Elio External Storage Boxes / Fighter Jet Intake Mod

[outsydthebox]

You know, I don't think it would be too hard to make a replacement rear skirt, such that it bulges out a little bit, and also takes up any interior space available. Yes, it would not provide much space or weight capacity, but you don't want much weight added back there anyway.

This just gave me an interesting idea...What about all of the wasted space under that rear cover? The rear tire is very narrow and I think some storage boxes could be made to better utilize that space. Some access doors can be added to the cover and wouldn't affect the air flow. I think there is enough space, to fit a full face helmet on either side of the tire, above the swing-arm. I know, we have no reason to carry motorcycle helmets, but many of us here used to ride, so....just for perspective.

 

[vietvetx2]

Machine gun blisters ala WW II B-25s but don't forget the heads up gun sight. :-)

 

[vietvetx2]

For two to travel it wold be easier to tow a motorcycle cargo trailer or what I want is a small pop up camper. If a 750cc motorcycle can do this, it should be no problem for the Elio. Gee; the milage might drop to 70 MPH. I can live with that.

 

[wizard of ahs]

For two to travel it wold be easier to tow a motorcycle cargo trailer or what I want is a small pop up camper. If a 750cc motorcycle can do this, it should be no problem for the Elio. Gee; the milage might drop to 70 MPH. I can live with that.

http://www.tiny-house-living.com/light-weight-teardrop-travel-trailers.html

 

[booboo]

http://www.tiny-house-living.com/light-weight-teardrop-travel-trailers.html

Maybe one of these on the back. A queen air mattress should fit perfectly.
420 lbs empty weight; 1000 lbs payload.
http://letsgoaero.com/gearwagon-125-enclosed-trailer/
or, and I like it better and it is cheaper.
http://letsgoaero.com/littlegiant-7-hardshell-enclosed-trailer/

 

[W. WIllie]

Those trailers are not very aero-though.

 

[booboo]

Those trailers are not very aero-though.

Here is an "aero" teardrop you might like. Only $27,637 US.

 

[raptor213]

That Alto Safari Condo teardrop trailer is pretty cool. But with an empty curb weight of 2,000# and a maximum allowable weight of 2,700#, that would most definitely be out of reach for our precious Elio's to pull.

Consider that most coupes, midsize sedans, full-size sedans, crossovers, compact SUV's, and even light-duty pickup trucks have maximum recommended towing capabilities of less than 1,500#.

Reference: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle /towing-capacity-chart.htm

 

[W. WIllie]

That trailer is great. No wasted space, compact, and everything installed is functional.
Good aero when collapsed for towing, but not with the Elio.

 

[raptor213]

I was thinking more along the lines of an Escapade Excel motorcycle cargo trailer. For more info, see either/both of these dealers' websites:

http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=90_92&products_id=410

http://californiasidecar.com/index.php/trikes/show/excel

Empty curb weight of 250#, cargo capacity of 350#, max. gross trailer weight of 600#, less than 15# of tongue weight.

Like the Elio, these trailers are proudly build in the USA (Virginia), made-to-order out of hand-molded fiberglass. The downside is the invoice tips the scales between $4500-6000 assembled, painted, accessorized, crated, and delivered. It's nearly doubling the cost of your Elio acquisition.

IMHO, assuming you can get a fully equipped and optioned Elio to your liking out the door for say $11k, and a customized cargo trailer for $5k, $16k combined isn't bad for a hyper-mileage two-seater prepared for grocery shopping, golf outings, picnics, camping, cross-country trips, or even a suburban stock-up trip to Costco. With a cargo opening that's 4'x3', there's not much you couldn't accomplish.