

Thanks Sk and NR...what is surprising to me the most is the fact that the MPG went up so far after moving the whole assembly from the roof racks down to the Aero-Rack. From 48-ish without anything to 38mpg on top then to 49.3 on my 770 mile trip to Portland Ore and back! 11.3 mpg savings...simply incredible! :{)

On a larger, bumpier scale, your camper rack would have the same effect on your Beetle's aero as the large wing that Ernie Rogers installed on the back of his Beetle that improved his highway mileage by 5-10% (google Ernie Rogers beetle wing).

http://i44.tinypic.com/z23bl.jpg
Maybe I'm pressing my luck here, but has your Daughter checked her mileage with and without the tent? (A-B-A)

No FB she hasn't. It is an 07' with the HEMI, super loud dual exhaust, 35" tall 18" Nitto Grapplers and a 4' lift! She has it stored/parked here (at Mom/Dad's) while she is deployed overseas until spring of next year when she returns home. I took the liberty(of course) of driving it once to a neighboring city and observed that her instant MPG readout was 14.5mpg average. Well, being the EcoModder guy that I am I reset it and amazingly I got an ave of 20 on the freeway/round trip at 65mph. I remembered a post here talking about the benefits of partially covering the open bed of a pick-up and of course I made another trip just last night with it and it got an ave of 20.4 including the 65mph freeway and a lot of stop/go city combined. On the freeway it was at 24.0mpg as I took the off-ramp into the city, pretty good I thought! :{)

I wish her the best of luck over there. I hope that she is somewhere with a good D-Fac. That makes a big difference!

It kind of looks like the air would be able to reattach onto the tent bag, so that should help aerodynamics. I do not know how much a tent like that would weigh, I have handled plenty of heavy Army ones, but wouldn't that truck weigh around five thousand pounds?

Should be over 7 thousand, maybe closer to 8. Weight probably doesn't make much difference. I'd love to see Testing with same situations for the three situations, to see a calculable difference.

Edit:

A search shows closer to your estimate, just under 5 k for what I was looking at, but it depends on features. Either way, closer to 5 than 7 or 8.

Looking at the pop-up on the beetle I think I'd rather just recline the seat back and go to sleep.

Thanks X, I know I/she is grateful for the appreciation. She is a little live-wire alright! I believe the air would reattach as well, must have for it to climb a few mpg as it did. It is really light though at about 90lbs, super easy for two to load/unload. I think it's GVW is about 4.5-5k as it is only the 1500 model. I'm already thinking of a way to get it mounted on a little trailer to tow it with my ATV for hunting way back in the Elk woods! :{)

Altough I still like the comfort and presumably safety of a rigid-body trailer, that setup seems nice to go cheaper on fuel.

hey, here is one i just came across and couldn't help but laugh...man OH man what a ride that would be if he had to go up an incline...WhoooBaby!

http://i42.tinypic.com/2m3fs5g.jpg

bracket templates
 

Hey SK, sorry it took so long. Here are the Templates I made/used for the "C" pillar mounts.
http://i39.tinypic.com/1055z86.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/1q62z7.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/34gu146.jpg

There was an artist who did a comparable project in Hong Kong, but smaller with a few fold-away panels to increase the internal space, as a protest against the raising costs to rent an apartment there.

I am not sure that I would like to go downhill, either.

Do you think that he locks the tricycle at night? Can you imagine if someone decided to steal both his car and home and unintentionally added kidnapping to the list?

He is probably circling the Block.. its Obviously for Prostitution , or its really a home or taco stand..or taxi ...

That Beetle tail rack is something , it makes the Beetle a RV tent trailer Camper Special fuel sipper. Neat

Thanks for bumping up this great project. it is camping season again, are you getting to use it?