Alu-Cab Canopy Camper Roll Call

[Lowelife Explorer]

Yeah, I thought about this as well. Was thinking about @813 Fabrication & Design VersaPlate panels and Rotopax mounts on both sides, but two things so far held me back:

• The whole setup with VersaMount and Rotopax mount is not cheap ($700 for both sides) and I couldn't bring myself to spending this amount for 4 gallons or extra fuel space, so far I decided to mount empty packs on the rear door and fill only when I go on long uncertain stretches. This isn't a complaint about the price, just that so far I have had other priorities on the build-out.
• The claim regarding structural integrity. I don't really believe it's for the bed overhang, since there are other trucks that don't have the fill panels at all (like the Ford Ranger Dual Cab), but pretty much all of them also have more space between roof and overhang.

Here's the quote from an email exchange with Alu-Cab:



This might just be a CYI response, but since I plain don't know, I would probably come up with some kind of a brace or a frame with an opening or door and not completely remove them.

We are planning on traveling long distances with the setup and we are working very hard to make the furniture washboard proof, so this could just be another one of these "just-in-case-there-could-potentially-be-a-problem-if-all-the-stars-aline-against-me"-cases.

If I really want to use the space, I'll find a way that makes me feel okay doing so.

big fan of the 813 tank set up, best place to store fuel in my opinion

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[813 Fabrication & Design]

big fan of the 813 tank set up, best place to store fuel in my opinion

Thanks! Glad you like it

 

[Redruby]

I was actually planning on a custom aluminum fuel tank to fit in there

 

[813 Fabrication & Design]

I was actually planning on a custom aluminum fuel tank to fit in there

I had thought of doing that also as a prototype. The current tank I am working with for my prototype is sold as a water tank. But, I sourced it directly from the manufacturer and the rep I talked with said it can be used for fuel if the cap is changed. It is the same material as a RotopaX.

 

[cug]

big fan of the 813 tank set up, best place to store fuel in my opinion

No question about that. As I said, two things holding me back there. I’d love to use that space.

 

[813 Fabrication & Design]

So this is my newest product. I may make some of the brackets powder coated as well depending on feedback. I have two tanks in stock and more brackets about to start production. I will be making custom side plates to work with these and the VersaPlate RotopaX mounts. I am also designing a plate to hold a pump and other items above the tank. The tank can be used a gravity feed also. The tanks are sold as 8 GAL water tanks but I was told by my connection that fuel could be used but a different cap would need to be used. I will offer them for water but....

I wanted to get some feedback before I order another group of the tanks.

 

[DR.]

So this is my newest product. I may make some of the brackets powder coated as well depending on feedback. I have two tanks in stock and more brackets about to start production. I will be making custom side plates to work with these and the VersaPlate RotopaX mounts. I am also designing a plate to hold a pump and other items above the tank. The tank can be used a gravity feed also. The tanks are sold as 8 GAL water tanks but I was told by my connection that fuel could be used but a different cap would need to be used. I will offer them for water but....

I wanted to get some feedback before I order another group of the tanks.

I think many of us, not all, have the Alu-Cab tank on the other side of that wall, so I'm not sure how big your market would be. Fuel is an interesting option but would require a way to slide it in and out to be useful. But then that's adding even more weight to that front wall, above the bed. Plus the idea of sliding 48 pounds of fuel plus the tank at probably 10 pounds becomes less attractive. I think it's good product for a limited number of people. How would it be priced compared to the $700 for the Alu-Cab?

 

[813 Fabrication & Design]

I think many of us, not all, have the Alu-Cab tank on the other side of that wall, so I'm not sure how big your market would be. Fuel is an interesting option but would require a way to slide it in and out to be useful. But then that's adding even more weight to that front wall, above the bed. Plus the idea of sliding 48 pounds of fuel plus the tank at probably 10 pounds becomes less attractive. I think it's good product for a limited number of people. How would it be priced compared to the $700 for the Alu-Cab?

Good points. If used for fuel or water it would be bolted in place, not meant to be pulled out and used, just like the Alu-Cab tank. If fuel, it would need a small hand-held transfer pump to remove the fuel. For water, it would be used as a gravity feed tank or used in conjunction with a pump. My thought there is to have the pump and quick connect right beside the shower cube. Some people have asked for ways to carry more water, so this would be the solution. Also, many don't do very difficult trails, so the weight distribution would not be much of an issue. The other thought is this is a replacement or different option over using the Alu-Cab tank, leaving more room inside with the bulkhead area to do more with it. I am working on some ideas for that as well. The Alu-Cab tank is 13 Gal, but realistically, most only fit approx 10 Gal to try and avoid the water leaking from the cap. I don't have final pricing yet, but it will most likely be approx $200 less that the Alu-Cab tank.

 

[DR.]

Good points. If used for fuel or water it would be bolted in place, not meant to be pulled out and used, just like the Alu-Cab tank. If fuel, it would need a small hand-held transfer pump to remove the fuel. For water, it would be used as a gravity feed tank or used in conjunction with a pump. My thought there is to have the pump and quick connect right beside the shower cube. Some people have asked for ways to carry more water, so this would be the solution. Also, many don't do very difficult trails, so the weight distribution would not be much of an issue. The other thought is this is a replacement or different option over using the Alu-Cab tank, leaving more room inside with the bulkhead area to do more with it. I am working on some ideas for that as well. The Alu-Cab tank is 13 Gal, but realistically, most only fit approx 10 Gal to try and avoid the water leaking from the cap. I don't have final pricing yet, but it will most likely be approx $200 less that the Alu-Cab tank.

I still like the idea of fuel storage best but having separate shower water is also an attractive use. My comment about weight was more a nod to those who bring that up about the Alu-Cab tank. All in all it’s less weight than an extra passenger in the back seat.

 

[813 Fabrication & Design]

I still like the idea of fuel storage best but having separate shower water is also an attractive use. My comment about weight was more a nod to those who bring that up about the Alu-Cab tank. All in all it’s less weight than an extra passenger in the back seat.

Completely agree. I see many that comment about the weight being up high, but others that don't have an issue with it. If some are doing a lot of off-camber stuff I can see why they are concerned. The two Redarc 200W panels on my roof don't help much either haha. I know a few shops that talk almost every customer out of using the Alu-Cab tank because they feel it is too high. Extra shower water was my biggest motivator.

 

[cug]

I know a few shops that talk almost every customer out of using the Alu-Cab tank because they feel it is too high.

To be honest, I wish I had not taken the Alu-Cab tank, but for different reasons. It's difficult to near impossible to insulate the water from out the outside hull, so freezing can be an issue, it sits very high, IF it leaks, it'll leak all over the cabin since the outlet is at the bottom, I could use the space for other storage if the tank wasn't there.

If I were to do this again, I'd skip the tank and use either a Scepter or Dometic water jug with a small electric pump and be done with. Also easier to refill.

But I'm not going to get rid of the tank now that I have it ...

 

[813 Fabrication & Design]

To be honest, I wish I had not taken the Alu-Cab tank, but for different reasons. It's difficult to near impossible to insulate the water from out the outside hull, so freezing can be an issue, it sits very high, IF it leaks, it'll leak all over the cabin since the outlet is at the bottom, I could use the space for other storage if the tank wasn't there.

If I were to do this again, I'd skip the tank and use either a Scepter or Dometic water jug with a small electric pump and be done with. Also easier to refill.

But I'm not going to get rid of the tank now that I have it ...

Yes, if this tank were to be used with water in the cold I was thinking of trying a full-length tank heater pad

 

[cug]

Yes, if this tank were to be used with water in the cold I was thinking of trying a full-length tank heater pad

That makes sense. I haven't taken the AC tank off to see whether I can squeeze some insulation behind it, but we do plan a heater outlet blowing warm air into the general tank area, especially where the outlet, pump, and filter will be located (passenger side in our case).

 

[813 Fabrication & Design]

That makes sense. I haven't taken the AC tank off to see whether I can squeeze some insulation behind it, but we do plan a heater outlet blowing warm air into the general tank area, especially where the outlet, pump, and filter will be located (passenger side in our case).

You can fit some insulation behind it. Not very thick, but I have seen several different methods used.

 

[bustabeatgeorge]

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