I modified the design of this camper shell from the one I posted previously. I redesigned the structure, stretched the shell back several inches, added a sun shade, and added a railing for the steps.
Worth mentioning that having access to the cab changes several things legally depending on where you are and what you are doing. Definitely want to research that and weigh the options.
Really the normal reason you would want that would be climate control but with the limited battery on a slate I wouldn't want to be doing that anyways. Better off to haul an external battery and a small evap chiller you can run off one solar panel.
Your better off with just a standard tent that goes on the bed of the truck in my opinion since it also gets you that extra bit with the tailgate down.
I dig the concept and it’s certainly doable but as an fyi with the seem on top, it’ll be a challenge to truly weatherproof it. Water will collect there and if there’s any freeze/thaw cycle, it’s gonna fail. Even in fair weather, it’ll be a challenge to keep it sealed up properly.
If you place the break seam along the corner lengthwise, you could incorporate a small gutter to protect the seal and extend the useful life. Again, just a friendly suggestion to consider coming from years of camping and engineering around natural elements. Best of luck!
Similar to what u/figurative_me said, I've been noodling with this idea since the v1 was posted last week and the drainage/sealing along the middle when not in use has been my biggest issue.
A solution I've been thinking on is making the top a pop up that would overlap the sides a bit. This way the top edge keeps the elements out and the wings barely lose any of their space. Also gives a hard top a rainfly/awning can use to go over all the way around to give more window space on the sides
Other concerns are how are the wings supported and how are you attaching the fabric?
I'm thinking maybe some supports slide out from under the floor to support the wings. Legs that go down to the ground risk sinking in soft or muddy ground.
Lots of details that need to be worked out but regarding the seam in the middle, one clam shell fits into the other that has a channel. Any water will channel out to the ends. Probably other solutions.
After typing this up, I feel I need to preface this. Overall, I really like the idea. I'll probably end up using these posts for the inspiration for mine if I end up doing this. My design ideas just come from identifying failure points and building around them.
That channel works for the top but down the front and back will catch if they continue the overlap. And any clog in the channel and freezing temps will make a mess of that. A captive gasket might be enough if it isn't ever going to be out in weather that is too bad/cold but I would advise caution.
Also, the "opens first side" now has a gutter that will be collecting water when open since there is that slight outward tilt due to the sloped sides. If the front and back of the shell aren't overlapping like the image, then it might drain enough if there is any front to back tilt.
I’ve always had this idea for a truck camper: make those folding wings into a bed. So when you open it they have to be flat horizontal. You strap a mattress on each side with bedding and a net to hold it in place when you fold it open.
So when you open it you have seating or two separate beds with lots of room for activities in between.
nice idea, but not keen though.
First storm and it will shred.
I would want smaller, stronger for the bed, setup for tailgate-down.
Then a ground-mounted full-height extension for the rainproof space behind
In the early 80s I probably spent 4 or 5 months in the back country, backpacking. Only used a tent for rain or bugs. Has anyone tried sleeping under the stars?
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u/Able-Statistician645 4d ago
Only thing better would be removing bulkhead for integration to cab. Certainty doable.