Supercamper

[Willman]

What a awesome buildup!!! Looks like they're having a blast with it!!!

:suning:

:elkgrin:

They would make get ExPo members!!!

:sunny:

 

[BogusBlake]

Wow! That thing is really cool! And I do agree, they seem like really cool folks!

What is really amazing to me is that they seemed to have built that entire rig with no welding. I pretty much suck at building anything out of non-metal materials, so that's really impressive.

 

[seth_js]

Whoa.... freak'n sweet!

 

[Brian894x4]

I would love to know the weight of the set up and how they might be faring with the rear frame of the Taco.

I think after all that work, the next two critical mods should be strengthening the frame and brand new custom springs. Then seriously consider a stronger full floating rear axle. I think then it would be complete and safe.

I'm still in awe over the camper design. A pop up version of that with a little lower profile would be the sweetest thing ever made. Of course, what they have is about as cool as it gets.

 

[njtaco]

I would love to know the weight of the set up and how they might be faring with the rear frame of the Taco.

It really doesn't look all that heavy to me...

The rear frame reinforcements (Demello style) are a given, but if they stay within GVWR, the Tacoma rear should be ok, I'd think.

 

[Grim Reaper]

I would love to know the weight of the set up and how they might be faring with the rear frame of the Taco.

I think after all that work, the next two critical mods should be strengthening the frame and brand new custom springs. Then seriously consider a stronger full floating rear axle. I think then it would be complete and safe.

I'm still in awe over the camper design. A pop up version of that with a little lower profile would be the sweetest thing ever made. Of course, what they have is about as cool as it gets.

I thought about that as well. I think a Pop up would actually add weight way up high and never save enough in fuel to justify the extra expense and agravation.


It didn't look to be sagging too bad and those helpers they had are not the most effective thing in the world. You know how bad our trucks are about sagging in the first place. I had to add a leafe just to level my 4Runner EMPTY. I really don't think they are that bad off in the weight department with the way the built the body. Most of their wieght is low and up behind the cab. The heaviest thing above the hight of the cab is the bed.

I agree that bracing/platting the rails over the axle would be a good idea. The mounting system is only loading two points so it is loading the frame differently then a standard bed would. After that a set of Air bags would do the job and allow the ability to tailer the ride to the load. The axle should be up for it with conservative driving. If I did anything I would put the front axle gusset on both sides of the rear diff and call it good.

 

[njtaco]

The mounting system is only loading two points so it is loading the frame differently then a standard bed would.

Good point...

I guess I was thinking the weight of the OEM bed offset the weight of the fiberglass, etc., at least somewhat.

It looks like the camper mounts are nearly over the rear spring and shackle mounts, from the construction pics.

I'm impressed with their patience, too. Two years to completion, IIRC. And they only had 500 miles on the truck before they left on the first trip. I wonder how many hours of labor it took to complete? They probably don't want to know!

 

[dbolton]

Yeah, but I'm not sure that fuel economy is the only reason to go with a pop-up. They're trying to do trips in Central America - in my experience, vertical clearance is frequently the limiting factor in getting around down there.

At least to some of the better surf spots.

 

[adventureduo]

Dont get me wrong, that is so amazing.. and im totally jealous!.. but.,

Isn't there some type of certification or law, regulation on building your own cab over? Doesnt it have to be inspected by the DMV? or CHP or someone to be on the road?

I guess not huh?

I didnt read the entire blog.. so maybe they did have too.. i dont know.

Just askin'

Still bitchen though.

 

[robert]

I think I would have gone with custom springs in the rear and possibly airbags; I'm betting they have to change out at some point anyways due to weight and ride.

Awesome project! I wish I had that much talent.

 

[njtaco]

Dont get me wrong, that is so amazing.. and im totally jealous!.. but.,

Isn't there some type of certification or law, regulation on building your own cab over? Doesnt it have to be inspected by the DMV? or CHP or someone to be on the road?

I guess not huh?

I didnt read the entire blog.. so maybe they did have too.. i dont know.

Just askin'

Still bitchen though.

I've worked in the marine and RV trade for more years than I want to remember...several years working hands-on on travel trailers, pop-ups, class A, B, and C motor homes, and yes, truck campers. The Supercamper's design, structurally and aesthetically, puts to shame many well-known brands I've experienced the dubious pleasure of repairing.

There is a certification by RVDA (or RVIA, I don't recall) that is available, but it is not required. It is as much marketing, IMHO, as it is safety. There is a UL seal to be had as well, but IDK if it is required. Canada has their own, different, standards.

Come to think of it, Mario with Adventure Trailers may have more info from a manufacturer's perspective. I hope he chimes in.

 

[oly884]

That's one sweet setup!

I'm hoping to be "removing" my bed and fixing a modified bed that accommodates my FWC much better. Also, make better use of the space that the setup does not utilize as of now.

 

[kcowyo]

I'm hoping to be "removing" my bed and fixing a modified bed that accommodates my FWC much better.

 

[oly884]

Basically, I want to build a flat bed that allows for the FWC to sit much better on. On top of that, have it utilize the space around the bed that isn't used with the FWC on.

 

[Desertdude]

Brilliant! looks like a dream come true for the ultra cool couple - ingenuity and perseverance - and now Baja time :bowdown: