brut4s
Adventurer
For those that run toppers/shells, here is one I haven't seen posted.Anyone know anything about them? www.caravancamper.com
camper shell/topper
- Thread starter brut4s
- Start date
i called them last summer for info and pricing.
seems like the average price was around $3K+?
I currently camp out of my fiberglass camper shell on my truck, so the design appeals to me, plus I would like to have the roof storage that hopefully the structure could support.
I personally would like a very very low profile over the cab extension, just big enough to crab clothes, blankets, and smaller items in, but I don't ever see fiber or metal shells with a subtle low profile over the cab feature, say just about a 9 to 12 inches in height.
seems like the average price was around $3K+?
I currently camp out of my fiberglass camper shell on my truck, so the design appeals to me, plus I would like to have the roof storage that hopefully the structure could support.
I personally would like a very very low profile over the cab extension, just big enough to crab clothes, blankets, and smaller items in, but I don't ever see fiber or metal shells with a subtle low profile over the cab feature, say just about a 9 to 12 inches in height.
Here's the Caravan Campers frame, before being covered with lightweight sheet steel
I wonder if they would build a camper to the customer's specifications, say,
for use on a truck with a flatbed...or maybe for use in place of a flatbed.
That steel frame might be strong enough just to mount to the truck chassis!
You'd need a lot of insulation inside a steel box like this to stay comfortable.
Also, the painted steel skin of the camper would be very vulnerable to rust in
places where bushes scratch the finish. A fiberglass camper, in comparison,
has good insulating properties, and won't deteriorate much if the gelcoat is
scratched.
Chip Haven
I wonder if they would build a camper to the customer's specifications, say,
for use on a truck with a flatbed...or maybe for use in place of a flatbed.
That steel frame might be strong enough just to mount to the truck chassis!
You'd need a lot of insulation inside a steel box like this to stay comfortable.
Also, the painted steel skin of the camper would be very vulnerable to rust in
places where bushes scratch the finish. A fiberglass camper, in comparison,
has good insulating properties, and won't deteriorate much if the gelcoat is
scratched.
Chip Haven
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I don't know if Gemtop is still around but they also make steel toppers. I would think weight would be something of an issue with some of those steel toppers, though. Not only does adding extra weight mean less capacity to carry stuff and more fuel consumed, but it makes it more problematic to remove the top.
I've had my shell on and off about 5 times this past year. There are a lot of times when it's convenient to have an open bed and other times when I like having the shell on. With the lightweight fiberglass I get the best of both worlds.
I've had my shell on and off about 5 times this past year. There are a lot of times when it's convenient to have an open bed and other times when I like having the shell on. With the lightweight fiberglass I get the best of both worlds.
Larry
Bigassgas Explorer
That website does suck but the toppers are pretty decent. I know a lot of you guys aren’t real keen on fiberglass but I have had great luck with my SnugTop topper. The poor thing has gotten twisted up many times over the past 3 years with no signs of cracks or any issues and it stays decently warm when camping in the high country. In hindsight, I wish I would have bought a Flip-Pac though for the added room though.
They don't look any different than aluminum caps but steel instead of aluminum. I've had fiberglass for my last two and it seems just fine to me. One could easily build a sub frame under it if you want to carry a real heavy load on top, I want to build a frame that slides down into the stake holes to eliminate the clamps.
pete.wilson
Adventurer
Hey
Check out this website: http://www.unicovercaps.com/
I have the Unicover Pro series with dual rear doors and two side lockers, a nice top that I use for sleeping in when out doing my research. It could use some insulation though to be more comfortable in the winter.
Pete Wilson
Check out this website: http://www.unicovercaps.com/
I have the Unicover Pro series with dual rear doors and two side lockers, a nice top that I use for sleeping in when out doing my research. It could use some insulation though to be more comfortable in the winter.
Pete Wilson
RockyMtnFamily
Explorer
If Tempe, Arizona is not too far away for you to travel, I would recommend this place:
http://mountaineercampers.com/
I worked there for several years and can tell you that their Steel Frame shells have the same structure as the other company that is listed on page 1 of this thread. You can get the deep door style or the flip up door. I started working at the company as a welder and saw many customers come back to buy another shell after they rolled their trucks. The boss had me disassemble two of these shells and I noticed minimal damage to the steel frame structure. They undoubtedly saved the lives of the occupants that were inside the trucks as they acted as a roll cage to spread out the load/force. I am not sure what they cost right now, but would bet that they are cheaper than the other alternative already mentioned or GemTop.
Kevin
http://mountaineercampers.com/
I worked there for several years and can tell you that their Steel Frame shells have the same structure as the other company that is listed on page 1 of this thread. You can get the deep door style or the flip up door. I started working at the company as a welder and saw many customers come back to buy another shell after they rolled their trucks. The boss had me disassemble two of these shells and I noticed minimal damage to the steel frame structure. They undoubtedly saved the lives of the occupants that were inside the trucks as they acted as a roll cage to spread out the load/force. I am not sure what they cost right now, but would bet that they are cheaper than the other alternative already mentioned or GemTop.
Kevin
brut4s
Adventurer
http://mountaineercampers.com/ sorry this is the one I can't find the tops that they make.