Help Me Pick An Overland Rig

[Martinjmpr]

Keep the Crew Cab and could get shell from Tradesman if you're looking for more headroom, they'll build you anything you want.


http://tradesmantrucktops.com/

Fairy basic, and a heck of a lot lighter than a slide-in.

This is one is on a Tacoma

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That's pretty cool, I love the options and the different shapes. How do they compare cost-wise with the more mainstream aluminum toppers (Leer, ARE, Unicover, etc?) And how about weight-wise?
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The double rear doors are interesting. I like the idea of a double door like they offer, but I also with there was a way to retain the tailgate. I just like tailgates, the're great for sitting on, or for cooking on when you get to the campsite.
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The ARE pictured below shows what I'm talking about - it completely eliminates the tailgate. I think it would be great if the panel was in-set so that the tailgate could close behind the door. You could take the tailgate off if you wanted to, or leave it on and use it as a platform (not to mention extra security if the tailgate locks.)

 

[Hackopotomus]

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That's pretty cool, I love the options and the different shapes. How do they compare cost-wise with the more mainstream aluminum toppers (Leer, ARE, Unicover, etc?) And how about weight-wise?
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The double rear doors are interesting. I like the idea of a double door like they offer, but I also with there was a way to retain the tailgate. I just like tailgates, the're great for sitting on, or for cooking on when you get to the campsite.
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The ARE pictured below shows what I'm talking about - it completely eliminates the tailgate. I think it would be great if the panel was in-set so that the tailgate could close behind the door. You could take the tailgate off if you wanted to, or leave it on and use it as a platform (not to mention extra security if the tailgate locks.)

I am leaning towards building my own camper to replace my shell. It would be easy to make one that keeps the tailgate and has double doors above (like dutch doors) or just have the doors full height but behind the tailgate.

I'm not sure I'd keep the tailgate though. There are plenty of other options for platform/tables and I think the tailgate actually can get in the way of getting in and out of the back. My truck sits pretty high as it is and if I lift it then it will be even harder to get in. Without a tailgate I could incorporate some sort to folding step set up to make it easier.

I do like the double doors over the single ARE style as it allows complete access to the inside. I realize in the ARE you can open the whole back like a hatch but seams like the doors are easier. You could also make one door wider than the other if you wanted.

 

[Clutch]

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That's pretty cool, I love the options and the different shapes. How do they compare cost-wise with the more mainstream aluminum toppers (Leer, ARE, Unicover, etc?) And how about weight-wise?
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The double rear doors are interesting. I like the idea of a double door like they offer, but I also with there was a way to retain the tailgate. I just like tailgates, the're great for sitting on, or for cooking on when you get to the campsite.
.
The ARE pictured below shows what I'm talking about - it completely eliminates the tailgate. I think it would be great if the panel was in-set so that the tailgate could close behind the door. You could take the tailgate off if you wanted to, or leave it on and use it as a platform (not to mention extra security if the tailgate locks.)

Think they'll build you anything you want, sky is the limit (and well...one's bank account) If you look through their gallery, there are single & double doors, full length hatches, traditional tailgate w/hatch, etc..


http://tradesmantrucktops.com/tradesman-gallery/

http://tradesmantrucktops.com/custom_cabover/

Order form with all the options here: http://tradesmantrucktops.com/order-form/

They have also built poptops for a couple guys on TW too.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/iggys-1-taco.368214/page-43

I have meaning to call them to get a guesstimate quote, as I am looking for a better weather proof camper than my current Wildernest, it was OK in AZ, SoCal & Baja, but in Idaho and the surrounding PNW....not so much.

Looking to have this built for my Tacoma, much lighter alternative to a FWC. Owner said it is about 400 lbs. Believe my Wildernest is 250#, so not that much more.

Torn on a tail gate or double doors. With the Wildernest it is pain to get in and out with the tailgate, but I also will cook on it too, do take a small table with me to cook on as well, double doors or hatch will be more practical for me...hatch would be nice in the rain.

 

[Hackopotomus]

Okay, I have a question about front bumpers. I would like to replace the stock front bumper with a heavy duty one because we have lots of wildlife roaming around northern NV (deer, wild horses, etc). My buddy hit a deer and he had a cheap Westin type grill guard which just smashed in his grill and head lights.

I'd go with ARB but for some reason they don't show one for a 2008 Silverado 2500 HD.

http://arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/accessorizeYourRig/chevroletGMC.pdf

I like this Buckstop one but it is a bit pricey:

http://www.buckstopinc.com/classic-1-655.html

I had a Ranch Hand on one of my other trucks and was impressed with it:

https://bumpersuperstore.com/i-1155...front-bumper-chevy-2500hd-3500-2007-2010.html

This Fab Four looks similar in design and price:

https://www.builtfortrucks.com/fab-...l-grille-guard-chevy-2500hd-3500-2007-5-2010/

Here is a cheaper TRX model but I have no idea about its quality:

https://www.builtfortrucks.com/trx-...er-chevy-silverado-2500hd-3500hd-2007-5-2010/

Anyone experience with the quality of any of these or others available?

 

[Explorerinil]

Okay, I have a question about front bumpers. I would like to replace the stock front bumper with a heavy duty one because we have lots of wildlife roaming around northern NV (deer, wild horses, etc). My buddy hit a deer and he had a cheap Westin type grill guard which just smashed in his grill and head lights.

I'd go with ARB but for some reason they don't show one for a 2008 Silverado 2500 HD.

http://arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/accessorizeYourRig/chevroletGMC.pdf

I like this Buckstop one but it is a bit pricey:

http://www.buckstopinc.com/classic-1-655.html

I had a Ranch Hand on one of my other trucks and was impressed with it:

https://bumpersuperstore.com/i-1155...front-bumper-chevy-2500hd-3500-2007-2010.html

This Fab Four looks similar in design and price:

https://www.builtfortrucks.com/fab-...l-grille-guard-chevy-2500hd-3500-2007-5-2010/

Here is a cheaper TRX model but I have no idea about its quality:

https://www.builtfortrucks.com/trx-...er-chevy-silverado-2500hd-3500hd-2007-5-2010/

Anyone experience with the quality of any of these or others available?

Does aluminess make one for your truck?

Consider a whinch if you don't use it often you don't need a warn, also consider some vision x or ridgid lights, that will help on those long dark country roads.

 

[Hackopotomus]

Does aluminess make one for your truck?

Consider a whinch if you don’t use it often you don’t need a warn, also consider some vision x or ridgid lights, that will help on those long dark country roads.

Looks like they do but a bit pricey at $2150 with brush guard. I think it might be worth the extra cost though for the weight savings. Thanks for the tip.

Will definitely be adding extra LED lighting. We have a lot of long open roads up here that go through lots of nothing with little traffic. Good lighting is esential if you want to log miles at night! :smiley_drive:

 

[Bojak]

My $0.02, I’d keep your duramax and watch for a used pop up camper. You can tow your Jeep, keep your truck which is a known commodity, and have a comfortable space in the back. You have to be ready with cash, but deals do appear occasionally. That’s how I ended up with our Hallmark. Saw the ad, called the guy, got cash, hopped on a plane. Solid camper for about the price of a down payment on a new FWC Grandby.

what he said. Be honest with yourself, do you want to expedition, or looking for the next build / project? Neither is a wrong answer but the answer will pic the route. Project build, get that damn panel truck and put it on a duramx frame with straight axle conversion. Expoing, get a camper and get going

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

 

[Hackopotomus]

what he said. Be honest with yourself, do you want to expedition, or looking for the next build / project? Neither is a wrong answer but the answer will pic the route. Project build, get that damn panel truck and put it on a duramx frame with straight axle conversion. Expoing, get a camper and get going

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

Going to stick with truck for longer overlanding trips. I could do the panel too. That would be ************ with a Duramx or even a Cummins with some D60's and an Atlas. :luxhello: I'd sell the Jeeps to build that.

 

[Explorerinil]

Looks like they do but a bit pricey at $2150 with brush guard. I think it might be worth the extra cost though for the weight savings. Thanks for the tip.

Will definitely be adding extra LED lighting. We have a lot of long open roads up here that go through lots of nothing with little traffic. Good lighting is esential if you want to log miles at night! :smiley_drive:

Aluminess will not rust which is a plus. I got a set of vision x cannons in the fog light mounts on my bumper and a ridgid 30 inch spot flood combo, with those lights I have plenty of light. I highly recommend a spot flood combo led bar.

 

[Clutch]

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How do they compare cost-wise with the more mainstream aluminum toppers (Leer, ARE, Unicover, etc?) And how about weight-wise?
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emailed them today, quite literally got back to me in 5 minutes. The cab-over I am looking at is between $5-8K. Not cheap, but not too bad either if you compare it to a shell FWC/ATC.

 

[TenaciousDave]

For that much, wouldn't an actual trailer be better? You'd have way more room and a shower/toilet to boot. Unless you didn't want to tow anything. I may have missed that part if you mentioned it.

 

[Hackopotomus]

For that much, wouldn't an actual trailer be better? You'd have way more room and a shower/toilet to boot. Unless you didn't want to tow anything. I may have missed that part if you mentioned it.

I have thought about a trailer and may go that route at some point. I'd like to build my truck to do be fairly capable on trails and I could pull a smaller off road style trailer but wouldn't want anything too big. I think I'd prefer to be able to just sleep in the back of the truck for that kind of stuff.

A larger trailer with a head and galley would be nice for longer trips across the country. I could always leave it parked at a campsite and take the truck by itself over rougher roads/trails.

I'll keep my Jeep for hard core off roading.

 

[Dalko43]

What this guy said..1person, 1dog... sportsmobile or similar ford e350extended , sprinter or transit , with a high top, would be perfect, year 2000+, queen sized bed, couch, kitchen and under bed garage for toys... get a gasser and never worry about all the extra expense and problems diesel can bring...

Why? He already has a lot of time and money put into both his jeeps and the GM Duramax truck. If anything he could afford to sell one of the Jeeps and consolidate his effort into the 2 remaining vehicles: one for rock-crawling; and the other for long distance trips.

If he really is trying to explore some off-the-beaten path places, a Duramax pickup with a shell or camper will be a lot more useful than an unmodified van.

 

[locrwln]

I see from your post on my thread that you have decided to keep the truck. Good call. Mine has been all over and I've never wanted a smaller vehicle. I came from Jeeps, Toyotas, and now my truck. It just works no matter the terrain, 14+hour days on the road: no problem, exploring the desert: no problem. As you have seen from by build thread, the camper has never prevented me from following a road. Looking forward to seeing what you decide on for a "camper."
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Jack

 

[Hackopotomus]

I see from your post on my thread that you have decided to keep the truck. Good call. Mine has been all over and I've never wanted a smaller vehicle. I came from Jeeps, Toyotas, and now my truck. It just works no matter the terrain, 14+hour days on the road: no problem, exploring the desert: no problem. As you have seen from by build thread, the camper has never prevented me from following a road. Looking forward to seeing what you decide on for a "camper."
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Jack

Hi Jack.

Yes, your truck kind of helped me make that decision. I am thinking I'm going with the same fender flares you used to open the wheel wells a bit and run either 315/75-17s or the 285/75-17s. I have a leveling kit with CST upper control arms and hoping those tires will work.

I will stick with using the shell that I have on the back for now and see how it works out. If I find it to be too small then I'll look for alternatives. Maybe a used popup camper or build my own. I have also thought about just putting a popup on top of my shell like a Westfalia style. Need to start making some trips and see how it goes.