Alibaba / AliExpress Camper Shell Thread

Nice, I'm excited to see it installed.

 

Got it all assembled and ready to go on the truck. Only one real issue going together, the bolt layout for the roof rails were backwards, which wouldn’t let the panels go on the way they needed to. Not a huge deal, drill two new holes. I would highly recommend dry fitting everything before final assembly just so you know what might fight you a little. There were definitely some bolt holes on the front and rear panels that needed some persuasion to line up. I also opted not to use the butyl between the panels and instead sealed it from the outside with the supplied sealant. It’s actually some pretty good stuff. I should have it on the truck later today and will report back.

So far, for $1300, I really can’t complain about anything. Is it the same quality of a smartcap? I highly doubt it. But I also knew that going into it. I’m just excited to have side doors lol.

 

That’s nice. Is that aluminum or steel? How is the quality?

is it heavy? Can you lift it by yourself to mount it on the truck?

I am thinking of getting mine painted to the same color of my truck before putting the pieces together. I am not 100% sure and may leave it black.

The seller sent me a picture of the product before they book it for shipping. It is a little dirty but I’m hoping that they will clean it before they package it.

 

It’s aluminum and very light. Much lighter than my fiberglass one. I still think two people is a necessity but it’s very manageable.

The quality is pretty damn good considering the cost. Like I said though, there are definitely some things you’re gonna fight here and there because I’m almost positive they aren’t test fitting these before sending them out.

Also, got mine mounted on the truck this afternoon. Fitment overall is great! Only issue is the front driver side corner has a small gap under the weatherstripping. HOWEVER, I think that’s an issue with my bed, not the shell, because my fiberglass one had a small gap there and the bed cover I had previously had one as well. I think the front “bulkhead” portion of my bed sits a little higher on the driver side for some reason. I filled the gap with butyl and I’ll see how it does next time it rains.

 

That looks very nice. The color blends well with your truck and wheels.

 

The rail that goes across the front bed panel sits a little higher than the bed sides so I creates a gap, pretty common on the 3rd gen. You can try loosening the screws and see if it will go down any. If you use the ESI bubble seal it will pretty much seal up that gap.

$36 ESI Super Cap Seal XL 20 FT (2 1/8" Width x 1/2" Height x 20' Length) EPDM Rubber for Caps Over 200 lbs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCCNUJQ

 

Thanks! Yeah my tonneau cover had the gap as well. I may try that seal. The shell came with a 3M double bulb seal but I might loosen the front and put that one under the corners.

 

Got the tent/awning reinstalled and my lights wired up. I leave for Wyoming in a week so I’m happy to have some time to make sure everything is good to go lol.

 

Very nice! Have you already tested the camper shell under the rain if water will leak into the bed?

Also what is the type of crossbars did you use to hold the roof tent?

Thise interior lights looks bright and nice.

 

It has barely rained since I put it on but no leaks so far except around the tailgate. You’ll likely have more issues with the bed itself leaking, since Tacoma beds have a thousand spots where water can get in lol. I already took care of most of those spots when I had my first shell though.

For the crossbars I’m just using Unistrut that you can get at Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc. I used angle brackets to attach them to the rails on the shell.

 

Where exactly did you order this from for $1300? I would be interested to get it for the price.

 

Does that clear glass tilt or open up for easy cleaning?

 

I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on one of these canopies.In Canada one of these alu-cabs type canopies are around $6000cad.Would you guys mind sharing which sellers you got them from?Pm if you like.
Thanks

 

im interested in the seller information too... this look good enough and the right price....

 

look on FB Marketplace, they are popping up pretty often and I’m sure the prices are negotiable, maybe not as cheap but no wait times or shipping costs, I’ve even seen the camper model too

 

Wow they’re asking more than double the price of what I’ve paid for . I only paid $1335 shipped, I just have to wait for it to arrive next month. That seller from FB are selling it for $2,999.

 

Lighting looks great. What kind of lighting setup did you get?

Also thanks for posting just bought one and a bit nervous about ordering from Ali but this makes me feel better.

I think these things are gonna get pretty popular. Hard to argue with the price and the fact that it comes with a rail and molle panels for mounting.

 

I have Hardkorr lights. 3 of their 19” on the ceiling and two side doors, and a 39” on the back door. They’re currently almost impossible to get in the US now unfortunately. GTFOverland has a 3 light kit that looks pretty awesome though.

 

Thanks! Love your set up. Swing open the windoors and can use it to light up the camp site. I’ll see if I can get my hands on something similiar.

 

Thanks! Here’s the lights I mentioned. Looks like it’s still a preorder, but I like the features.

https://gtfoverland.com/products/new-superpacific-gfc-alucab-light-kit