Wedge Campers & Assorted Oddities

I have stock length kings with the adjuster, and king hydro bumps, the ride is miles better than the stock pack, but I have a 12'' relocation to go in when I have time. Would love to go 16'' but cutting through the bed just isn't an option with the shell.... I also will likely go with a DMZ SUA kit within a couple years as I have heard such great things about them.

 

Not to bash the Habitat, but an unanticipated issue I had with my FlipPac inherent in the 180 degree design, is opening clearance. I couldn’t open my FlipPac in my own driveway without very careful positioning and often trimming branches. I couldn’t open it parked on the street by my house: too many trees. And I live in a city. I can see how the Habitat’s shift of that high point to the very rear of the vehicle could make the 3D footprint even more awkward. Fine for the desert however.

 

I have no doubt the current setup will handle it as I've jumped it plenty of times with 700-1klbs in the bed but I've never been quite satisfied with the performance of the rear so why not look for something even better. I might end up with a low profile bed cage w/ 16" shocks and a Drifter =P

 

That and if you want to quickly move a few feet and need to close the top up - with the Flippac you have to unmake the bed, flip it closed, move, then re-open and re-make the bed. With a wedge style, you can just pull it down, move to a flatter parking spot (or run from the law) and then pop it back open without having to move your pillows.

 

I've driven short distances with my flippac open (a few hundred feet) to reposition/park/adjust. What's the worry about driving with it open?

 

Also when it's windy out wedge style RTT or campers are great. Just face the truck into the wind and you'll be able to sleep at night.

My Alu Cab has been great in super windy conditions, but I need to remove the zipper pulls and replace them as the giant metal zipper pulls clank against each other

 

As long as the wind direction is stable. In Death Valley it varies at different times of day. Could be a lot of fun!

 

Curious what you plan on replacing them with? You can also use the plasti-dip in the tube and coat them.

 

A piece of heatshrink or tygon tubing would be a quick fix too.

 

ohhh, I like the shrink heat shrink idea

 

having a place to relax out of the weather is big too. RTT even with an awning is kind of tough. only the trailer ones with awning rooms really fit that bill. granted this is still a mid size truck but it's still better than trying to hang in the RTT...

 

Ummm, well, I do.

 

If I was going to keep it longer I would cut the metal pulls off and replace with Paracord.

 

So what are you getting?

 

Vagabond.

 

I'll elaborate more on my previous post.

I've used traditional soft RTT like CVT, Tepui, ARB, etc and they are great for the price and for 1-2 season camping with no rain. They are a pain to set up and take down, and are prone to mold if they get wet and you don't get an opportunity to air them out (I live in the PNW and don't have access to a covered garage so that's difficult). This is something I've experienced personally, so I'm kind of over this style. They are also really really loud when it's windy.

The wedge style RTT like the Alu Cab or some James Baroud is absolutely the way to go. The hard side can be turned against the wind when it's windy or rainy to protect the tent, and the less actual fabric decreases the chance of mold and the hard side protects the rest against weather.

I think the Alu Cab is the best RTT on the market, and I've spent a ton of time in mine. But, I think the camper shell + RTT is kind of a ridiculous combo in the Tacoma. Why cover the bed and put a tent on top when you could just make an all in one combo unit?

I'm 6'2 and spend a lot of time traveling/camping and want something I can stand up in and work from; it's just not comfortable to sit in the front seat and work off a laptop. Currently, I'm flirting with the idea of giving up my lease and living out of my truck for summer as I am self employed.

I liked the GFC option, but theres small details about it than bug me and we have yet to see a production version of it. It looks like more of an RTT integrated shell rather than a full of camper unit that the Vagabond is - not to mention there is this proven track record of R&D from nothing to the V1 now to the V2.

I'm super excited for the V2 and would put a deposit down today to reserve a spot in line if that was an option (hint hint). It's everything I want and more.

 

The expos will handle the weight of a camper no prob. I had expos with my bed rack & RTT combo (350 lbs) and it was just fine. I now have a custom Deaver pack. I'm getting the VO Drifter, but with how I'm building the inside, I'll probably need even better leafs.

 

I’m very curious what makes the Drifter more of a “full camper unit” as compared to the GFC?

Obviously I’ve never seen a Drifter (or a GFC) in person but aren’t they kind of the same? A cap with an integrated RTT that you can pull the floor out of an access the tent? Does the Drifter have a stove, or shelves, or spot for a toilet or something in it?

From what i can see the Drifter is a very nice version that is almost identical to the GFC, it does offer windows, and a tilt in front window (like a ARE/ Leer) and a moveable floor, is made out of Aluminum instead of Aluminum and Steel, weighs 180lbs more and costs $1500 more... I’m not knocking it but unless there’s some cool inside shots I’m not sure it qualifies as more Camper like....

I would love to see more of it however.

 

I believe both have said there is build out options. Most want to make their own interiors to better suit their needs. This isn’t like going to camping world and choosing a trailer. Both are camper shell style with a lift wedge top and canvas. Both are built differently while being essentially the same main design.

I guess I don’t really understand what you’re trying to say with your post.

 

There's more usable space in the Drifter. You can compare photos, but the GFC extends as far over the cab as my RTT and requires you to arrange the three (I think) platforms around while the Drifter has dedicated standing room with the option for more.

I'm totally down with losing the space for roof rack to gain more "living" space.

I'm also not a huge fan of the GFC in the rear - not sure why it's so angled but you certainly lose some space there as well. With a 5 foot bed every inch matters.