Let's see those Alu-cab setups

Are you using the low profile load bar feet? Your setup looks lower than others I have seen online. I am planning to have a similar setup done very soon and the one question I haven’t had answered is: which load bar feet to use between the 40mm and 60mm? I never considered the low profile feet because of the issue with the antenna you are having.

 

I saw that they were a dealer but thought I would ask here before making the 6 hour drive down there. I’m located about 40 minutes north of Mpls / STP.

 

So how did y’all fix the crappy stick on Velcro issue for the window nets? Did the install properly per the instructions and it sticks to the powdercoat like crap. Thinking about putting a couple aluminum rivets in the Velcro but just checking in before I drill holes

 

Same problem. Thought about rivets but decided to try dap weldwood contact cement. Not tested yet but haven’t drilled a hole for rivet .

 

Anyone running deaver stage III leaf pack or air bags with a canopy camper? If so, what's your experience?

I'm on year 2 with the canopy camper and my OME Dakar heavys are absolutely wrecked. Curved the wrong way, almost riding on bump stops.

Next step seems to be deavers stage III and air bags with cardles. The bags are really just there to take weight off the springs while my wife and I sleep/hang out in the truck

 

I just scored the Dickinson p9000 heater at West Marine for $699 Ordered the GP-factor install kit from OK4WD. Cant wait to install it.

 

I have riveted mine (except for the bottom strips) and that really has worked about as best as you can hope for. Like you I cleaned everything, used 3M adhesive promoter, etc. And they were starting to peel away within a couple months. Most of the good dealers/installers just rivet them now as well from what I have seen. Pretty easy to do, just be careful when drilling up into the wire trays that you don't hit anything.

 

Depending on how heavy you plan to be (with an interior build out or rear bumper etc.), the Stage III Deaver's should be more than enough for you. I am 2 years in with mine so far and have put over 12k miles on them. They haven't settled near as much as I thought they would loaded up and are holding strong. I know a lot of places try to steer you towards the airbags & cradles, but if you don't go overboard weight wise, the right rear springs from a Deaver or Alcan are plenty for the kind of weight you add with a CC and build out. Get the truck/camper exactly where you want it and then start getting some weights and order custom rear springs tailored to your weight and driving style. That's my two cents anyway.

 

You'll love it. I just plumbed mine up this past weekend, and it cranks out some serious heat on low, and it looks great while doing it.

I would definitely recommend a test run, with all of the windows open, for about 30-45 minutes. The furnace does need to burn off some assembly stuff I reckon, as you can smell it for a bit when you first fire it up.

 

Honestly biggest reason for bags in my mind is to reduce load on the springs while my wife and I sleep in there. Rear might have 600-700lb constant load driving around, but 8-10 hours a day, it's over 1000lbs.

 

Just finished this set up. Had the tent on some cross bars that will be up for sale cept I can’t post yet in classifieds. This is the 3.1 RTT With the explorer canopy in tread. The fellas at Roko vehicles in Massachusetts were beyond helpful and diligent. Super professional compared to an other spot I was dealing with. Figuring things out as the perpetual novice I am. This was the first outing for this set up and went to overland expo east. Thanks to TW community for constant inspiration!

 

I am building a similar setup with a contour canopy as I already have a Gen 3 silver tent. Also adding a table, XL fridge slide, long cubby and storage box slide. Mostly as I am adapting gear from my old LR3 build to my 22 Tacoma.

 

If you do want to avoid bags, custom Alcan's are a great option.

I'm a bit heavier than you, and I also sleep two up top, and the springs do not care one bit.

 

have any of you guys with the dickinson heater done cold weather testing yet? curious to see how the output compares to my configuration in my super pacific.

 

I've used it plenty of nights below 20 degrees, absolutely fantastic.
For reference, on a 40° night with the heater on low I'm sleeping in a t-shirt and shorts without a blanket.

On a 20° night, heater on low, I'm sleeping with a medium duty sleeping bag.

And that's with the camper completely uninsulated

 

ok cool, so it sounds pretty similar to my experience. I tend to see 20-23F above the outside ambient temp without insulation. That’s my fall upgrade this year - thinsulate panels.

 

I’m rocking a diesel heater from intoxventures and it’s the absolute tits. Would recommend something like that for sure if you don’t want something hard wired in. About the same price point depending on the set up.

 

Thank you!
Shadow awn was awesome in the rain and wind. Have to dump the water off occasionally but you can also stake it down more than I did and it runs off more. It’s great to cook/hang out under in the rain. I do need to add their gutter soon however… I get some run off onto the tailgate with the rear window up.

 

I’m swapping to them shortly…. Dakar HD’s aren’t cutting it…

 

Bingo, and timed it perfectly to be right in the middle of the remnants of Ian… wasn’t terrible but not much for views