Chandler's Battleship of Doom

Hahah my wife's always like "that one of your internet friends??" Then tells my kids that 1) dad is a weirdo, and 2) don't talk to strangers like dad

 

Should have seen me too..

 

Stop being needy

 

I know Brent, granted last time he saw the truck was stock..

 

Finalized the canopy today, the tray is already started. In about 3-4 weeks it should all be ready for shipment

 

I still need to add what little pictures that I took of the trip but I've been busy around the house plus leaving tonight for work doesn't help.

But I've been working out the "integrated" RTT design into my canopy. @Overlanerd gave me an idea of having the tent portion just bolt onto the existing canopy roof instead of having a separate canopy that offered the tent built into it (well at least thats how I interpreted his message lol) So I worked through a couple of designs and was thinking it may just be easier to mount the hardshell tent to the roof of the canopy and be done with it but was afraid of the overall height after the rack and tent mounts.

So I went back to "integrating it" So right now I'm at a point where the RTT will be made out of aluminum that will match the profile of the canopy for a sleek one piece look, it will bolt directly to the canopy roof for a low as possible mounting solution. The ladder on the back of the canopy will be used to enter the tent so no messing with a separate ladder. Leaning towards a wedge design for three reasons, solar panels mounted can face the sun in the morning, keep your fabric out of the sunlight for a non sleeping bag burrito sweating morning wake up, and its easier to have a rear entrance with the wedge design. Now the tradition pop up will give you more room on the inside, a 360deg view, and more airflow but I have to work out the rear entrance because thats usually where the lifting mechanism is on pop up RTTs.

But with that being said I may not pursue fiberglass hardshell RTT, and just make aluminum ones instead. I may still hold a group buy for those that are interested in purchasing a fiberglass hardshell

 

@Sacrifice did a pretty good write up so I would just head over to his thread for a detailed report. Seriously one of the best trips I've had, thanks again @inv3ctiv3 for planning everything out. Cant wait for the next one


Heres a bunch of my shitty pictures

 

Just here for the hardshell

 

Bring me your camper shell next time you come out

 

That might be a tough one, next time I'm in AZ ill have the new ass end. The shell will be the first to sell, the bumper I may hold onto for a little bit until I'm certain where I'm going with everything.

 

Haha no worries man. Definitely interested in checking out the new rear though!

 

Forgot to add, sold and sent out my 16" F5s today. I kept the tires, so those might get put on the factory wheels for rollers since the stock tires are pretty much worthless at this point

 

Questions:

1) Why switch from the 16 to the 17? I have 17 and will stick with it (cause it's best ) but if I had 16 I probably stick with them.
2) Still loving F5? Torn between those and the Ray 10s

 

Because 37s, I actually prefer 16s because tires are cheaper plus smaller wheel = bigger tire.

Love the F5, I was torn on selling those wheels but someone else really wanted them so I parted ways.

 

Oath. If Hutchinson made Rock Monsters in 16" I'd sell all of mine to refit.

 

Sorry for not being clear and I didn't know what you were working on until you tagged me. I was just saying that if you make the roof of the canopy bolt-on and removable, then you could integrate a full pop-up at a later date. Not for everyone, but I do like standing up in an enclosed area in the bed of my truck. Especially in winter. Different strokes for different folks. How did you like @inv3ctiv3 's setup?

Also, the UTE setup is going to be badass! With or without a popup camper.

 

And a decent offset

Now I'm tracking, that could easily be a possibility for the future. After I receive this one I'll have a pretty good idea what direction I want to take. Eventually I'll have a slide in camper, that's the goal

 

Are you re-geared with those dirty sevens?

 

488

 

Well just paid my customs and duty fees/surcharges, An eye opening experience so far. I am into this tent way more than I had hoped but still plan to keep the price the same for everyone. Should have it in my hands next weekend, hopefully without any more charges and get a group buy going