Dropped the E off at Ursa Minor for the conversion. It was a nice 3 day journey from the PNW, and I ended up towing my motorbike down to ride during the week.

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pbKEpkxijYdKvEjdEe2IldbnXF_uGzu1u1a-yLIAncQvcDSu-ePuofzOV5gDvRKqSl9EdZdTrUuM/P1030708.jpg

The trailer and bike weigh 1100 lbs, and the E did great.

Ursa has a cool shop with some cool new items.

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pN2SgcAJtygKAa4NlCh9LlJS2zvxRbDpEOuCZ-634UOskrWO2bf7Uofj53mvAzAPPb3_z5uWSuIk/P1030823.jpg

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pUod7u4b125k_NUMvtAd7n-W1a3uO85lmFQy1rLyvWF3Z2uCAVG0L2ZhLdP_nwV7VScflaohK djY/P1030829.jpg

Here's a shot of the carbon fiber platform that supports the Ecamper. It appears to be very well crafted and super strong.

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pzDH_FxuPHW9FtJeSCM12R0m58TmUSTFPeDTVctMh0gEa665 6KlFn49AYYeQMW_0RC6eZiB5voi0/P1030822.jpg


John has a new product for another vehicle, and it really looks great. If Jeep ever puts a diesel in their Wranglers, I'd sign up in a flash.

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pD9oU5yaWAZkAhq5BBAdnldLZcGroh1Dgyccc_WEjyxOUH4x K5Igsjl5r_bhoPtB0UCTNtJNdI_I/P1030825.jpg

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pcXARRYaS2mqqNTEWBtsU28vqLUpYcdT_lXhSJsZ1-2XSxerrT5v6ydHACb7VqCv-YBPQBnn6jQE/P1030826.jpg

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pjI1o1Lv56b-0Wkj2pIYgEBfOGV-1zmcazfeSBKJIWPDpjZ919YP9WFatT7HM_uJMn0sli9-v66c/P1030827.jpg

Don't know about anyone else, but, I've enjoyed your "nickle tour" of Ursa. Thanks.

That Jeep looks good. Look forward to seeing photos of completed Element.

Holy moly, Jeep guys are going to love that!!!! A Rubicon with a poptop camper? Wow, near perfect expedition vehicle.

I should've added more info on the Jeep option. It is a complete replacement top for the Jeep, which means buyers can buy a softtop and save some money. The hardtop is removable, of course, which means you don't actually need to bring your Jeep in for any mods. You just plug in the wiring harness and bolt it on similar to the stock top.

The shell is fiberglass, not carbon fiber, to keep the cost down (and since weight and payload is not an issue like it is on the Element). Buyers will be able to choose whether they want side windows in the rear, or closed up like the photos above.

I've seen some pix of Jeeps with built in fridges, slide out kitchens, etc, so making a Rubicon into the ultimate excursion camper will be easy.

Here's the best part: cost will be about the same as the Ecamper.

I like the E quite well, but this option for a Jeep would make me pause. I don't like the gas mileage in the Jeeps, but a diesel would cure that problem.

Picked up the Ecamper on Friday, and it looked great. John thinks of everything, so much attention to detail about how things fit, how they connect, where loose pieces are stored. The quality of the install is beyond question: it looks as good as anything the factory might produce.

I opted for the painted shell, and was glad. It is a bit expensive for an option, but it makes the E look more "factory". I also had John install two sets of "tie downs" on either side of the E to facilitate tying on a Kelty Tarp. You can barely see them at the ends, above the rear side window (little stainless steel "u" shaped protrusion. I got these tie downs at a marine store: stainless steel).

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pt4JbYtLTB1Ffwml6cAggtGza4_C9OZjQu0PWQWFXdY9lSGw f8vh21S6NE1oKp0U-rPDUrzbb9lQ/P1040069.jpg?psid=1

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pT5ZQOUggWMskfNch49Hz8wxDrxbzb3DwpW9DvZusp4F6Bgg jAK9IlI3PtLsOJgPIfb7hEpfjxkM/P1040070.jpg?psid=1

I rode the E up to Rincon Point, towing my motorycycle, for my first night out.

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pBKEVj0y6hbAfjCrzvxfbhs4tIz-vQ80uOTDdVePDb7X0lvXZW6L7_9LEZHel6KqtOBx0GY-XUvk/P1040075.jpg?psid=1

In the morning, I awoke to the sounds of the ocean. Magical!

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1po08WeP81RQPO269rkOSFvs6alEWWmepoJ0rtyfisx_tvBXe DS9HPkKgmEMmeMQ9dJ3yWJKbtM78/P1040080.jpg?psid=1

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1pAZE0yt8b6j3LQ-6fBOkZkUD-8zf8WhtPkdXon3muMZwMFM9BpzCcjzvYJQdffRWxdF9-Ge6MSFQ/P1040082.jpg?psid=1

https://blufiles.storage.live.com/y1p2P87T1S6FVkfCnsQTaSHmdkTFdMNz0Fy_1ACWwIlCLkPp3n t6ulYSekpYbL9oKNaHktybVUaVQk/P1040084.jpg?psid=1

Initial opinions? Super simple to set up, even with a large Thule cargo box on top, and I was able to do it myself. Very roomy up above, though headroom is a bit constrained (but no more so than any other Westfalia). It was warm and comfy despite colder (~46 degree) weather and wind, and while it drizzled outside, it was dry inside. I need to buy a Shamwow style towel to dry off the exterior, but otherwise ok.

Suggestions? I might recommend that John consider sewing in a storage pocket for wallets/keys etc that you might want to stow, or even a mechanism for a cup holder. Also, I might consider adding in a strip of velcro to secure the cushions to the platform, as I toss around a lot in my sleep.

Gas mileage was completely unaffected by the Ecamper. I got the same as when I drove down (averaging 17-19 mpg while doing 65-70, a bit more when doing 35-45 up Hwy 1). The lower mileage is due entirely to the trailer (1100 lbs) and the cargo box, plus my lead foot combined with lots of hills on 101 and Hwy 1.

Almost forgot: the installed dead pedal option is worth it completely!

My kids were simply bowled over by the camper; it was an instant hit! We spent the night talking about the places we could go. Home run!

Thanks John, and I look forward to the many adventures and memories the Ecamper will bring me and my family.

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/i-PRTQV2S/0/L/i-PRTQV2S-L.jpg

Looks like we are doing the same thing! The car is new to us (my Buddy Spirit and I). I almost had the trailer and hack weighed the other day but did not!!! I know we are over 1500lbs! But, doing well... I am the one that drive 57mph! Getting about 20mpg still, Steep uphills are in 3rd... 40mph +/- !!!
So nice to not have to look for a space to pitch a tent anymore... for overnight anyone as we are on the road full time.
Be well... John does a great job!
Ara and Spirit

PS: what is the dead pedal option?...

what is the dead pedal option?
http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/dead_pedal.htm

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/dead_pedal.htm

John must have forgot to show this... would be nice!

BTW, I want to "Thank You" for also within other threads to always be there to help. Very much appreciated... I will vote for you if they ever have such an Award.

Be well... Ara and Spirit

Dang it, you people are really making me want a E-camper ... aside from the fact that I can't afford it and really don't have much use for it ... Well, it would come in handy going to race tracks that offer overnight car parking.

Dang it, you people are really making me want a E-camper ... aside from the fact that I can't afford it and really don't have much use for it ... Well, it would come in handy going to race tracks that offer overnight car parking.

Very handy... I am glad we are not the ones stopping you... :grin:

Ara and Spirit

i really want one of these... but then i think i should buy a newer element if i'm gonna get one... then i think, how much would i really use it? maybe a lot, maybe not... i do camp inside the car, just think i'd really dig this!

btw... i too really prefer the color match option.