ATO AterraXL composite flatbed camper (pagoda roof)

[Chadx]

It's been said before, but I also want AT Overland to make a pop-up version of this so bad I can hardly stand it! I know they previously have said they have no intention. Maybe we can wear them down over time. Ha. This interior layout is in my top 2.

Hard side version simply won't fit, height wise, on the mountain trails we drive on. Our current pop-up barely does (pinstriped on roof and sides to prove it, but have accepted that as the cost of going were we want). Hardside height would mean turning around and back tracking on about 50% to 60% of our weekend outings so will keep campaigning for pop-up version.

 

[mk216v]

Did you ever find out what the max weight limit is off the backend?

Haven't re-weighed my rig on a different scale. Been on a much-needed vacation while the rig has been traveling to a few overland events with Oregon Adventure Truck, then the King shock are being sent back to Carli to have them re-tuned for the new axle weights. I'll update more when I know.

 

[mk216v]

I know everybody does it, but I don't know why. Run the box right up against the cab and get more living space. You can use it for living when it's crappy outside and you can use it for storage if you need to. At least you have the option. I know the spare looks COOL in that space but I'll take actual living space every time.
Love this unit otherwise.

You mean have either a longer cabin(more living space), or a shorter overall length of rig? I don't follow your "You can use it for living space or storage."
If you take my setup and remove the tunnel box, the camper would be up against the truck cab and the overall length would be shorter...but why I went with the longest flatbed deck available from HPI was to get a bit more storage via the tunnel box.

It's been said before, but I also want AT Overland to make a pop-up version of this so bad I can hardly stand it! I know they previously have said they have no intention. Maybe we can wear them down over time. Ha. This interior layout is in my top 2.

Hard side version simply won't fit, height wise, on the mountain trails we drive on. Our current pop-up barely does (pinstriped on roof and sides to prove it, but have accepted that as the cost of going were we want). Hardside height would mean turning around and back tracking on about 50% to 60% of our weekend outings so will keep campaigning for pop-up version.

The Aterra layout is spectacular indeed. It feels SO roomy vs other competitors.
I'll have to see how much the hardside pagoda roof limits my adventures; it's going to be pinstriped for sure.

 

[zb39]

I meant if you make the box longer you have more living space. That is something my wife and I will NOT give up. To many times the weather is bad or whatever and you have to be inside. With more living space there will also be some cupboards to store things. Everybody has different needs and wants, so it's all good.

 

[mk216v]

I meant if you make the box longer you have more living space. That is something my wife and I will NOT give up. To many times the weather is bad or whatever and you have to be inside. With more living space there will also be some cupboards to store things. Everybody has different needs and wants, so it's all good.

Yes, a longer camper would give more space, but to me, the AterraXL feels roomier than any other similarly-sized camper out there. The interior layout is just brilliant, feels incredibly spacious, more interior storage than I think I'll need.

My take ... If 'A', the spare tire is not carried under the vehicle and 'B', you want to use the deck for hauling other than the camper while still carrying a spare, then against the cab is the best place.

'A' could be any chassis cab (iirc most of the early ones on this site); oversized tire won't fit; or don't want to carry it there.

That's not everybody but might explain some

Ok, so where does the spare go then if the camper is up against the truck cab?

 

[mk216v]

Uhhh, I'll go with, most likely, behind the camper (rear wall or swing away) or underneath (pick up)

No way to mount a spare wheel/tire to the rear wall of an AterraXL. A tire swingout could be fashioned on the rear end of the flatbed--although the tire would be sticking away from the camper quite aways in order to clear the bottom angle of the camper.
Underneath in the rear on a pickup can work (largest that will fit on my Ford is a worn 37").
And as you hinted at, most modern cab-chassis have the fuel tank aft of the rear axle, therefore there's nowhere underneath to store a spare wheel/tire.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Not sure of the purpose of windows (side ones) that you can’t see out of that double as an insulation remover.

Maybe V4 will eliminate those to help with insulation. Seems odd and for exterior aesthetics only ?

Or…. If people are set on having the windows, move them up higher. Looks like 5-6” of room there to move them up.

 

[sn_85]

Not sure of the purpose of windows (side ones) that you can’t see out of that double as an insulation remover.

Maybe V4 will eliminate those to help with insulation. Seems odd and for exterior aesthetics only ?

Or…. If people are set on having the windows, move them up higher. Looks like 5-6” of room there to move them up.

The location seems a little dubious to me as well. If anything I would prefer to have a window over the kitchen area to look out of while prepping my food and also help vent any cooking smells.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

The location seems a little dubious to me as well. If anything I would prefer to have a window over the kitchen area to look out of while prepping my food and also help vent any cooking smells.

I had a front dinette FWC before I built my latest monstrosity.

Same deal with the windows as photo above.

It drove me bonkers so bad, I didn’t even install windows in new build until all the seating and such was done, so they were placed exactly where I wanted them so I can see out of them.

And yes, i have one in the cooking area for reasons you stated as well.

It looks like it would be very easy to add one there on the Aterra after the fact though.

 

[Crash67]

What kind of gas mileage do you get with the Alterra XL (gas or diesel)?
Thanks.

 

[mk216v]

Ver2 campers will have the ceiling ~2-3" higher than my Ver1, and thus the 3 rear windows will be raised much higher so they're easier to see out of.
Mini Maxxair fan is right above the kitchen galley for any smells. A window in the galley would be partially blocked by the flip-up Dometic range "backstop."

Will report on MPG with my 6.2L/6spd auto/4.88s/37" tires once I get more miles on it. King shocks are coming back from Carli now, Carli/Deaver XXHD leafs are still about 1.75months out.

 

[calameda]

What brand solar panels are on the Aterra? Look to be flexible panels?

 

[mk216v]

What brand solar panels are on the Aterra? Look to be flexible panels?

Flexible yes, but no idea on brand, sorry.

 

[Ninelitetrip]

Truck Camper Design With AT Overland Founder Mario Donovan

Truck Camper Design With AT Overland Founder Mario Donovan - Truck Camper Adventure

Few people in overlanding are more recognizable than AT Overland founder, Mario Donovan. He's been involved in the hobby and industry since 2000 and founded AT Overland soon after that. If you know anything about the history of overlanding, you know that this is a good 10 years before the…

www.truckcamperadventure.com

How many Aterra XL’s have you sold so far?

Mario Donovan: We were expecting to sell 10 Aterra campers within the first year of product release, but the reception exceeded our expectations with 17 orders placed in the first eight months. We are ecstatic about that and are excited for the Aterra variants that we will be releasing soon.


Really? Can you tell us more about these Aterra variants? Will this include one for mid-size trucks?

Mario Donovan: Yes, we will be releasing a full-size Aterra slide-in and a mid-size Aterra slide-in truck camper.

 

[calameda]

Mario Donovan: Yes, we will be releasing a full-size Aterra slide-in and a mid-size Aterra slide-in truck camper.

Curious what happens to his partnership with OEV when he starts selling slide-ins? Even though the Aterras are hard-sides, with all ATO's other offerings that's slicing the pie pretty thin.