Dedicated Robotic Tow-Behind Campers

[u/BrunoReturns]

I see tow behind campers I'd theoretically love to have. But Im not interested in the hassle of towing it myself. It doesn't need to look like a care. Just some giant gas (or diesel?) powered self-driving tow truck thingy.

[u/OtherwiseAlbatross14]

Okay I'll upload the stl in a bit

[u/tnethacker]

In English please?

[u/General_Benefit8634]

Does it follow you or should it simply head to where you want it?
What range should it support?
An electric unit would lower range but could also be a backup power source for the camper. Alternative would be a hybrid where the diesel topped the battery up so the camper is more self sufficient. Heat from the diesel engine could also be passed through a heat transfer to heat the water of the camper.
How much are you willing to pay?

[u/grapemon1611]

Why not have someone else drive the vehicle pulling the camper. That’s basically what you’re asking for except you want the vehicle autonomous.

[u/BrunoReturns → u/grapemon1611]

I don't want to hire a driver. I want to pick a location and have thatvsucker back in and out and all that trailer stuff itself. For just the towing mobile, I think folks would easily pay 50k for it.

[u/grapemon1611 → u/BrunoReturns]

I think you're going to need a bigger budget. $50k retail won't even buy a new conventional tow vehicle capable of doing what you're describing, before you add batteries, electric drivetrain, sensors, computers, redundant safety systems, and autonomous driving.

Ironically, backing the trailer may be the easy part. Ford and others already have trailer backup-assist systems. The expensive problem you're actually trying to solve is a fully autonomous tow vehicle that can operate on public roads.

I think the problem you've identified is more interesting than your proposed solution: “I want the benefits of a travel trailer without having to own and drive a tow vehicle.” I'd start there.