Ram 2500: FlipPac or A.R.E. DCU 36" for Alaska?

[alaska]

Hello All...

I'll be taking an extended expedition trip of 60-80 days to Alaska in the summer 2012. In regard to a large domestic truck (I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500, Cummins, long bed), when it comes to choosing a camper for that type of harsh environment, what's the most useful choice as camper between these two: a FlipPac or an A.R.E. DCU 36" cap? In your opinion?

A.R.E. DCU 36" Cap
72630

FlipPac
72631

As I see it, the pros and cons are as follows:

The FlipPac becomes a PITA when getting wet and one is always to play the guessing game whether it will rain or not, so as to decide whether to use the rain fly or not ... while the DCU cap is ready to go at all times with any kind of weather.

The FlipPac, when open, allows for standing height inside, while one can at best be seated in a straight position in a DCU cap. However, the DCU cap allows for more storage space (taller cabinets, etc.) to be built in it.

The DCU cap has a more secure closing mechanism on its doors and is therefore more secure when it comes to protection from thieves.

The FlipPac is a much better experience in dry, hot environments, but the DCU cap is way more useful in bad weather/strong winds and where there is the potential threat of dangerous animals being around while you are asleep (such as in the case of the Alaskan wilderness).

The DCU cap performs better than the (open) FlipPac when it comes to noise insulation.

The FlipPac is much more aerodynamic than a 36" DCU cap, given that the latter stands about 1 ft. over the cabin of a large truck. More fuel economy with the FlipPac.....

That's all I can think of right now as far as the differences involed ... and unfortunately I am equally divided between the two. Which one is better for this particular situation?

Looking forward to your knowledgeable input based on experience rather than hearsay.

Will

[alaska]

By all means, also feel free to share your personal experience in this context and/or contribute any ideas, advice, feedback, suggestions, etc, if you have any... :) THANKS!

[zukrider]

disclaimer! i have no personal experience with any topper options.

that said, i think the flip pac is out for overall durability. if the weather were to get real extreme, and the tent ripped, you would be one very upset camper!

i feel the solid cap is a better fit. plus it opens up top storage options as well. even a platform and seat/table/umbrella for africa style wildlife viewing. also, the i would think the are would be that much more bear proof. i said more, not "proof" as in 100%. cause we all know a hungry grizzly will not be held down!

but..... i would like to throw in the Caravan Camper (http://www.caravancamper.com/). i feel they are a much better design, and far more customizable.

when i finally get my Powerwagon, i plan to get one 8-10" higher than the cab, with an extended rack over the cab for storage and light mounting! that extra height will also provide some much needed head room.


good luck with your choice and have an excellent trip!

[TXH3T]

Ok I have to admit I love the look of flip-pacs but I still would say that the DCU cap is the best choice in your situation. Camping for that long in alaska you are almost guranteed bad weather and or animals. Maybe its just me but ill trade a few comfortable nights to be in a solid camper when a bear decides he wants to get in.

[greasyfingers]

I lived in AK for a few years and I can tell you that the weather is very inconsistent. My first summer there the weather was unbelievable! But the second summer it rained ALL THE TIME and would go from perfect to precipitation in a hurry. Saying that I would go with the DCU, it’s more rugged, and you’ll have extra room to dry things out while you’re on the go.

[Rovertrader]

have had both, and been to Alaska, the A.R.E. for sure- reduce as many potential problems (torsion spring, tent fabric, etc) as you can and don't take the wildlife lightly...

[18seeds]

if weather is an issue i'd go with the caravan camper.
Here was mine on a dodge QC SB http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/42949-Flippack-FRP-web-site-gone?p=623565#post623565

[chasespeed]

I have a Leer utility cap. It has a taper in the front, that matches with the cab of the truck, though, it is taller than the cab. Has barn doors in the back, tool box curb side, and a just a windoor on the traffic side. Aluminum frame. Cap is light, and strong.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/chase12v/IMAG0012.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/chase12v/IMAG0016.jpg

I didnt get a hit in mileage... if anything, putting a cap on, it maybe got a little better...

Chase

[Every Miles A Memory]

Hard sided cap all the way. I've read a few reviews of the FlipPac's and everyone says the same thing. They arent too fun in heavy winds or rain and when you want to set them up along a side of the road or in a rest area, plan on drawing LOTS of attention.

You could be sleeping right beside anyone inside that A.R.E. and no one would know unless you were snoring something awful.

The A.R.E. wont give you the headroom you're looking for, but if you built a sleeping platform close to the floor of the truck bed, you'd have plenty of room to move aorund comfortably.

When camped in a traditional spot, I'd have a awning mounted either off the back of the cap or off the side to act as a makeshift shelter when the weather allows, plus it'll give you an area to cook out under.

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/Our-Camper-Truck-Motorcycle/ARE-DCU-Truck-Topper/Loaded-Up-and-ready-to-Roll/1159464458_wBoX2-L-1.jpg
Then there is the roof top storage which would be impossible with the FlipPac

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/Our-Camper-Truck-Motorcycle/Product-Shots-of-the-Camper/MG2804/892076637_dQfwS-L.jpg
Plus, with the A.R.E., you know all your stuff inside is pretty safe. They're built very stout and the locks will keep out anyone honest. Windows can also be reinforced with wire/cage straight from the factory

No affiliation, just been using one to live out of for over 5 years

[Dale]

Have you thought about a used Alaskan Camper? Its nice to be able to stand after a while when the weather is nasty. If you go with a DCU try and get one with a Full Hatchback. I hate getting slammed with the barn doors when the wind picks up, it will also keep your stuff dry when cooking in the rain, getting in and out etc. You can also set up tarps from the hatchback for wind blocks or if you want to take a sponge bath. Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

[Every Miles A Memory]

I agree with Dale. I see used Slide-In's on Craigslist all the time. It would give you lots more room, running water, inside cooking if you needed it because of the rain and as long as you didnt get the bug and start outfitting it with everything under the sun (Next to impossible), you could turn around and sell it as soon as you get back home

FlipPac or A.R.E., you're going to dump in some serious money, be stuck with it once you have it and both have serious limitations.

Just another option to think about

[alaska]

Have you thought about a used Alaskan Camper? Its nice to be able to stand after a while when the weather is nasty. If you go with a DCU try and get one with a Full Hatchback. I hate getting slammed with the barn doors when the wind picks up, it will also keep your stuff dry when cooking in the rain, getting in and out etc. You can also set up tarps from the hatchback for wind blocks or if you want to take a sponge bath. Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

I've considered using a slide-in, pop-up camper, but I'd rather not. I like the idea of stealthy parking and being low key, which in my opinion can be nicely achieved with either the A.R.E. DCU cap or the FlipPac (when closed). I'd like to get it new but also keep the purchasing expense down. Everyone here so far seems to favor the A.R.E. DCU cap for extended travel in Alaska, and I'm now pretty much convinced to go in that direction, which will also enable me to use it in the context of work tasks outside of expedition travel, which is an added plus.

Dale, the Full Hatchback seems to be a very good idea for the reasons you have stated, but wouldn't the door be in too high a position when open to be practical in that sense? I've given it some thought, and my vehicle's bed's floor stands at about 40" from the ground. Add to that another 19 inches to account for the height of the box and another 36 inches, which is the height of the cap, and you can readily see that both the top of the cap and the hatchback door, when the latter is open, would stand at about 95" from the ground...... Do you think the full hatchback would still be practical, useful at that height?

[chasespeed]

I have the barn doors on my cap. I have a piece of plywood, that rests on top of the doors(it holds them both at a 90 from the cap), that gives a little shelter, and also keeps them from getting blown by the wind. Also, GOOD door catches to keep the doors open helps a lot too.

You COULD go with a hatchback, and use a lanyard to pull the hatch back down..... but, remember, you would need to work with the tailgate down, at that point, the hatch isnt going to do you much good....

Chase

[Colby Jack]

In my opinion, the ARE is the only way to go-- weather,security, weather, brown/black fuzzy protection, weather, ease of use, did I mention weather??? Seriously, we just broke a record last summer for 37 days of straight rain. Not fun.

There is a reason you won't see many flip pacs up here, or popup slide ins, for that matter. Unless you can dry that fabric out, you will have mold, mildew, and accelerated wear on your mobile home. If you want to stand up, mount a nice awning on the side, throw down some indoor/outdoor, and have a bawl.

The question of price has come up-- Craigslist is a beautiful thing. If you're willing to travel to get it, you have plenty of time to shop. Chase already mentioned Leer as another option, Gemtop is another. If you want some more feedback regarding gear selection, or trip planning, come on over to the Alaska Region Section. Lots of nice peeps there, but some don't drive full-size.

Best of luck!!!
Colby Jack

[alaska]

I have the barn doors on my cap. I have a piece of plywood, that rests on top of the doors(it holds them both at a 90 from the cap), that gives a little shelter, and also keeps them from getting blown by the wind. Also, GOOD door catches to keep the doors open helps a lot too.

You COULD go with a hatchback, and use a lanyard to pull the hatch back down..... but, remember, you would need to work with the tailgate down, at that point, the hatch isnt going to do you much good....

Chase

We are talking about a FULL hatchback lift here, so there would be no tailgate as it would be removed upon installation. Here's a drawing of it:

72893

And yours are excellent suggestions for those with the barn doors....thanks!

[alaska]

Thanks Colby Jack, it's great to hear from someone who actually lives in Alaska!
I wasn't aware of the Alaska Region Section...appreciate your pointing it out...I'll follow your suggestion and post there too later tonight.

[chasespeed]

Yeah, sweet, havent seen any of those. IN that case, do it... take a piece of nylon web strapping, and make a lanyard, put a magnet(small one should work), on the end, put down the hatch, and put the end up to a small piece of metal(rivet a small piece of steel?), and viola.... can pull the hatch down, and put the handle up out of the way... AND, its nylon, so, if you forget to put it up, it wont bugger anything up....

Chase

[alaska]

Great idea.....thanks.

I was reading in the Alaska regional section something to the extent that the Tundra soil tends to be soft and a heavy truck will sink into it easily, which immediately brought up the question of what tire would be appropriate for this expedition. I initially had in mind a good set of E-rated BFG KM2 255-85R16's, which generally do pretty well off-road and are still not too bad for highway travel (they don't do so well on ice/hard snow, though). What's attractive to me is that they are relatively very thin and pretty light and therefore conducive to bearable fuel economy, which is important when it comes to long distance expedition travel. However, given the soft Tundra soil (whatever that practically means, as I do not plan on any heavy - not even medium - off-roading), would these thin tires be suggestible, taking into account the substantial weight of my truck (with the Cummins diesel engine and the rest of the stuff that will be on it), or should I shoot for the less economical but wider 285-75R16's? Anyone? I tried posting in the Alaskan chapter about it, but it does not seem to have much activity. I know Scott Brady heartily endorses the 255-85's for lengthy expedition travel when it comes to the much lighter Tacoma truck, but perhaps the weight of my Dodge Ram, the nature of the Tundra soil and those thin tires are not such a good combination...

[Outback]

The A.R.E. are complete crap. The roof racks are held on with self taps and are made of cheap aluminum. If you carry anything on rough roads or hit some low branches it will be damaged. The doors after about a year of constant use will have problems. There a good design but poorly executed with the cheapest materials. I've had two and each one had a short life. These were the units my company picked. Never again.

My next topper for my newest work truck is made by Caravan Campers. Same cost but so much nicer. In fact I've had this One for over two years and it has gone every 40 square miles from The Mexican border to the Canadian Border all the way east to MI IL ect. No issues and nothing has worn out! These units are so superior to A.R.E. Units. It's like comparing a Yugo to a G Wagon. Sorry ARE owners but it's the truth. If you lived in it half the year and used it every day for over 320 days a year like I do you will see how quickly the AREs wear out.

Flip pacs. All I can say is "Amazing"! I had one on my 2008 Dodge 3500. I'm buying another one for my 2011 Dodge 2500. There is nothing like being able to set up your camp in 30 seconds! If your 6'8" you'll be a happy man. Head room head room head room! As far as rain you can water proof your flip PAC and or buy the rain fly. Do a search for AT Flip PAC and you will find a silver Tacoma that has a flip PAC. He water proofed his and does a quick write up on it. If I could I would have one on my work truck.

Keep in mind that all of these units all cost pretty much the same. Also Keep in mind a bear can get into any of them In about 10 seconds. where you cook and store your food is the main thing. You will need "real" bear protection no matter what you buy. Good luck!

[Outback]

I've put up and broke down camp in high winds with my ATFlip PAC. I never had an issue? My wife may have. That's may have. I'm no body builder either. If you do go the Flip PAC route go with the "AT" flip PAC. It's built for extreme off road use. The regular flip PAC is built for asphaulters.

As far as the Caravan Camper goes you can have it made to what ever height you want.

[alaska]

@Outback
I appreciate your comments on Caravan Campers, which were also mentioned by zukrider earlier on in this thread. I remember following your 2009 thread with the setting up of your Caravan Camper shell on your Chevy 3500 Duramax. I have to say, it looked great! I have a few questions for you, since you said you live in it half the year... With the type of work life you do, I'm sure you have quite some experience living out of a camper shell! What options did you go for besides the top's fan? How tall is you CC shell? I looked at their website, but it's not as explanatory of details and options as the A.R.E. one is. Do you know if they can make a shell with straight side walls (90 degree angle) and a full hatchback rear door? It would be great if you could post a few pictures of your cap's interior....the way you have set it up to sleep in it six months out of the year. Thanks.

[Darwin]

I am confused about why you would limit yourself to just these two options? What is it about your trip that requires you to be "stealth" especially since you say you are going to Alaska. I would not think you would be "urban camping" a majority of your time. Personally I wouldn't torture myself if I didn't have to by living out of a truck cap for 2.5 months especially in Alaska.

I own a a utility shell similar to the ARE and right now it's about to disintegrate from all the bumpy roads. If I were to spend the money, I would definitely be getting a Caravan Camper like Outback says. Much stronger and better construction IMO.

[fullpoints]

Will,
I would buy a callen camper hands down- its a steel frame and indestructible- plus it has insulation, paneling and lights standard. website is callencamper.com but you can get them on craigslist for about a grand used.

[alaska]

I am confused about why you would limit yourself to just these two options? What is it about your trip that requires you to be "stealth" especially since you say you are going to Alaska. I would not think you would be "urban camping" a majority of your time. Personally I wouldn't torture myself if I didn't have to by living out of a truck cap for 2.5 months especially in Alaska. .

This is a work truck and therefore it's got to work to earn its play time... :) After taking into account all the feedback I've got here, I believe a hard cap such as the A.R.E. or Caravan Campers shell would be ideal, as it could stay permanently on the truck in both the work and play modes. I'll build the "expedition set" interior in such a way that it can be easily removed (in sections) when the truck is in work mode, then quickly put back for weekend expedition time or longer trips such as this one to Alaska.
I wouldn't think of living out of it for a couple of months as "torture..." A 36" tall cap provides an inside height of 55" in my truck, which is higher than that provided by an FWC or other slide-in, pop-up camper with the top down. It can be set up very nicely inside and provide much comfort. The only difference comparing it to a pop-up camper is not being able to stand up inside the camper and the obvious necessity to have the sitting bench also double as a bed (by adding an extension to it at bed time).

Thank you all. By all means, please keep the suggestions coming in...it's all been very useful and great feedback! :luxhello:

[Dale]

Sounds like a good plan, I can't wait to see what you come up with.

[Snafu]

I voted for the camper shell mainly because of this $200 not so pretty (the window screens are ripped, gas shocks for window blown, the rack on top is a bit rickity...I call it all character though) but damn useful camper shell I recently bought and used during my Colorado trip about three weeks ago:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6213628232_4dbfe4a814.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snafu_pbj/6213628232/)
Lemon sleeping too (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snafu_pbj/6213628232/) by snafu-kb (http://www.flickr.com/people/snafu_pbj/), on Flickr

I don't know about you, but I carry a kayak with me everywhere I go and while a flipPac looks awesome, there's nowhere for me to put it. My cheap shell is well worn, but it kept all the water out. Plus, when I was camping in Alpine tundra at 12000 feet off Engineer pass it seemed to, unexpectedly, help me stay warm (that's saying a lot for a guy that's been living in the Chihuahua desert for a lil over two years). I had a much better night than my friend sleeping in my tent outside using a much nicer sleeping bag, bivy sack, and winter liner

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6213032751_f3768d82aa_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snafu_pbj/6213032751/)
Camp 360 Panorama (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snafu_pbj/6213032751/) by snafu-kb (http://www.flickr.com/people/snafu_pbj/), on Flickr

Yes, I hit my head several times. Yes, it was hard to get to things up near the cab. But, I think that as time goes by you can improve upon a camper shell as there are infinite possibilities.

Good luck on your adventure, and yes, please share it with us! I'm planning for the day I have the means to take that trip...but I'm only 25 so I got some time to save up PTO and money!

[alaska]

I'd like to pose a question to those who have experience driving on Alaskan soil, which I have also posed in the Alaska section, and that's regarding proper tire selection for my truck. I am thinking of using BFG KM2 255/85-16's (33's which are only 10" wide) for this trip, as they have performed well both on- and off-road and have given some of the best fuel economy so far compared to other 33's. However, I'm concerned that the Alaskan soil might be soft in certain areas of the state and that a truck with relatively thin tires will sink into it.
My truck is a pretty heavy one with the Cummins diesel engine and these tires are obviously on the thin side.
Do you think their thinness could be a problem on Alaskan roads/terrain? (I don't plan to do any unnecessary off-roading, just drive along the available paths to camping sites and locations to be visited.) What would your suggestion be?

[HMalice]

Will,
I would buy a callen camper hands down- its a steel frame and indestructible- plus it has insulation, paneling and lights standard. website is callencamper.com but you can get them on craigslist for about a grand used.

I agree, a used Callen is your best bet. The one in my photo was picked up for $700, later down the road an even nicer one with a flip up side panel (blue striped one) was had for $900. I have done everything with them from camping to moving our home up the west coast. The truck and camper have since been sold but when I get another, buying or building this style camper would be my first choice.

I used 255/85's for a long time, they did fine off road & thru some fairly nasty mud pits. Worn out rear lsd wishing I had lockers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Amallick/Callen/IMG_2285.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Amallick/Callen/IMG_2251.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Amallick/Callen/IMG_3635.jpg

[alaska]

HMalice, do you remember what the height (floor to ceiling) was inside your Callen, approximately?

[HMalice]

HMalice, do you remember what the height (floor to ceiling) was inside your Callen, approximately?

I want to say about 5'6"?

Forgot to mention in my last post, I've also had an a.r.e. dcu hi top on the same truck. It serves a purpose as a contractor shell but was fairly flimsy and easy to damage in comparison. I never camped in that one and don't think I would want to; always saw it like a large cold toolbox.

[alaska]

I checked craigslist for used Callen Campers and I must admit there are some amazing deals around ... it's incredible what a few hundred bucks can get you on the used market. :Wow1:
And these Callen Campers seem built very solid indeed...

[chasespeed]

I run the cummins as well. I had 285s before the current 315s.

My mileage HASN'T really taken a hit(5spd and 3.55s). I do spend time in the woods, from the logging roads, to making roads. I will stay with a little wider tire under this heavy of a truck. If I wasnt working it so much... probably would look into a narrow 35... but.... I do prefer the narrower tires when I can. I dont have any experience in alaska though...

Chase

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Caravan Campers are built in my home town of Reno. You can order them anyway you'd like; Straight sides, window deletes, roof taller than cab etc. the list really goes on.

The Caravans are very popular around here and you can usually find a good deal on a used one using a search engine such as "Allofcraigs." The fact that you can find good used Caravan's are a testament to their construction. NV has a lot of dirt roads that are state routes and county highways.

We had a few (Two) trucks with the A.R.E. shells and they literally fell apart in the northern NV back country. They came apart at the seems. I'll try to find the pictures for you.

I have no experience with the Callen, but I think they are pretty popular with the rodeo circuit and I know those guys aren't gentle on equipment.


I have no experience driving in alaska, but I do have BFG KM2's, 255/85R16's on my F-250. I've also had them on my HJ45 diesel land Cruiser and my father had them on his FJ Cruiser, they're a great tire. I would also look at the Toyo MT's in the same size.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

The shell was less than two years old. Mostly used on Northern NV dirt roads (A lot of which are graded on a regular basis).

The first two pics are of both the driver and passenger side rear, where the camper meets the bed rails of the truck. The truck pictured is a Ford Superduty.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/IMG_2227.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/IMG_2226.jpg

The third and fourth pictures are from the driver's side looking towards the passenger side. The entire rear wall that houses the doors was completely falling off. If you look closely at the third image, you can see that the aluminum frame for the doors is almost broke completely in two.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/IMG_2225.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/IMG_2223.jpg

I'm being very conservative when I say the camper was less than two years old. we had two of them and they both fell apart like the one pictured. They have been replaced with caravans and they have had zero issues. NDOW, fish and game wardens have been using Caravan Campers as well with a sleeping configuration for a long time and those guys see some tough country.

[alaska]

When you say that "fish and game wardens have been using Caravan Campers as well with a sleeping configuration," do you mean that they were built with a sleeping configuration by Caravan Campers or that they were later modified that way, after being bought?

In re: BFG KM2's, 255/85R16's, someone pointed out in another thread that, though they are pretty good tires, Alaskan terrain can however be unforgiving and therefore it would be wise to pick a more readily available tire that can be quickly bought locally in case of need. Apparently, some Alaskan roads can chew even pretty strong tires very rapidly. What was suggested as a suitable tire that can be found anywhere is the GY Wrangler MTR+K 285/75R16 (they are slighly shorter but wider than the 255/85's).
For those interested, there is an excellent thread comparing these tires here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/61213-Decision-Goodyear-MTRK-or-BFG-MTKM2 Personally, I'd rather go with the BFG KM2's, but must admit that the rationale of choosing a tire that is readily available locally when driving on such harsh soil has plenty of merit.

[luchenbach]

I also have a caravan camper on my truck, and can attest to its' durability. I have a composite plastic bed on my truck and I had started with a hard tonneau cover on mine, but the frame flex while towing offroad was too much for it. When looking at purchasing new campers, two dealers would only sell campers with the framed windows, and not the cooler frameless tempered windows, because they had too many dissatisfied customers with broken windows due to off roading in Nevada with the campers. I was worried about flex causing problems with a camper shell. A friend also pointed out that the only campers that the Nevada Department of Wildlife uses are caravans, and they have no problems. I bought a used one and have really used it offroad, mostly while pulling trailers. The substantial steel frame of the caravan has kept it straight and I have had no issues at all. I would highly recommend one.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

[QUOTE=alaska;973695]When you say that "fish and game wardens have been using Caravan Campers as well with a sleeping configuration," do you mean that they were built with a sleeping configuration by Caravan Campers or that they were later modified that way, after being bought?

I don't know if Caravan installed them, but the one I saw had a box spring frame that held a single mattress. It was able to fold up against the wall to keep it out of the way. It looked pretty comfortable.

[BillTex]

I can comment on the tires; BFG Commercial Traction TA...pretty darn good in New England slop (Maine woods, logging roads) and a heavy Duramax CC... haven't seen winter yet...but expect pretty good performance based on others reviews...

Good luck with your plans...

B

[Shardsofanomaly]

Food for thought, although the weather can be inconsistent at best having lived in Alaska. Both of these designs are very capable of handling the Alaska way of life. Honestly from hunting in the bush, I never had a problem with the critters roaming around while camping in a tent, just don't pet the animals and you'll be fine. What it really boils down to is what do you want to get out of the equipment? I.e. function, protection, reliability etc.
One thing that I strongly recommend is picking up a copy of "The Milepost" it is a indispensable resource. Legendary Alaska trip planner and Alaska travel guide to the highways, roads, ferries, lodgings, recreation, sightseeing attractions and services along the Alaska Highway to and within Alaska, including Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and the Yukon. Word of caution having traversed the "Al-Can Hwy" numerous times , the worst part of the drive is that from Whitehorse, YK to the Alaska Border, the frost heaves (road displacement) are deceptive at size and depth, slow and steady wins. Also, extra Jerry Cans are a must, I highly recommend the Justrite AccuFlow™ DOT Approved 5 Gallon Gas & Flammables Type II Red Safety Can with 1" D Hose found at http://www.northernsafety.com. Expensive yes, but well worth the investment, I own four. Recall those nasty frost heaves in the road? I hit one going roughly 75mph, and bottomed out causing my lashing in my thule carrier to snap realizing on of the aforementioned canisters, nothing but dents and scratches and no leaks!
PS. If you're driving up bring a camera, British Columbia is absolutely beautiful.
PPS. Be prepared to be annoyed at large R.v. caravans along the way whom frequently stop.... Hope this helps in your endeavor.

Jason

[alaska]

So, here's the decision I've reached....

It will be something like this:

The Callen...
73422

The A.R.E. DCU with vertical sides...
73421

and am also keeping an eye out for a Caravan Camper, which seems to be, as far as strength/quality of materials, in between the Callen and the A.R.E. DCU... However, though it has been said several times that Caravan Campers will build anything to your specs, I haven't been able to find a single picture of a Caravan Camper with vertical walls, which tells me they are rarely built that way. Also, there are not as many CC's on the used market and unfortunately getting one new would imply traveling to Reno, Nevada. A shame, because they seem to be very fine products and extra strong too which will provide countless years of service even in harsh environments. I wouldn't mind one of those at all...

So my plan now is to begin searching (patiently) the used market for a Callen (my first choice) or an A.R.E. DCU (more difficult to find used than the Callen with the specs I have in mind), and will also be on the look for CC's....you never know what could be found with a bit of luck.

Having plenty of time on my side is certainly a good thing. :)
I plan to begin building the one I will get my hands on early next year. :wings:

[alaska]

What it really boils down to is what do you want to get out of the equipment? I.e. function, protection, reliability etc.

Yep, all of that plus the ability of doing mild to medium off-roading without the equipment falling down in pieces.


One thing that I strongly recommend is picking up a copy of "The Milepost" it is a indispensable resource.

I have that, picked up a copy last week. That's excellent advice for one planning a trip to Alaska.....it's a great travel guide.:victory:


Word of caution having traversed the "Al-Can Hwy" numerous times , the worst part of the drive is that from Whitehorse, YK to the Alaska Border, the frost heaves (road displacement) are deceptive at size and depth, slow and steady wins.

What's your advice in re: proper tires for this task?


Hope this helps in your endeavor.

Very much so.... Thanks a lot! :)
By the way, you seem to have a great deal of experience traveling in AK. I have a little thread going on in the AK section, if you feel like checking it out and perhaps contributing your expertise there too: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/68145-Camper-shell-gear-travel-plans......getting-ready-for-Alaska!
Thanks again!

[Ford Prefect]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Os1hFLu8Nl8/TZ5D5Gzf-tI/AAAAAAAAEfs/eeTPDI2Rssk/s320/IMG_0812.JPG

What about this thing?

I know it has the cloth sides, but still it makes a very nice interior space. It may suit as a compromise.

I dono, I just thought you might like to see it. Sadly I can not recall who makes it, but I believe they are based here in Utah someplace. (I am sure if you want one, someone on here can chime in and tell us the name of it...)

[lstzephyr]

I don't know if its been mentioned but an old school non cabover alaskan might be perfect.

If its down it looks like a truck cap(ok a BIG one, maybe paint it body color or something) and you can still sleep in it, when it's up you get full standing height.

[zeke2.0]

I couldn't find the weights of either the callen or caravan camper shells, could someone post those, based on the OP's requirements? Wondering if they will work on a late model F150, or does all that steel put them too close to maximum cargo load?

[alaska]

If you want to know precisely, it will depend on your chosen configuration. But to give you an idea, for what I want (see my last two pictures at post #40) - and keep in mind that I have a full-size, long-bed truck - I'm looking at approximately 600-700 lbs. for the Callen Campers shell and 400-500 lbs. for the Caravan Campers top. The A.R.E. DCU's are much lighter.

[alaska]

I finally just came across a Caravan Campers top with vertical sides (this is the first one I see built that way) and exactly the height I'm shooting for (it proves they are indeed being built that way, after all :wings:). It is made just the way I would want it:
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/2641412083.html
It sits on a '96 Dodge Ram 3500 and both the truck and the CC top are on sale...likely, the seller could be persuaded to sell the camper separately. If anyone in the Reno area is interested, go for it!
I'll take my chances and wait a little longer for a Callen... :coffeedrink:

[Colby Jack]

Those are some pretty convincing pics and comments regarding the ARE commercial units. There are a ton of them running up here, and a buddy of mine is the local dealer in Anchortown. I'll sure keep my eyes open around town to inspect.
I would second the comment regarding the BFG Commercial Terrain tire. This is a classic tire that carries an E-rating and an aggressive all terrain tread pattern.
Those Cullens look really nice.

Colby Jack

[White Rhino]

Wait for a Callen. Stout and proven.... period.

[PW_SD]

I was going thru a similar decision process last year. An alternative to Caravan is the Tradesman caps - customized to your liking. They are made by Access Mfg outside of Sacramento. I believe they price out a little less if I remember correctly.

http://accessmfg.com/

Work thru their website. There are a lot of photos to get ideas :)

[alaska]

I was going thru a similar decision process last year. An alternative to Caravan is the Tradesman caps - customized to your liking. They are made by Access Mfg outside of Sacramento. I believe they price out a little less if I remember correctly.

http://accessmfg.com/

Work thru their website. There are a lot of photos to get ideas :)

Thanks! They look great... Here's a couple of examples:
http//accessmfg.com/gallerylarge/hbvc/Cabover_Shell_60.jpg (http://accessmfg.com/gallerylarge/hbvc/Cabover_Shell_60.jpg)
http://accessmfg.com/gallerylarge/hbv9/68_high_w_Single_Cargo_Door.jpg

My only question would be whether they are as durable and impervious to punishment as the Caravan Campers or on the lighter side, like the A.R.E. DCU's, for instance.

[alaska]

@PW_SD

Yes, you were right that I would get ideas from those pictures at their website... :)

There is something I saw that seems very appealing, though it can be expensive and add considerable weight to the truck: the option of using a utility body...the extra storage space you get with those cabinets is enormous! But then again it would be very difficult to use a camper shell such as the Callen or Caravan with that setup, as it would call for a slide-in camper and that's a totally different ball game than what we are discussing here. The possibilities seem endless... :bike_rider:

By the way, I've researched it and Access Mfg seems to be making fine products, indeed.

Thanks again for suggesting it! :luxhello:

Here's what a truck looks like with a utility body and a slide-in, pop-up camper:

74192

[Darwin]

Excited to see what you end up with and how your trip goes.:elkgrin:

[locrwln]

Caravan will build for a utility body. Just food for thought.

I haven't looked on their website in a long time, but at their shop they have pictures of trucks that have been in rollovers and the caravans hold up very, very well and have kept the cabs from caving in.

Jack

[alaska]

It seems that Callen will also build for a utility body...
A new aluminum utility body is pretty expensive (around $6K from what I have seen), but I was playing with ideas and started considering the possibility of getting a light, basic aluminum flatbed such as the Ute or Scott-Lite and then adding aluminum boxes to it, both topside and underneath, to basically build my own utility body in a much more cost effective fashion.
A new such flatbed without the whistles and bells from either company will probably be a little over $2K, if found used then much cheaper. And apparently the whole thing so constructed wouldn't be any heavier than the original truck's bed which would be taken off the truck and replaced by it.
It does raise the bed floor of a few inches and therefore the COG, but then again the heavy stuff can be placed in the boxes under the flatbed. Plenty of space to carry stuff and the Caravan or Callen camper that goes on top of it would be in a weight range of 400-650 lbs., so overall not too bad after all.
I have googled around a bit to see if there were similar builds (using a utility bed as the base for a camper top, mind you, not a slide in) but found none.
I'd like to get a bit of feedback on this. Does it seem feasible, desirable? Advice/suggestions on this will be much appreciated. Also if you know of similar builds, please let me know.