The Hermit Crab
-NOMADIC LIVING IDEAS TO KEEP IT SIMPLE-
This page's purpose is to inspire by letting us know what projects have already been done by othe people. This includes all vehicles light enough to be pulled by man, and large enough to sleep in. Donkeys, dogs, whatever works without gas or engine repair insurance. Some of them are even purchaseable, so you can live like this without having to build a single thing. If you know of any such project that aren't yet listed here, please tell me!
Brian Campbell’s Motorbike Home
Features: Solar Panel, motor.
Current Status: One was ever built, and lived in by Brian Campbell for more than 30 years all over the world. Recently, he built another version (see below).
Several articles about him:
Midget Bushtrekka by Kamprite
Features: The tent folds into a very compact trailer. 180 Litres (41 Gallons) of Storage beneath the Tent.
Weight: 26 Kg (56 lbs)
Price: $499 USD
Locations: USA, Australia, France, Norway
Website:
www.store.kamprite.com/catalog/Midget-Bushtrekka-p-16143.html
Room-Room Camper by Encore Heureux + G Studio
Features: Many funky ways to use it and directions to use it in. Space to sleep, space for storage, and transformable into a house. Can be pulled by bicycle, hand, or donkey! Visit the website for more information.
Location: France
Current Status: In development, planning to sell them and use in disaster relief.
Camper Bike by Kevin Cyr
Current Status: One piece ever built, mostly for artistic purposes.
Information on Website:
http://www.kevincyr.net/index.php?/project/camper-bike/
Bike RV Project by Alexander Main
Features: Roof serves as door, includes solar panel on roof and 12v current. Can also be recharged from power outlet. Includes outside and inside lights. Has shelves for storage.
Construction: Floor made of thick plywood and walls made of fiberglass and Styrofoam, quite insulated.
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Current Status: First prototype was built, plans are given for free (see link below), and open to improvements.
www.facebook.com/BikeRVProject
Plans and detailed information here
Informational video:
The Caravan, by The Environmental Transport Association
Current Status: In production and on sale for £ 5500 Great Britain Pounds.
Location: United Kingdom
Website with detailed information:
www.eta.co.uk/2011/06/23/the-caravan-designed-to-be-towed-behind-a-bicycle/
Email for purchase: marketing@eta.co.uk
Brian Campbell’s Bicycle Trailer
Features: Very insulated, water proof, spacious. Weighs only 40 kg (80 pounds).
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Current Status: On sale at $1950 USD
Zambulance
A trailer made by the Zambikes company in Zambia. It’s purpose is to be a human-powered ambulance to carry Zambians patients to the nearest hospital, but it gets you thinking… can I be a full-time patient? Little modification would be needed to turn it into a mobile home.
Location: Zambia
Price: $1000
Website: www.zambikes.org
Barry Howard's Micro Gipsy Wagon
Features: Mostly wood, aluminum, and glass contruction. Can fold down to half the height for cruising, a lot of fancy equipment and furniture inside, like small sink and small burner stove. Unspecified weight, but I'm guessing it's quite heavy.
Current Status: Barry Howard is "available for hire if anyone needs a gypsy caravan of their own". Sounds good!
Location: Ohio, USA
USA Phone Number: 530-355-1319
Email: barryhowardstudio@yahoo.com
Website with lots of info:
http://tinyhousetalk.com/modern-bicycle-micro-gypsy-wagon/
Paul Elkins' Burning Man Camper
This camper was built for Burning Man festival with a post-apocalyptical scenario in mind. The comfy seat can tilt back to become a bed, and it includes lots of small commodities like solar power, hot water, desk and storage drawers, and a bubble dome to put your head in when you sleep! It's mostly made of aluminum and plastic, recycled from everyday junk and items, making it a nice solution for the coming apocalypse.
Weight: 50kg (100 pounds)
An article about him: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/05/recession-vacation-bike-pulled-camper-built-from-salvage/
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09tm0uIIYZg
Paul Elkins' Website: http://www.elkinsdiy.com
UFO Camper
Features: Solar panel with rechargeable batteries, plenty of storage space and conveniences. UFO stands for Urban Freedom Outlander, this version doesn't fly.
Current Status: In development, in need of support. Intending to sell and make several different models.
Location: United States
Home in the Weeds, by Kevin Cyr
Current Status: One piece ever built, mostly for artistic purposes.
More information on Website:
http://www.kevincyr.net/index.php?/ongoing/home-in-the-weeds/
Trailer by Sakari Holma
Location: Finland
Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saholm/3928532665/in/photostream/lightbox/
Video:
http://www.recumbentblog.com/2009/09/27/sakari-j-holma-stradivarius-of-the-north/
Gunter Lorenz Chuckwagon-style trailer
Features: Comfortably sleeps one person. This inspired Andre Mantz (right), also in Germany, to build his own fold-down chuckwagon with changes to reduce overal weight. Both used their chuckwagons extensively during extended bicycle tours through neighbouring regions and around the country.
Location: Germany
Jeff's Air Stream Bike Trailer Camper
Weight: 77 kg (170 pounds)
Info: Jeff, the designer and builder of this 170 pound trailer has built three versions of his ultra-light trailer, and claims that the current version of his trailer has a shape that allows him to pull it against the wind. He needs to raise $500 towards the next version which will hopefully attract the attention of people who will really enjoy this trailer, and want one of their very own.
Article:
http://www.bikeshophub.com/jeffs-air-stream-bike-trailer-camper/
Andre Mantz’s Chuckwagon Trailer
R-Escape Bike Camper
Info: Made by Trans Canada Trailer Company. The camper can fold flat to make an aerodynamic hard shelled trailer behind the bike.
Very little information was found.
http://keenan-moore.blogspot.ch/2010/05/trans-canada-trailer-company.html