If a slide in camper had ...

[theMec]

We go camping because we like the outside. I like the idea of a slide in except that it's TOO isolating from the environment. Currently we have a fiberglass topper w/ a windoor on one side and sliding side window on the other. We usually sleep w/ the back tailgate down and hatch open. I'm looking at less constraining options.

If a slide-in camper (popup or hard side) only had 2 rear doors (like a commercial topper) and windoors on each side I'd be very interested. Unfortunately I haven't found one ...
Please let me know if I've overlooked a manufacturer. Thanks.

[Lynn]

I hear ya. That's one reason I like the one that the SuperCamperos built:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/hollybeck/elcapcamper/phone.jpg

I don't know of a camper that's commercially available that would meet your needs. However, have you considered getting a 'contractor box' like the CargoBody (http://www.cargobody.com/) ones, and outfitting the inside yourself?

Or, the military surplus (http://www.mvpal.com/index.php?option=com_noah&Itemid=21&method=showdetails&list=advertisement&rollid=330&fromfromlist=classifiedscategory&fromfrommethod=showhtmllist&fromfromid=3)one that CrazyJane linked (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12661&highlight=%2A.mvpal%2A)is apparently still available, but you'd have to add the side windoors.

[theMec]

I drool over those custom camper setups but i have neither the skills or the time.
I've looked into those cargobodies but it would be a lot of work and expense to modify to my needs. I can do the interior but the exterior ...

At this point, I'm leaning towards either an ARE vertical side commerical cap like this:
http://www.4are.com/cgi-bin/_b/gallery.cgi?pictureid=831&max=3959&truckmake=Dodge

or a callen camper -> http://callencamper.com/Camper%20shells.htm

At some point soon, I realize I'll have to sh@t or get off the pot :-)

[SunMan]

Have you looked at these....

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/

[oldcj5guy]

Don't know what you are looking to spend, but when I worked at RV dealerships were able to special order in units with double doors and even sliding glass doors in the rear. I have even done a few custom builds for people looking for something like that in the past. My favorite one was a Lance that the back dropped into a ramp for a very independent lady in a wheelchair. I had to rebuild the whole inside of that thing for her chair to fit down the aisle. I see used units here in Denver from time to time with the rear glass sliders. While those doors aren't desirable for heading offroad, they do provide the opening to build something else into. Suburban Toppers down on Colfax is great to deal with and can probably order you a topper with any options you want. If you get something and need help with mods, drop me a pm. It looks like your just down the road from me anyway.

[theMec]

@sunman, the FAQ on the FWC site says they don't do mods but I just sent them a mail to double check. Also sent one to All Terrain Camper

@oldcj5guy, those RV companies will do anything for a price. Good to know. Where do you see the units at w/ rear glass sliders? Thanks for the offer for mod help. I might need it :-)

I did find a camper w/ double doors, today. Panther campers ( http://panthercampers.com/index.html ). Scroll to bottom to see a pic of the double doors. These are pretty interesting lightweight units. I'll have to send them a mail also.
thanks guys.

[BigDave]

I have a Six-Pac U850 that I ordered a couple of months ago. It has a 47" double wide door with screen door and a 4' window on each side of the main area as well as a smaller window on each side of the cab over.

The base unit was around $7000 and the driver's side window and door were about $1500 more. The camper is just an empty shell that you can fix up however you like. I don't have any pictures yet but there are plenty available on their site.

[Bella PSD]

Have you checked out flip Pac? I am like you and want an open feeling when we camp. I have had a slide in, pop up, and it still felt closed in, if that makes sense. The Flip Pac is like tent camping without the hassle. You have an 8’ tall tent that sets up in seconds.

When I was just starting out building my camper, I wanted 2 wide open doors or one large lift door. But in the end I built one center door. I opted for a smaller door for two reasons: less heat loss in the winter, and summer bug control. Plus, with the very open feeling you get with the Flip Pac, I do not feel closed in or isolating at all with the smaller rear door.
Louie

[fisher205]

It's bad enough we cry about the cool vehicles available overseas, but I think this camper would be what you are looking for www.bimobil.com . - Brad

[fisher205]

A little premature send button. Check out the Husky 235. I would give up my Alaskan for one those.

[theMec]

@bigdave, six pac has a pretty reasonably priced shell model. I looked at the 650 series but still pretty big. I'm thinking it might not hold up long term mild/mid 4x4 terrain.

@bellapsd, I've thought about a flippac but I spend too much time in the desert. It's too windy for a tent based system ... and the friggin blowing sand ..

@fisher, don't get me started on the cool stuff we can't get :-)
Thanks for the ideas

[Mcfly]

Something like this...
http://www.rvtravel.com/blog/truckcamper/2007/12/toy-hauler-truck-camper-its-alpenlite.html

[OS-Aussie]

It's bad enough we cry about the cool vehicles available overseas, but I think this camper would be what you are looking for www.bimobil.com . - Brad


That's dead sexy....... (MB Truck version) :bowdown:

[Sleeping Dog]

I can't vouch for the quality, but the price and weight is about right. Comments from any one familiar with these would be appreciated.

http://www.capricamper.com

Jim

[theMec]

jim_stl, those capri's are interesting. The Ranchero model is lighter, cheaper and has more storage than the Four Wheel Camper Hawk model that I've been looking at. Here's a link to the Ranchero model -> http://www.capricamper.com/ranchero.html
Of course, the unknown is how well they do offroad.

I just sent Capri a mail to see if they'll do double rear doors.
EDIT: Capri replied that they will not do double rear doors. - Scratch that possibility.

From similar mails to ATC & FWC earlier, only ATC responded. ATC will not do rear double doors. I bet it's tough to slide in a few sheets of plywood. I really like the idea of double rear doors like Callen or Panther. Panther pic of loading an ATC here ->
http://panthercampers.com/Options/Double%20Doors.jpg
Anyway the hunt continues ..

[Lynn]

I just sent Capri a mail to see if they'll do double rear doors.
EDIT: Capri replied that they will not do double rear doors. - Scratch that possibility.

I think that the reason you don't see more with double doors is the design challenges, trying to get 'em to align and seal, especially if you get any bed flex.

Years ago my father built a camper shell that had a full-sized lift-up door kinda like the SuperCamper, but he also set a man door in it so that you didn't have to always open the big door to get inside.

[rynosurf]

I've owned a Callen, nice tough camper but heavy due to steel frame. They will build you whatever you want but expect to wait a couple of months to get it. I see a lot of used ones on Craigs List San Diego. Here is one I saw today. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/rvs/637127415.html

Here is my buddies on his truck similar to yours.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u262/rynosurf/scorpionbay016.jpg

[18seeds]

Contact LiteCraftCampers in denver. I'm sure they would do it.

[theMec]

rynosurf,
your buddy has a nice looking setup. How heavy was your Callen?
If that San Diego ad was for a short bed, I might be driving out there this weekend. ;-)

18seeds,
thanks for the tip. I didn't know Lite Craft was in Denver. Lite Craft's small model is 1200+ lbs so too heavy for where I go BUT good idea since Outfitter and Hallmark are close also. I'll check w/ them since they offer campers under 1000 lbs.

[18seeds]

18seeds,
thanks for the tip. I didn't know Lite Craft was in Denver. Lite Craft's small model is 1200+ lbs so too heavy for where I go BUT good idea since Outfitter and Hallmark are close also. I'll check w/ them since they offer campers under 1000 lbs.


their shell model is much lighter.

Have them make you one that does not have a cabover if you want to save weight.

see in pic

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/18seeds/jaimecamper.jpg

[theMec]

18seeds, I was planning on visiting Outfitter today but I make a side trip to Lite Craft because of you. :-) Lite Craft does indeed have a double door option. I'm not sure what to make of their stapled / glued wood construction though. The rep said it's better than an aluminum frame because it flexes where a welded alum frame would break welds. I didn't want to argue that 4WC/ATC uses AL and is well known for taking abuse off pavement. A shell model would weigh about 900# she said.

The owners were not at Outfitter so I couldn't get some questions anwered. I'll send them an email. Look like well constructed campers though.

Thanks for the info and ideas.

[rynosurf]

rynosurf,
How heavy was your Callen?
Not sure of exact weight but I had to install airbags on my old Tacoma to handle the load. I'm sure Callen would give you an estimate if you called them.

[18seeds]

The wood/aluminum argument is always going on. FWC for me was not an option as their lift mechanism is not "SNOW" friendly. The girl you met was Robyn most likely. If the XP camper wasn't coming i'd have Lite-Craft make me a custom camper.

I've been to every factory in CO multiple times. All are great. I have an extensive write up on RV.net.

GL, Chris

[theMec]

18seeds, good point about the lift mechanism under snow load. Yes, I did talk w/ Robyn at Litecraft. Nice gal. No pressure. I'll look up your rv.net writeup. Thanks.

[18seeds]

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/20372867/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1

[sonnyboy]

Look at the Model 42 with extra wide door, low profile, and light weight.
www.rockabyecampers.com


We go camping because we like the outside. I like the idea of a slide in except that it's TOO isolating from the environment. Currently we have a fiberglass topper w/ a windoor on one side and sliding side window on the other. We usually sleep w/ the back tailgate down and hatch open. I'm looking at less constraining options.

If a slide-in camper (popup or hard side) only had 2 rear doors (like a commercial topper) and windoors on each side I'd be very interested. Unfortunately I haven't found one ...
Please let me know if I've overlooked a manufacturer. Thanks.

[hikingff77]

Man I love that camper they built, I'd change it just a little though.


I hear ya. That's one reason I like the one that the SuperCamperos built:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/hollybeck/elcapcamper/phone.jpg

I don't know of a camper that's commercially available that would meet your needs. However, have you considered getting a 'contractor box' like the CargoBody (http://www.cargobody.com/) ones, and outfitting the inside yourself?

Or, the military surplus (http://www.mvpal.com/index.php?option=com_noah&Itemid=21&method=showdetails&list=advertisement&rollid=330&fromfromlist=classifiedscategory&fromfrommethod=showhtmllist&fromfromid=3)one that CrazyJane linked (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12661&highlight=%2A.mvpal%2A)is apparently still available, but you'd have to add the side windoors.

[LateNate]

This one was made by Shamrock. I bought it used from someone. I am not sure if they still make it though.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu345/fnexpeditions/P9110017.jpg

[adrenaline503]

I have been eyeing the Panther campers myself and think I will go with them when the time comes. They are super nice to talk to and since I am in Seattle they are pretty close. I was asking about options and they offered to have me come down to the factory and throw a few models on my truck and see what I liked. They also offered to modify one for my flatbed.

[naterry]

I did a search and can't seem to find a source for these "windoors" you guys are talking about. Anyone have a lead? I'm looking for side windows for my box..

Cheers,

N

[decodent]

For what it's worth, I bought a Panther Camper 3 or 4 years ago for my Toyota Tundra. It took such a hit on mileage (dropped from 16-17 to 11-12), that I decided to sell it.

They took it on consignment back in 2008 (heck, maybe even 2007), and then finally sold it last year. Well ... the money has been late in coming. I ended up selling the thing for $2300, and they owe me $2150.

They kept promising they'd send me the check, but it never came. Apparently they've been having financial problems, owed backtaxes, and they took the money from what they owed their customers.

Well, after the umpteenth promise of sending me the money, they finally sent $500. But they still owe me $1650. And that's been over the course of almost a year.

Personally, I don't want anything to do with this company again. They have no integrity, and I don't know how much longer they'll be around.

My $.02 worth. YMMV.

[theMec]

I did a search and can't seem to find a source for these "windoors" you guys are talking about. Anyone have a lead? I'm looking for side windows for my box..

Cheers,

N

Windoors are available in A.R.E, Leer and other shells. I don't know where you could buy them separate, though. Callen camper might be able to help. They built windoors on each side of my Callen box. See my build thread for pics.

[jackotheroad]

http://www.fleetwest.net/ds365.html

now if they made one of these for a flatbed....

[BigMike]

We go camping because we like the outside. I like the idea of a slide in except that it's TOO isolating from the environment. Currently we have a fiberglass topper w/ a windoor on one side and sliding side window on the other. We usually sleep w/ the back tailgate down and hatch open. I'm looking at less constraining options.

If a slide-in camper (popup or hard side) only had 2 rear doors (like a commercial topper) and windoors on each side I'd be very interested. Unfortunately I haven't found one ...
Please let me know if I've overlooked a manufacturer. Thanks.

Fleetwest Durashell 165

http://www.fleetwest.net/DS165.html

They also make a lower profile unit. I am waiting for prices.

[BigMike]

Have you looked at these....

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/

Have you seen the new prices?

[sherwood]

It's bad enough we cry about the cool vehicles available overseas, but I think this camper would be what you are looking for www.bimobil.com . - Brad

Husky 240 lift up wall;

http://www.bimobil.com/website/pickup_h240/diashow_inneneinrichtung/large/G_6.jpg

http://www.bimobil.com/website/pickup_h240/diashow_inneneinrichtung/large/G_5.jpg

Every camper should have one!

[BobcatBob]

This is in reference the first post on this thread from Decodent.....Did you ever get all the money they owed you back?

[Hill, Bill E.]

Husky 240 lift up wall;


Every camper should have one!

I wouldn't mind something like that, say in southwest CO around Labor Day, or in Utah in the spring.

But no way I would want one around here for the majority of camping season.

Our mosquito's are so big, we have to tether our livestock down, so they don't fly away with them!

:coffeedrink:

[Kohburn]

I'm sure you could rig up a nice screen wall to kepe the skeeters out

[Captm]

www.statewidealum.com has "windoor" style windows

[Kohburn]

http://www.arrowtruckcaps.com/canopy-truck-product-details/36/5/windoors

truck cap makers/parts suppliers will probably have those - even as replacement parts