Anyone running the Dirtbox Overland Canopy Camper on their Gladiator?

[Dragonfly]

I have the Dirtbox Overland Canopy Camper on my Mojave.
I like most everything about it except for one major issue: the rear hatch/tailgate system.
I am not able to shut both the rear hatch and tailgate without locking ourselves in and no way to open the tailgate or rear hatch from inside the canopy camper.

• On our last night of camping, we experienced very cold, windy temperatures and dry snow. I needed to close both during that situation and was not able to completely shut both without improvising a bungee cord rig to hold the back hatch mostly closed.

My question is, When you close both the tailgate and rear hatch while inside the canopy camper, how are you able to open them to get out?
The inability to do this is a severe limitation.

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[813 Fabrication & Design]

I don't know much about the Dirtbox campers, I am on my second Alu-Cab camper. Sounds like a dangerous setup if you need to get out fast. Hopefully you can find a solution. I would think their hatch would have a latch release on the inside.

 

[KrashEd]

Watching since I may be looking at DtBx for my JT. Did you reach out to Couch?

 

[antwon412]

On my gladiator, I drilled a hole in the tailgate and ran a strap to the release mechanism. I’m able to pull on the strap and the tailgate opens up. Here’s a vid I made on it.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[KrashEd]

On my gladiator, I drilled a hole in the tailgate and ran a strap to the release mechanism. I’m able to pull on the strap and the tailgate opens up. Here’s a vid I made on it.

A little jenky, but functional. I guess if I go that route, I'd use a cable lanyard and notch the panel vs. drilling. Something like this from MSC or McMaster.

You'd think the top manufacturers would do something for this out of possible liability.

 

[GI Grandpa]

I have the Dirtbox Overland Canopy Camper on my Mojave.
I like most everything about it except for one major issue: the rear hatch/tailgate system.
I am not able to shut both the rear hatch and tailgate without locking ourselves in and no way to open the tailgate or rear hatch from inside the canopy camper.

• On our last night of camping, we experienced very cold, windy temperatures and dry snow. I needed to close both during that situation and was not able to completely shut both without improvising a bungee cord rig to hold the back hatch mostly closed.

My question is, When you close both the tailgate and rear hatch while inside the canopy camper, how are you able to open them to get out?
The inability to do this is a severe limitation.

I just talked to the Dirtbox rep here at the Sportsman Expo and he said it depends on the seal you're using. The L seal between the tailgate and the rear hatch requires you to open the tailgate first. They have to other seals that allow you to open the hatch first and there is a release at the top corner of the hatch. Also, you can remove the center panel on the tailgate that allows you to open the tailgate from inside.

 

[Dragonfly]

Watching since I may be looking at DtBx for my JT. Did you reach out to Couch?

I have reached out to Dirtbox (Corey) and have not received a response. Couch?

 

[Dragonfly]

On my gladiator, I drilled a hole in the tailgate and ran a strap to the release mechanism. I’m able to pull on the strap and the tailgate opens up. Here’s a vid I made on it.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thank you. I was thinking of rigging a t-handle (garage door handle) to open the tailgate, but the strap looks like an easy fix.

 

[Dragonfly]

Thanks for the replies. Is anyone willing to share some of their in bed setups?
I have the optional molle box along with a Kickass Control panel and 200A of battery power.

 

[KrashEd]

I have reached out to Dirtbox (Corey) and have not received a response. Couch?

Jay Couch is the owner. It's odd that they aren't getting back to you, they seem like a customer oriented outfit.

 

[TinkeringTurtle]

I've got the same setup and I ended up buying a polyester leash, cut it to length, added a grommet with some stainless washers, and drilled that access plate to add an internal release. I've used it daily on a few multi-month trips and it's held up well.

I sit on the back of my tailgate at camp and there's a bedrug over the tailgate so you don't even notice the strap there since it lays completely flat.

 

[Deadpool392]

For those with the Dirtbox Canopy Camper, how is it working out? Any issues to be aware of or things to look for in a used one? Have someone with one up for sale and I may be interested in it, depending on how it has been working for folks.

 

[GI Grandpa]

Check out the Trail Traveler YouTube Channel.
Bagheera Gets an Upgrade

 

[Deadpool392]

Check out the Trail Traveler YouTube Channel.
Bagheera Gets an Upgrade

I have seen his videos, thanks though. Hoping to get some more feedback before making a decision. It’s not a need as I already have a teardrop trailer, but this would maybe work better for me on solo trips.

 

[AustyPosty]

Watching since I may be looking at DtBx for my JT. Did you reach out to Couch?

Just FYI they are made in China. Not saying its a bad product, just letting you know.

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