Project Extended Pop-Top Aerodynamic Camper Shell ('99 Tacoma)

[slowmover]

As for insulation materials (though it may not be of the right type) the Airstream trailer resto shops and savvy mechs are using DOW Super Tuff R (polyisocyanurate) in between those aluminum ribs and under the wooden floor.

[COcyclist]

Originally Posted by a8ksh4

I can support it w/ four posts that swing down into place and the shell should be super strong when it's up:

I really like the look of the shell. The option of raising it makes it much more complex. Where I camp we sometimes get strong winds and afternoon thundershowers. I wonder how sturdy or weathertight it will be when it is raised. So I have to ask... wouldn't it be easier to set up a screen tent attached to the back of the shell to stand up in and keep the shell lowered for sleeping? Some European tourists have small camper trailers that are basically a sleeping berth just big enough to sleep in but small enough to be pulled by a small economy car. It would be easy to insulate, cozy and weathertight if you are not too claustrophobic to sleep in it lowered.

[a8ksh4]

I definitely like the idea of building a small trailer as a sleeper. I <3 teardrops. I don't really have space to keep one, though, and am trying not to accumulate more stuff.

A couple things I had in mind with this build were that it would be really easy to use, and that I'd still be able to haul a motorcycle or other stuff if I needed to. I think that being able to do a half lift on the back of the shell gives me the ability to haul a bike. I really don't want to have to pull this off and put it back on any time I need to move something large-ish. And if I I keep the lift simple to operate and make the skirt hard-fastened to the bed and shell, it should take all of 45 seconds to hoist up the top.

I'm pretty confident that I'll be okay in all but torrential winds. I figure the lift bars can be made from 1/2" square steel tubing w/ lightweight bracing and will be pretty strong for their weight.


@freebeard - I got some quality clogged nozzle today. I'll have to start being nicer to people...

[BamZipPow]

I recall someone making a lift top that used hydraulic RAMs. Might be out of yer price range but it might be something you could consider.

I'm not sure you'd want to drive down the road with yer top lifted. The airflow at speed will test yer engineering and fasteners to their limit. Even with my hatch slightly up on my aero cap, I have to attach metal straps/brackets to lock it in place. Bungee cords do an okay job but there were times the air flow really tested the bungee cords. Just something to consider.

[freebeard]

a8ksh4 -- I hope it wasn't something I said.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I hope it wasn't something I said.

I don't recall...

I remember coming across it one day when I was doing research fer my aero cap and the various options that were out there.

I even looked at the possibility of a tonneau cover that you could pop up into an aero cap. Obviously the top of the cab is smaller than the width of the bed so the top of the tonneau cover would have to be "cut out"

[a8ksh4]

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

I don't recall...

I remember coming across it one day when I was doing research fer my aero cap and the various options that were out there.

I even looked at the possibility of a tonneau cover that you could pop up into an aero cap. Obviously the top of the cab is smaller than the width of the bed so the top of the tonneau cover would have to be "cut out"

I'm so confused...

[freebeard]

BamZipPow -- Sorry I was responding to the O.P. I edited the post so now nobody will know what's going on.

He'd never had a clogged nozzle until I went and wished it on him.

I'll go back to lurking now.

[COcyclist]

Originally Posted by a8ksh4

I definitely like the idea of building a small trailer as a sleeper.

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting a trailer in your case, just using that as example of people sleeping in something as small as your lowered shell. A few posts back you spoke of removing the foam after fiberglassing. I assume you mean the braces. Leaving the rest of the foam in place would make a very light and strong sandwich construction and provide lots of insulation too.

[BamZipPow]

Something like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcZ4E5fVSDo

I guess you could also use a rack and pinion setup and crank it up as well.