Platform Selection

[Wyohab]

Let the journey begin

Comments above got me to thinking about the benefits of a reg cab. Didn't take long to decide this is the way to go for me. Just bought the truck below:

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2007 reg cab w/ 5.9 and 73k miles. In decent shape.

Now for the first of many important decisions: Which shell? Caravan or Callen?

The Callen would look something like this:

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and have a 40in height from top of bed rail to ceiling

The Caravan would be like this:

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the max height Caravan can build is 35in from bed rail to ceiling.

I'd really like to have the extra height of the Callen, espcially since I'm strongly considering a 'BedSlide' which takes up 4-1/2in. But the uncertainties of dealing with Callen are more than a little concerning.

I've had 3 Caravans, albeit all only cab high. Quality beyond compare - these are just superbly built campers. But I'd really like to have something I can rig to sleep in, and be able to sit up in in the morning comfortably. I'm not sure the 35in height will be enough, especially if I add a BedSlide.

Comments?

 

[Wyohab]

The Caravan Camper photos did not insert properly. They should be available now.

 

[BCHauler]

I've been lusting after one of those caravan campers ever since I stumbled across a CL add for one last fall. Their website stinks though...

 

[Metcalf]

My ultimate 'camper shell' would be....

-A metal frame, maybe aluminum to save weight ( kinda like a standard contractors rack)
-Replaceable and removeable fiberglass panels that go over the frame. Have the panels come off easy. Panels would be the top and two sides. Make the sides removeable without the top.
-Make the rear bar on the frame removeable so you could fit in taller items when you help friends move.
-Make the rear window removable, maybe a large 'hatch' in the rear with a door?
-Keep the idea for the rubber booted pass through with basket and a window that would let you close the cab off from the weather or when you had the top panels off.
-Add a large stick on solar panel on the top panel that disconnected easily with a simple single weatherpack connector
-have an integrated 'rack' function built into the frame for carrying long things like lumber or a canoe.

-make the top panel have a soft 'pop-up' feature if you really want to get fancy.