Hondo Garage's New Thing

Integrating a mount for an Alu-Cab-style awning that could be deployed whether the 'tent' part was up or down would be outstanding:
https://www.tavllc.com/assets/uploads/Alu-Cab_Shadow_Awning_Right_Hand_Side_Land_Cruiser.jpg

 

I second this!

 

triple this

 

What would the finish options be for the hard side version? Paint, powder coat, etc?

Is there enough space in the tent portion to keep the bedding in there when it’s closed?

 

If your bedding is compressible like a down sleeping bag then yes. The camper comes with a 3" mattress (technically 4 separate cushions that snap to the floor panels) so that and compressible bags will fit.

 

Black, gray, or white powdercoat... or uncoated if you want to do your own thing for the panels. We'll probably standardize on black powdercoat for the tube frame but I'm going to run some in orange as well because I want one and I think it looks good with the gray truck when the sides are rolled up (I favor canvas sides personally.)

 

Because the whole upper frame is a utility track, we're going to be offering lots of accessories Including awning mounts for a number of different awnings. And yes, awning mounts would go on the non-lifting rail.

 

This would be perfect for weekend fishing trips. Very interested

 

What's the price break (if any) for picking up in person? You know, since I'm driving through Bozeman a few times a year anyway...

 

I can't wait to see one of the beta versions....this thing has huge potential!

 

Nice concept! Finally had to register to this awesome forum to post.

I love that kind of camper and here in Europe are many manufacturers of such pop up shells. Cool to see some popping up in the US now.

- Did you already decide what kind of fabric you will be using for the tent?

- Would it be able to customize the shell with a small rear entry door and getting rid off the tailgate? I would prefer stepping into the shell instead of climbing over the tailgate. And IMO this would improve dust sealing.

I personally find the price very competitive for what you get. And the machined aluminum parts look awesome! Looking forward for the final product. This might be an excellent option for my upcoming, extented North America trip!

Cheers from Switzerland, Neil

 

Welcome to the forum and where are you planning to visit while you're out here.......not to hijack the thread

 

Thank you sir!

Six months all over the South West, Colorado, Oregon and Western Canada.

@wileydavis hit me up if you need someone to test a beta unit, I‘m planning to fly in mid April to Los Angeles and building a Tacoma for the trip.

Neil

 

We're evaluating a few fabric contenders at the moment.

As for the tailgate, we'll be sticking with that for the time being. For one, I would hate not having a tailgate to sit on And two because having the full width of the back open and the sides up makes for a nice shady platform to hang out in. The goal was to have the whole thing turn into a sheltered outside space, if that makes sense. A camper that can blur the lines between inside and outside when you want it to (like on a warm desert evening).

And welcome to TW.

 

Sounds like you thought thru the sealing of the panels which is good to hear.

Final question: will there be an option for a top aluminum panel offered for when one would want to run just a fully enclosed shell configuration without the tent on top? Those of us who use the trucks for our daily drivers also would want the ability to not have to lug the tent everywhere but still have a fully enclosed shell.

 

We plan to start making just the shells as a stand-alone product using a lot of the same parts. But this system was designed to be a used as a unit. You could disconnect the two but it wouldn't be a quick procedure. I daily my truck as well and wanted something I could leave on all the time. When the tent is closed most people don't even realize it's a tent. And I need a contractor rack by day anyway, so no point in removing it since it doubles as one.

 

Outstanding concept and design y'all. Subd.

 

I'm intrigued and will be watching this with much interest. Any pics of the top open with bikes or something still attached to the rack?

 

I’m assuming there will be independently tested and fit models for each different vehicle model? Just want to verify since there are enough differences between the 3rd gen you have the prototype mounted on and my 2nd gen to make it not really work right. I really like the concept and I’m close to committing to a deposit.

 

@SjTacoSharks @m3bassman 5k for it.