Stretch-Insight as Travel-Van Alternative

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by a8ksh4

Awesome photos, Frank. I really like the red metro... !

Got 'em saved to my computer because I've been considering the same thing.

Problem: RVing while getting good mpgs.

8 mpg = unacceptable. 50 mpg = acceptable.

Ain't gonna happen re-powering an existing RV body.

Oh, and by the way: tents suck.

(A) Solution: econocar stretch.

Years ago I found a K-car stretch limo in a used car lot. Something told me I should have bought it then...

[nimblemotors]

I dunno, this tent doesn't suck...

[Frank Lee]

Umm... it sucks a little less.

[cowmeat]

Lol, an Insight is basically rated to carry a driver, passenger and a bag of groceries. It would probably fold in half unless you really fortified the superstructure, and then it just wouldn't move.

[a8ksh4]

I read on another forum that the 2nd gen insights have about a 900lb load limit, not including the drivers. I'd logic that I should be able to do a few hundred lbs for an extension, then

It might make sense to brace against the strut towers, or elsewhere, though, to help stiffen the chassis, and install stiffer springs to maintain ride height.

All this talk about tents is silly. Tents are so purpose-built, they all suck for some stuff and are awesome for other stuff. The bus tent is probably awesome for camping at hippy festivals, but would suck for hiking. Yadda yadda.

[Frank Lee]

As neat as the concept seems, I've tossed it around in my head quite a while and it seems the easiest way to go is via clever aero expandable trailer, even if that costs a few mpg.

[cowmeat]

I read on another forum that the 2nd gen insights have about a 900lb load limit, not including the drivers. I'd logic that I should be able to do a few hundred lbs for an extension, then

That's a stretched G1 in the pic, rated for about 350 lb including the driver

Long as you didn't have to get in it, you'd be okay

[The Other Andy]

You have a Tacoma that gets mid-twenties with a camper shell on. Why not put the time, energy, and money into one of those aero-toppers (assuming you haven't)? You'd improve the economy of a vehicle you already own, and you could design it to go level with the cab and include tent-sides like the Aerolid

Then you could make yourself a nice truck bed setup.


I mean if you want to hack up and stretch a hybrid for the heck of it, then knock yourself out. It just doesn't seem like a practical solution.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

This from the same guy that doesn't blink when recommending people swap engines and design and fabricate their own engine management systems?

I have always been more familiarized with engine swaps than structural mods and bodywork.

[Frank Lee]

How many engines have you converted to Miller Cycle?