Wedge Campers & Assorted Oddities

I always wanted a roof top tent, but those just didn't seem expensive enough.

 

@excorcist More details please on the scooter on your front bumper? Also, your warm water tank on the side? Do you just have a build thread somewhere I should read?

 

No build thread yet, probably should get on that at some point. Things have gotten out of hand quickly.


Scoot is a Honda Ruckus, aka the escape pod... I just like having something small to explore around the areas we camp.



It is mounted on a front high clearance receiver from Mobtown





Water tank was made by me using 4'' abs with a standard hose bib, holds about 7.5 gallons... uses my on board air compressor linked to a 15psi switch to pressurize. (in pic is water hose, and air hose that connects to rear bumper on board air outlet to pressurize) can also be used as gravity feed obviously. Can fill tank by hooking up to a standard hose (like often found at designated camping areas) or by top fill with bucket from rivers and what not.







Can use solar heat, but I also added an inline tankless propane water heater for convenience. Will take water from almost frozen to too hot to shower.

 

That is pretty cool. I just tested out my <5gal straight pipe water tank on a trip to Death Valley. Just this evening I started thinking about doing a connected ring/oval instead. Not sure I'd want to mount it to the side of my camper and don't think it would work well on the roof with that type of design.

Regarding the Ruckus I have a Yamaha TW200. I bought it thinking I could take it on trips on the back of the rig but the weight with the camper is too much.

 

GFC, can we bring back the wood panel option?

 

@excorcist Thanks for the run-down! I really like your water tank and the details you put into it. The 15psi pressure switch is a great idea.

I love the ruckus, and didn't recognize it from the angle in your pictures. For some reason it looked smaller. Have you taken it up any moderate grades/hills? What sort of speed can it maintain? I'd like one for taking on trips like you but also being able to take to my work which is in town but up a steep hill on a 35mph road.

 

grab a grom

 

Yeah if you were to mount on roof it the oval shape would work, you would just need to appropriately mount all of the attachments... as mine sits now it has four: The top fill hole, the hose bib, the air hose quick connect, and the pressure switch.

Those TWs are sweet, I have carried all sorts of bikes while on my trips; full size dr650, honda grom, ct90s, and a couple others.... Out of everything for a quick escape vehicle I really prefer the ruckus for several reasons; Pretty harmless at camp after I have had a few beers, just a small, simple and easy package to deal with, still street legal (Edit, should have probably added in here that I do not ride it after beers if Im on public roads and/or around other campers), and its whisper quiet. I also could not mount anything else on the front high clearance receiver as the overall profile will block my view with anything taller than the ruckus. The front receiver is a must for me as we move camp ALOT when on trips so if it were in the back I would really need to unload it everytime we stop for entry into habitat.

I modified the ruckus a bit so it is smaller. Removed much of the unnecessary plastic, mounted much lower handlebars, and I chopped the seat down as much as I could, mainly to keep things in a small package for the ease of mounting on the front receiver.

I have taken the ruckus places it was most definitely never supposed to go. I weigh 160lbs... Up steep hills your not going to be breaking any speed records but the little motor has enough power to keep me moving which is as much as I can ask. It maxes out around 35-40mph on flats.

 

I prefer the ruckus over the grom for simple get around vehicle This was last year, sold it as it just wasn't being used. Also as you can see mounting any bike on the rear receiver destroys any hopes of a decent departure angle.






Edit: and here is what happens when you have dragged your m/c carrier across rocks too many times and then load a heavier bike on it.

 

Lol! That old carrier is just easier to load now! Going to make make test ride a ruckus now...... Thanks!

 

i assumed putting the grom up-front like the ruckus. the grom ~30lbs more but a bit more power.

edit: i see your post above about your comparison with the ruckus now. i plan to just throw mine in my bed and gear next to it since i dont have a topper.

i still suggest riding a grom while you are out. i can fit mine in the bed easily as well.

 

Yeah - the grom might be a better choice for around town and would probably get more use. But the ruckus would be a fun toy to take with me.

I've also considered building up one of these: https://lunacycle.com/luna-cycle-super-banana-ebike-racing-edition/ as it would be similar power to a ruckus, lighter, and basically silent. Plus I could get away with more shenanigans on bike paths etc.. Down-side is I'd probably get busted pretty fast if I tried to ride it at 40mph down the bike lane at commute time

 

you can ride groms on bike paths or full supermotos..

 

Good read and great shots as always. Looking forward to more.

 

Sorry, I know I am pretty late to this thread, but yes. I am actually customer number one of the Snap! Treehouse and am friends with the owner. He has the Chevy in the site pics and is finishing up the first two builds in production now. He bought a Tacoma to take to the Overland Expo in AZ so anyone close can check it out there.

These two should be done in time for us to test them on a trip to western NC/TN area. I have to admit that I don't do what you all do with your trucks. My purpose is a fast campsite clean up so I can make the best use of my time each weekend. I would way rather be kayaking and exploring on Sunday than taking camp down all day. Once I have mine I will take copious pictures and post them.

One of the things I liked best about the Snap is that they are willing to do a lot of customization as part of the built. For example, I am having my back two side doors fold down so I can use them as tables and need to bring less with me. Feel free to ask any questions as well.

 

Think a go fast would be a good match for a 270 legless awning? Would have to take a closer look at the mounting system.

 

I'm seriously considering ditching my trailer and rtt setup for either the drifter or gfc. I'm really liking the gfc for the huge windoor style sides and open frame but like the drifter for the sake of not having to remove any of the sleeping platform to get in or out of the camper. I also used to like the appearance of the gfc better but the drifter has really grown on me.

Also, what do people do for firewood storage with this style of camper?

 

If we're not camping near somewhere with wood that you can collect I either use a receiver mounted rack for long trips in one spot, or a plastic 5 gallon bucket or 2 filled with appropriatly chopped wood in the bed to keep things clean.

 

I never even thought about stuffing wood in the trasharoo. Thanks .

 

I always seem to have cardboard boxes sitting around (#prime_life). Most I recycle to keep clutter down but I'll always keep a few bigger ones around (broken down) for cushion when working under the truck in the driveway, shooting spray paint on things, etc.

To take wood on a trip I will tape one or two up then fill them with wood. They get unloaded when we arrive (and stored under a picnic table or tarp if it's wet. On the last night of the trip I ceremoniously burn the box(es) and ALL remaining wood.