@@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures Thank you for your comment. This is a very functional setup and is working well for us. Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media. Have a great day.🤠
That is outstanding. Simple. Clean. Functional and comfortable. Refreshing to see. I’m new to the overland/camping scene and one could go crazy figuring out what rig to go with.
Nice set-up! I know this is not something for everyone when compared to a traditional truck camper, but you made something by utilizing the existing truck bed without adding additional weight. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, that's true. We use this setup for overland travel/camping. I have a new video that will post today showing how I installed a diesel heater in the canopy. check it out. Thank you for watching our channel and commenting
This is a great option as it gets you up off the ground. We camp a lot in bear and cougar country and this is a viable solution for this challenge. Have a great day
I might get a 97 f250 crew cab short bed 2wd 7.3 diesel. On a trade for my race car/old daily driver 2003 Subaru WRX. If it works out I want to find a bed cap like that and do something very similar for me and my son to start camping together. He's almost three so it's prime time to start taking him fishing 🎣 I can't wait for the memories we're going to make together. I also have an R50 pathfinder we did a ton of work too Including all new suspension and all terrain wrangler tires. The little suv is so much more capable than it's been in a long time. Rear seats fold down so we can camp in there as well if the truck doesn't work out. I wanted to do a small cargo trailer conversion build but I don't have anywhere to keep a trailer right now so all though cool and fun it's not really gonna work out how I wanted it to. Some day I want a small camper trailer. Like a 20ish ft pull behind camper. Some day 😂 we live on the Gulf of Mexico in Texas so a small aluminum boat is much more useful than a camper for us. With all the crazy flooding and weather in our area I could save us in a hurricane Harvey type event if we had a small boat. Hurricane season this year is supposed to be eventful 😢
Looks like you have a good plan. Enjoy your camping and fishing trips with your son. Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media. 🤠
We really enjoy this type of camping. It is a small camper for sure but were organized and have everything we need for trips up to one, and as long two weeks at a time. Thank you for watching our channel and leaving your comment. Let others know about our channel. We look forward to hearing from you again.
Hi JJ Mack, the shell is made by Century. The price I paid was around $2800 two years ago. A friend of mine and I both purchased one of these shells and have been happy with them. Please subscribe, give me a thumbs up, let others know about our channel, and check out our other videos. Have a good weekend.
Thank you for your comment. This works very well in the Oregon Outback. We have added a diesel heater to the camper not sure if You've watched my video on that install.
You read my mind, very simple but thought out video. I’ve been thinking about downsizing from 24 ft RV to pickup and a small camper like yours so I can travel more and get to the backcountry of BC 🇨🇦 and of the States. Thanks for the video and great build.
Enjoy your project. Keep it simple and keep it fun. I put a diesel heater in mine also. I have a video covering the install. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. I will watch your build. Have a great week
The camper canopy is functional, easy to use and gets us back into some of the coolest places. Thank you much! Thank you for watching the channel and for your comment.
This so far is one of the best builds I've seen! Lots of storage without any space being wasted. Where do you keep your clothes, bedding and toiletries? That's something I'm struggling with figuring out as I plan my build. Where to store clothing and bedding/ hygiene. Thank you!
Hi, Bedding and clothing is stored in the cab of the truck. Toiletries and hygiene are stored in the driver side rear storage compartment. The plastic sealable storage containers you see in the video work great. They keep things dry, organized and dust free. Thank you for watching the video and leaving your comment. Please Like, Subscribe, Ring the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media. Have a great day 🤠
It works great for the type of camping we love to do, and is simple, efficient, always ready to go. thank you for checking out our channel and commenting. We saw you on BluWave Odyssey
@@explorer867 your welcome you guys enjoy yourself. I don't vlog myself so I have no content my granddaughter put some singing upload on there an I forgot about it actually.
Hi n2cycles. Just finished a trip traveling through Idaho, Wyoming, and southern South Dakota. Please subscribe and give me a thumbs up. Let others on your social media know about our channel please. Have a great week.
We enjoy camping in it. The canopy is uncomplicated yet has most everything you need for comfort while out dispersed camping and overland. 290 watts of solar meets our needs very well and will power the 12 volt cooler when we get it this next spring. Subscribe, and click on the bell for all my new videos. Thank you! Have you been out in your camper canopy much? Have you built out your cargo trailer for use as a camper also?
Explorer 867 ive only camped in it twice so far. i dont have built in boxes like you do i just use a camping cot and keep everything easily loadable because i use the truck for many things. the cargo is currently set for camping with a/c and rv electrical plugs for state parks but sometimes pull my boat. ive also got a d21 nissan i built a cabover camper. its more finished out using vinyl bathroom wallboard thats flexible and easy to bend. the white also helps the led lights to be more effective inside
Your welcome. We had a great first year out camping in it and are looking forward to this years trips. I've been doing a project in the camper canopy and it should be out on my channel in the next week or so. Thank you for watching and for your comments.
Yes I like it. The camper canopy is comfortable and functional, and allows us to go places that you could never go with a trailer. Thank you for your comment and welcome to the channel.
I like it - nice simple and functional setup. Where does one get a custom utility topper made? (never mind, I see below where you said Century made it) I like how you numbered your wife. Probably helps keep things organized.
I ordered it through a local Century canopy dealer. I just added a Diesel Heater built into the right side gear box. You can find the three videos detailing the installation here on my channel video list. Have fun with your build.
Hey there, Explorer 867! I just wanted to give you a quick thank you for posting this video. If you only knew the hell I've gone through the last 2 weeks, researching truck toppers on line, on youtube, and through the dealers. In fact, tomorrow I was supposed to pull the trigger on ordering a 122 Leer series, high rise fiberglass topper. Nope, that's not going to happen, now! I just watched your video and immediately knew that this is the better option for me. I'm 6'7" and need the kind of room that your rig has. I was told by the very first dealer, that I talked to when I began my research, to stay away from aluminum toppers, that they are solely for commercial use and not meant for recreational and extended camping, because of the heat aluminum generate inside. It seems that you have conquered this fact...would you agree with that? Would you have any additional sage advice about conquering the heat in an aluminum topper, especially since I live in Texas and will be camping and sleeping the lower 48, from Arizona to Key West? Btw, how many inches above your cab is your topper? Thank you again, Explorer 867! Liked and subscribed ...
The interior height is 54" and 12" above cab. Heat will be a challenge with all toppers. The best thing you can do is park in the shade and have fans to circulate the air. Please let others on your social media know about our channel. Thanks
@@explorer867 Thank you for your reply...perfect timing, too! I took the day off and I'm about to call Leer and A.R.E for quotes on toppers like yours. Thanks for your dimension info; I needed that. I've spent the last 2 hours on their websites and RUclips videos getting familiar with their Standard and Optional features. A.R.E has an interior insulation option, which will be a huge factor in my decion. And, yes...I've already referred 3 of my friends to this video and your channel since last night. Take care!
Jim, Yes we use an inflatable queen mattress when my wife is along, and when I'm on the trail by my self I use a single. When you purchase a mattress spend the money and get a good one, you'll be glad you did. Take care, and thank you for watching my channel.
Yes it work out nicely having the space at the end of the bed platform. Thank you for commenting. Please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel. Have a good weekend
Hello! I just found your channel, and really enjoyed your camper top video! That extra height makes all the difference in the world! The Mrs and I did a similar setup a year ago, and took off to Montana. I have a Toyota Tundra with a cab high topper and it worked great until one of us had to answer the call of nature! It was a bear climbing out. Best wishes on your travels!
Glad you have checked out my channel David, nice to have you here. The camper canopy is working out great and gives us the flexibility to travel/camp where we wish. how are you heating your camper canopy?
Explorer 867 Thanks for the response! We have a little buddy heater that we didn’t have to use on the Montana trip. It was chilly, but we got along fine. It was probably a good thing we didn’t use the heater as things were close quarters. I may go out again on a solo trip before to long. You have a great setup!
@@davidhorne2326 David, I/we never use our buddy heater while sleeping, but it is nice to have on those rainy cold days where were inside the camper canopy for part of the day.
@comfortableman12 This is a fantastic truck cap. All you need do is Google Century Caps and click on the find a dealer icon. Check out the Diesel heater video I made. Makes camping in the cooler seasons very comfortable.
I like the simplicity of this truck, canopy camper. It's wise to get a solar and battery regulator. I like this. The only thing that I don't like about this is... getting out of the truck if I had to move it quickly at night, to get into the driver's seat. I would make that back window to the interior of the driveable part of the truck, easily removeable, just in case...Something was going on and I couldn't get out of the truck to get to the driver's seat. Just saying.
Yes, that's good insight PAULA O. Thank you for bringing the pickups window into question. the rear window on the pickup and front corresponding window of the canopy are both sliders. It's a little tight but I can crawl through to the cab of the truck. This is important as you never know when your going to need to leave in a hurry. have a great day.
This is an outstanding simple, efficient, yet highly functional build! This is my favorite DIY I’ve seen since I started researching a few weeks now. Thank you for this inspiration. You have a new subscriber! By chance did you deal directly with the company or a local dealer? Any tip on how to get similar shell would be greatly appreciated!
Nice, but I don't like the slope. It really doesn't make a bit of difference in gas mileage and a vertical front wall is only minimally felt in headwind gusts. I'd rather have the interior room.
They are good tops. Have had fun with it. I just installed a Diesel Heater in mine, I have a three video series covering the installation check it out in my play list. It's so nice to have the heat, I say it's a real game changer. Enjoy your build and let me know how your build goes.
Hi Andrew, the company is Century. This has been a great topper. I added a diesel heater to my build also. You can find the videos covering this on my channel as well. I don't know what I would do without it. I use this topper year-round for off road/overland camping and it's super comfortable even in snow conditions. Please like, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. Have a great week
J 90, Thank you for watching. Not sure what it weighs exactly 200 + or -. Please let others know about our channel, like and subscribe. Have a great day.
I have a friend that has one on his f150 short box and it looks good. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe and let everyone on your social media know about my channel.
The camper shell is built by Century. It's 54" tall x 70 " wide x 96" Long. Over all I've been very satisfied with topper. Please like, subscribe, click on the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media.
I love the simplicity of this build. I'm getting a leer 122 cap for my pick up and would like to implement this setup. How did you secure the storage and framing, did you use self-tapping screws into the truck body? Could you talk more about the materials used?
Thank you for your comment. The storage boxes just sit in place and are held there by the combo floorboard/sleeping platform. This works good but I think I will at some point anchor them with screw down brackets. The framing consists of 2x2's all glued and screwed joints for strength. The plywood is 3/8 AC exterior. Have fun with your build and when your done I would like to see a picture of it.
Good morning, the boxes are 17" tall and the bed platform is 36 3/4" from the top of the platform to the camper shell. Hope this helps. Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media.
Adam Adams, $2500.00, and the company is century. Please if you haven't already done so give me a Thumbs Up, Subscribe to my channel and tell others on your social media accounts about my channel videos. Have a good week
Hope ya'll still living the life..I went with a contractor cap..similar setup..my biggest concern is the hideaway handle when inside being flipped back..Did you change your handle?never know what comes snooping around at night..
Hi, my cap has cables inside that actuate the top and bottom latches. If the handle gets tucked away for whatever reason all I have to do is pull down on the top cable and up on the bottom cable. Works great. Thanks for watching and please Like and subscribe.
Thank you so much for sharing. I am planning on doing this with a commercial topper. My only question is how do you lock it once you're inside, and prevent someone from turning that T handle and locking you in (If that's possible)? I am willing to drill and modify to make my own inside lock, but the question remains of how to prevent being trapped in there. And the question in general of how do you get it to close once you're inside. I am having such a hard time conceptualizing it, and can't get to the dealer until midway through next week, so thought I'd ask you your experiences!!!! Thanks so much again.
Michelle, thank you for watching this video. Please like, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. The door has a latch top and bottom with a small diameter cable running from the T handle to each latch. To open the doors from the inside you pull down on the top cable and up on the bottom at the same time. To lock from the inside I made a s shaped clip that prevents the T handle from rotating. Have a great week.
Thank you for watching my channel. I do have a inflatable but have gone to a 4" tri fold memory foam mattress. much more comfortable and folds up reasonably compact. Thanks for asking. Please give a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel and let others on your social media know about my channel. Have a great week
Maybe, but most pop-ups have canvas. Canvas is prone to leaks, deterioration, and if you live in bear country like we do a hard shell around you is desired. That said if a pop-up is what you like and works well for you that's great. Enjoy life and go camping. Please give me a Thumbs Up, Subscribe and let others on your social media know about my channel. Have a good day.
The F250 Power stroke before the camper canopy/toper got 14-17 mpg highway. After camper canopy/toper 11-13.3 mpg. The diesel has all kinds of torque and I love the truck. I just put a rebuilt E4OD, three stage aluminum billet torque converter, and large transmission cooler in the truck. I will be taking it out for it's first off pavement trip pulling our converted cargo trailer. We will see how it performs. 👍
This topper is made by Century. Thanks for asking🤠 Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media. Have a great week.
Hello again Explorer 867. I just watched this video again and enjoyed it once again but it makes me wonder if you all are ok, or what? Its been a long time since you posted a video and I've been hoping you would so I'm just checking? My email is in my former post and I would love to hear from you and I do have a couple of questions concerning the truck cap that I don't think I asked before. Hope you and your wife are well and hope to hear from you. Take care.
Hi Gary, Were both doing well and living the outdoor lifestyle. Were not posting to RUclips for now but still doing all the things we enjoy in the out-of-doors. Hope life is going well for you.
Do you get a lot of condensation in the camper at night or have you thought about installing a 12 vent fan? I spent a few nights in a shell on my old F150 in the North Caolina summer and it was unbearable.
Depending on the humidity here in the desert we can have some. The humidity in the high desert runs very low so generally not a problem as we leave the front window open at night. I have entertained the roof vent idea but not much room for that as we have solar covering most all of the canopy top. Thank you for your comment.
Depending on your application, adhering carpet to your camper ceiling helps or aids in condensation management. The moisture collects in the carpet. Nice in cold weather for sure. It traps your breathes moisture and prevents your windows from fogging up, telling everyone outside that someone is in there! Experiment with different carpet hair lengths to tune for your tastes.
Hi acme511, Century is the manufacturer. Thanks for watching. Please Like, Subscribe, Ring the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media. 👍 Have a good week
Insulation is 1" foam board with foil backing on one side. I cut it to snuggly fit then used aluminum HVAC tape to secure. Please give a thumbs up, subscribe and let others know about our channel. Have a good week.
William, thank you for subscribing to my channel and welcome. I had Century build the canopy, the interior cabinets I built. Canopy cost $2600. Not including the solar and interior improvements.
Very nice Topper. I have a Century Cap now but it’s normal height. I’m wanting the one you have…what’s the height measured from the top of the bed to the top of the cap at its highest point at the tailgate end? Thanks, Tim
Hi Timothy, the topper is 53 1/2" tall. It's a great cap. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, let others know about our channel, and check out our other videos. Have a great day.
I have a F250 truck bed trailer with almost the same canopy. Want to build out the same set up. Do have any dimensions on the the wooden boxes you made? Also how is it secures in the bed?
Driver side box is 97" Long x16"Deep x17" Tall. Rear bay 22"x16"x17" Center bay 42"x16"x17" Front bay 33"x16"x17" Passenger side is same overall as driver side. Rear bay 22"x16"x17" Center bay 54"x16"x17" Front bay 21"x16"x17"
@@newlifeeveryday1821 newlifeeveryday, I paid 2500 for it almost 2 years ago, thanks for asking. Please like, Subscribe and let others know of our channel.
No you can't get locked in because there's a cable that runs to the top and bottom latch on the door. To get out all you need do is pull on the cables and door's open. I made s clips that when in place on the inside prevent someone from turning the handle from the outside. Works great. Thank you for watching the video. Please subscribe, give me a thumbs up, let others know about our channel.
We use a 5 gallon bucket and a rechargeable lithium battery powered submersible pump shower unit from Amazon. We heat the water and drop the pump in for a great shower. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, let others know about our channel, and check out our other videos.
For insulation I went to Home Depot and picked up 1" Foam board with Reflectix. When you cut your panels make sure to over cut them by 1/8" and press them into there spot. Then I used Reflectix 2" Foil tape to secure the panels. This works very well! Condensation is going to be a problem on the aluminum ribs and on the windows of the canopy but not a problem on the insulation panels. You can stop the condensation buy carpeting the inside of the canopy after you insulate it. Personally I just keep the front window cracked open 3" and have a towel to wipe it down in the morning. Have you checked out my videos on installing the diesel heater in the canopy? This has been a real game changer for us. Its so nice to be able to turn the heat on inside when its cold. Have fun with your project!
Hi Joe, My benches are 16" wide and 17" tall. We use a plastic bucket with a plastic bag liner inside with a lid seat that snaps over the top of the bucket. Inside bucket after use we carry a bag of wood planer peelings these are peelings are used after each use. This setup works well. Thank you for watching my videos. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe to to my channel and let others on your social media know about our channel. Have a great day.
I need info! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me where you bought that shell from? i have a 97 f350 long bed that i wanna travel in. the room would make the difference! thanks!
@@explorer867Thank! was your topper a custom one or do they make them in bulk? Cheers! AWESOME rig brother! youre the closest thing to my set up i can find here.
@@markesayers I had it made to order but it's one they have on there build list. I put 290 watts of solar on top, added a diesel heater, and now have 2 tri-fold 4" memory foam mattress. This setup is perfect for us.
@@explorer867 thats basically what i want to do. I want the height ( i am 6ft4), to not feel crowded. i like the 2 bench seats into a bed idea, but i am gunna add some flavor to my own set up. Im going to just do 2 battery banks, and a portable panel for myself. the idea is to stealth camp if i need too, and have enough room to get places comfortably.
When I purchase mine it was 2500.00 US dollars. Please subscribe, give me a thumbs up and let others know about our channel. Check out our other videos and have a great day.
boxcardonny, The canopy is made by century. Thanks for watching. Please Subscribe, give a Thumbs Up and tell others on your social media about our channel. Have a good week.
Is Overland the name of the company that built the camper? I tried to google that but don't see any obvious results. Would you mind sharing the name of the company that built that... if it was a company that would do more? Thank you sir. Looks great.
The company is named Century. I'm sure you can have one built. I'm currently out on an overlanding trip and loving the topper. Have fun with your build and I look forward to seeing you in the great outdoors.
Joe, no leaking other than a minor amount around the seal between the topper and the truck bed. Thank you for watching my videos. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe to to my channel and let others on your social media know about our channel. Have a great day
Hi Kevin, I ordered this through a dealership locally. Just do a Google search to find a dealership close to your location. Please give me a thumbs up on my video, subscribe, let others know about our channel. Have a great week.
You've made yourself a good truck camping build IMO. Covers the bases on what you need without being more complicated than it needs to be. Just right.
Thank you for watching the video. Check out my other videos also. Have a great week.🤠
Very cool, The Reflectix is the best thing since hotdogs. Love how easy it is to work with. Good job and very thorough walk-around!!!
@@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures Thank you for your comment. This is a very functional setup and is working well for us. Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media. Have a great day.🤠
@@explorer867 You too!!! LOL
@@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures Just subscribed. Stay cool in Montana.
@@explorer867 Thank you!!!
That is outstanding. Simple. Clean. Functional and comfortable. Refreshing to see. I’m new to the overland/camping scene and one could go crazy figuring out what rig to go with.
Thank you for watching. Please give us a thumbs up and subscribe then let others know about our videos. Have a great weekend
Really well done! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching. Please Like, Subscribe, Ring bell and let others know about our channel.
I’m jealous,everyone here has good knees
Nice set-up! I know this is not something for everyone when compared to a traditional truck camper, but you made something by utilizing the existing truck bed without adding additional weight. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, that's true. We use this setup for overland travel/camping. I have a new video that will post today showing how I installed a diesel heater in the canopy. check it out. Thank you for watching our channel and commenting
Very smart use of space with the storage boxes that transform into sleeping area!
Thank you for your comment. This build is working out very well for us.
Nice overland canopy camper! Well thought out and outfitted.
Thank you. We enjoy it, and it meets our needs to a tee.
Besides camping, that canopy is great way to protect tools and equipment from harsh weather and rain.
Dan, Yes that's for sure. Have a great weekend. Please Like, Subscribe, and let others know about our channel.
I'm thinking of a pickup shell camping/ work truck. I only need a couple ladders but ready to go anytime to camp.
Great ideas very helpfull.
Have fun with your project. Check out my Diesel Heater videos. I show how I added a diesel Heater into my pickup camper shell. Have a good week
Ok I've been looking to upgrade from tent camping to a solution such as this i may utilize some of your ideas. Thanks for the video!
This is a great option as it gets you up off the ground. We camp a lot in bear and cougar country and this is a viable solution for this challenge. Have a great day
Clever setup. I would flip the floor/bed upside down at night so it is mud side down.
:- )
That's what we do when were in wet locations. Have a great day.
That is really nice!
Thank you for your comment. Please like, subscribe, ring the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media.
A really nice setup. I like your storage solution and floor/ bed panel. Simplicity is the key.
Thank you much.
Wonderful information thank you
Thank you for watching the video. 🤠
I might get a 97 f250 crew cab short bed 2wd 7.3 diesel. On a trade for my race car/old daily driver 2003 Subaru WRX. If it works out I want to find a bed cap like that and do something very similar for me and my son to start camping together. He's almost three so it's prime time to start taking him fishing 🎣 I can't wait for the memories we're going to make together. I also have an R50 pathfinder we did a ton of work too Including all new suspension and all terrain wrangler tires. The little suv is so much more capable than it's been in a long time. Rear seats fold down so we can camp in there as well if the truck doesn't work out. I wanted to do a small cargo trailer conversion build but I don't have anywhere to keep a trailer right now so all though cool and fun it's not really gonna work out how I wanted it to. Some day I want a small camper trailer. Like a 20ish ft pull behind camper. Some day 😂 we live on the Gulf of Mexico in Texas so a small aluminum boat is much more useful than a camper for us. With all the crazy flooding and weather in our area I could save us in a hurricane Harvey type event if we had a small boat. Hurricane season this year is supposed to be eventful 😢
Looks like you have a good plan. Enjoy your camping and fishing trips with your son.
Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media. 🤠
Great set up, looks comfortable for short term camping
We really enjoy this type of camping. It is a small camper for sure but were organized and have everything we need for trips up to one, and as long two weeks at a time. Thank you for watching our channel and leaving your comment. Let others know about our channel. We look forward to hearing from you again.
Good presentation 👍
Thank you. Have a great week.
Who built that shell and if you don’t mind me asking, how much did it cost? It’s just perfect! I love the build.
Hi JJ Mack, the shell is made by Century. The price I paid was around $2800 two years ago. A friend of mine and I both purchased one of these shells and have been happy with them. Please subscribe, give me a thumbs up, let others know about our channel, and check out our other videos. Have a good weekend.
Bravo sir, it looks amazing.
Thank you for watching Jose Dias.
You're going to see at least one more camper setup with the Leer out here in Vegas. Just pulled the trigger on mine today.
You will like the topper. Please like, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. Have a great day
Sweet rig!
Thank you for your comment. This works very well in the Oregon Outback. We have added a diesel heater to the camper not sure if You've watched my video on that install.
Very nice thanks 💐
Thanks for watching. Like, subscribe, ring bell and forward our videos to friends
You read my mind, very simple but thought out video. I’ve been thinking about downsizing from 24 ft RV to pickup and a small camper like yours so I can travel more and get to the backcountry of BC 🇨🇦 and of the States. Thanks for the video and great build.
Nice to hear from you. We added a solar powered refrigerator Freezer and 4" dense foam mattress for comfortable sleeping. Have a great week.
Looks awesome! Can't wait to complete ours
Enjoy your project. Keep it simple and keep it fun. I put a diesel heater in mine also. I have a video covering the install. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. I will watch your build. Have a great week
That is a nice set up. Great storage and looks pretty easy to set up the sleeping area. The solar and the reflectix liner are nice. Good video.
The camper canopy is functional, easy to use and gets us back into some of the coolest places. Thank you much! Thank you for watching the channel and for your comment.
Very spacious, and your setup is simple and modular. Goo job!
Thank you.
Well thought out👍
Thank you for your comment.
Please pass my channel along the social networks. thank you and glad to have you watching my channel.
This so far is one of the best builds I've seen! Lots of storage without any space being wasted. Where do you keep your clothes, bedding and toiletries? That's something I'm struggling with figuring out as I plan my build. Where to store clothing and bedding/ hygiene. Thank you!
Love the extra panel that covers the water being used for a desk. Very clever
Hi, Bedding and clothing is stored in the cab of the truck. Toiletries and hygiene are stored in the driver side rear storage compartment. The plastic sealable storage containers you see in the video work great. They keep things dry, organized and dust free. Thank you for watching the video and leaving your comment. Please Like, Subscribe, Ring the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media. Have a great day 🤠
@@alexissutherland7107 Yes, the extra panel is very handy. Check out our other videos also.
I like this setup
It works great for the type of camping we love to do, and is simple, efficient, always ready to go. thank you for checking out our channel and commenting. We saw you on BluWave Odyssey
@@explorer867 your welcome you guys enjoy yourself. I don't vlog myself so I have no content my granddaughter put some singing upload on there an I forgot about it actually.
Nicely thought out preps
Hi n2cycles. Just finished a trip traveling through Idaho, Wyoming, and southern South Dakota. Please subscribe and give me a thumbs up. Let others on your social media know about our channel please. Have a great week.
nice camper i built one similar to this for camping and better aerodynamics for my cargo trailer
We enjoy camping in it. The canopy is uncomplicated yet has most everything you need for comfort while out dispersed camping and overland. 290 watts of solar meets our needs very well and will power the 12 volt cooler when we get it this next spring. Subscribe, and click on the bell for all my new videos. Thank you!
Have you been out in your camper canopy much? Have you built out your cargo trailer for use as a camper also?
Explorer 867 ive only camped in it twice so far. i dont have built in boxes like you do i just use a camping cot and keep everything easily loadable because i use the truck for many things. the cargo is currently set for camping with a/c and rv electrical plugs for state parks but sometimes pull my boat. ive also got a d21 nissan i built a cabover camper. its more finished out using vinyl bathroom wallboard thats flexible and easy to bend. the white also helps the led lights to be more effective inside
Nice video, thanks for sharing ✌
Your welcome. We had a great first year out camping in it and are looking forward to this years trips. I've been doing a project in the camper canopy and it should be out on my channel in the next week or so. Thank you for watching and for your comments.
Really nice setup
Matt Davison, Glad you enjoyed the video. Please Give a Thumbs Up, Subscribe and let others on social media know about my channel. Have a good week.
Sweet shell!
Yes I like it. The camper canopy is comfortable and functional, and allows us to go places that you could never go with a trailer. Thank you for your comment and welcome to the channel.
I like it - nice simple and functional setup. Where does one get a custom utility topper made? (never mind, I see below where you said Century made it)
I like how you numbered your wife. Probably helps keep things organized.
I ordered it through a local Century canopy dealer. I just added a Diesel Heater built into the right side gear box. You can find the three videos detailing the installation here on my channel video list. Have fun with your build.
Hey there, Explorer 867! I just wanted to give you a quick thank you for posting this video. If you only knew the hell I've gone through the last 2 weeks, researching truck toppers on line, on youtube, and through the dealers. In fact, tomorrow I was supposed to pull the trigger on ordering a 122 Leer series, high rise fiberglass topper. Nope, that's not going to happen, now! I just watched your video and immediately knew that this is the better option for me. I'm 6'7" and need the kind of room that your rig has. I was told by the very first dealer, that I talked to when I began my research, to stay away from aluminum toppers, that they are solely for commercial use and not meant for recreational and extended camping, because of the heat aluminum generate inside. It seems that you have conquered this fact...would you agree with that? Would you have any additional sage advice about conquering the heat in an aluminum topper, especially since I live in Texas and will be camping and sleeping the lower 48, from Arizona to Key West? Btw, how many inches above your cab is your topper? Thank you again, Explorer 867! Liked and subscribed ...
The interior height is 54" and 12" above cab. Heat will be a challenge with all toppers. The best thing you can do is park in the shade and have fans to circulate the air. Please let others on your social media know about our channel. Thanks
@@explorer867 Thank you for your reply...perfect timing, too! I took the day off and I'm about to call Leer and A.R.E for quotes on toppers like yours. Thanks for your dimension info; I needed that. I've spent the last 2 hours on their websites and RUclips videos getting familiar with their Standard and Optional features. A.R.E has an interior insulation option, which will be a huge factor in my decion. And, yes...I've already referred 3 of my friends to this video and your channel since last night. Take care!
Have fun with your topper build. Check out my other videos
Simple and practical. Do you use an inflatable queen size mattress that can be deflated to give you room?
Jim, Yes we use an inflatable queen mattress when my wife is along, and when I'm on the trail by my self I use a single. When you purchase a mattress spend the money and get a good one, you'll be glad you did. Take care, and thank you for watching my channel.
Hi, buddy nice camper Can you show me how you made it lacquer from inside?
👍👍🇰🇷👍👍응원합니다
Thank you for watching
Teriffic stuff. With that spare space at the foot of the bed platform I bet you could get the bed set up without opening the door (in really bad rain)
Yes it work out nicely having the space at the end of the bed platform. Thank you for commenting. Please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel. Have a good weekend
Hello! I just found your channel, and really enjoyed your camper top video! That extra height makes all the difference in the world! The Mrs and I did a similar setup a year ago, and took off to Montana. I have a Toyota Tundra with a cab high topper and it worked great until one of us had to answer the call of nature! It was a bear climbing out. Best wishes on your travels!
Glad you have checked out my channel David, nice to have you here. The camper canopy is working out great and gives us the flexibility to travel/camp where we wish. how are you heating your camper canopy?
Explorer 867 Thanks for the response! We have a little buddy heater that we didn’t have to use on the Montana trip. It was chilly, but we got along fine. It was probably a good thing we didn’t use the heater as things were close quarters. I may go out again on a solo trip before to long. You have a great setup!
@@davidhorne2326 David, I/we never use our buddy heater while sleeping, but it is nice to have on those rainy cold days where were inside the camper canopy for part of the day.
👍👍
Thank you for watching
How much did that custom canopy cost THAT is BRILLIANT! I also very much like your adding the reflectix to the inside of the shell.
The canopy cost $2500. We use it frequently as our overlanding camper.
@comfortableman12 This is a fantastic truck cap. All you need do is Google Century Caps and click on the find a dealer icon. Check out the Diesel heater video I made. Makes camping in the cooler seasons very comfortable.
I like the simplicity of this truck, canopy camper. It's wise to get a solar and battery regulator. I like this. The only thing that I don't like about this is... getting out of the truck if I had to move it quickly at night, to get into the driver's seat. I would make that back window to the interior of the driveable part of the truck, easily removeable, just in case...Something was going on and I couldn't get out of the truck to get to the driver's seat. Just saying.
Yes, that's good insight PAULA O. Thank you for bringing the pickups window into question. the rear window on the pickup and front corresponding window of the canopy are both sliders. It's a little tight but I can crawl through to the cab of the truck. This is important as you never know when your going to need to leave in a hurry. have a great day.
@@explorer867 As a woman, I'm always thinking of safety first. Better safe than sorry! Have a fantastic day. Thank you for the video, I liked it.
This is an outstanding simple, efficient, yet highly functional build! This is my favorite DIY I’ve seen since I started researching a few weeks now. Thank you for this inspiration. You have a new subscriber! By chance did you deal directly with the company or a local dealer? Any tip on how to get similar shell would be greatly appreciated!
I purchased the cap from a century dealer. Thanks for watching. Have a great week
Nice, but I don't like the slope. It really doesn't make a bit of difference in gas mileage and a vertical front wall is only minimally felt in headwind gusts. I'd rather have the interior room.
Thank you for your perspective. More interior space is always nice. Have a great day and remember to like and subscribe.
@@explorer867 Done.
Very nice :)
Thank you. Have a great day.
I just bought a 1/2 ton 8 ft bed silverado. Found a shell just like yours on craigslist. Going to do same thing!
They are good tops. Have had fun with it. I just installed a Diesel Heater in mine, I have a three video series covering the installation check it out in my play list. It's so nice to have the heat, I say it's a real game changer. Enjoy your build and let me know how your build goes.
Who made the topper, looking for the same thing want to be able to camp and haul my dirt bike so I need the height.
Hi Andrew, the company is Century. This has been a great topper. I added a diesel heater to my build also. You can find the videos covering this on my channel as well. I don't know what I would do without it. I use this topper year-round for off road/overland camping and it's super comfortable even in snow conditions. Please like, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. Have a great week
How do you lock the doors and windows from the inside? Thanks!
I made an "S" clip that fits over the latch. Works well. Please like, Subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media.
Thanks for the video. Whats the weight of the aluminum canopy unit? (Not including the wood build on the bed)
J 90, Thank you for watching. Not sure what it weighs exactly 200 + or -. Please let others know about our channel, like and subscribe. Have a great day.
👍👍👍
Thanks for watching 👍
8’ bed? I’m trying to get my dimensions right. 42” may not as good on my 6.5 bed as it does on your 8’
I have a friend that has one on his f150 short box and it looks good. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe and let everyone on your social media know about my channel.
Love your set up. Wanted to know about your camper top. What brand and what size it. Last but not least where did you purchase the camper top? Thanks
The camper shell is built by Century. It's 54" tall x 70 " wide x 96" Long. Over all I've been very satisfied with topper. Please like, subscribe, click on the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media.
@@explorer867 Thank you so much.
I love the simplicity of this build. I'm getting a leer 122 cap for my pick up and would like to implement this setup. How did you secure the storage and framing, did you use self-tapping screws into the truck body? Could you talk more about the materials used?
Thank you for your comment. The storage boxes just sit in place and are held there by the combo floorboard/sleeping platform. This works good but I think I will at some point anchor them with screw down brackets. The framing consists of 2x2's all glued and screwed joints for strength. The plywood is 3/8 AC exterior. Have fun with your build and when your done I would like to see a picture of it.
@@explorer867 Thanks for the info, I hope to have it all done by the end of January. I'll definitely take some photos.
@@explorer867 One other question, what is the hight of your platform? It looks about 18 inches if I had to guess.
@@Funkafella01 The top of the platform in the sleeping position is 17". Have a good time with your build.
Explorer 867 I just finished my build. Just have to finish some cosmetic stuff , curtains, rug etc. Considering power options.
wonderful built! what kid of shop you go to to have it build? thanks.
Major aluminum canopy manufacturer.
Great set up!!
Question- what is the height of the camper shell?
From the floor of the bed to the top of the camper.
Thanks
Good morning, the boxes are 17" tall and the bed platform is 36 3/4" from the top of the platform to the camper shell.
Hope this helps.
Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media.
@@explorer867 so that makes the camper shell from the top of it to the floor of the bed of the truck roughly 53 inches?
@@ClintR2 overall inside height is 53 3/4" 👍
@@explorer867 question on your boxes.
Working on building my currently.
What are the dimensions of them?
How are they fastened to the bed?
Are you able to lock this Century canopy from the inside?
Yes, I made a custom s clip.
So do you also have a porta potty bucket with seat and lid that you can use while in your canopy if need be?
Yes
Dam that’s a nice topper how much did that cost custom?? Looks really well built,did a company do it or someone you know?
Adam Adams, $2500.00, and the company is century. Please if you haven't already done so give me a Thumbs Up, Subscribe to my channel and tell others on your social media accounts about my channel videos. Have a good week
@@explorer867 no new videos coming ?
Nice clean set up. How high is the roof? Looks like you can't quite stand up inside? Will Century make even taller ones?
thanks
It's 55" tall inside. Have a good day
You will need to call them about hight options. Have a great day
Hope ya'll still living the life..I went with a contractor cap..similar setup..my biggest concern is the hideaway handle when inside being flipped back..Did you change your handle?never know what comes snooping around at night..
Hi, my cap has cables inside that actuate the top and bottom latches. If the handle gets tucked away for whatever reason all I have to do is pull down on the top cable and up on the bottom cable. Works great. Thanks for watching and please Like and subscribe.
Thank you so much for sharing. I am planning on doing this with a commercial topper. My only question is how do you lock it once you're inside, and prevent someone from turning that T handle and locking you in (If that's possible)? I am willing to drill and modify to make my own inside lock, but the question remains of how to prevent being trapped in there. And the question in general of how do you get it to close once you're inside. I am having such a hard time conceptualizing it, and can't get to the dealer until midway through next week, so thought I'd ask you your experiences!!!! Thanks so much again.
Michelle, thank you for watching this video. Please like, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. The door has a latch top and bottom with a small diameter cable running from the T handle to each latch. To open the doors from the inside you pull down on the top cable and up on the bottom at the same time. To lock from the inside I made a s shaped clip that prevents the T handle from rotating. Have a great week.
Simple. I like it. Do you use an inflatable mattress?
Thank you for watching my channel. I do have a inflatable but have gone to a 4" tri fold memory foam mattress. much more comfortable and folds up reasonably compact. Thanks for asking. Please give a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel and let others on your social media know about my channel. Have a great week
Nice setup but I think it would have been cheaper or the same money just to buy a used pop-up truck camper
Maybe, but most pop-ups have canvas. Canvas is prone to leaks, deterioration, and if you live in bear country like we do a hard shell around you is desired. That said if a pop-up is what you like and works well for you that's great. Enjoy life and go camping. Please give me a Thumbs Up, Subscribe and let others on your social media know about my channel. Have a good day.
Can you tell me your average before and after mpg? Thanks.
The F250 Power stroke before the camper canopy/toper got 14-17 mpg highway. After camper canopy/toper 11-13.3 mpg. The diesel has all kinds of torque and I love the truck. I just put a rebuilt E4OD, three stage aluminum billet torque converter, and large transmission cooler in the truck. I will be taking it out for it's first off pavement trip pulling our converted cargo trailer. We will see how it performs. 👍
Awesome. Can you share who built this for you? :-)
This topper is made by Century. Thanks for asking🤠 Please like, subscribe and let others know about our channel on your social media. Have a great week.
@@explorer867 : Thanks. I will subscribe for sure.
What's the length of the truck bed? I can't tell if this is an 8' bed, thanks!
Hi Kyle, yes this is an 8' bed. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, let others know about our channel. Have a good week.
Hello again Explorer 867. I just watched this video again and enjoyed it once again but it makes me wonder if you all are ok, or what? Its been a long time since you posted a video and I've been hoping you would so I'm just checking? My email is in my former post and I would love to hear from you and I do have a couple of questions concerning the truck cap that I don't think I asked before. Hope you and your wife are well and hope to hear from you. Take care.
Hi Gary, Were both doing well and living the outdoor lifestyle. Were not posting to RUclips for now but still doing all the things we enjoy in the out-of-doors. Hope life is going well for you.
Do you get a lot of condensation in the camper at night or have you thought about installing a 12 vent fan? I spent a few nights in a shell on my old F150 in the North Caolina summer and it was unbearable.
Depending on the humidity here in the desert we can have some. The humidity in the high desert runs very low so generally not a problem as we leave the front window open at night. I have entertained the roof vent idea but not much room for that as we have solar covering most all of the canopy top. Thank you for your comment.
Depending on your application, adhering carpet to your camper ceiling helps or aids in condensation management. The moisture collects in the carpet. Nice in cold weather for sure. It traps your breathes moisture and prevents your windows from fogging up, telling everyone outside that someone is in there! Experiment with different carpet hair lengths to tune for your tastes.
Who makes the cap?
Hi acme511, Century is the manufacturer. Thanks for watching. Please Like, Subscribe, Ring the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media. 👍 Have a good week
Looks like almost standing room inside?
No, but very comfortable
What type of insulation did you use and what type of glue
Insulation is 1" foam board with foil backing on one side. I cut it to snuggly fit then used aluminum HVAC tape to secure. Please give a thumbs up, subscribe and let others know about our channel. Have a good week.
Would you share on why you chose aluminum vs. fiberglass? Cooler?
Just a personal choice mostly. Both aluminum and fiberglass have there positives and negatives.
Great build. Is this 36 or 42”?
Hi Joe, 42". Thank you for watching. Please leave me a thumbs up, subscribe and let others know about us on your social media. Have a great week
Who did the custom canopy build for you? Cost?
William, thank you for subscribing to my channel and welcome. I had Century build the canopy, the interior cabinets I built. Canopy cost $2600. Not including the solar and interior improvements.
Please pass my channel along the social networks. thank you and glad to have you watching my channel.
Very nice Topper. I have a Century Cap now but it’s normal height. I’m wanting the one you have…what’s the height measured from the top of the bed to the top of the cap at its highest point at the tailgate end? Thanks, Tim
Hi Timothy, the topper is 53 1/2" tall. It's a great cap. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, let others know about our channel, and check out our other videos. Have a great day.
I have a F250 truck bed trailer with almost the same canopy.
Want to build out the same set up.
Do have any dimensions on the the wooden boxes you made?
Also how is it secures in the bed?
I will post them here later today. 👍🤠
@@explorer867 Awesome!
Thank you
@@explorer867 Were you able to get those dimensions?
Will go now and measure.
Driver side box is 97" Long x16"Deep x17" Tall.
Rear bay 22"x16"x17" Center bay 42"x16"x17" Front bay 33"x16"x17"
Passenger side is same overall as driver side.
Rear bay 22"x16"x17"
Center bay 54"x16"x17"
Front bay 21"x16"x17"
Who built your custom canopy? Is Bel Air the only option?
Hi honestsage ,Century built the topper. Please give me a Thumbs Up, Subscribe and let others know about my channel. Have a good weekend
😎
Thank you for watching.
Where did you have this camper shell custom made ?
Century Top, California
@@explorer867 Do you mind if I ask how much it cost ? Was it in the $3000-$4000 range ?
@@newlifeeveryday1821 newlifeeveryday, I paid 2500 for it almost 2 years ago, thanks for asking. Please like, Subscribe and let others know of our channel.
Can you be locked in from the outside? Is there a way to lock/unlock from inside?
No you can't get locked in because there's a cable that runs to the top and bottom latch on the door. To get out all you need do is pull on the cables and door's open. I made s clips that when in place on the inside prevent someone from turning the handle from the outside. Works great. Thank you for watching the video. Please subscribe, give me a thumbs up, let others know about our channel.
Got any tips for shower options?
We use a 5 gallon bucket and a rechargeable lithium battery powered submersible pump shower unit from Amazon. We heat the water and drop the pump in for a great shower. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, let others know about our channel, and check out our other videos.
Can I ask how much that cost to have built I really like that shell
I paid $2500 for it two years ago. Thanks for asking, have a great adventure.
@@explorer867 thanks
Nice! What’s the height on that?
@@deannutz8102 The overall height of topper is 561/2" outside, and inside is 54". Thanks for asking and have a good week.
@@explorer867 is that the original height of the camper, or part of the custom build work? I’m looking for something like this lol.
Where can a person get one of those canopy campers I'm in tx
These are made by Century. Leer is the parent company. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. Have a great day
Care to divulge the cost of the custom camper shell.? Thx!
Two years ago $2700.00. Please like , subscribe, and let others on social media know about our channel. Have a great week.
@@explorer867 outstanding! I'll check again to see if you mentioned the manufacturer. Happy trails!
Manufactured by Century. Thank you for asking and have a great weekend.
who made the cap and how much was it?
$2800 and built by Century. Please like, subscribe, ring the bell and let others know about our channel on your social media.
Have you had any condensation issues? Mines on order and I’m wondering the best way to insulate it!!
For insulation I went to Home Depot and picked up 1" Foam board with Reflectix. When you cut your panels make sure to over cut them by 1/8" and press them into there spot. Then I used Reflectix 2" Foil tape to secure the panels. This works very well! Condensation is going to be a problem on the aluminum ribs and on the windows of the canopy but not a problem on the insulation panels. You can stop the condensation buy carpeting the inside of the canopy after you insulate it. Personally I just keep the front window cracked open 3" and have a towel to wipe it down in the morning. Have you checked out my videos on installing the diesel heater in the canopy? This has been a real game changer for us. Its so nice to be able to turn the heat on inside when its cold. Have fun with your project!
How wide are your benches? U have a lot of floor space. Do u have a portable toilet? Where do u keep it. I’m thinking of a thetford style....
Hi Joe, My benches are 16" wide and 17" tall. We use a plastic bucket with a plastic bag liner inside with a lid seat that snaps over the top of the bucket. Inside bucket after use we carry a bag of wood planer peelings these are peelings are used after each use. This setup works well. Thank you for watching my videos. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe to to my channel and let others on your social media know about our channel. Have a great day.
I need info! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me where you bought that shell from? i have a 97 f350 long bed that i wanna travel in. the room would make the difference! thanks!
I purchased it from Century.
@@explorer867Thank! was your topper a custom one or do they make them in bulk? Cheers! AWESOME rig brother! youre the closest thing to my set up i can find here.
@@markesayers I had it made to order but it's one they have on there build list. I put 290 watts of solar on top, added a diesel heater, and now have 2 tri-fold 4" memory foam mattress. This setup is perfect for us.
@@explorer867 thats basically what i want to do. I want the height ( i am 6ft4), to not feel crowded. i like the 2 bench seats into a bed idea, but i am gunna add some flavor to my own set up. Im going to just do 2 battery banks, and a portable panel for myself. the idea is to stealth camp if i need too, and have enough room to get places comfortably.
How tall is the camper inside I really like your set up
Hi Hillbilly, inside is 53 1/2" tall. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe, and let others know about our channel.
What is the cost on a custom canopy like this? Also, really cool all around.
When I purchase mine it was 2500.00 US dollars. Please subscribe, give me a thumbs up and let others know about our channel. Check out our other videos and have a great day.
What’s the name of the company that makes you camper shell
boxcardonny, The canopy is made by century. Thanks for watching. Please Subscribe, give a Thumbs Up and tell others on your social media about our channel. Have a good week.
Is Overland the name of the company that built the camper? I tried to google that but don't see any obvious results. Would you mind sharing the name of the company that built that... if it was a company that would do more? Thank you sir. Looks great.
The company is named Century. I'm sure you can have one built. I'm currently out on an overlanding trip and loving the topper. Have fun with your build and I look forward to seeing you in the great outdoors.
I’ve talking with another company that makes a similar aluminum skin on welded aluminum frame. How water tight is this canopy. Did u have to caulk?
Joe, no leaking other than a minor amount around the seal between the topper and the truck bed. Thank you for watching my videos. Please give me a thumbs up, subscribe to to my channel and let others on your social media know about our channel. Have a great day
is this the 48” one?
Yes. Please like, subscribe, and let others know about our channel. Have a good week.
can you give a contact from Century? I try to google for the camper like your, can't find it.
Hi Kevin, I ordered this through a dealership locally. Just do a Google search to find a dealership close to your location. Please give me a thumbs up on my video, subscribe, let others know about our channel. Have a great week.
What size tall area
54" Have a great day. Please Like, Subscribe and let others know about my channel.
Hi like your setup, can you tell me the model number of your cap. thanks
Sure thing I will look it up in the morning.