Nest Caravan

[cpaharley2008]

is getting closer to hatching, here is a link to their FB page
https://www.facebook.com/airstreamne...FX1SwsuRwzKixo

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

is getting closer to hatching, here is a link to their FB page
https://www.facebook.com/airstreamne...FX1SwsuRwzKixo

I saw that a short while ago, and noted the have a Carefree awning with no diagonal arms.

[caddoster]

The front and side looks pretty neat... the rear looks basecamp-ish (aka horse trailer)... kind of weird consider the whole thing is curvy but the rear?

[keithgugliotto]

That spare tire under the trailer, tho...

[cpaharley2008]

and dual batteries and spare underneath, but with a/c and moon roof, I wonder what the solar will be, maybe just a port for portable units which does not help with towing and 12v refer use.

[caddoster]

with a rear opening door the placement of spare tire is limited... I guess the way to see it is, if you never (X) needed to replace a flat yourself, the location of the spare is not important, under carriage is probably a good spot for it.. (a lot of truck/suv these day doe that anyway)..

I liked the rear opening door a lot.. and the front wide window is cool.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by caddoster

I liked the rear opening door a lot.. and the front wide window is cool.

A layout with a rear opening door allows for a more efficient layout in a smaller trailer. Where it lacks is almost all campsites are set up with the "activity" areas to the passenger side.

[float5]

Yes, I usually find that our door is in just the right place for a campsite and the utilities are, also. Once in a while the utilities are in odd places. I do sometimes come in the other direction though and can often still reach the utilities anyway without extensions.

I like the idea of the back door for some things and some people would like them for long items going in while traveling.

[caddoster]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

A layout with a rear opening door allows for a more efficient layout in a smaller trailer. Where it lacks is almost all campsites are set up with the "activity" areas to the passenger side.

most of the campsites we stayed in (no utility sites) have the activity areas behind the car.. I guess that's why I always thought having the rear door was a cool feature.

[Donna D.]

But, you notice where the awning is? I guess they still expect people to hang out as most of us do. Creating an awning to cover the door is difficult on rear door trailers. The best I've seen was created by DaveInRoseburg for his Compact. But still... I find it nice to unfurl the awning and stay dry without doing a whole lot of work. Or getting wet between the back door and the awning area.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by caddoster

most of the campsites we stayed in (no utility sites) have the activity areas behind the car.. I guess that's why I always thought having the rear door was a cool feature.

I have not camped much in California, but some of the Pacific NW and much of AB and BC, and while I have seen some sites with an area behind, I have seen the vast majority with the main area to the side, but some with area behind. Almost exclusively the non-movable table is beside the parking spot.

95% of my camping has been in non-serviced sites.

I would be curious to hear what others have found in various regions.

[float5]

I think he found that situation because of no utilities and it would probably not be uncommon for tent sites.

We even go to a COE place where the utilities at some sites are unreachable even with extensions. But most sites are the usual, no problem.

Yes, the table is to the side usually. But then once in a while, no table!

[emers382]

One big difference I can see is that Robert Johans designed the prototype to have no frame. Here's what he posted on FGRV in Sept. 2014

quote..As you may have read, the Nest features a "monocoque" design which requires no steel frame under the shell body. The nearly 2" thick shell floor will be reinforced with layers of various composite materials...unquote

The new Airstream Nest certainly has a frame. I wonder what the weight of this trailer will be?

Adrian

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by emers382

One big difference I can see is that Robert Johans designed the prototype to have no frame. Here's what he posted on FGRV in Sept. 2014

quote..As you may have read, the Nest features a "monocoque" design which requires no steel frame under the shell body. The nearly 2" thick shell floor will be reinforced with layers of various composite materials...unquote

The new Airstream Nest certainly has a frame. I wonder what the weight of this trailer will be?

Adrian

That is a big difference for sure. I'm guessing that's one of the design elements that Airstream evaluated and determined would be better changed for mass production? I would have loved to see the frameless design.

[caddoster]

Originally Posted by float5

I think he found that situation because of no utilities and it would probably not be uncommon for tent sites.

Yes I think it depends on what kind of campers the campground expect to have mostly.. for tent campers, backing into the site and opening the rear hatch/door to unload things, the activity area being behind the parking spot made sense. Some of these kind of sites the parking is side by side (two cars) so if you have a trailer in tow you will probably end up having the trailer on one side and the tow vehicle a little bit ahead (depending on pad length) next to the trailer..

I think the nest is trying to fit multiple camping style (airstream basecamp and happier camper both have rear opening doors too).. the question is whether or not it's more difficult to work with or one or the other will be a burden.

[float5]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

That is a big difference for sure. I'm guessing that's one of the design elements that Airstream evaluated and determined would be better changed for mass production? I would have loved to see the frameless design.

That is what I thought on the frame. And we do not know what requirements there are along those lines that the original owner did not know.

[Eggscape]

I always thought a small tip down deck/landing off the back would be great to step out of the sand or mud before entering the trailer.
One thing we were thankful to have on our cross country trip this year was a 30 amp 25 foot extension. Best price in Canada is Costco mail order or sometimes Walmart has them in. You should not have to spend more than $50 Canadian.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by caddoster

I think the nest is trying to fit multiple camping style (airstream basecamp and happier camper both have rear opening doors too).. the question is whether or not it's more difficult to work with or one or the other will be a burden.

Happier Camper satisfies both by having TWO doors. The hatch in the back and the standard side door.

[gbaglo]

Here you go.

[Patandlinda]

Always prefer the door on the side . Our camper which we owned was at the back . At our favorite camping at the beach , sitting outside , always needed to lock door because the noise of the ocean , wouldn't hear if someone entered camper . At this beach camping you do need to secure your belongings . We have lots of stories but you are right next to the beach . Had side door with our class C and sure was glad back to door on side on trailer . Our favorite beach camping you are parellel parked to ocean and road . Pat