Let's see those Alu-cab setups

Sounds obviously like the installation was dicked up.

 

definitely seal all the standard Toyota bed leaky spots. There are huge gaps where the front and bed sides meet, at the top. The compartment near the back on the side of the bed has a hole in it. Any drain holes.

check rivets and any wire holes (brake light), might need a smear of silicone.

 

Thanks, the company sealed a substantial amount of the front corners and the floor itself. Hence the standing water. I left from LA and drove to SLO Wed and there was a steady rain since I left. When I got there and opened the back it was about a half inch of water in the bed. Upon further inspection there was visible leaks around the likely corners up front, but also several leaks on the camper itself. Tried rtv to help stop the leaks with minimal success.

Frustrated as this will be the second of two camp trips I've had to cancel now.

 

I had leaks at first. Every single one was the result of a poor install(east coast installer, DM if you want details) None of it was poor quality on alucab side.

I decided to seal it up on my own. Took about 4 hours and 6 tubes of caulk. Tacoma has alot of spots that need to be sealed, many of which aren't easy to spot.

Alucab and most of their distributors are great people. I've had a good experience reaching out to them on the two minor issues I've had.

 

I drove from SLC back to WA last week with my new explorer shell on. It was also pretty wet back in the bed when I got home. I did not try to seal anything up yet. Though it’s rained when it’s been sitting in the driveway and hasn’t seemed to get wet. Mine is definitely much more wet when driving.

 

First off, merry Christmas, second, thanks for the advice. I watched a short video displaying all of the areas that can be prone to leaks and was astonished.
I had my other top off for nearly a week and should have sealed the bed alone. That being said, the installer was nothing but apologetic and said to set up a time as soon as I get back from the holidays.
I assume most of the issues, from what I can tell, are definitely from the front of the bed or the side rails.
But the camper itself did have several areas of leakage.
What type of sealant did you use? I had some general clear caulk and another rtv for the time being, but it was still raining and hard to keep areas dry. Hoping this week will be different, but unlikely lol.

 

Mixture of black silicone caulk, 3M window weld, and some 1/2" backer rod(like a flexible solid rubber rod)

Took me a couple times. Seal up, find a new place, seal up again

 

Just curious if anyone has ever entertained the idea of opening up a Pass-Thru to the rear window of the truck? Then you could actually utilize the trucks heat via a remote start. Of course it would require some clever sealing between cab and camper, a tire inner tube perhaps.

 

Anyone have first hand knowledge of the silver Alu-cab canopy (topper, not tent) versions? How close is it to a silver tacoma color? Any good pictures? Google search failed on good silver toppers.

 

Awesome

 

For those with the alu cab explorer shell (or those with similar internal channels), what fasteners do you use for the inside channels? Either some type of captive nut (for bolting up in to) or bolt head (to hang down and bolt onto)? I think m8 hex bolts are supposed to fit but I have a hell of a time time getting any of the ones I have to slide in. Even ones I can get to work in one channel are a pain in another. I’m wondering if some non-US spec bolt works better? Maybe it’s the black coating making them really tight? Smaller bolts? Any particular size T-nut or extrusion type nut work well?

 

Yeah I was laying in the bed yesterday trying with gloves and grabbing the bolt with pliers. Probably 90% of the ones I tried I could not get to work. It was also 10 degrees and I was just too cold and frustrated to try anymore.

I did have a pack of these I had bought to try in my roof rack extrusions. They slid in easily, definitely not as snug as a m8, but they don’t spin around in the track.

DCT Tee Bolt Set – 20 Pack 1-3/4in T Bolts for Woodworking, T Track Bolts Jig Bolts, 1/4in 20 Thread T Bolt

DCT Tee Bolt Set – 20 Pack 1-3/4in T Bolts for Woodworking, T Track Bolts Jig Bolts, 1/4in 20 Thread T Bolt

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQB18N1?_encoding=UTF8

 

I wonder if these would work? https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/front-runner-stainless-steel-tie-down-rings.html

 

those are m8 hex bolts, which as I understand “should” work. However in my experience with all my random m8 bolts I have, I can only get a few in. Unless there is some random South African spec for m8 bolts that I’m not aware of.

 

according to alu cab, though in my experience it’s not this cut and dry. I’m thinking the power coating is on really thick or something. I’ll probably try to grind down the heads of a few bolts and keep a bag of them aside for mounting.

“Based on the extraordinarily stable construction of the Aluminium profiles, additions such as cabinets, shelves or mounting rails can be secured directly onto the frame. For this reason, the lower longitudinal frame member, front-lower transverse member, and the roof transverse members are all made of Aluminium profiles with integrated nut slots. Therefore, commercially available hex bolts (8mm) can be used. The vehicle brackets are also screwed to these rails.

The cargo rails on the roof do not need special screws or T-nuts. Here, standard M8 flatbolts with square head (DIN 603) should be used. In both cases, a stable connection can be achieved by using lock nut screws (DIN 985).”

 

The interior channels have been fussy on my explorer canopy.

The correct bolt size is M8, 13mm across the flats of the head.

The powder coat builds up in the channel interior causing blockages and interference. I’ve used chisels, picks, and files to clean mine up. I haven’t been able to clear every obstruction but I’ve made good headway.

Most, if not all of the channels have recesses at both ends and the middle. I’m usually able to slide a bolt in from one end of the other to make whatever location work.

it’s a pretty neat system. Alu-Cab could stand to improve QA on this.

 

I should just rough up a bolt, force it in, and drag it through each track several times with a pair of pliers.

 

Hey Basss, did you get your leaks resolved? Been looking at picking one up from what I think is probably the same shop. Thanks!

 

They are working on getting me worked into the schedule. Went out last week, no rain so no issues. But Daniel has been pretty cool about everything. Once they get me in they will go through the entire camper and truck bed, power wash it, and see where the leaks are and fix accordingly. Other than that the thing as amazing and Tiny Rig has been nothing but helpful though the entire process.

 

Sweet! That’s what I was hoping to hear.
Thanks for the response man!