New Toppers

Hi all,

Figured since our first unit is going on a 2nd gen we should post here.

We started production on our first truck bed shell. Will be on the customer’s truck shortly after we get back from #overlandexpo. This first one of for a second Gen Tacoma but we will have them for most trucks. This is an aluminum exterior and steel skeleton shell. There are three options for racks. An ultra low profile (2” total above roof), Prinsu/SSO extrusion style, or contractor style tube. Our steel skeleton is designed so any of these can be easily installed in just a short time. You can even bolt your roof top tent directly to it! No rack needed. Shells start at $3200. DM us here, IG, or from our website.

Happy to answer any questions here too.

 

Weight for 6 foot bed?

 

Sorry for the late reply, we’re at Overland Expo. Weight is approx 200 lbs with no rack. The unit we’re working on now is a 6 foot Gen two. Will be completely first week of June so we will have pictures up. Thanks

 

I'm intrigued by this. Subbed.

 

@TaosTacoTRD

 

What is the name of this brand?

 

FORTcampers.com, although it doesn't look like they added it to the website.

 

Interested in seeing more pictures.

 

Hi all, the topper is at powdercoat currently. Will have pictures of it up on IG when it's back. There are a couple of pictures of our wedge camper prototype there as well. Very well received at Overland Expo. It's only partially completed but there will be more pics coming shortly.

 

We changed the design from steel over to an all-alumiunm riveted skeleton. It will drop the weight to the 130 lb range. Here is the wedge camper, the topper shell will be the exact same design.

 

Estimate on cost? Also, are these going to be available with side windows?

 

The toppers will be just north of $3000. The wedge we're trying to come in under $8000, with mattress, ladder, front/rear windows, tent doors, etc. So basically better than everyone else!

Side windows are a question at this point as we're evaluating whether we make flat doors or raised ones like the prototype. As we're trying to reach a price point we haven't asked that question yet. We certainly could do anything as an option if there is interest but we are really trying to make these affordable.

 

@Falldownhard

 

looks like a very clean, lightweight design.

as you're still in the design stage, you might see what you can come up with to address the issues other metal cap manufacturers haven't quite cracked for the NA market: freeze-proof locks/latches that can be opened/closed from inside.

 

Agreed 100%

 

The only options for that are the cable-actuated slam latches. We use one for the rear. Sides use the push button compression style.

 

i think being able to open the rear from the inside would do it. do you have some method of preventing water getting in the compression latches? in cold climates they'll freeze shut otherwise. since the other metal cap manufacturers seem to all be located in South Africa, that isn't really a design flaw for their home market, while it can be here.

 

Some of the southco latches have covers. It's interesting that this is such an issue on toppers but not on trailers that use the same locks. We have used our trailers in the snow and ice and haven't experienced it yet. And most other trailer manufacturers use similar southco latches.

 

i dunno, maybe it has something to do with toppers being used every day on a vehicle, all through winter. it certainly isn't a problem for everyone, but camping in the snow may not always reflect the same conditions as driving a vehicle every day for a month with temps never getting above 20 degrees. if you check out the RLD & RSI threads here on TW, you might find further insight.