1984 Toyota all-terrain camper prototype

SR5 Pickup truck

4 - Cyl.

Manual

jt4rn66d1e5001450

Gasoline

This vehicle represents an original design concept that is unprecedented because it is an ideal compromise of 4wd capability, living space, and fuel-efficiency. The horizontal raindrop shape enabled a 10+ mpg increase in fuel economy. My best record under average highway conditions is 29 mpg. The pointed tail enables the air flowing over the vehicle to remain laminar, which greatly reduces wind resistance. When a vehicle has a square back, it actually creates a vacuum which acts as a force against forward movement. (One guy got 64 mpg out of his Civic by adding a tail. See this link for the Wired magazine article about it:)http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/12/boat-tail-geo-metro/ The shape also provides the maximum ratio of interior space to exterior wind resistance. The roundness of the shape makes it feel much larger inside than it appears. A person who is 5' 8" can stand fully upright in the very center. It is very light-weight, and has good ground clearance so it is an impressive off-road vehicle, considering how roomy it feels as a camper. It has a 22R, 4-cyclinder carbureted engine which is reliable and easy to work on. It has a new timing chain, spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor. It has all new valve seals, guides and a fresh oil change. The tires are several years old but they do have good tread (see pics). This vehicle needs an owner who is mechanically inclined. It is like an experimental home-built aircraft: it will always have little oddities that need attention from capable hands. The back hatch, for example, is well-designed and opens and closes quickly, but it is definitely not as easy as slamming a car door. It requires a person who can be precise and careful. The framework is made of metal studs and pvc pipe. The skin is sheet metal and 1/16" polyethylene plastic. The whole structure is capable of flexing with the truck chassis under any four-wheel drive conditions. Most truck & camper setups have a gap between the cab and the camper to allow for the frame to flex. This design provides a much larger living space inside and eliminates the unnecessary weight of two redundant frame structures. It also allows passengers to share the entire space of the vehicle comfortably while driving. The back hatch is designed to open in multiple configurations. It has a quick-access door on the lower right that is designed to minimize heat loss in the winter. When the main hatch swings up, it provides rain shelter and is also designed to hold a large solar panel (not included). The door is constructed to allow the solar panel to hinge separately in order to face the sun, no matter which way the vehicle is parked. It has a horizontal propane tank mounted on the driver's side behind the cab that could be hooked up to a heater, grill, lights, etc. Although this vehicle is in good condition and runs well, it is far from perfect. The skin has many irregularities and a custom paint job. Several years ago, I retired it from full-time use, so there could be issues with any part of the truck that I am not aware of. The skin has many joints and possibilities for developing water leaks. I think its pretty tight, but I haven't used it in the rain in a long time. The carburetor could probably use a tune up. The heater controls work fine, but they have been modified to work best in cold climates. This would be a really cool ride for someone who wants a small off-roading camper. I've taken it rock climbing, mountain climbing, kayaking, skiing, biking, and on many epic road-trip adventures. I'm sure it would be a big hit at Burning Man. It made a top-ten list in Car & Driver and got written up in a couple of newspapers. It is generally a subject of conversation anywhere it goes. That's another thing: this pod is a woman-getter. I don't know if its just that its unique or what, but chicks dig it. Some girl even left a note on it once to meet at a coffee shop because she wanted a ride. The record number of people I ever took for a ride is 14. It was loaded down but it did fine. This is a no-reserve, no minimum price auction. I'm starting the bidding at $1 because I put my heart and soul in this idea and no matter what it sells for, I would really like to see it go to the right person. This thing was born for adventure and I would like to see it hit the road again.