Supa stealth

[VanLifeCrisis]

I was browsing online when i ran into this slide in.&nbsp; Talk about stealth, it looks like a utility shell.&nbsp; No big deal right, just a pop up?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can use everything in it but the stove in the down position <img src="/images/boards/smilies/redface.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp; <br><br>

<br><br>http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/tcm-exclusive-2012-phoenix-geo-den

 

[Les H]

( think animal , from the muppets) MINE,MINE, ME LIKE , ME LIKE!!

 

[bk2valve]

Awesome rig....Awesome rig! And still awesome rig....what a superb idea....lots of shifting stuff around....miserable if trying to set up if raining out side but definite usage abilities...storage? not so much...store stuff in truck I guess....need a extended cab or crew cab?<br>Still....awesome rig!<br>Bri

 

[offroad]

not getting it. where is the toilet? &nbsp;where is the shower? &nbsp;it is an insulated box with water storage and catalytic heater for $13000 to $15000.&nbsp;

 

[bk2valve]

Offroad, <br><br>Toilet, shower....in something that small??????<br><br>Concept, bro, concept...<br><br>I don't want to buy one either but it is a really small, compact use of space......<br><br>bri

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Its the idea of total stealth when needed.&nbsp; You can put a porta potti in it and shower like most vandwellers (outside shower, spray bottle, gym, stream).&nbsp; I do agree it is expensive.&nbsp; The fancy fridge in it takes up a whole side...i think if you left that out you would free up a lot of space.

 

[offroad]

how is this better than a 30 below mummy bag. if you only sleep there. am trying to get the concept. just not seeing it much.&nbsp;

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I've checked out those mummy bags, none of them came with a big bed, fridge, heater, stove, sink, or electrical system.&nbsp; <br><br>I guess this kind of camper isn't of interest to you.

 

[Les H]

And, not to be arguementitive, Why do some people choose a 20 yo van to convert themselves while others buy a $70,000 Roadtrek ot Pleasure way. Im just guessing, havent taken the time to research them all, but for round numbers sake-
Engle fridge -600
3 burner stove top 400
Furnace 1000
water heater 750
3' high Leer cap 2000 ( do they make a pop top model, and what does it cost?)
Inverter/cinverter 250
Sink with pump and tank 300

Im already at $5500 and im sure i forgot lots, like labor, wire, self contained (removable from truck ) propane tank, line and regulator and so on, I figgure if you went NEW e efything and tried to build it, you would be at least close to the 2/3 cost mark, plus labor , minus a warrenty and factory fit and finish.

If Animal were paying for it, and money waz no object, Id love to have one for my F150

 

[bee]

the concept is good, but they need to make truck campers for flat beds. &nbsp;Then you could actually have some storage. &nbsp;I guess for a weekender vehicle its good enough.

 

[Saguache]

miserable if trying to set up if raining out side but definite usage abilities...storage?

<br><br>Hey Bri,<br><br>I'm not so sure its really that bad.&nbsp; There are a bunch of roof top tents (RTTs) and light weight inserts (LWIs) for trucks of all sizes that aren't really all that difficult to set up.&nbsp; In fact, that's one of their chief advantages.&nbsp; Sure its not a high top on a van, nor is it a full size insert for a double axle truck, but as many will agree the fuel savings (mostly from weight savings) is a huge advantage.<br><br>I've compiled a short list of some of the options below:<br><br><a href="http://www.autohomeus.com/" rel="nofollow">AutoHomeUS RTTs</a>: I currently have one of these and at the moment it looks like the device I'll be using on my new truck (2003 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab).&nbsp; I'm not certain if I'll add a bed topper capable of supporting the RTT or build a rack system myself to support the RTT, but that decision will be made shortly.&nbsp; I know that set up is very quick (as long as you remember to put your crank arm in a easily retrievable location) and the RTT I have (Maggiolina GT) can take a hell of a beating.&nbsp; I've pitched it in 60 MPH gusting winds (measured) in -30 weather and the tent weathered it without a problem.&nbsp; It was a lot like sleeping on a very small ship in very big seas, so not recommended unless you absolutely have to.<br><a href="http://www.adventuretrailers.com/flippac.html" rel="nofollow">AT FlipPac</a>: This bad boy has been on my want list for a while now.&nbsp; Its lighter than the RTT above and set up takes about 30 seconds (see the video).&nbsp; Also it shares many of the advantages of the above, but has a lower center of gravity, more room for weight, and smoother finished look.&nbsp; It is more conspicuous and doesn't have the bad weather protection that the AH RTT does.<br><a href="http://phoenixpopup.com/your-vehicle/more/" rel="nofollow">Phoenix Geo Den</a>: This guy looks comfy and as a result heavier than either of the above.&nbsp; Its also comparatively more expensive.&nbsp; Set up is largely from inside the pop-up, which is an "<em>improvement</em>" in some respects over the others, but I'm really pretty sure I'd like to avoid the kind of inclement weather I've already put my AutoHome through.<br><a href="http://www.wildernestcamper.com/" rel="nofollow">WilderNest</a>: No longer made, but you can still find them around usually for full size beds.&nbsp; Great little device that has a huge footprint considering its fold down compaction.&nbsp; Not as weather resilient or as easy to set up.&nbsp; Plenty of storage if you organize.<br><br>I know there are more (feel free to list them if you'd like), but its 02:00 AM and I can finally go to sleep.&nbsp; I really like the idea of the RTTs, even with a van as they improve your sleeping area considerably if done correctly.&nbsp; Imagine a van with one -- the kitchen and storage area are bed free and the bed is kitchen free.&nbsp; My wife can cook liver and I won't even notice if I'm up above reading a book.<br><br>

 

[bk2valve]

Hi Saguache, I definitely see the advantages to the RTT's. They seem pretty expensive to me for basically a tent, but I like the idea. <br><br>I met a French woman in Pancho Villa State park here in NM who was driving a little peugeot wagon that she had shipped from Europe with an Authome Columbus on top. She claimed that when the wind blew much at all she would sleep inside the car.<br><br>You know we own a Mazda B4000 4wd truck with a FourWheel pop-up slide in shell that we do our more serious travel in and when in Guatemala where there are no/few campgrounds and you have to boondock, I REALLY would have rather had a rig where I could slide into the driver's seat and leave if I had to....but that was only when the paranoids were after me...<img src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> I never needed to.<br><br>I have met many world overlanders who swear by a RTT tho. They definitely have a place...<br><br>As said about the OP however, it can be a real hassle in rainy weather and esp. long term rain...on our trip to Guate and following the Ruta Maya, it rained an ENORMOUS amount.....it was even difficult in the pop-up camper...just being stuck inside so much...every time you come inside you have wet clothes...ugh.<br><br>On my last moto trip with my tent-cot it rained nearly every night....it is tough folding up a wet tent every AM and setting it up again in the rain. I did 45 days and 9K miles that way before it got the best of me and I came home. I stayed with friends and family for about 6 of those nights and a motel 4 nights....so it really only 35 nights....hehehe<br><br>Bri<br><br><br><br>

 

[Saguache]

Hey Bri,<br><br>Yes I understand your point and you're correct that living in an RTT can be a pain in the arse.&nbsp; My wife isn't happy about it most of the time either because there is the off chance that she may have to get up in the night to use the bathroom.&nbsp; Oh wouldn't it be better if ...<br><br>My feeling on the topic is that sure it would be grand to have an <a href="http://www.earthroamer.com/model-overview/" rel="nofollow">EarthRoamer VX-HD</a> named GIGANTOR, but its also unlikely that I'll ever have a pile of money that big to buy such a vehicle let alone keep it in fuel and personally, I'd like to avoid sacrificing mobility at the alter of a bathroom vanity.&nbsp; But we can all wish.<br><br>Recently I got my wheels back and when I started looking for a new ride she made me promise to buy something and stick with it for 10 years.&nbsp; This meant to me a serious amount of soul searching and valve pressure testing.<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8413450928_85b183c428.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>What I ended up with is a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab 4x4 (TRD).&nbsp; While this truck is not the perfect vehicle it does represent the best compromise.&nbsp; I've lived for days like that in the wet and yeah it sort of starts to oppress you, but if you're overlanding in Central America, at least in my opinion, you've got a lot to be grateful for as well.&nbsp; Working out the wetness problem becomes more logistics when considered in this light.

 

[bk2valve]

Hi matt....Really nice choice of truck....It sure would be the perfect rig for many, many things.<br><br>True dat, on the overlanding....It was a trip of a lifetime...<br><br>We do hope to drive to Panama to catch a lot of the rest of C.A. that we didn't get to yet. It will have to wait til m'lady retires or is able to work freelance again...in a year and a half... so who knows what health I will be in, but it will likely be with the truck and camper again... <br><br>I am a big fan of both FourWheel and AllTerrain campers mostly because they are so really well made and you can buy a plain shell with only what you want....if we get a bigger truck, we will buy a new larger shell from AllTerrain since they sell their shell for $6500.00 new....really hard to beat for what you get....and it is the only one I know of that will pull out to a queen size bed that you sleep fore-and-aft rather than abeam. &nbsp; That way whoever needs to get up to use the head it doesn't wake the other...<br><br>I like the blog "Wander the west" to read about the various campers and owners....<br><br>I subscribed to your blog....<br>Bri

 

[Saguache]

Thanks Bri,<br><br>Best of luck getting back out on the road.&nbsp; I know all about the health concerns and my wife just accepted a job where she can no longer work remote or on the go.&nbsp; In some ways that's going to be ok with me, we just rented a place with a two car garage and I plan on doing a lot of work on my new truck getting it ready for that next big trip.<br><br>This will be my 5th overland-ish vehicle and I'm very excited about it.&nbsp; Been working on a build thread over at the Expo and I'll probably post it here when I get it a little further along.

 

[bk2valve]

Good deal Matt, I'll be watching for it....<br>Bri

 

[Telcobilly]

Different needs require different solutions. I'm using a cabover fiberglass utility body on a 2008 Tacoma. I need the blend in feature of it looking like a work truck as I stealth camp in mine. Something that looks like a camper won't work for me. Disadvantages are; it is higher limiting more technical trails, more wind resistance and reduced overhead clearance.
Again, there is no right or wrong answer.. Just different priorities..