Overland Expo - Page 6

JJSporty · 05-21-2012, 03:38 PM

The Overland Expo was interesting. The exhibits were quite heavy on "put a tent on my vehicle/trailer." We have a PH so were not in that market. Lots of Sportsmobiles showed up in all their glory. Exhibitors and attendees were great to chat with as each had a little different spin on their vision for the outdoor life. We camped at the very back of the huge meadow and it was amazing to watch it fill up with such a variety of camping styles. The obsticle course was fun to watch as vehicles traversed steep hills, off-set mounds, and crossed a log bridge.

**macmcintire** · 05-21-2012, 03:54 PM

We need a lot more pictures. Come on guys! Post em up!

**BroncoHauler** · 05-21-2012, 05:11 PM

Lots of really, really big rigs (some with prices that make new SMBs seem like a bargain) and some neat campers (some well into the 5 figures). Saw Chris (U joint) there too after his marathon driving session with his van sporting his new roof rack.

Didn't take many since I only had about 6 hours there.

Herb

coyotearms · 05-21-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

No interior pics, sorry.
Herb

Oh my gosh, in their haste to have something for OE, it looks like they put the house on the Fuso backward, or else they wanted it more aerodynamic in reverse than going forward. Maybe the direction you want it to face is an option on the build sheet?

Tapatio · 05-21-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coyotearms

Oh my gosh, in their haste to have something for OE, it looks like they put the house on the Fuso backward, or else they wanted it more aerodynamic in reverse than going forward. Maybe the direction you want it to face is an option on the build sheet?

That's the open position, looks like this when collapsed. I expected it resemble an Earthcruiser, this is way different.

**BroncoHauler** · 05-21-2012, 05:57 PM

Yeah, I guess the living room raises up then moves forward into the stowed position. They did not demonstrate that at least when I was there. Without any real insight, I would think that's a lot of mechanics to move that thing around. Not sure how much, if any, space is accessible when the living space is in the forward/stowed position.

Herb

coyotearms · 05-21-2012, 07:17 PM

The last pic makes it clearer, but Herb makes a good point about all the mechanics that have to work to pull off the concept. Also all those joints/seams need to be able to keep water and dust from getting in. Reminds me of a comment someone once made about SMB still trying to figure out how to mount an awning. . .

**BroncoHauler** · 05-21-2012, 08:06 PM

I will say that SMB's disclaimer when I was talking to their rep was, that this was a prototype that was put together in 5 weeks. I would guess a lot of R&D to come before it comes to market.

The interior was fairly typical SMB-like, though I do recall the one rep mentioning a full height shower (w/commode?) that collapses down to counter height.

Herb

Ford_6L_E350 · 05-21-2012, 08:23 PM

It looks alot like a Hi-Lo camping trailer. Lo for towing, Hi for camping. Upper part extends out and up.

One on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-Tra ... 3cc650f9b1

Mike

JoeH · 05-22-2012, 03:14 PM

Here's a some pics of various rigs. I only made it out for a couple of hours. I didn't meet any forum regulars but it was nice to chat with Johnny and Alan from SMB and the great folks at Aluminess, esp Kenny. Picked up a handle pull for my gray water tank and some LED bulbs. Otherwise, it was gazing and gawking.