i've been thinking about how to make it easier to explore the 30-42" diameter storm drain tunnels. crawling for long distances is obviously tiring and uncomfortable. i've used my skateboard in 36" tunnels and it's a lot of fun for the downhill part, but not so much for the uphill.

has anyone had any experience using some sort of motor? i saw on one of the threads someone suggested using an RC car (holding the car's wheels against the pipe), but i think that would not have enough power. something like a motorized scooter or skateboard would have enough power, but the motor is fairly heavy (not to mention the battery pack). is there something in between?

another configuration which might work for slightly larger pipes could be to take a full electric scooter but with a shortened steering bar, and attach a 3rd wheel off to the side. this way the electrical parts would be well away from the inch or so of water that's probably running down the middle of the pipe.

these are all just ideas, i'd like to know if people have experience with this and how it panned out

small 2 stroke internal combustion engine running inside a confined space like a pipe or drain, not a good idea

better go electric, better post this in the tutorial section

Posted by 2Xplorations small 2 stroke internal combustion engine running inside a confined space like a pipe or drain, not a good idea better go electric, better post this in the tutorial section

A fellow explorer and I have been discussing this for a long time. Human powered might be even better.

Posted by Keaven A fellow explorer and I have been discussing this for a long time. Human powered might be even better.

Absolutely, bicycles in drains or tunnels are awesome!

i would never use a gas-powered engine in a confined space. i was thinking electric scooter/skateboard. or rather taking the wheel + motor + battery pack out and using them as separate components. the issue is mostly weight - those components (especially the battery) are extremely heavy. so if i'm kneeling or lying on something like a conventional skateboard, with the motor + wheel in my hand holding it against the pipe, and the battery is in my backpack .. seems like it could work maybe.

thoughts?

I did a quick Google of 'electric skateboard kit' then clicked on Images. It shows all sorts of electric drive trucks. Don't know what it would cost to build one but you wouldn't have to reinvent wheel to get one going.

Sounds like a fun project.

https://www.google...S&biw=1447&bih=723

Abby Normal

I would just walk it but if you really feel the need to have something, skateboard.

You should check this video out and watch the followng two they deal with how to amke an electric longboard. it would be water resistant maybe not water proof but brush;less dc motors are no affected by water

https://www.youtub...atch?v=4_ImE0sRnfM

If you do it, make sure you can egress without it if it fails...