Tradesman Truck Tops commercial style topper/shell

How's the new seal holding up? I was just going to order a new one before an upcoming desert trip. Think the bulb seal is the way to go?

 

So far so good. I have had to tighten the shell a couple times after off-road travel since replacing the seal.

 

Did you do a bulb seal across the front by the cab as well?

 

I think I did since there was enough left over after the lengths cut for the sides.

 

Fellow Tradesman enthusiasts, I hate to break the sad news ... but I learned today that the company that makes Tradesman campers is calling it quits. Apparently, since COVID they have had extreme difficulties getting the required parts to make the campers.

Last Fall, I spent 3 1/2 months in Baja and absolutely loved my camper. They made such a high-quality product with superior attention to detail ... and the staff was super helpful. For those of you who might not know, the company that owns Tradesman use to also own Six-Pac, which were full slide-in campers built in the same facility as the Tradesman. http://six-pac.com/

If I recall correctly, Maria told me that some of the employees making Tradesman campers had worked in the same facility decades ago building the Six-Pacs. Anyway, I feel very fortunate to have been able to purchase one of their custom camper shells, as I'm sure some of you feel as well. Sorry to those who had not yet pulled the trigger. Although I had spent hours researching, I was unable to find any other U.S. company that makes a similar fully-customized high-quality aluminum-framed camper.

 

That's a huge bummer. I really enjoy my shell. Maybe someone will buy the company and keep the employees working.

 

Damn that's a shame to lose all that talent. Thanks for the update. Guess our caps are orphans now!

I just replaced the seal on mine using the same bulb seal that @ETAV8R used and his bottle jack technique. I'm hopeful that it's going to perform better than the one Access Mfg was using that was basically squeezed as flat as a sheet of paper under the shell. I followed the bulb seal's instructions to make cut a partial 45 degree triangle out of the front corners to create a single gasket all the way around. Hoping for the best!

 

I was wondering if anyone has had to source replacement handles for their topper.

Mine are rusted pretty bad and my internet search efforts have been pathetic.

 

Which handles. The "T" handles, or the "L" handles. Windoor handles, door handles? A picture would help.
Zim

 

I actually found a link after I got off my ass

https://bauerproducts.com/product/folding-t-handle/

 

Also
t-handles | McMaster-Carr

 

I saw those too

unfortunately, everything the mcmaster has is dimensionally too small

 

And to bring this exciting tale of truck topper handles full circle, Bauer (who manufactures the handles) told me to go here:

http://centurydistributing.com

They sell stainless versions for an ungodly amount of money. I ordered four.

 

Hey guys im looking at getting an ARE DCU since the tradesmen don't seem to be available anymore. After going through this whole thread im not sure what way I want to go. I was thinking of going with a 26-32 for the extra room but after seeing all the photos im kinda liking the way the 26" height looks. Also has anyone had any issues with the regular DCU strength the ones made out of .035? Is it worth the price to go to the max with the .063 skin? Ill be using it for camping and regular truck stuff. Ill be taking it off road down mostly forrest roads. Thanks

 

Who remembers the East Side Sierra or Yosemite Tacoma that had an aluminum utility bed? Been searching for hours with no luck... It was similar to this but the fabricator never wanted to do another like it

 

This one?

 

100% correct, thanks! Whose was\is that?

 

I had that setup and loved it. It looks great with a Prinsu rack and gear up top. The .035" was fine but it did dent easily. Would you want the thicker material for strength or security? If strength, I'd highly recommend gusseting the corners if you plan on rallying washboard

 

Did you have the 26-32” height or 26”? It would be more for strength but I don’t any hi speed off-roading or anything like that

 

26"-32" wedge. ARE doesn't have the strongest welds or frame material, but some flat stock or square tube triangles in the corners would mitigate. I never reinforced mine and it only had minor tweaks. Biggest being the sides at the back wanted to "walk out" or do the splits. Probably should have removed my plastic bed rail cap things and used better clamps and seals