MiniHome

It's Built on a VW Beetle Chassis
With Sleeping and Camping
Facilities for Four

My first encounter with MiniHome was on a Los Angeles freeway where we passed each other heading in opposite directions. Regardless of the mesmerizing effects of LA traffic, I doubt that anyone could pass a motorhome with a VW Beetle protruding from its front without turning around for a second look. As it turned out, these VW-based mini-motorhomes were being manufactured by a small shop in Irvine, California. After driving one, I negotiated with the owner for the rights to publish plans, and within a few months the little motorhome was on the cover of Mechanix Illustrated magazine as MI's MiniHome.

Despite its contradictory appearance, MiniHome is an amazing little vehicle. Due to its wide offset wheels, beefed up stabilizer bar, and rear overload shocks, it handles very much like the stock VW. And its overall design is one of the most clever packaging solutions around. Inside, it has all the appointments and facilities of a standard camper. Appliances and storage space are situated across the rear. The butane stove and stainless steel sink in the left rear corner mount to a single module that slides out the side so you can cook and wash either outdoors or inside. A 50-lb size icebox is located in the center rear, and a closet is located on the right. Turning the large swivel-base chairs 180 degrees (backs against the windshield) opens up the center so the modular lower bed can slide out of its hideaway compartment. The cabover section makes into a full-size bed by folding down a hinged extension.

Driving MiniHome is an addictive experience. Acceleration and cornering are much like the original VW. But one does have to negotiate a few trial turns in order to gain confidence in its roll stability. MiniHome is much more stable than it looks. After a few minutes behind the wheel, the pleasure of driving such a small vehicle, in comparison to other RVs, begins to take effect. MiniHome has the same nimble feel that Beetle owners have always enjoyed in their stock VWs. The only detriment is limited rear visibility, similar to that of many other RVs. Also, maximum speed is reduced about 10 mph, and fuel economy suffers slightly because of increased air resistance at highway speeds.

MiniHome is built like any other camper using 1 x 2 structural members covered with paneling on the inside and conventional corrugated skin on the outside. Click on the bottom image in the left margin to retrieve an exploded view rendering of MiniHome's construction. Construction costs should run about $1500, plus the cost of the VW.