Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap

[round.boater]

I think Humveeback would pass the "tough trucker" bar, although it probably runs into TM problems of its own - although now might be the time to buy the name from GM! How 'bout $20 and a case of beer? The feds might force GM to take the offer!

Is the price still around $1800 for one with all the bells and whistles? I'm thinking of trying again to convince the wife that we need to replace the current shell on our F-150 with an Aerolid.

[GoodOak]

I think what you have is great for a utilitarian purposes, that is what I would want to buy. But I think a lot of people aren't going to want/need a camper shell (and actually, I'm kind of concerned that the camper shell would get in the way sometimes when I am doing work with the truck). And I think most of those very same people are going to primarily be concerned about aesthetics and use performance as an excuse, IE deep down they just want to have a "cool" truck. So maybe your cap as is would be a great utilitarian model, but perhaps you should also mock up a more trendy looking version which doesn't have the camper capability. You could probably even sell it for more because it looks cool. Again, here's where a graphic designer could be very helpful. This trendier version could be what you use to catch people's eyes at shows and other marketing opportunities.

As for names, FastBack or FastCap are all I can think of. The name should evoke an image that is appealing, maybe RidgeBack.... I'm sure others have more creative ideas.

[Big Dave]

Put Aerohead and Chip Foose on a drawing board. Bet we get something good.

[bondo]

No doubt Dave! I would love to see what would be produced from a collaboration between those two.

Humveeback. Interesting, and it gives the product a tough military association.

The aerocap would be sold without the camper which could be ordered as an option. One other aspect of the aerocap is that the roof can be removed leaving the lower part of the cap still attached to the truck. This allows the transport of tall cargo and gives it a kinda cool look.

Thanks again for all the input from all the folks here at ecomodder. Sometimes when I feel like giving up you guys help me to keep hammering at the goal of getting the aerodynamic camper to market.

One more thing, let us all look at what Ford Motor Company is doing (I admit I am partial for I used to work for Ford). They are fighting the good fight without any bailout money from Washington. I feel sad for GM and Chrysler. I do hope for the sake of this nation all three companies survive.

Keep up the good work Mr. Mulally!

Bondo

[TestDrive]

Love what you've done.
My lame suggestion: Fastback MuscleShell.

P.S. That's one suggestion, not two.

[allc0re]

Count me in as one interested purchasing one as soon as they are available for my vehicle. I drive a Ford Ranger ext. cab.

[winkosmosis]

I said "Humveeback" because it would evoke the military vehicle, rather than GM's brand, but it turns out "Humvee" is trademarked by AM General even though it's a nickname.

H1 Humvee vs H2 Hummer

How about "Armyback" or "Utilislant" or just "Slantcap"

[winkosmosis]

Originally Posted by TestDrive

Love what you've done.
My lame suggestion: Fastback MuscleShell.

Fastcap? Fastshell?

[bondo]

Thanks for all the name suggestions. Maybe AEROBACK ?

[Big Dave]

No help on a name, but a suggestion for color. Desert camo! Truck guys will love it.

It is amazing what herd animals truck guys are. I was at a diesel truck rally and with just a few (<5) exception out of 150 trucks they all fit the four of five description:

1. Automatic tranny
2. 4x4
3. Big tires (35" or more)
4. Lift (>4")
5. Custom wheels

Of course, truck guys are not the only herd animals.