Tradesman Truck Tops commercial style topper/shell

Ditto: fridge and trash outside and do worry about bears when I’m not near the truck to scare them off.

 

You put your fridge outside?

 

No, fridge is in back seat which is the real worry. Don’t want Yogi yanking the door off to get inside

 

When my wife and I camp in bear country we go to great lengths to keep all food type odors as far away from us and the vehicle. Bear locker in the parks, up a distant tree when no locker available. It is a pain but , we have had some interesting late night experiences. We also try and have food that keeps cooking and cleaning to a minimum.

 

I haven’t had any real close encounters with bears, though I’ve had them sniff (or rather snort) around my tent, but of course no food inside. However, I’ve had enough experience with raccoons, and Death Valley burros that I wouldn’t use a Trasharoo outside. Trash always goes in the truck when I’m away from camp. So I just use a bag, sometimes in the bucket I keep for campfire extinguishing if needed.

 

Lol I read that the same way

 

I attached a few pics of the 26"-32" wedge. I'm happy with the way it lines up with a loaded Prinsu Rack, but definitely wouldn't add this topper to rig with no roof rack! I think the 23-29 rise would line up nicely with my set-up too, but I'm happy with the extra head space while inside. Wind noise actually seems quieter now, compared to an empty bed and empty Prinsu Rack... either way, sound deadening and insulation to the cab is in the works. I will be getting around to camper interior design soon and will fill everyone in, I'd somehow like to make a Crash Pad Sofa, similar to the attachment here. The wood would be the base of the bed, but could be removed for making camp sofas, and the crashpad would be the bed padding and for bouldering.

The awning is mounted with M6 hardware, I used 6 bolts with their heads in the backing of the awning, and drilled two pairs of holes through the frame, and another pair of holes through the skin for "good" measure. I added a few layers of gorilla tape where the windoor contacts the awning, it seems to work fine. I do also use a loop of p-cord and a slip knot/fisherman knot to limit it's arc when fully set-up.

The Trasharoo only has wrappers and empty cans in it, nothing with caloric value. I spent a few years living in Yosemite and have had to deal with bears a lot, so I wanted to keep the build as bear-safe (and federally legal) as possible. One of the biggest reasons I didn't get a fridge was the hassle to remove during backpack trips and NPS-camping. So I've opted for a bear safe cooler instead

 

Looks great!
Did you experience wind while in in DV? If so how did the awning fare?

 

Just a bit of wind, but nothing major (probably just 20mph tops). Awning has been ok so far and I haven't ripped out any stakes... but anything gale force, 1) it's too damn cold to need the awning, and 2) if it's that windy and raining, I'll be in the cab watching Superbad with the heater on.

 

Good info guys, thanks! I think a Trasharoo will be the way to go for transporting between locations and for cans, etc. We'll probably continue to separate our food waste into another bag that we can stash appropriately when needed. We have a bear rated cooler too but I always forget to bring a lock for it so I'll have to add that to the list.

 

the lock is great for humans, but a bear can still pop the lock... I actually use 1/4" stainless steel bolt (it's my go to hardware for everything at work and personal life!), with a few regular nuts. That way, a bear has not leverage on the locking mechanism
I normally have a bit of chain and a 4 digit combo lock so I can keep it secure when in a bear locker at a trailhead or something

 

Now that's good thinking! But what if the bear finds my socket and wrench set?

 

I use 10mm hardware, he'll never find it

 

@kylehorvath I see you were with a buddy who had a GFC tent, did you have any envy or were you happy with your Tradesman?

Also, I was reading your crashpad couch comment and immediately thought of that black diamond set up and then scrolled down! I wish I had traced that wood outline when I worked in an outdoor store. Those things are surprisingly comfy!

 

Of course I had envy, those things are sweet! But I drilled 60 got-dang holes in my roof for the prinsu, so I'm committed to keeping that on now, hahaha.
After I do a drawer and platform build (better than the current makeshift platform), I think that envy will lessen. For my style of bandit camping where you shouldn't camp, I'm happy with the ARE wedge style... especially since I backpack more than car camp.
After one shakedown, I had to reposition the weather stripping, and re secure the clamps... probably would not have had those issues with a Tradesman. Build and finish quality are "meh" for the ARE DCU... time will tell after more trips!

 

I'll get pics and dimensions of the BD crashpad couches soon, maybe next Sac visit

 

Thanks to this forum just had one built and installed. Completely impressed with the quality and equally as much with the company staff and install team. John the owner and Maria the sales manager were so kind and nice, great peoples and small town feel. Worthy group of people to spend your hard earned money with. Wish I would have had more time to get crazy on the customizing but had to get it built on a time crunch and still impressed on everything. Highly recommend them on both quality and company.

Anyone come up with any creative fairing ideas or know of any off the shelf ones? Definitely guzzles a bit more gas on the highway with the new top.

 

@mcfarty what height is your new shell?

 

The topper looks good! I'm also interested in a fairing or wind deflector for my Tradesman to help with the fuel economy. I was surprised to find Google doesn't really turn up anything suitable...