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Anyone slept or lived in an aluminum commercial truck camper?

Original Post
B.S. Luther · · Yorba Linda, CA · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 65

Hey everybody,

I was wondering if anybody has ever slept in an aluminum truck shell, rather than the usual fiberglass. Or better yet, lived/traveled in one. They make em with carpet lining so it seems like it'd be fine, but it'd be nice to get the inside scoop before dropping cash. Insulation could be an issue too but I figure there are solutions to that.

I have a standard snugtop model right now but with all my possessions in the truck and reading about break-in rates at some crags I'm getting a little worried. Would be great to just lock up the whole thing.

Any tips, advice, or experience would be appreciated. This is something along the lines of what I'm thinking, it's tall but I find myself wishin for a bit more headroom, but I digress..

cooltruck.com/uploads/image…

Thanks,
Brian

Edit: Realized that picture has a window on it, just to clarify I was thinking of something like this for security.
cooltruck.com/uploads/image…

Mtn Ape XL · · Utah · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 131

Luther-

If security is an issue, the model you linked in the photo is still subject to break-ins...they will just smash the window and clean it out...adding some type of reinforcement bars on the inside would be the way to go...perhaps some type of mesh/grid like this would be more secure mcnichols.com/products/expa…

Cheers

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion · · Colorado · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 35

To me, it looks full of expensive and easy to sell tools. That would make it even more break in prone than a typical climber setup.

Also, due to my job, every monday I need to be in a parking structure. My standard T100 fits fine. I'm pretty sure yours won't. Think about that too. Also, before someone else mentions it, gas mileage.

If you add a bunch of reinforcements, yes, it will be more secure. I also think reinforcements make it look worth breaking into.

B.S. Luther · · Yorba Linda, CA · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 65

I was thinking about the mesh guard too, then I got to thinking maybe they'd just smash the fiberglass... I edited the post but I was thinking one without windows (but with flaps you could open to ventilation). It's a good point that people might see the commercial setup and think expensive tools.. I'm planning on living out of it for a while, just trying to figure out what makes sense. Wouldn't wanna lose my rack, computer, backpacking gear, camping gear, etc..

Thanks for the input.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion · · Colorado · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 35

If someone wants to jack your shit, they will. Sometimes thieves will pass yours to get to someone else who looks like less effort but eventually they'll come to you.

This could include your cheap factory stereo, catalytic converter, or your stuff in the shell. You can't stop them every time.

Truly, what you need to do is get the setup you are most comfortable in and get good renters insurance. In the long run, you'll probably be happier than trying to turn your truck into a fortress.

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346
nicelegs wrote:If someone wants to jack your shit, they will. Sometimes thieves will pass yours to get to someone else who looks like less effort but eventually they'll come to you. This could include your cheap factory stereo, catalytic converter, or your stuff in the shell. You can't stop them every time. Truly, what you need to do is get the setup you are most comfortable in and get good renters insurance. In the long run, you'll probably be happier than trying to turn your truck into a fortress.
Agreed, get the insurance and stop worrying. The insurance is cheaper than adding defenses to your truck anyway.
M Mobley · · Bar Harbor, ME · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 911

yep, the thief fuckers will steal the whole rig if they want it enough. insurance is the biggest piece of mind right after covering all the goods up and keeping them out of sight of the average crackhead

edit- I spent many a night sleeping on the ground to stay away from my aluminum camper shell, it radiates cold.

B.S. Luther · · Yorba Linda, CA · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 65

Looked into renter's insurance and it's way cheaper than I'd imagine, my auto insurance company (AIS/Mercury) said theirs is $120 a year. Definitely gonna go that route, as long as everything checks out and the policy covers it. Thanks for thoughts everyone. I hate having so many bills as it is so I might not've looked without the suggestion. $10 a month is way worth it though.

mustardtiger · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 20

I had a fiberglass cap on my truck but never slept in it more then a couple nights. I think the coldest I dealt with was in the 20's with a walmart special sleeping bag. It sucked big time but knowing what i do now about cold weather bags I would try it again.

It's all about what gear you have. If you bundle up with good quality stuff you will be fine. If you want to get extra warm I guess you could rig up a way to put some insulation on the roof and sides.

mbakerwh · · Gallup, NM · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 0

With renters insurance, double check that they don't have limits on any particular items that you have (computers, jewelry, technology, outdoor gear, etc.) If they do, you can usually just submit documentation of what you have and pay a couple extra bucks a month to get full coverage for it. Most policies dont have a limit on climbing gear/outdoor gear, but some may.

Our rear house window got smashed in and the fuckers took about 4k worth of jewelry from my fiance earlier this year (everything she'd ever bought or received as a gift since 7th grade). Our insurance only covered 3k of it. So that kinda sucked. Luckily they left the trad rack, our new AT setups, two sets of avy gear, ropes, etc. Just something to look out for!

B.S. Luther · · Yorba Linda, CA · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 65

Thanks mbakerwh, definitely will. Sorry bout the jewelry, glad they left the toys at least.

With the fiberglass I've had it down to about 10 degrees and was shocked by how warm it was. I had a lot of gear in the back with me which I think insulated a lot lol..

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346
mbakerwh wrote:With renters insurance, double check that they don't have limits on any particular items that you have (computers, jewelry, technology, outdoor gear, etc.) If they do, you can usually just submit documentation of what you have and pay a couple extra bucks a month to get full coverage for it. Most policies dont have a limit on climbing gear/outdoor gear, but some may. Our rear house window got smashed in and the fuckers took about 4k worth of jewelry from my fiance earlier this year (everything she'd ever bought or received as a gift since 7th grade). Our insurance only covered 3k of it. So that kinda sucked. Luckily they left the trad rack, our new AT setups, two sets of avy gear, ropes, etc. Just something to look out for!
Also check to ensure they cover full replacement value and not depreciated value. Depreciated value is worthless and doesent even come close to what's need to actually replace your stuff. Also take a photo of your stuff for proof you own it unless you have receipts for everything (no one does).
20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346
M.J. Pulvorizers wrote: Why the heck would you have 4 k worth of jewelry in your van?
"Our rear house window got smashed in and the fuckers took about 4k worth of jewelry"

Renters insurance is designed for your apartment/ rented house, not your van. It just happens that they cover your crap anywhere in the world which includes your car, but it's not designed for your car. If you dident have an address and said your car was your house, you couldent get renters insurance. Best you could do at at that point is inland marine insurance, but you have to have a business to qualify.
Ross Hokett · · Great Falls, MT · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 266

A system with full lenght drawers and a locking tail gate adds a little bit of extra security that's what I've done in my tundra.

Mica The Rock · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 0

I have since the 70's. Use double bubble Radiant barrier to insulate. It will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Glue a piece of ridged foam board to half inch ply to put down in bed of truck create thermal break. I had some success with insulated tempered glass too, its harder to bust out. If you are really going to live in it trim it out all kinds of ways to make it efficient and home for over the years.

Pnelson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 635

I've owned and used an aluminum topper with a sleeper platform for years. It would without a doubt be very easy to break into; there is a "lock" on the latch that closes the back hatch, but you could literally just give it a good hard tug to break in.

I was concerned about theft and break-ins when I first got the setup, and built a locking front panel onto my sleeper platform so that I could secure stuff under it. But eventually this panel just became a pain to work around when I was loading and unloading constantly on road trips, and I removed it. To deal with potential theft, I hide valuables (laptop, rack) in the locked front of my truck, stash semi-valuables (cooking equipment, sleeping bags) under the unlocked platform, park in wide-open places, and purchase good renter's insurance.

Getting robbed sucks, it's happened to me, but in my experience there is only so much you can do. 90% of thieves are looking for quick smash'n'grab gigs. So you hide valuables from plain sight, but beyond that, if they really want to get into your rig– front or back– they'll get in, regardless of what type of locking mechanism you've got.

B.S. Luther · · Yorba Linda, CA · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 65

I was planning on making a list of my gear and taking pictures. I'll definitely check whether its depreciated value. From the brief fact-finding call I made, insurance said I'd definitely be covered in the vehicle, even on a long road trip. Thankfully I've used my dad's address for the last few years as I've been travelling for work and got tired of changing addresses. I'll update after I talk with insurance more.

The security drawers look great but I really like being able to sit up in the camper and with my current cab high they would make that impossible. I'm gonna look into getting a small safe for small stuff and sentimentals, I'm sure it could still be broken into but it might be inconvenient enough to survive the petty criminal. I was surprised, the place I called quoted about 1800 for an aluminum camper that's about a foot higher than the cab, which I think is cheaper than the leer or snugtop options. I might just go with the current setup to save money, a high rise sure has its appeal though.

Maybe something like this:
tuffyproducts.com/p-235-toy…

B.S. Luther · · Yorba Linda, CA · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 65
M.J. Pulvorizers wrote: Go with the high rise.... Keepsakes and sentimental will have to be down to a bare minimum. I can't even keep all my hats because of space! :) which is OK because of how much less clutter you will have. So much easier! I'm happy to hear more and more people choose life on the road.
And the scales tip further... haha. It does seem like it'd be a lot easier to legitimately live in it. If I can resell my current camper for 500 or so that'd help. Guess I need to figure out the weight and cost difference between and aluminum and fiberglass and go from there. Aluminum has some nice options for hanging stuff though..

Mostly I have a little black book of drunken ramblings and whatnot that I'd be sad to lose.. Maybe I'll just take pictures. I'm pretty damn excited to get on the road too, its been in the works for way too long, time to pull the trigger. March 1st!
Idaho Bob · · McCall, ID · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 757

I've had an ARE aluminum commercial topper on my last two trucks. They come in various heights. Get the felt liner to reduce condensation when sleeping in it.
The model with dual rear doors (loose the tail gate)makes it easy to get in and out. Wire mesh inside the windows is an option, as is a ladder rack which is good for kayaks, etc.

If security is a big concern, I'd get a used one and put it on a used truck.

If the topper is tall enough, you can sit in chairs if it's raining. And a great place to sleep when it's windy. But if it's not raining or blowing, I sleep outside.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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