30' 6WD AirRiver Motorhome

Most motorhomes were designed to provide families with all the amenities on a weekend getaway, so they have extremely limited storage, which makes them impractical for extended trips.  In reality, many if not most motorhomes are used by couples, particularly retired couples. This motorhome targets adventurous retirees and childless couples, survivorists, hobby and commercial prospectors and hobby and university wildlife monitors.

Six Siemens eCorner in-wheel motors or equivalent (AISIN AW CO, LTD EV Drive System) provide coordinated tight turns. Power is sent to the wheels with the most traction during acceleration, and derived from those with the most traction during regenerative breaking. Volvo has a concept video. Vertical actuators increase the ground clearance for off-road use, level the vehicle when parked for sleeping, and lift one wheel from the road for tire changing.

Electricity-generating shock absorbers make rough roads profitable.

Joysticks on both front seats allow either person to drive the vehicle. Tilting either joystick left or right turns the vehicle left or right, respectively. Pulling the joystick back brakes the vehicle. The vehicle can turn on its center by pushing one joystick forward while pulling the other backward much like a treaded vehicle is steered.

Both seats swivel and reclining

Large fresh water, gray water, sewage and fuel tanks are centered for balance when empty or full. Batteries are distributed throughout the frame to balance the weight of the engine and the primary battery pack under the queen bed, which rolls aft for servicing and exchanging with a fully charged battery pack charged at home or exchanged at a service station. The generator will maintain battery charge when traveling a level 60 mph. Less driving demand will result in battery charging, and vice versa, allowing the generator to be small enough to be used for powering the lights, pumps, radio, TV, computers, refrigerator-freezer and microwave oven when parked.

Options:

Extending the awnings on both sides reveal an array of solar cells that augment the array on the roof. The back of the storage cabinet folds out to provide a bed for sleeping under the stars or for guests. When traveling, guests sit on folding seats that latch to floor fittings as desired. Storage can be sacrificed for an electric stove and oven.

Extreme off-roading is provided by extending the wheels beyond the exterior of the vehicle, and adding tracks around the two rear wheels on each side or all three wheels on each side.

1981-4 AirStream Motorhome at High Sierra Auto and Truck Repair
501 W. Ridgecrest Blvd., Ridgecrest, CA 93555, 760375-4123 (0077256):