Thinking of buying a utility shell for a stealth/adventure vehicle camper.

[wmrvoss]

I was all ready to order the 
Durashell 165 for my 2005 Tacoma PreRunner when Fleetwest told me they no longer sell anything that would fit a Tacoma.  Only full-size trucks now.  I'm so disappointed.  I can't find any information on Durashell and wonder if they are the same company as Fleetwest.  Can't find anyone else that sells Durashell.  Do you have any suggestions for me?  I sure would appreciate any help you could give me.

Thank you, Bill

 

[Telcobilly]

I was all ready to order the 
Durashell 165 for my 2005 Tacoma PreRunner when Fleetwest told me they no longer sell anything that would fit a Tacoma.  Only full-size trucks now.  I'm so disappointed.  I can't find any information on Durashell and wonder if they are the same company as Fleetwest.  Can't find anyone else that sells Durashell.  Do you have any suggestions for me?  I sure would appreciate any help you could give me.

Thank you, Bill

 

[Telcobilly]

Wow!  That's disappointing to hear.  If I remember correctly,  I think my unit was clearance priced when I got it in 2012.
Have you checked out Tufport? 

http://www.tufport.com/products

 

[Telcobilly]

Fleetwest (Tempe,  AZ) was the dealer where I purchased my DS165.  The company that produces it is in Canada.

 

[wmrvoss]

It was Fleetwest in Tempe that told me they no longer carry anything that would fit my Tacoma.  I can't find anyone else that sells Durashell products, I can't find any information on Durashell at all except through Fleetwest.  I'm wondering if they are the same company or one is owned by the other or something like that. 

I have also been looking at Tufport products, I'm having a hard time finding out who sells them in the US as the "dealer finder" on their website doesn't seem to work.  Looks like maybe I could purchase directly from Tufport in Canada but would much rather buy from someone in the US if possible to make things less complicated.  Surely they have a dealer in Washington or Oregon across the border from their Canadian facility.   I think I will give Tufport a call next week. 

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it

 

[Telcobilly]

Passing on a tip of what I'm using to cook & eat with on the big truck.This should be applicable to the van dwelling life.
I keep all of my dishes, cups and cutting boards in a small tool bag. I keep all my silverware in a zipper pouch with two partitions. I then nest the tool bag in a small plastic tub which also used to wash the dishes.
I'm using a small $20 ceramic electric skillet for making omelettes. The whole setup takes very little space. I'm using a $50 used 1500 watt inverter to run my electrical appliances.
Hope this helps...


to

 

[masterplumber]

Wow, I run a Crock Pot when I have a day of driving to keep the battery charged. I never thought of a good old fashion electric skillet I bet you could pick one up for just a couple bucks at Goodwill - probably wouldn't be ceramic coated though.

 

[OutdoorFT]

That is a very neat concept. I had an 08 Dakota. Traded up to an F350. Those are like shells of truck campers. Make it how you wish.

 

[Telcobilly]

Thanks Matt, I saw one of these shells at the marina on a full size Ford 4x4 where I used to park my truck. We both got a kick out of each other's rigs. He said mine was the Mini-Me of his, LOL

 

[vagari]

Have you checked out http://www.spacekap.com/compare-models/

Very similar to Durashell

 

[Dgorila1]

Thanks Matt, I saw one of these shells at the marina on a full size Ford 4x4 where I used to park my truck. We both got a kick out of each other's rigs. He said mine was the Mini-Me of his, LOL

That big shell is awesome! Could build out a nice full fiberglass truck camper with that.
    What part of the PI do you visit? DO you have friends/family there or just taking vacations?

 

[Telcobilly]

That big shell is awesome! Could build out a nice full fiberglass truck camper with that.
    What part of the PI do you visit? DO you have friends/family there or just taking vacations?

I liked that rig too. He was selling at the time when I took the pix. The Ford six.oh-oh is the only deal breaker for me. With the back windows , all I'd add is a large pass thru to the truck's sliding rear window. A younger, nimble person could probably slide through to the driver's seat in an emergency.
I'm in the Philippines right now with of Manila in Bacoor/Cavite. I travel around from there. This is the ultimate CRV venue, met a British guy who was renting a house for approx $50 pm! He was outside of Naga City. Those week like Vans would really like the large passenger Vans which are almost all of by 2.8L 4 cylinder diesel engines. 

 

[Telcobilly]

I liked that rig too. He was selling at the time when I took the pix. The Ford six.oh-oh is the only deal breaker for me. With the back windows on the shell , all I'd add is a large pass thru to the truck's sliding rear window. A younger, nimble person could probably slide through to the driver's seat in an emergency.
I'm in the Philippines right now a little south of Manila in Bacoor/Cavite. I travel around from there. The PI is the ultimate CRV venue with it's super low cost of living. I met a British guy who was renting a house for approx $50 pm! He was outside of Naga City. Those who like vans will really like the large diesel powered vans that are so common here. My favorite is the Toyota HiAce. Google it to see what I mean.
I'm getting married here this visit and plan to retire here when I turn 62 in 4 years. I'll continue to do OTR trucking part time until then.
0n trips home, I'm going to stay in my Toyota rig or with family on visits after I retire.
I really like the low key, no-attitude vibe here. Every country has it's pros and cons, the Philippines is no exception. If you get out of the big, dirty cities, there is a lot of beauty here. You can buy a brand new Honda TMX 155 motorcycle for $1400. The exchange rate is now sitting $1 = 50 phone, your money goes a loooong way.
A lot of foreigners are moving here, many are fed up with decline of the West. I love my birth country (USA), but I'm pretty distressed with what the culture is devolving to.
I'll drop a few pix shortly. Having to use the internet at a Krispy Kreme store..lol
Til then, Keep on Cheap RVing..?

 

[masterplumber]

Was wondering what you'd been up to. Sounds like some big life changes. Enjoy the journey.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I just spent 2 hours reading and living this thread....

wow.....just WOW!

Livin the dream....

 

[wmrvoss]

14031[/ATTACH] Telcobilly pid='255507' dateline='1484373419']Wow!  That's disappointing to hear.  If I remember correctly,  I think my unit was clearance priced when I got it in 2012.
Have you checked out Tufport? 

http://www.tufport.com/products

I now have the Tufport T59 on my Tacoma.  I picked it up in Vancouver last month.  I thought you might be interested in seeing a picture of it taken in Monument Valley on my return trip to Houston from Vancouver. 

So far I really like it. It was expensive but it's very well made and will outlast my truck.  

 Bill

 

[highdesertranger]

that's nice but your teasing us. show us some pics of the inside. highdesertranger

 

[Zephyr]

Billy's thread is the finest and most informative I've read on CRVL, especially for a newbie. Pure gold for a reality check, inspiration, and resources for living in a pickup.

 

[highdesertranger]

oops I accidently deleted this thread.  I am attempting to bring it back.  highdesertranger

well it worked.

 

[John61CT]

Thanks and Praise Be, hadn't seen this, great stuff!

Want to learn to DIY such shells. . .