Camper tops

SHINTON

SHINTON

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Location
Triad area of NC
I am thinking of picking up a camper topper for my pickup and then figuring out a way to install a/c, and lights inside, etc so I can sleep in the back on the trips.

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/pts/1122524820.html

I have been thinking of just buying a normal fiberglass type, but I know they don't have as much strength, etc.

Started seeing a few of these "work" camper shells, got me thinking.

On the side door, cut out a hole to the interior where I then install a small window unit a/c. Tuck it just inside so that when the door is down it is covered/locked up. Open the door when in use, etc. Would build a bit of a brace/shelf for it to sit on.

Anyone know if those door handle types open from the inside? Other thoughts or suggestions?

Would be a fairly cheap solution to having a "camper" that is heated / air conditioned, and I would add some electric so I could put in a couple lights, etc.

(Could put my Canoe on the top of all this too, on the ladder rack, for fishing trips!)

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Sam
 
Could be wrong, but I believe the temps differences (AC>outside ambient) could cause considerable condensation *INSIDE* a steel skinned shell...
 
Wonder if "insulation" would change that. Maybe something like bed liner sprayed on the inside of the shell (or outside or both?)

Good call!

Trying to figure out if the shell actually goes down between the wheel wells or is just sitting up on the bed rails? Certainly more room inside if nothing going down inside..more like a regular topper.

EDIT...found a link

http://www.4are.com/product/dcu/features.php

EXTERIOR SKIN is available in .035 white aluminum. Roof skins are made with mesa-type metal for extra strength.
FOSSLINER® - Polyester fabric inner prevents condensation from collecting on the interior of the roof and or on the sides.
 
SHINTON said:
Wonder if "insulation" would change that. Maybe something like bed liner sprayed on the inside of the shell (or outside or both?)
Good call!
EDIT...found a link
http://www.4are.com/product/dcu/features.php
Click to expand...

Highly likely it will reduce the the chances of condensation and insulation is a good thing. Both in terms of temp AND sound! ;)

SHINTON said:
Trying to figure out if the shell actually goes down between the wheel wells or is just sitting up on the bed rails? Certainly more room inside if nothing going down inside..more like a regular topper.
Click to expand...

That style sits on the rails, with only the "door" section hanging lower.
 
I have a basic Leonard fiberglass shell and like my setup a lot! I have a twin mattress, AC/DC electric blanket and AC/DC fans. Most of the time I am in higher elevations during hot weather and have never suffered because it was too hot after the sun goes down. Also have been good to 7 degrees at Callalantee :) My Dad had a popup camper with a small window AC unit that he set in a hole in the wall. Seemed to work fine, don't remember any condensation problems. I would think it would work fine in a shell too if you just crack a window for ventilation.
 
yup that would work just fine. Anything you can do to insulate it will help with staying warmer and cooler with an AC. I got a small 5500btu AC and my 1800w generator will run it on 1/2 speed. Having considered this exact option prior to getting the van if i may make a few comments/suggestions:

*your AC idea will work fine, just make sure to add a drip tray to allow water to run out.
* Plan to add a small RV crank up roof vent. Air flow is everything. Many times the temp drops outside to a nice temp, but if your space can't vent it in you can cool down.
* I would plan to remove part of one of the shelfs, possibly the rear half, and maybe even just narrow it some. I would remove the passenger side. You can then use the front half of the shelf for a microwave :) When its nice out you can use it from the outside and not vent out all your cool air.
* make a sliding panel on the inside to allow you to keep air in or get fresh air in. Then make a removable screen for the outer opening so you can get fresh air in with the side open. Then as it cools down at night, slide you inside door closed.
* When its cold cold you wont need/want any air flow
* a small window at the back would be nice to see out.
* Laugh as all your tenting friends get wet/cold/hot/dusty etc..
 
Do you leave your ac type unit on during the day? I figured I would lock the unit all down...5500ish btu a/c for that small of a space would have to cool it down pretty quickly!?

Had not thought about the heated blanket but I bet that is all I would need too!! Was trying to think of a good / electric heater.

Yeah if it is not insulated, at the very least I will spray in bedliner on the roof/inside, etc.

I was thinking I would try to get a good powerstrip of some sort and run THAT to the electric source. Then run the a/c, microwave and lights and fans off that power strip. (That or bundle two cords to the electric source, one for ac, other for the rest)

I suspect most of the time I will be at a campsite / will reserve one that has electric. I know I have an electric site at Arrowhead for 4x4 cross / which would be my first event in this creation!!

I have slept quite a bit in the back of my Grand Cherokee and it was super comfy, QUIET, etc. Plus no worries about rain or the guy snoring in the tent 10' away. Actually I am that guy....

[Or the durn chickens, dogs, etc up at Callalantee...]

Naturally ALL the camper tops that I am finding (work tops) are for long beds...if I had a long bed they would all be short beds. If anyone stumbles across one for good price please PM me or post it here.

Sam
 
Just a helpful hint, A/C, microwave, and any heating elements (i.e. electric blankets, coffee makers, space heaters, etc.) should be on separate circuits as they all draw a lot of current. That's a lot of current for one powerstrip. Maybe run the 30A campground power into a distro panel and split it to two 15A circuits, one dedicated to the A/C and another for accessories. I have wired quite a few things, but never a camper so this is just my .02 cents worth. Sounds like a fun project though!:beer:
 
Thinking as a contractor just be carefull if you insulate it cause the insulation will hold the condensation and possibly cause mold, mildew, and rust problems if it isn't aluminum. I'm not for sure that would happen but it comes to mind cause house insulation has to be grooved to allow ventilation if installed under the roof sheeting like in a bonus room. That's my two pennies.
 
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