Wedge Campers & Assorted Oddities

Hey guys, I've been a long time lurker, and decided it's finally time to add my camper to the mix. For two years I lived in a Roamin Chariot, which some might say was the original wedge, and though it was a bad ass little camper I always wanted something more in the line of FWC. That's why over the past three years I have been designing and taking notes on what I think is going to offer the best living space of any of these new lightweight camper shells. I know it's not a wedge, but I feel some of you might be interested in my setup. It weights sub 300lbs and is 6'5" on the inside. I made it so the inside has exposed framing with the intention that everything can become a hard point. Add storage, counters, or tools as you please.

I'll be at Overland Expo West with it, and would love to meet any of you and get your opinions!

 

This looks sweet. very interested. this is more my style. so many questions. Signed up on your website campovrlnd.com

 

Yes, sorry. Probably should have mentioned that!

 

need lots of pictures

 

Great, I'll email you tomorrow and to answer any questions you have.

 

Can do.

 

That would be great, thanks. No name as of now..."OVRLND topper" should work for a while.

 

@inv3ctiv3 how are you doing the wiring? are all the tubes cut so that when they're welded you can use them to route all the wires through?


Was thinking the those strain relief bushings would be really good for wiring stuff.

If not are people using corrugated conduit w/ saddles to keep it neat and tidy?

 

There is, just not available here. Like that is anything new. Though awfully nice to see some new competition sprout up. Finally!

http://www.grtraveltops.com/portfolio/#



More of a full on slide-on camper, but would be nice to see a stripped down version of this.



Maybe more on the lines of this, but with a Wildernest style tent.

I have one, thought of going with a Vagabond for something newer, but don't know if I could give up the space. While I don't like to cook inside...but you can if you want. A 24X48" table will fit across the front of the bed, and it holds my chuck box. No need to tear anything down to set up the sleeping area since it is off to the side. It does suck in the wind...but easily solved by choosing a place with a wind break for camp.

Pretty hard to beat how sleek it is when closed up, fairly aero...but probably doesn't matter much since are trucks are like bricks in the aero department.

 

huh interesting.

I sold mine. It was cool no doubt but didn't fit my need for speed well. And was just too old. Maybe if I had one that was in better shape..but even then. Some things about it I didn't love. If the windows were windoors I would have kept it I think.

GFC is the only camper topper that is appealing to me but still want to feel one on a truck in the corners going fast and in the dirt. Still be worried about leaning.

 

Yeah, there are somethings I don't like about it, but I only paid $600 and tossed another $100 for repairs so far (new bulb seal and stainless hinges)...so can't really complain about its' short comings. ...it is old, but mine is in pretty good shape. Don't think the guy I bought it off knew what he had, even came with all the accessories. The tent is in decent shape too. May have another tent sew up with better modern materials one day, but since my tent is still in good shape..hate to have it destroyed for a template.

Can't even tell it is back there. Though I probably don't drive as fast as you since 99% of the time I am towing my dirt bike trailer. Save the speed needs for the moto. Another reason I don't want to give up the space, like to change into my moto gear in there...plus it has plenty of room for the gear bags.



You can add windoors. If you really wanted.

 

There is a company out there that does new canvas..but its 1350 haha

I knew that i could make it last and work if i really wanted to, but just didn't want to pour the money into it. I am pretty happy with the RTT life really. I just need to redo the bed rack to make some canvas or aluminum sides for it to keep the mud out of the bed and id be solid.

I do drive fast..sort of a problem for me.


I've actually thought of seeing if once things slow down at GFC if they would sell the base of their unit separate with not camper top and make it RTT mountable. If they offered in in a lower height or several heights to choose from I think that would be awesome.

 

Compared to the price of new camper. $1350 isn't bad. But yeah...how much money do I really want to throw at it? Even with new canvas...it is still going to suck in the wind. Those open desert trips it is hard finding wind breaks sometimes.

My whole thing is being able to change in and out of gear inside out of the weather... with minimal camper set up. It is working for now...and I really don't "need" much...but I keep on looking at 4WD vans with a "wedge top" Something better in the cold, wind, and rain. Seems like I like to do most of my camping on the shoulder months to keep away from Touristas...and weather is unpredictable. I used to have a VW Westie for 8 years...love the concept, but always wanted something beefier and better off-pavement. The Tacoma with a Wildernest was kind of a middle ground. The new crop of campers certainly are cool, thinking I am needing a little more room. IIRC the cargo area of a E-Series extended van is 11-12'. Plus you can hang out in it with the top closed..if the weather is really pissing outside. Kinda miss the easy access from the driver compartment to the rear too.

 

Yeah any tent in wind can be rough. Just the way it is i guess.

Not really. Im not talking full height. Im talking 4'' or 8'' off the bed rail. with a Rtt on top would be nice. What Im going to do.

 

Yeah, always some type compromise. Keep on looking for the perfect setup, but don't think it exists without being independently wealthy.

Should just be satisfied that I have the health, time and enough money to actually get out and enjoy the outdoors.

 

haha no doubt!

Just think we used to camp on the ground in tents! How peasantly of us...haha

 

Ha ha! I know!

Went from ground tents, to sleeping in the bed under a topper...but got tired of having to unload everything to make a place to sleep...then discovered the Wildernest...hey it is the best of both worlds...a frickin' luxury! Sets up in minutes, don't have to unload...like being in a tree house...what more do you need!?

"Hey wait a minute what is that over there...that looks cool...or look at this thing, or that..."

 

Nice! Now Im really having issues deciding which one I want...

 

Some more details on the new habitat came out. Has some sweet features. Named AT Summit. They took a 6.5ft bed dodge ram to overland expo west fitted with the camper. No pricing info that ive seen.