Toyota T100: Alaskan or other pop-up?

[billy bee]

Any experience with an Alaskan camper on a Toyota T100? Our T100 is a 1996 2wd xtra cab (6.5' bed) with a manual trans. I would consider either a Mini or a standard 8".

Biggest downside to the Alaskan is weight, I think. The T100 suspension stinks. Airbags would be required, but may also need new springs and shocks. So, I would consider something lighter. Suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[ScottBailey]

Four Wheel Camper and All Terrain Camper build rugged pop-ups that weigh in at under 700 pounds. Both companies are in California.

 

[adrenaline503]

Are you looking at new or used? I have an 04 Nissan Frontier and have been considering similar options as well.

 

[billy bee]

Are you looking at new or used? I have an 04 Nissan Frontier and have been considering similar options as well.

The only thing I buy new is underwear. So, I am thinking used.

The sad news, really, is that I have to sell my Sportsmobile. Been a rough year. I'm back to work, but at a significantly reduced salary. So, rather than carry insurance on my SMB and my T100, I am looking to have the Toyota do double-duty. Not ideal but I love to have a fun camper in the stable.

SMB:
http://billybee.smugmug.com/photos/114742735_LQZ75-M.jpg

bb

 

[billy bee]

Four Wheel Camper and All Terrain Camper build rugged pop-ups that weigh in at under 700 pounds. Both companies are in California.

The more I ponder, the more I want another Alaskan. I had one on a Dodge dually several years ago. It was perfect. But I kow I'd have to consider an Alaskan Mini. May be too small.

bb

 

[adrenaline503]

Most of the Alaskans I see are 10 foot models. A few 8 foots now and then but I am concerned about too much weight over the rear axle with those. I just found a brand caller "Roamin Charriot". They have a welded aluminum frame like the FWC but use a different pop top design. I havent found any first hand experience yet but here is the link:

http://www.roaminchariot.net/

 

[billy bee]

Most of the Alaskans I see are 10 foot models. A few 8 foots now and then but I am concerned about too much weight over the rear axle with those. I just found a brand caller "Roamin Charriot". They have a welded aluminum frame like the FWC but use a different pop top design. I havent found any first hand experience yet but here is the link:

http://www.roaminchariot.net/

Alaskan does make a Mini model. Rare, but I occasionally see them for sale. http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=723&Itemid=34

The Roamin' Chariot looks interesting. Terrible web site but interesting product. Price is more than $5k. For that money, I think I could find a newer Alaskan. Actually, there is one for sale in the PacNW right now. Could be the one...

What surprises me here is that nobody uses their T100 as the foundation for a camper. It is such a good truck. Nearly indestructible, mid-sized vehicle (not too big, not too small)...but wimpy compared to American Iron. Even a little wimpy comared to Tundra, which is a little whimpy compared to the (once) big 3.

Thanks for the input, folks.

bb

 

[ScottBailey]

Maybe Alaskan is the right way to go... On a different truck?

 

[adrenaline503]

Alaskan does make a Mini model. Rare, but I occasionally see them for sale. http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=723&Itemid=34

The Roamin' Chariot looks interesting. Terrible web site but interesting product. Price is more than $5k. For that money, I think I could find a newer Alaskan. Actually, there is one for sale in the PacNW right now. Could be the one...

What surprises me here is that nobody uses their T100 as the foundation for a camper. It is such a good truck. Nearly indestructible, mid-sized vehicle (not too big, not too small)...but wimpy compared to American Iron. Even a little wimpy comared to Tundra, which is a little whimpy compared to the (once) big 3.

Thanks for the input, folks.

bb

I have found a few used Charriots for under a grand. They weigh less than an Alaskan too. Did you say you found a Alaskan mini in the PNW?

 

[billy bee]

Did you say you found a Alaskan mini in the PNW?

Yes, check the alaskan site.

The T100 may be too wimpy for a real camper. Doubt I want to go through the trouble of byiing and selling the truck and the SportsMobile and buying another truck and Alaskan. Too much to worry about right now. I may just get used to camping in the T100 with the hi-roof camper shell on it. It's really not too bad...

bb

 

[Kilroy]

I don't know about the Alaskan mini, but a regular Alaskan will be way to heavy. I've got one, but it's on my 1 ton diesel. For your truck you should really check into the campers mentioned below. I've had a FWC and it was good camper. Went looking for more room with Alaskan.

Four Wheel Camper and All Terrain Camper build rugged pop-ups that weigh in at under 700 pounds. Both companies are in California.

 

[jackotheroad]

I am morphing real fast....

... from a Land Rover pulling a lightweight Burro travel trailer to a popup camper on a 4x4 pickup truck. The first popups that got my attention were the products from Alaskan. then I saw the FWC and the ATC's... then I read about Phoenix or Coyote
http://www.phoenixcampers.com/

Anyone offer some comparisons or comments to help make a distinct choice?

 

[mcgovski]

Kilroy is spot on. An Alaskan camper will be too heavy. Check the payload on your truck vs. the wet weight of the camper. If you really want a shock, check the weight rating on your tires...

+1 for FWC

Chris

 

[jackotheroad]

yes, the alaskan is quite heavier, and quite more costly. seems like four wheel campers has a lot of good reviews.