Tradesman Truck Tops commercial style topper/shell

I'd stick with my FWC rather than go with one like in the picture. That is way too high for my needs. But a good example of what is possible.

 

I think it would be about the same height (at least with-in a couple inches) as my buddy's E-250 Van with a 6" lift sitting on 35's. Have been looking at Midroof Ford Transits, might real similar too.




Though it seems they can build you anything you want.
Found this crazy thing on the website.



Really miss my VW Westy...was thinking with the Ford Transit and doing a 4WD conversion with a GTRV poptop, so I could haul a couple dirt bikes and sleep above them. But it gets pricey real quick...so looking for a compromise in between the two. Liked being able to hang out in the Westy with the top closed, did the plain camper shell for years, feels like you're sleeping in a coffin, and having to crawl around on your hands and knees gets old. I keep on looking at FWC or ATC's, but don't like how they stick out so far on the sides, nor do I like not being able to use them when it is closed. Even thought of trying to find a Bigfoot camper, but it is too big. That cab over might just be the ticket and compromise between everything. Of course trying to find the "perfect setup" never seems to end.

 

what website are you finding these on? thanks

 

Here you go.

http://tradesmantrucktops.com/

Found that 1st gen Taco here: http://www.spevakdesigns.com/taco-shell-camper/

Also if you search "tradesman truck tops" in google image, brings up a lot. Actually how I stumbled on this thread, because I have been looking at contractor tops for an option for me.

 

That's my truck! Happy to have inspired you in your search for an upgrade to the 'nest'. If you're ever passing through the santa cruz area I'd be happy to meet up for coffee or a beer and give you a rig tour.

I'm 5'10" and with the bench shown in the second picture I have just enough room to sit completely upright inside. I actually have been scheming plans to build up a soft-side pop-top version like you described in hopes of building a pull-out bed in the cab-over area and to provide standing roof inside. I'd like to use a 2nd gen tacoma as the base vehicle for that build as it's a little more powerful than the 1st gens are and the vertical interior bedsides will make cabinets easier to fit.

For those with a fear of heights the overall height of the truck is at 93". 86" without the roof rack. And I'm on 32's with a 1-2" lift - full OME dakar leaf pack. It's tall, but I still do donuts on the beach and wheel the truck pretty hard The shell weighed just under 400lb before I started adding things like the roof rack, solar panels and interior build-out.

Mine is carpeted, but doesn't have any interior insulation and we find it to be very comfortable. It's been to baja, burning man and overnighted in the sierras last winter. I had a vent I was going to install, but haven't found it to be necessary. Being white in color and getting a lot of shade protection from the roof rack it never really gets that hot. Plus aluminum is highly thermally conductive so any hotspot from one wall being in the sun tends to dissipate quickly. The most significant thermal issue is actually that the truck bed itself tends to suck out heat at night in colder weather. The composite beds of the 2nd and 3rd gen trucks should make that less of an issue.

This was the vent -

$76 VENTLINE/DEX VP543 6" 12V Powered Round Vent

https://www.amazon.com/VENTLINE-VP543-POWERED-ROUND-VENT/dp/B00R6M2UPS/ - I had to modify it so that it would be able to open underneath the roof rack (drill out rivets, grinder and file the interior lip, adjust brackets, reassemble with rivet gun). I think it was significantly cheaper when I bought it so may be worth shopping around. I'd also be willing to sell the modified one if someone is interested.

I've had a few questions and needed some parts for the door latches at one point and Tradesman was there to answer the phone every time and very affordable in providing parts to the point where I think they may have sold me a pass-through window at cost(!). As to the durability of their product - I am the third owner of this shell and it is nearly 15 years old. It's was originally used for hauling dirt bikes down washboard roads in the desert, gets used for construction during the week and we live less than a quarter mile from the ocean in a very moist, salty climate. At this rate it may outlast the truck. I am blown away at how well it's held up to all the use and abuse. It's still completely water-tight. And with the double doors replacing the tailgate it was actually dust-proof at burning man as well.

 

Awesome setup man, love it! Was curious about the overall height, thanks for chiming in with all the other info too! I have 1st gen Taco too, with nearly the same setup as you 2-2.5" lift with a combo of Camburg and OME, 32" tires and ARB bumper.

We used to have a '73 VW Westy for about 8 years, and I really miss being able to hang out in it when the weather was foul. Love the 'Nest but in high winds I close it up since it is like a kite, so either lay in the bed of the truck or hang out in the cab. Yours with maybe a poptop like what Iggy had built, might be a very good compromise between my Nest and the VW. We ride dirt and mountain bikes be nice to standup to change into gear. Was looking at mid-roof Ford Transits for mainly just that...but would have to convert it to 4WD and even then still not as capable as my Tacoma...and to be honest don't want to spend the money on it.

If I am ever through Santa Cruz might have to take you up on that offer, thanks again!

 

So much so that it has me scouring the web to find a used aluminum topper to see if I could swing camping in one vs my FWC. However, during my last trip to the desert it was fairly windy by the late hour I got to camp. I chose just to boil some water inside the FWC and said to myself "this thing is pretty awesome, why am I thinking about going a different route?".

 

I absoluly love mine. One thing that really is nice about a sleep platform in a topper is being able to “camp” anywhere (parking lot) if necessary.

With my Tradesman it’s insulated so keeps you warm if cold out. And the vent on the roof and all the sliding Windoors keeps it cool if hot

 

Thanks for all your help. We will see how this turns out.

 

So I'm assuming you built out the sleeping platform and the shelf to the right correct?

I'm really liking this.

 

These things are wicked. Tempted to order a taller one.

 

Nice!

 

is it possible to order one with a strong roof that could support 3-500 pounds ?

 

damn, thats a sweet setup.

 

Just seconding everything @Toynado said about these truck tops. I just had mine installed and the build quality and attention to detail exceeded all expectations. Looking forward to getting this bed outfitted!

 

Looks awesome!
Can't wait to see more.

 

I would love to see pics of the inside!!!

 

Will get some more detail pics up soon!

 

Thanks Steve!!!!