Ok, so there's Callen and A.R.E. ...........

[Czechsix]

Both of which are A: pricy as heck, and B: frikkin' impossible to find used in the models I'm interested in.

Soooooooo...are there any other manufacturers that make similiar campers or shells? I'm actually looking for a relatively high shell, or a camper design that gives the owner the capability to actually stand up on his hind legs so he doesn't have to simulate a baboon while changing clothes. My species worked hard to evolve, and I'd kinda like to utilize the benefits. I'm still working on the opposable thumb thing, but I figured I'd start slow and eliminate the knuckle dragging first.

This would be for a 1999 F350 Superduty with a long bed, btw.

 

[dustboy]

My species worked hard to evolve, and I'd kinda like to utilize the benefits. I'm still working on the opposable thumb thing, but I figured I'd start slow and eliminate the knuckle dragging first.

Well put! I get your idea, but it takes a really tall shell to do that unless you go pop-top. I've just decided that I'll use my enclosed awning off the back if I need to stand, and throw down a square of astroturf to keep my socks clean.

 

[bat]

pop up on a Callen

 

[Czechsix]

What are these "socks" you speak of?

I'm actually willing to deal with the height issues. Pop up is nice, but what about durability and lifespan? I was thinking that the steel framed, aluminum skinned systems would be the highest durability. Especially with height issues. Something that can withstand the occasional branch scrape would be good, and if it comes down to it I'll exo the front, or at least do some glide cables.

The other issue is that I'd like a stripped interior. I'd rather not weld up my own frame and skin it, but I could take a few days and do folding benches and some other mods. One of the primary uses of this shell would also be just plain transporting tools and parts storage for my normal day to day work. I can add in some modular, quick detachable tool cribs and bins, and then rip them out in an hour or so and convert to a weekend or longer "expedition" mode.

 

[Czechsix]

pop up on a Callen

Mythical.:sombrero:

Got pics?

I can't recall ever seeing a pop up on a Callen, but yeah, that might be ideal. Then again, Callen will do what the customer wants, within reason, just flip that wallet open.

OTOH, durability would suffer a bit, likewise lifespan.

Ah, decisions decisions. And me just out of the insert-twig-and-suck-off-termites stage.

 

[rynosurf]

What style are you looking for? I see full size Callens on Craigslist all the time.
There is also another camper company in El Cajon that makes Callen style campers but with a wood frame that are a lot cheaper.


You can borrow my welder if you want and build one yourself.

 

[UHAULER]

I made my own. I'm not sure if you have seen it before but here is the link. It is kind of tall but if you want to stand up straight there is not much you can do. If I had to do it over again I might have unbolted the front section behind the cab and cut the plywood back making the overhead about 2' longer and by doing that it would have reduced the lenght of the rear by the same amount making it flush with the bed.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21709&page=13

 

[Czechsix]

What style are you looking for? I see full size Callens on Craigslist all the time.
There is also another camper company in El Cajon that makes Callen style campers but with a wood frame that are a lot cheaper.


You can borrow my welder if you want and build one yourself.

Well, I see Callens on CL all the time too - but a high one, for a full size, double rear doors and rack?

Nope.

I've also done, and continue to do the crazedlist, but Callen seems to be pretty SanDiegoCentric. I'm sure I'll find one, eventually.

Thanks for the offer on the welder, but I'm good to go with that sort of gear too. I just have a thousand other things to do, less time, and more money, so I'm willing to spend something before making something. This situation, however, will probably change as soon as I post this message. Murphy, ya understand.

I'll have to stay away from any wood framed or wood sheeted campers. I've run them in the past, on everything from trucks to 'mogs, and they just don't last. Therefore it's going to have to be a steel frame, or aluminum framed box. I'll have to run over to race dezert and check out their classifieds, come to think of it. Might find one over there.

 

[brut4s]

there is also http://www.caravancamper.com/ they will also build anything you want. Great top! I found mine on craigslist for $250.00! They are in Reno Nevada I see them around Nor-Cal and Nevada.

 

[Bella PSD]

Well, I see Callens on CL all the time too - but a high one, for a full size, double rear doors and rack?

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/1640693989.html
Double doors, full size, roof rack,tall....So close! I just re-read your post and saw long bed. Its on a short bed.

 

[bajajoaquin]

You mean, something like this?

I found it used in San Diego last fall, and it's been to Baja four times now. I probably had similar requirements to yours: Open shell, standing height, and ability to use my truck as a truck (i.e. haul dirt bikes, loads of gravel, etc.).

Unfortunately, it doesn't move your question ahead, since it's a Callen. I think you're stuck either shelling out, or being patient. Sorry I don't have a better answer

 

[Czechsix]

You mean, something like this?

I found it used in San Diego last fall, and it's been to Baja four times now. I probably had similar requirements to yours: Open shell, standing height, and ability to use my truck as a truck (i.e. haul dirt bikes, loads of gravel, etc.).

Unfortunately, it doesn't move your question ahead, since it's a Callen. I think you're stuck either shelling out, or being patient. Sorry I don't have a better answer

LOL...see, they are out there! Ya scooped me!

Yep, that's pretty much what I'm looking for, and like you say, we're looking at the same requirements.

I'm thinking it's going to be the patience option. They're out there, just not common.

Oh, and Bella - yep, I've seen that one on San Diego CL for a while now. Like you say though, not the right size.

 

[HMalice]

You mean, something like this?

I found it used in San Diego last fall, and it's been to Baja four times now. I probably had similar requirements to yours: Open shell, standing height, and ability to use my truck as a truck (i.e. haul dirt bikes, loads of gravel, etc.).

Unfortunately, it doesn't move your question ahead, since it's a Callen. I think you're stuck either shelling out, or being patient. Sorry I don't have a better answer

Was that the one from Carlsbad? I had been eyeing a black tall one for a while and was just being stingy about it. Ended up settling for this one for 700 but would probably go for a taller one should it arise...

 

[sqwaby]

Tight budget, plus no used shells like I wanted available. So I bought a used commercial 3 door 38" tall A.R.E unit. I cut 24.5" off the length and tucked the front in 3/4" each side and cut the side doors to the new spec. My buddy welded it back up and I reused all the old trim, screws, latches and hinges. Interior height is only 54", but it would be relatively easy to raise another 10 or 12". Bought the shell off craigslist for $125, spent another $200 on sealant, new weatherstripping for the doors and 1 sheet of .080 alum to reskin the doors, due to dents. The local marine canvas shop is making screens for the side doors, should be plenty airy(22"x61"). Tools needed; skill saw with 40 tooth carbide blade, sawzall, drill & bits, cutting wax. Traded out the labor. So far less than $350 invested, unless you count the beer.

 

[Regcabguy]

The Callens are vehicle specific since the manufacturers decided to tweak their beds so much. There's a Ford Superduty with a Callen half-cabover(my name for them) that parks at the day use at San Elijo. The Callen crunched his bed sides and they bow out now. All the makers have thinned out their sheetmetal so much. Probably a stupid idea but have you gone to the source and asked if they've got a used unit in stock?