CampTop--Here's something a little different

hoser

Explorer
Description:

Revolutionary, patent pending "CampTop" expandable truck cap system. Based on a standard fiberglass truck cap the "CampTop" was designed for the outdoor enthusiast who wants a lightweight alternative to the standard box truck camper or trailer that sleeps two. The "CampTop" is ideal for sportsman or woman who wants to enjoy the outdoors on weekends without the weight or other drawbacks of te box type campers. The lightweight "CampTop" remains on the truck and doesn't require separate storage.
"CampTop" is attached to the truck by means of a steel frame clamped to the truck box like an ordinary fiberglass cap. The "CampTop" is fastened to the frame with quick release lynch pins for highway travel.
To set up, the vehicle is parked in a level area, the lynch pins are removed and the cap is raised by a winch. The set up takes about fifteen minutes. Take down is just the reverse.
When expanded the "CampTop" provides a shelter with a 48" by 86" sleeping platform and approximately 72" headroom depending on truck cap used. The sleeping platform panels can be reversed and used as a table. The "CampTop" can be equipped with an AC/DC inverter and AC electrical service so that electrical appliances can be operated. There is also room for other camping conveniences such as a cooler or portable toilet if desired. A small galley may also be installed
When closed the "CampTop" has about 54 cubic feet of cargo volume for tools, groceries or other items. Alternatively, all camp gear can be left inside so that the owner can hit the road on short notice. A canoe or other items can be carried on the roof with suitable racks and a trailer can be towed if desired.
Each unit is custom manufactured for the customer's truck and truck cap.
The base "CampTop" unit for a compact pick-up such as a Ford Ranger is priced at $4,995.00 plus tax FOB Climax Springs, MO plus the cost of the truck cap desired. The base unit for a full size pick up such as a Ford F-150 is $5,995.00 plus tax FOB Climax Springs, MO plus the cost of the truck cap desired. NOTE-VEHICLE SHOWN FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY, NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE.

http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail1568934.htm
 

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Well, it's....interesting. Certainly a novel idea. But for $5k you can get a flip-pac or a nearly new WilderNest, both of which seem to offer about the same accomodations and are much less complicated than this thing.

Kudos for original thinking but it just seems to me that lifting a 150-200lb camper shell a couple of feet in the air might not be the best idea, especially if there are high winds.
 

DaktariEd

2005, 2006 Tech Course Champion: Expedition Trophy
Yeah, it's....ummmm....well....sort of....mostly....I mean...interesting.
Yeah, that's it...interesting....

:sombrero:
 

7wt

Expedition Leader
DaktariEd said:
Yeah, it's....ummmm....well....sort of....mostly....I mean...interesting.
Yeah, that's it...interesting....

:sombrero:
Are you sure? :REOutArchery02:
 

maximumrob

Adventurer
Hell, I think it looks awesome and is a great idea. And given that most pickup campers are much heavier and even taller, I wouldn't be concerned with the wind.

The price tag, though...wow. WOW

I also wonder about the initial quality with all those folding components, but since I can't really see it, won't make assumptions.
 

Lynn

Expedition Leader
hoser said:
Revolutionary, patent pending ...

Uh huh, right.

Here is a picture of one that was published in Mechanix Illustrated years ago:

PopUpCamper0003.jpg

You can get the plans from:

http://www.vintageprojects.com/misc/pop-up-camper-shell.html
 

Grim Reaper

Expedition Leader
A Couple years ago "Trucks" did a show on a very similar set up but on a fiberglass bed cover. I bet it is the same company.
 

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
I still fail to see the improvement over a Wildernest, a Flip-pac or even a 4-wheel-type pop up camper. And remember that the $5k price tag does not include the shell - figure on at least another $1000 for that.

Think about what you could build/buy with $6k at your fingertips...

Rather than lifting the shell up off the truck bed (which would seem to me to lead to all kinds of sealing problems between the shell and the bed), wouldn't it make more sense to just have a cab-high shell with a top that popped straight up like the old Blazer Chalet, and then sides that popped out like a tent trailer for camping? The only thing you would give up there would be the walk-in rear door.

I'm still looking for a good camping solution for my Taco. Right now the wrap-around tent (wraps around the open tailgate and lift gate on the shell) seems like the best option.
 

Bella PSD

Explorer
At first look I thought I could get some ideas from this for my Flip Pac build. But the more I looked it over the more its not working for me. The way it folds up makes it kinda useless when it’s not open. Four Wheel Campers and even the Flip Pac I am making is still accessible and livable even when it’s not all opened up. I do like how they are thinking out of the box but its just not it for me. Very interesting, I will give them that.

I added a picture of mine...
Louie
FlipPacCoreBanksNC.jpg
 

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