Tradesman Truck Tops commercial style topper/shell

I went with the some G-30 clamps off Amazon. 25$ a 4 pack. I got 2 packs and was going to run 6 but in the end I just used them all. No use for extras. They fit my 1st gen perfectly but I have no idea about later gens so make sure to check measurements before ordering anything. I don't want to set you up for failure.

 

1st trip was a success!

 

This was at the Gold Basin Campground near the Lake 22 trailhead in WA. The pit toilets are open but the flush toilets and showers are closed for Covid. Really nice hike up to Lake 22. Private campsites. Would recommend!

 

Got a call from the Truck Shell dealer and my A.R.E. came in 4 weeks instead of the 10 weeks they told me. Looking forward to building the bed out, even if it is only the 5' bed. Plans are for solar and an ARB awning.

 

Any photos from the front?

 

Not my truck but same height on a Tacoma. Front shot.

 

I love your truck! I am just giving up mine of the same color, as I leased it and they aren’t making it again. I went with cement. I hope I like it as much. I’m grateful I discovered the tradesmen company by seeing one in my neighborhood. Thanks so much for your information, excellent build. I would appreciate knowing the cost, and I will also be working with Maria. I hope I can afford the upgrades you did, Very cool

 

Im considering joining the tradesman club and am curious if anyone would be willing to share their build costs? I've already got some quotes (starting at 5,400) from them for cab over options but not entirely convinced with height as Im off road quite a bit in the summer. Hoping to save myself, and access MFG some back and forth, possible help others quest in the future while I figure things out. No need to include shipping. I've gone through the thread and have seen folks asking to DM for price. Not sure why the price of a campers so private/mysterious? also if anyone is selling the bay area, please let me know. Cheers to the sweet toppers.

 

I've posted on here somewhere in the past that mine was around $5500. No insulation, carpeted inside, white, one toolbox with a shelf and one divider on the drivers side, sliders on both sides, flip down front window. I also bought Yakima tracks and had them shipped to Access.

 

Think I did see your post awhile back, I appreciate the transparency and updated pics. Kind of surprised. I guess at such little difference in cost between the standard vs cabover. I'm a bit worried about headwinds in the 2.7 regular cab with a cabover configuration, also maybe top heavy off road. Heres a pic for lulz of me and bud out in his old truck and callen camper. Was kinda tippy.

 

Sorry for the double up. How are you liking the interior carpeting? I was considering going the pink insulation and shower board route, but the carpet may be just perfect here in the bay area anyways.

 

I’m looking at the tradesmen‘s and getting very close to ordering. Would love to find one used, I am in California. I’m trying to decide about insulation, as I don’t camp a lot in the winter. And trying to decide between the 26 and 30 inch height, don’t really like the wedge.. it would be nice to have the extra room but I think the 30 inch starts to look a little much on a Tacoma..

 

I feel you on the used. Especially when I plan on being in the woods a bunch. Anyone ever put a branch through a wall on one of these?

 

Mine was $3,078.50 total. It's an A.R.E. DCU wedge 26-32. Pics earlier in the thread.

 

If you can find me a Drifter I'll sell you mine

Insulation is also great in the summer. If I were doing it again I probably would still do the insulation and carpet, but I also have only ever had that so don't have a comparison at this point. If I were looking to save money I probably would skip the security screens and the color matched paint.

Here are some comparisons between the 26" and 30" on Tacomas. The Tacoma with the 30" has a platform built at the top of the bed rails vs mine with it at the top of the wheel wells.

I am generally a little hesitant to post exactly what I paid because the prices may not be accurate anymore and I don't want to potentially put them in the awkward position of having to defend their prices. They are super responsive and great to work with, and they will get you a quote quickly which is the most accurate way to know the price. If you're just ball parking then they are typically 2 to 3x the cost of a fiberglass shell. If you want to know all the details on my particular build I'm happy to share my invoice from 3 years ago via DM. I just personally don't want to post an out of date invoice on a public forum for a company of their size.

 

I like the carpeting. Muffles sound a bit and Might have some minimal insulation property (probably more in my head, it still gets really cold inside in the winter). You can attach things to the carpet with velcro.

 

Nope. Some good scratches. The worst damage I've done is putting a dent the rear hatch when my bike rack got loose and my handle bar ends pounded on it for who knows how long off road.

 

Shopping for a Drifter now? Have you looked at the Super Pacific Camper? Those are catching my interest but there are some things about them I don't care for. No camper is perfect. I plan to keep my shell for a while since it's working out for me.

 

Not shopping for one in earnest but if one popped up used I might try to jump on it. I did look at the Super Pacifics a little bit and also the Trail Fort campers look pretty cool. I agree - my shell is working for me and it's paid for so it's hard to justify getting anything else. The only thing that has me thinking about a wedge camper is to have a little more sleeping space and more maneuverability inside. With two of us and our dog in the bed it can be a bit cramped. It's fine for now, but I think in a few years we'll probably be ready for something different.