smbisig
Adventurer
Got it, I will let the Tacoma owners chime in. Gladiator's are super simple since we can't use the tire carrier on the door.
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Introducing the “NEW” Alu-Cab Canopy Camper
- Thread starter rino
- Start date
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seekoutbeauty
Active member
My original tacoma method worked but we couldn't standardized it, so we run through the filler kits on all vehicles.
Originally, it was a line on the bottom of my bed, with the regulator inside of the fit kit.
Originally, it was a line on the bottom of my bed, with the regulator inside of the fit kit.
Wingknut
New member
FYI: Jeremy over at 813 Fab has a neat solution, but better as a preventative since the bracket or something is necessary.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Seems like I may be coming into a rig buildout in the post-rush craze era, but I feel lucky in a way that at least currently there are so many options for camper cabovers and you can get exactly what you want. It sure can lead to analysis paralysis though.
I was pretty nearly set on a Topo Topper (Badlander) for its features, weight, and the fact that they are in the town next over from me. However since I learned there was an Alu-Cab other than a heavy Khaya and learned of what you get for the price compared, I am heavily leaning towards an ACCC (or mod cap with 2 people tent - really not sure of the basic feature differences included or weight.
I think my only hesitation is my vehicle and primary use case and GVWR. At 1350 lbs available for my Ranger Raptor, I want to prioritize a minimalist build as I will also be hitch hauling motorcycles - dual sports to remoteish riding locations and sportbikes to tracks. That can be 1000 lbs camper (if I understand correctly it is 500 lbs without accessories) + hauler + bike before any real other gear required. I understand I will absolutely need different springs for the suspension.
Anyway I'm piping in as I just completed reading through this entire thread and I can see that the complaints are minimal, the positives seem high, and the product seems quality. I am only mildly hesitant or concerned with a few things - losing my tailgate, having access issues when hauling bikes, and potentially ruining the performance and handling of my amazing truck. Going with this product seems to require a fully all-in mentality of making your vehicle a camping or expedition primary use rig.
I was pretty nearly set on a Topo Topper (Badlander) for its features, weight, and the fact that they are in the town next over from me. However since I learned there was an Alu-Cab other than a heavy Khaya and learned of what you get for the price compared, I am heavily leaning towards an ACCC (or mod cap with 2 people tent - really not sure of the basic feature differences included or weight.
I think my only hesitation is my vehicle and primary use case and GVWR. At 1350 lbs available for my Ranger Raptor, I want to prioritize a minimalist build as I will also be hitch hauling motorcycles - dual sports to remoteish riding locations and sportbikes to tracks. That can be 1000 lbs camper (if I understand correctly it is 500 lbs without accessories) + hauler + bike before any real other gear required. I understand I will absolutely need different springs for the suspension.
Anyway I'm piping in as I just completed reading through this entire thread and I can see that the complaints are minimal, the positives seem high, and the product seems quality. I am only mildly hesitant or concerned with a few things - losing my tailgate, having access issues when hauling bikes, and potentially ruining the performance and handling of my amazing truck. Going with this product seems to require a fully all-in mentality of making your vehicle a camping or expedition primary use rig.
MR E30
Well-known member
Your last sentence sums this up perfectly IMO. I went all-in, and have zero complaints. The suspension/frame/drivetrain modifications that I felt were absolutely crucial have transformed my truck into a very competent machine, and it drives even better than it did when it was camper-less and stock.
My Canopy Camper was 440 lb., and the 3G Tacoma tailgate was 60 lb., so the empty camper was a 380 lb. addition to my truck.
Ridding myself of the tailgate was one of, if not the best, parts of the Canopy Camper.
My buildout, while utilizing all the space available, is definitely weight conscious and minimalist for sure. My build thread is in my signature. It may contain some ideas you jive with.
Appreciate your build thread link @MR E30 as I need more forum material to peruse for sure. I'm on the official Facebook group now but no FB posts can ever get so comprehensive and in-depth.
Good point about some weight tradeoff with losing the tailgate as well. That about puts it exactly in the same range as if purely adding some of the other competitor options I've considered.
I am awaiting a quote and have the option to book an on-site and check out the shop rig through @seekoutbeauty 's outfitting company Tiny Rig Co. The product doesn't seem to be losing much popularity at this time where many other recreational sales are slowing down - I saw they were installing 3x last week and had 3x more lined up the next.
Good point about some weight tradeoff with losing the tailgate as well. That about puts it exactly in the same range as if purely adding some of the other competitor options I've considered.
I am awaiting a quote and have the option to book an on-site and check out the shop rig through @seekoutbeauty 's outfitting company Tiny Rig Co. The product doesn't seem to be losing much popularity at this time where many other recreational sales are slowing down - I saw they were installing 3x last week and had 3x more lined up the next.
MR E30
Well-known member
Here is my experience with the Alu-Cab Adjustable Backrest for the Canopy Camper. This was originally only made for the Gen 3.1 RTT, but they made a modified version that fits directly into the Canopy Camper.
First impressions: This thing is beautiful and very easy to use.
This is what your money (~$800) gets you:
- The backrest itself, which consists of a bamboo platform/backrest, (2) brackets, and a metal frame.
- (2) new struts
- (2) mounting plates
- Hardware kit
This backrest is a direct replacement of the original 'desk' portion of the camper, shown removed, below.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
Here it is in backrest/relax mode
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
I was originally curious, as the Product Description online has no info in it, about how the ratcheting support system worked. I was wondering if I would have to reach back and over the backrest to pull a strap or something to get the backrest to lay back down again.
Turns out it is way easier than that.
Here you can see the multitude of angle options, and the backrest is engaged in the third from the top position.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
In order to get the backrest to lay flat, you simply grab the top edge and pull the backrest more towards vertical, until it gets to the end of its travel, and then let it back down to the flat position.
The photo shows the bracket fully extended, ready to be lowered.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
Very convenient and easy to use.
One let down with this product are these hinges. They are symmetrical above their centerline. This is less than ideal. Also, the holes on one half of the hinge, the half that bolts to the camper frame, are too small, and require you to drill them out. Not a difficulty, but for the price I would expect something to be just about perfect.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
The other problem with the hinge is that the other half of the hinge, the half mounted to the pivoting backrest, is improperly sized for the small dimensions of the frame members.
They want you to use (4) rivets to install the hinge to the pivoting backrest, but the spacing of the holes relative to the width of the frame member, is so close that you end up drilling through some of the side of the frame to get the rivets to work.
I opted to install M5 nutserts into the frame, and to use just (2) of the (4) holes in each hinge to mount the backrest. This allows me to center the holes in the frame member.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
That aside, I measured, aligned, and drilled everything required to get it mounted. This platform is a bit heavier than the original platform, so they have you install a second strut for raising the platform up and out of the way towards the back of the camper.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
And an 'outside' shot of the backrest deployed in the camper.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
First use impressions?
This thing is going to be very nice to have. Our bed is now a far more comfortable place to be for extended periods of time due to having this large, stable back support available for us to lean on.
It is quick to set up, and quick to get out of the way if I need to hop downstairs for something. The bamboo top is shiny and smooth. When the backrest is not deployed this 'desk' portion acts just as the original piece did, so no issues there. Toss a pillow behind your back and lean away. Voila, comfort! A nice feature to have in this otherwise spartan home on wheels.
First impressions: This thing is beautiful and very easy to use.
This is what your money (~$800) gets you:
- The backrest itself, which consists of a bamboo platform/backrest, (2) brackets, and a metal frame.
- (2) new struts
- (2) mounting plates
- Hardware kit
This backrest is a direct replacement of the original 'desk' portion of the camper, shown removed, below.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrHere it is in backrest/relax mode
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrI was originally curious, as the Product Description online has no info in it, about how the ratcheting support system worked. I was wondering if I would have to reach back and over the backrest to pull a strap or something to get the backrest to lay back down again.
Turns out it is way easier than that.
Here you can see the multitude of angle options, and the backrest is engaged in the third from the top position.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrIn order to get the backrest to lay flat, you simply grab the top edge and pull the backrest more towards vertical, until it gets to the end of its travel, and then let it back down to the flat position.
The photo shows the bracket fully extended, ready to be lowered.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrVery convenient and easy to use.
One let down with this product are these hinges. They are symmetrical above their centerline. This is less than ideal. Also, the holes on one half of the hinge, the half that bolts to the camper frame, are too small, and require you to drill them out. Not a difficulty, but for the price I would expect something to be just about perfect.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrThe other problem with the hinge is that the other half of the hinge, the half mounted to the pivoting backrest, is improperly sized for the small dimensions of the frame members.
They want you to use (4) rivets to install the hinge to the pivoting backrest, but the spacing of the holes relative to the width of the frame member, is so close that you end up drilling through some of the side of the frame to get the rivets to work.
I opted to install M5 nutserts into the frame, and to use just (2) of the (4) holes in each hinge to mount the backrest. This allows me to center the holes in the frame member.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrThat aside, I measured, aligned, and drilled everything required to get it mounted. This platform is a bit heavier than the original platform, so they have you install a second strut for raising the platform up and out of the way towards the back of the camper.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrAnd an 'outside' shot of the backrest deployed in the camper.
Winter Upgrades 3 by Michael Rickerd, on FlickrFirst use impressions?
This thing is going to be very nice to have. Our bed is now a far more comfortable place to be for extended periods of time due to having this large, stable back support available for us to lean on.
It is quick to set up, and quick to get out of the way if I need to hop downstairs for something. The bamboo top is shiny and smooth. When the backrest is not deployed this 'desk' portion acts just as the original piece did, so no issues there. Toss a pillow behind your back and lean away. Voila, comfort! A nice feature to have in this otherwise spartan home on wheels.