Hard Sided Canopy "Camper"

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Just a few teaser pics of my canopy camper before I get too far along in the build process of it. For legal purposes it is a canopy, so no extra insurance or registration fees. Also being designed the way it is makes it extremely light weight. Four average guys can lift it on and off no problem. Walls are insulated and there is a roof rack if I ever desire to haul something up there. Still have wiring to tackle and migrating over some interior pieces from my old camper van.

 

[4x4JeepCamper]

Really? You went that far without a build thread, and post a couple of teaser pictures? You should be banned!

Seriously, that looks really nice! Please, more pictures from the start of the build. I've been thinking of a small, light slide-in camper similar to what you have done.

 

[02rangeredge]

Really? You went that far without a build thread, and post a couple of teaser pictures? You should be banned!

Seriously, that looks really nice! Please, more pictures from the start of the build. I've been thinking of a small, light slide-in camper similar to what you have done.

if thats constructed how I think it is, it's not quite a slide in- it could easily be though, I think its more of a truck cap, like the Callen campers

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

if thats constructed how I think it is, it's not quite a slide in- it could easily be though, I think its more of a truck cap, like the Callen campers

Bingo, it sits on the bed rails. The white powdery stuff around here has been limiting my motivation to get the pics needed of the inside. Though I will have to get more done this weekend since I'm planning on using it for some video interviews, inside the camper is the only place I get peace and quiet!
All camper related items like porta potty, sink, water storage, heating, cooling and electrical will be shown how they were added in by me

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

Wow! That looks like a Callen on steroids.
Tons of space- please do post interior shots soon.

What did you use for the framing?

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Wow! That looks like a Callen on steroids.
Tons of space- please do post interior shots soon.

What did you use for the framing?

Thankfully I didn't have to build it. I am just fitting it to my needs. Adding in little things is easier than having to frame and start from scratch.
Today i moved over a counter from our old camper van that houses a microwave, fridge and sink. A couple more teaser pics attached. Tomorrow more gets tackled including the restroom build, and 2,000 watt continuous pure sine inverter install.

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

The counter had to modified a little bit but the end result is very nice. I even got to reuse a hole in the bed for the sink drain. Also cut about four inches off the back to sit more flush against the canopy. The tool box fuel tank combo is going to have to go though, too much wasted space without enough use. And selling it should get some more funds towards adventures

 

[WesternDreamer]

Is that one of those Bel-Air Camper Shells?

 

[02rangeredge]

Is that one of those Bel-Air Camper Shells?

are they in business still? there's not a truck there post 08 i think

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

No it's a Portland based thing, l will get a picture of the tag. Tomorrow I'm going to have the whole morning and early afternoon to tackle wiring. Plus l can show a shot of the counter + plumbing install. Already have a back corner for the porta potty too. Went through the scales and had plenty of payload left, much lighter than my old Lance

 

[WesternDreamer]

are they in business still? there's not a truck there post 08 i think

I believe so. The pictures may be old, but they have recent reviews on Google (from the last few months) which mention their custom camper shells.

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

So for those curious this is an Anderson Canopy, which is now no longer operating.
I added a sitting shelf/stepping area to get into the cabover. Also have the kitchen area mounted exactly where I want it now. The bathroom is getting framed in today. Still need some cushions/foam for my sleeping area but it's big shakedown trip is tomorrow

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

I put an aluminum bar on the top and bottom to better hold the doors and drilled a spot for the locking bolt to go through as well. Adjusted the door handles so they're oriented how I want them too. Much more natural to open and close. Biggest benefit of a canopy over camper is the fact I can still haul things with relative ease. Here's a pair of scooters I picked up for my wife and I to run around on wherever

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

A couple quick pics of the trip so far

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Tired out from the shakedown trip but everything went well. Will get some pics up when I bring in and unload the laptop. Need to add a couple more deep cycles to extend boondocking capability but it did well as is. Hopefully going to upgrade to a four door truck for the next trip. The extended cab is the bare minimum for my needs. Was a very stealthy camper as far as looking unoccupied, there are window covers that block out light from escaping. Cleaned and repaired the back porch lights too, was nice having the camp lit up. Need some side lights for a full 360 effect