Show me your shell!

My setup. Simple but comfortable enough. Mostly me and my dog, sometimes the lady also comes along. Heading out for a 4-5 day camp trip next week up in the Sierras. Truck has 216k on it.

Bed platform is primarily setup as a single, and is half width of overall truck bed. I have some extensions I made clipped in so I can run my bigger (wider) sleeping pad. I had the pad so figured I'd accommodate it as well for when my lady comes along for the journey.

Just picked up the fridge on a labor day sale and got it setup behind passenger seat. I have it on a cross slide, so I can push it fully to rear when it's stowed in truck. When you want to slide it out, you need to slide it forward a few inches on the cross slide first, then pull fridge out on drawer slides. This is to clear door frame, but maximize foot space for passenger when driving. I will probably add a secondary slideout off the fridge one that becomes a side table directly next to fridge. Fridge can still be opened from inside truck, just easier to access pulled out when at camp, track, grocery store, etc. Trial run on this fridge setup this weekend. Mostly made from scrap material I had (fridge is new). Rear sleeping setup is not new and has a lot of use.

 

Oh man that fridge set up is sexy.

 

Thanks dude! It was actually a somewhat easy evolution as I already had the platform built as a dog platform (pulled access cab seats a long while ago).

Rummaged through some parts at work, milled and drilled some shit, and we have what you see above.

 

I'd been thinking about putting a fridge there if I ever got one but was always wondering how to make it work, so that set up is definitely inspiring.

 

Picked up my Leer today with a remote lock (pop lock)for the tailgate and Shell.

 

Looks good love the long beds

 

Anyone interested in a ALU-CAB top for a Gen 2 Tacoma? Truck was totaled after hitting a deer. All front end damage. The top is in perfect condition. Located in Chicago.

 

Here's my ARE V series, picked it up for $500 on FB Marketplace then painted to match, added roof tracks, and built a Prinsu knockoff rack for it. More recently built a 60/40 bed slide system and added a solar panel.

 

that is an interesting slide. how did you get the tilt? Is it just the strap that keeps it from falling out?

 

Yes, there's one strap that stops the slide right when it's at the tipping point (to make lifting it back up easier) and a second strap that determines how far it can tilt. I used a 12" stainless piano hinge, but I've seen it done with other hinge styles as well.

This video is the same basic idea, but I made my own straps a little different to look cleaner and eliminate excess strap.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UivAqGoMtjQ

 

So I've been comparing cross-bar systems for the top of my camper shell. I mainly wanted t-slot capable bars and was looking at the usual suspects from Yakima, Thule and Rhino Rack.

However it seems as if Alu-Cab is actually the best option. I got a quote for $410 for cross bars, mounting legs and adapting hardware for my Yakima tracks. You can probably go cheaper if you just want/need base bars, but for t-slot bars that's a surprisingly good deal. T-slot Yakima and others were $600+ which closes in on full roof-rack territory pricing.

 

Man I wish I would have gone this option. So much more low profile with my mid rise

 

Well I think I'm going down the slippery slope of designing/building my own. I am working on a concept now. Goal is a really lightweight but simple setup for camp/mtb/moto.

I'm really happy with my current setup, and bed/platform. I just wish I had a tad more headroom when sitting upright on the bed/bench. Started pricing contractor shells and the slippery slope began...I figured I can design/build a better and lighter/more durable version for less cost (material cost, I'm not counting my time for design/build). Overhead area is good for softgood storage (pillows, sleeping bags/blankets, gear, etc). I don't want a pop top and a tent. If I can change easily inside, I'm good. I don't need to be able to stand up. I want to add power and a fan, potential ac unit. Try and manage inside temp somewhat so I have a good spot to stash the dog on trips if I'm riding and he needs to sit the ride out. The van is great for that, but a van is always limited in where it can get you.

Current setup has my frame weight at under 40lbs. Panels will be 18mm foam laminate with fiberglass outer skin. These will be really lightweight, provide good insulation, and provided good structure once bonded to the frame skeleton.

Pictures of progress shown. The cutouts on sides will flip up with gas struts. On those flip up panels I will put sliding windows. Sliding window on front wall, and I haven't picked a rear window yet. Then I'll sort hinges, gaskets, trim. Once I'm happy with that, I will send out drawings to quote getting the skins cut/shipped. I can cut/bend all the frame stuff myself at work. I'll keep you all posted as I think others may have interest in something like this if total build weight proves to work out to what I'm projecting.

Once I'm happy with my construction approach I will probably build something off a flatbed down the line. Dreaming...

 

I’m adding to the thread finally. Scored big time with this leer 180 for ready…six. hundred. bucks..$600
Icing on the cake is the completely f%#^# two tone look. Wow

 

my rago stiffeners got in the way so had to put the drawers on a elevated rail deal.

 

OK4WD is running a sale on 3rd Gen short bed Alu-Cab Contour Canopies. 15% off + free shipping. Couldn’t pass it up. Ordered it Tuesday and it showed up unexpectedly Friday at noon. Also got the load bars and latch covers but didn’t get any pics yet. This thing is beautifully made.

 

Picked up a decent Leer 100XQ. Caps for gen 2 Tacomas are getting a little hard to find around here. It's an older model but almost matches perfect (just a half shade whiter than the truck) and in good shape for it's age. Just need to do a little wiring.

 

What’s everyone using for bed mattress these days in there campers? I normally buy a foam topper and cut it but been debating a nest or hest whatever that premade one is called

 

I have something like this for my 6 foot bed. Fits pretty damn well on top of my platform and is comfortable. Folds up nice so when it’s time to pack up there is still plenty of room in the bed.

$110 Best Choice Products 4in Portable Full-Size Mattress, Tri-Fold Mattress for Camping, Guest, Toddler, Foam Plush w/Carry Case - Grey

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-...BA91BAR0ZB46CGXJM&refRID=WYEBA91BAR0ZB46CGXJM