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Scarab Automatic Pop-up Tent Trailer

Streamlined Ultralight RV Towable Opens at Touch of a Button

© Thomas Alan Gray

Apr 26, 2009
Scarab RV Tent Trailer, Scarab RV
A new high-tech ultralight pop-up trailer designed for motorcycles, subcompacts and hybrids and slated for production this summer, Scarab deploys at the touch of a button

Touch a button on a key-fob remote, and the Scarab RV pop-up tent trailer opens automatically. Two pneumatic linear actuators open a pair of top panels – like the wing covers on the scarab beetle namesake – and the on-board air compressor inflates a two-person dome tent. The entire setup takes about 30 seconds, as illustrated by a promo video (see bottom of this article).

While hydraulic actuators have been used for some time on larger standard tent trailers, the Scarab appears to be the first folding trailer to use linear actuators and compressed air to deploy the sleeping compartment. In a marvel of multi-tasking, the Scarab's compressor can also be used to inflate a queen-sized air mattress and to adjust the air shock suspension.

Ultralight RVs are a growing trend among "green" campers. At just over 200 lbs (under 100 kg) dry weight, the Scarab is light enough to be towed by a subcompact, hybrid, or road bike. The low weight, combined with the low profile, low center of gravity, and streamlined profile, should make towing easy on both the vehicle and the environment.

The sleek, high-efficiency design is the work of Michael Setzer, a designer and project manager in Camano Island, Washington. The patent-pending Scarab RV folding trailer, Setzer said in his product announcement, represents "a new genre of recreational vehicles…the flexibility of having your own accommodations [without] cumbersome bulk and weight."

Keeping the Scarab RV Light

The design owes much to developments in ultralight aircraft manufacture. For example,Setzer says that "the frame is a fully welded light-gauge tubular steel assembly, fabricated in much the same manner as small aircraft tubular frames: strong, light and durable."

Non-structural molded composite body panels will be used for further weight reduction. The standard construction is pressure-molded fiberglass with a gel-coat finish, but Carbon Graphite epoxy molded panels with clear finish and exposed woven graphite are an available upgrade.

Scarab RV Storage Capacity

Although the unit is compact, Setzer claims that the Scarab's storage compartments provide "plentiful capacity for sleeping bags, fishing gear, cook stoves and other conveniences."

  • The front compartment contains the air compressor and pressure tank, remote receiver, battery, electrical systems, and optional auxiliary fuel tanks and pump. There's room left over for refreshments, rain gear, or anything that needs to be kept handy.
  • The tent assembly, when closed, is contained in the upper lid segment of the trailer; even if the tent is put away wet, the bottom compartment will stay dry.
  • The entire lower section of the body, about 20 cubic feet (0.6 cubic meters), is available for storage. "This storage area is accessible from a rear tailgate that is similar in form and function to a truck tailgate," says Setzer. "We are considering a 'slide-out' shelf which would provide easy access to all stored items."

Scarab RV Pop-up Tent Trailer Specifications

  • Dry weight: 212 lbs (96 kg)
  • Gross weight: 450 lbs (200 kg)
  • Useful capacity: 1 238 lbs (560 kg)
  • Height: 30 in (75 cm)
  • Length: 84 in (210 cm)
  • Width: not given
  • Tongue weight 18 lbs (8 kg)
  • Tent Size: 60" (150 cm) long x 80" (200 cm) wide x 60" (150 cm) high
  • Tent Capacity: 2 adults, 370 lbs (170 kg) combined maximum weight.
  • Air Compressor: 150 PSI 12V with 2 gal. pressure tank
  • Tires: Carlisle 4.80x12 tubeless, 990 lb max load per tire.
  • Both body and tent will be available in a variety of colors

Specifications as provided by Scarab Industries. Because this is a product under development, specifications may change slightly for the final production models.

Additional Options for the Scarab RV Pop-up Tent Trailer

Extras planned for the Scarab RV will include the following:

  • Auxiliary fuel tank, 2 1/2 US gal. (up to two, for a total of 5 US gal
  • 12V Fuel pump, manifold and 10 ft ( 3 m) dispensing hose
  • Air mattress, 58 in x 78 in x 5 in.
  • Exterior light and wiring
  • Pull-out storage drawer (under consideration)

Questions About the Scarab RV Trailer

Designer Michael Setzer answers Suite101's questions:

  1. It's so light - will it be durable? "I've gone to a much stronger pneumatic system...Parts will be...manufactured in the same manner as the highest quality aviation components. Longevity will not be an issue."
  2. Will it be waterproof? "That is a priority for me, as I developed this...for my (own) travels."
  3. What if a fuse blows - can the doors still be opened? "A release valve accessible from the tailgate lock-up...will allow opening both of the other compartments."

"The Scarab RV will be a very durable road-worthy vehicle that will provide many years of comfort and convenience in traveling for the motorcyclist and for the hybrid and compact car owner," Setzer concludes.

The Scarab RV is expected to go into production in early summer 2009.

Video of Scarab RV Automatic Tent Opening

Scarab RV Web Site


The copyright of the article Scarab Automatic Pop-up Tent Trailer in RV Recreation is owned by Thomas Alan Gray. Permission to republish Scarab Automatic Pop-up Tent Trailer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


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Comments
Jul 18, 2009 10:55 AM
Guest :
From ScarabRV:
We’ve all heard of the exciting new benefits of the economic stimulus package and how the SBA has developed a plan to assist new and developing businesses. We talked with our local SBA preferred lender and got an inspirational response after cursory review of our BP and financials. Well, as it was passed up the ladder, interest declined and after a couple of weeks of waiting, our application was declined.
All of that being said, we are pursuing a couple of new avenues and hope to have some solid direction before too much time passes. How much time is that? I really can’t say for sure but hopefully within a couple of months, maybe less. The core of the matter is that we will not be able to begin fabrication until we reach an alternative plan for our start-up funding requirements. I will be meeting with potential partners and investors and hope to find the right combination of capital to get us underway.
Subsequent to the above coming together, I will be applying all of my time and energy to get us back on track with production and begin developing our second model. The second model is specifically for small vehicles and will not be a motorcycle towable unit.
The first 75 units will still be offered at a substantial discount on a direct sales basis and recipients of our newsletters will be the first to be informed of the availability of these units. Of course, there will be much more advanced information on the finished product by that time.
Please stay in tune with us and be patient. The finished product will be spectacular and we are sure you will be impressed with the overall quality. Had things gone as planned, we would be in Sturgis this year but much to our dismay, next year will be the plan now.
So, keep an eye open for us as we overcome this temporary set-back and navigate forward with our plans to populate the world with the ultimate ultralight recreational vehicle, ScarabRV.
Thank you for your interest.
Mike@scarabRV.com
If you share a passion for our product and think you might want to be involved in some way, financially or professionally, please contact me.
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