Stretch-Insight as Travel-Van Alternative

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Although it's only rated from the factory for something like 450lbs of cargo + passengers (two large passengers can exceed that!), I've seriously exceeded that before, and had no issues with ground clearance, handling or power. Braking is another matter, but taking it slow really helps and hybrid braking makes a noticeable improvement.

So you're saying you broke the law by a factor of three? Can you say manslaughter?

As to the topic of stretching a G1 Insight, it's not possible at all. If the stretch adds only 350lbs, you'd better have a very slim driver.

In a year or two, Ram will be selling a 2 ton 55mpg van, with space for a full camping interior. It would take at least two years to properly stretch an Insight.

[Hatchtastic]

I beg to differ. With enough time and money, you can do anything. If people can cram Accord engines in Civics, then the tiny Insight drive train can be put in the Accord (the RA1 Odyssey is an Accord mechanically). It would be slow (turbo it?), but would get great mileage.

But if all you're doing is hauling some stuff and having one person sleep, I would go with the Civic wagon. You could easily put a VX engine and transmission in and get 50 mpg on the highway. Or an Insight drive train.

[Hatchtastic]

Keep in mind that weight rating has a lot to do with tires as well. If you stretched an Insight, you'd want to upgrade the springs, shocks, brakes, and tires with a heavier load rating.

[oldtamiyaphile]

The Odyssey hybrid idea has more merit, but I've yet to see anyone complete a successful hybird drivetrain transplant.

As for the stretch idea sure you could get every component re-engineered to a higher GVWR, but I think you'd have about the same space simply buying a later model Insight.

[bizzybody]

A Vixen, eh? How about the other rare super slick RV, the Navette? Weird RVs: Navette motorhome is a sleek rig

Look up the one-off Tony the Tiger Navette, commissioned as the carriage and support vehicle for Kellogs Frosted Flakes hot air balloon. Someone in Weiser, Idaho bought and restored it and has or had it for sale recently.

Last I checked, the guy who designed and built the Navettes got cancer, survived the treatment and has since been attempting to sell all the tooling, a bunch of parts and one complete vehicle. It would be a kickass RV to see in production again, though it would have to rejiggered for a new chassis.

[Xist]

Just take a Gen1 Insight to a company that makes stretch limos!

[jamesqf]

Even aside from all the structural & mechanical difficulties, it's a seriously bad idea. Unless your idea of "camping" is overnight parking in a WalMart lot, you will be far more comfortable in a good tent. It will add at most 5-10 lbs to your load (and could easily be less), and cost a few hundred, if that.

[deejaaa]

this might be an alternative:
Festfalia, A Ford Festiva Flip Top Hyper Miler Camper

[freebeard]

Coroplast and Zip-tie hubcaps, he'd fit right in. But I'm mentally adding up the weight of all the materials, and thinking the poor Festiva will need anti-roll bars and a brake upgrade.

[Xist]

Did someone set an ugly dumpster on that poor Ford?