Commercial Truck Topper (Conversion)

[rlepperson]

Does anyone have thoughts or opinions on converting a walk-in commercial truck topper ( tool hatches on the sides, with a door in the back) into a camper for overnight stays in a city and for general camping.? For ventilation, I would probably want to install a roof fan. Specifically, would you recommend aluminum vs. fiberglass, one brand vs another, any draw backs or pitfalls on the "walk-in" models? Thanks!!

 

[Doc Foster]

Just a few thoughts. Those side tool hatches usually eat up a lot of interior space. Plus unless there is a window in the rear door, you only other window would be in the front towards the truck. With a "walk-in" rear door, I assume you would not have a tailgate. For years I "camped out" using a regular fiberglass topper and a tailgate is a nice place to set up a kitchen, to sit, to organize your gear, etc. I often just rigged up a cheap tarp to have a covered area over my tailgate area. Works OK for one, kinda cramped for two.

 

[vtarider]

I bought/custom ordered my commercial Al topper by "Tradesman" up in Nor cal,one of the best made. I choose not to have any side compartments ,but side windows that open double barn doors on the rear . I couldn't be happier lots of room for sleeping.
I have this on a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500 hd Diesel.

- There is a few rigs on here,one couple did the ;ARE camper,just do a search on commercial camper shells ,everyone makes them,but many have crappy finish work .

If you have any questions,I'd be glad to answer,or pics,

 

[Fundy Rider]

ARE has a new diamond plated edition which is .062" thick and with the straight walls and enough height maybe in the 29 inch range would make a great stealthy camper.

I go back and forth with the commercial cap and some other ideas for my 94 toy pickup and then I'll see another picture of a commercial cap and the dreaming starts all over again.

Love the idea of the big windoors and the ability to extend the seasons with a properly insulated commercial cap with a marine style Dickenson propane fireplace( tiny stove uses no cabin air and provides dry heat).

Love to see more pics of expedition commercial cap setups.

 

[fog cutter]

Skip, the boatyard's machinist, live in his at the yard. still had the roll up door. showered at the bathrooms for the dockers. 1974.

 

[anickode]

Does it have HATCHES on the sides, or TOOL BOXES? Hatches are nice. I built a fold down tray for my drivers side hatch, and it has snaps around the edge. I then added snaps around the edge of the hatch, and made a canvas "tent" with screen windows and cover flaps. The enclosure holds the hatch so it's a few degrees below horizontal, allowing rain to run off. From inside, it makes a nice side shelf that doesn't eat up any interior space, and the screens allow some nice ventilation. The space I gain on that side makes up for the space I lose having a toolbox on the passenger side.

 

[Regcabguy]

I bought/custom ordered my commercial Al topper by "Tradesman" up in Nor cal,one of the best made. I choose not to have any side compartments ,but side windows that open double barn doors on the rear . I couldn't be happier lots of room for sleeping.
I have this on a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500 hd Diesel.

- There is a few rigs on here,one couple did the ;ARE camper,just do a search on commercial camper shells ,everyone makes them,but many have crappy finish work .

If you have any questions,I'd be glad to answer,or pics,

I tried logging into the Tradesman site and no go. Are they still in biz?
These are stout shells.
http://www.caravancamper.com/