My nightmare with Callen Campers

[haven]

Man, that Caravan Campers web site has to be the worst design
I've seen in years. And they don't provide an email address to
contact the company. The product itself looks interesting, but
somebody has to help them with their web presence.

Chip Haven

 

[drobb]

Has anyone found a good steel framed Callen Camper alternative? I like Bel Air but the wood framing raises questions.

 

[dzzz]

Has anyone found a good steel framed Callen Camper alternative? I like Bel Air but the wood framing raises questions.

I wouldn't necessarily rule them out. Especially if you're local and can know what's going on. When I talked to them a couple years ago they were going through some management changes. If you want a custom it might be worth talking to them and getting some recent references.

I wouldn't do a custom without good reason. There are so many choices in standard manufactured campers. There's a lot of benefit to throwing a stock camper on fairly stock pickup.

 

[drobb]

Hi Don.....My problem is the requirements for the camper: overhead style but with nothing inside and wide open at the tailgate. I have a shortbed truck and I drive my atv up and into the truck bed for desert trips.

So something like the attached images would be perfect minus the camper sides opening. If you know of anyone who makes something like this or have some ideas....please pass it my way.

Thanks!

 

[bajajoaquin]

While I agree in concept with dzzz, you really will need to be on top of them. Here's my recent experience:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=790337&postcount=11

But they do have jigs to do exactly what you want. If you have the time, inclination, and need, it may be worth while.

 

[Terrainist]

drobb - have you considered the used market? I see you are located in SD, most used Callens show up in southern Cal. Here is one that might possibly fit your truck... http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/rvs/2167871341.html

 

[drobb]

Yep...I'm on CL every morning at 6am.......read this today.....calling the add you posted tomorrow!.....thx:wings:

 

[Regcabguy]

The Callens are vehicle specific. There's minor differences in the vehicles that they allow for. They used to keep some used ones on consignment on the premises if they're still in biz. Damn shame that Scott's messed up the company.

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Man, that Caravan Campers web site has to be the worst design
I've seen in years. And they don't provide an email address to
contact the company. The product itself looks interesting, but
somebody has to help them with their web presence.

Chip Haven

My thoughts exactly. Why not offer a option to avoid that intro B.S.!!!

I know when we ordered our A.R.E. DCU, I called the company and they offer custom builds, but WOW did they want alot just to add a few simple things, so we ended up just going with a unit that was out of the catalog with a few added upgrades.

 

[theMec]

Damn shame that Scott's messed up the company.

Scott built my Callen. (See pics that drobb posted about 6 posts above.) The fit and finish could be better but we love it. It's a pretty decent price, weight, strength combo especially considering he built to it my specs. I had to call him a lot though to get it done. If I were local to his shop, it would have been much easier.

I searched everywhere before I went w/ Callen. I couldn't find any alternative except Bel-Air. Good luck!

 

[drobb]

http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/

Found these guys this weekend and happen to see one in person at a gas station on an F150. Talked to the guy with the F150....They will build whatever you want....were easy to work with....dealer location is close.....good fit and finish from what I could see AND it's aluminum!!!

 

[theMec]

http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/

Found these guys this weekend and happen to see one in person at a gas station on an F150. Talked to the guy with the F150....They will build whatever you want....were easy to work with....dealer location is close.....good fit and finish from what I could see AND it's aluminum!!!

I think I might have seen this website before I ordered my Callen but I did not know they did custom work and certainly did not see this picture on their website:

Certainly worth talking with.

 

[Terrainist]

Make sure you are good with their construction methods. All the aluminum toppers I've seen use very thin walled aluminum tubing, like what you might find in a camp or folding chair. And the side and rear walls are screwed to each other and the roof vs. welded. Just from what I've seen out there from manufacturers, I'd consider them light duty toppers and doubt they would hold up over time. Haven't seen one that could legitimately take a roof rack. If you want it insulated and paneled that might be another problem.

Get inside one and make sure you are cool with the way they make them.

 

[Vectorit]

No complaints here with my Callen...

 

[Fish]

Nice truck and camper!

Is that a new camper build? What was the turnaround time?