Alu-Cab Canopy Camper

[LAJEEPR]

I can answear this firsthand now… Pretty bad. It receives sometimes, but mostly not. And when it is receiving, it drops out under every single freeway overpass. I don’t recall it ever doing that before the ACCC went on

This time next week I will be able to tell you if the relocation bracket keeps the XM reception normal. (Next week is ACCC install week!)

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[fourfa]

Update: since picking up the Alu-Cab on Thusday, I've been finding that I get better SXM reception driving south than driving north. I assume this is due to their geostationary satellite's location over the Equator, so there's a better line of sight southward to that sat than the other lower orbit sats that change position. It's still bad and drops out constantly, but when driving north it drops out much more than it receives. Ordering the relocation kit right away. (And obviously, if you don't use any XM services then I guess NBD)

A new piece of information: I weighed my truck (2022 diesel Rubicon with a lot of options) right before the install. Full tank of diesel, winch, no camper, no driver, and otherwise completely empty: F 3060 lbs, R 2480 lbs, total 5540 lbs. (maybe +/- 20 lbs on my local recycling center scale.) 55/45 F/R weight distribution empty.

Same configuration plus Alu-Cab Canopy Camper with zero accessories, just bare shell and mattress: scale says F 3040 lbs, R 2940 lbs, total 6020 lbs. (Again +/- 20, do note that the F + R I read off the scale doesn't exactly equal the total). Near as makes no difference 50/50 weight distribution empty, at least on the diesel with the +400 lbs engine up front, and the +82 lbs winch and aluminum bumper. (This ought to be quite different with gas trucks.)

This does imply that the bare camper + install kit, no accessories (including tailgate delete) weighs about 480 lbs net. Alu-Cab claims 463 lbs, so this seems pretty much on the money considering the scale accuracy.

Review notes so far: sway in the back on stock Rubicon suspension with quick steering input is definitely more noticeable. Stock shocks were underdamped before, but they're pretty wallowy now. It's driveable though. Plenty of uptravel still in the rear for pavement, we'll see about on trail next. (Going to wait for black friday sales before suspension mods, I think).

I got to camp one night on the trip home from the installer. Stock 3" mattress is firm, and I'll add a 1" low density or eggcrate foam, a mattress pad, and cotton sheets. There's 7" of headspace for the bedding when shut, so this ought to still leave plenty for covers or sleeping bags to remain up top when closed.

Totally thrilled with this purchase overall and can't wait to get out in it next

 

[MDV Hank]

I just ordered the Hellwig sway bar for the rear. After install I will post my thoughts. It was $350ish on Amazon and was in stock, Hellwig had a back order until Dec. I also just added a used Decked system so the net weight increased by 100lbs.

 

[ParatusExpeditions]

Thanks, @fourfa. This is a really good report. I planned to do the same with my setup.

 

[Mtpisgah]

I just ordered the Hellwig sway bar for the rear. After install I will post my thoughts. It was $350ish on Amazon and was in stock, Hellwig had a back order until Dec. I also just added a used Decked system so the net weight increased by 100lbs.

Which setting do you have it on? I initially installed mine in the more rigid setting and it separated the tabs at the top of the sway bars. The Hellwig was too anti sway. I had to have the seam welded and reinforced.
I now run it in the less rigid position and the truck handles better.

 

[fourfa]

Probably should install these with the Hellwig. Cheap insurance, easy to install (except they ship the wrong thread on the included longer bolt, so add +$8 from the hardware store)

 

[Northridge4x4]

We done a few of the Helwig rear sway bar installs and they've definitely made a difference on the heavier loaded JTs:

Helwig rear sway bar, no links:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/sway-bars/7779-hellwig-rear-sway-bar-only-no-sway-bar-links

Hellwig rear sway bar with links:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/sway-bars/7779-hellwig-rear-sway-bar-only-no-sway-bar-links

 

[MDV Hank]

Which setting do you have it on? I initially installed mine in the more rigid setting and it separated the tabs at the top of the sway bars. The Hellwig was too anti sway. I had to have the seam welded and reinforced.
I now run it in the less rigid position and the truck handles better.

It arrives tomorrow. That's good to know about the heaviest setting. Im going to start at the lightest setting since the sway/roll is not that bad. The Sumo springs really helped. They will go on this weekend.

 

[MDV Hank]

Which setting do you have it on? I initially installed mine in the more rigid setting and it separated the tabs at the top of the sway bars. The Hellwig was too anti sway. I had to have the seam welded and reinforced.
I now run it in the less rigid position and the truck handles better.

The Hellwig sway bar is installed. I put it on the middle position. There is a very noticeable difference for the better, it hardly feels like there is any weight back there, its strange but it feels better than it did empty. So all in $601 ( $356 for the Hellwig sway bar and $245 for the Black Sumo springs). I purchased a set of Firestone Air bags that I didn't install because I keep the load fairly constant and I only tow a trailer once or twice a year.

 

[AustinKalb]

This time next week I will be able to tell you if the relocation bracket keeps the XM reception normal. (Next week is ACCC install week!)

Did the XM antenna relocation solve the reception problem?

 

[LAJEEPR]

Did the XM antenna relocation solve the reception problem?

Well, there is some infrequent drop out when driving north or east but totally clear heading south or west. I would assume this helps vs no change at all. I moved the antenna before I got the AluCab installed.

 

[MDV Hank]

Big ask. Does anyone on here that has a canopy camper live in the Miami area, I would like to get a chance to see one in person. It is a big purchase to do sight unseen. Thanks

 

[fourfa]

Hope someone can help. I watched about a thousand hours of videos, but eventually did order sight unseen. Can't describe the relief and excitement when I got it and it was completely awesome

 

[Redruby]

I’ve had mine for a year and love it. It really takes camping to the next level, can’t see it getting much better

 

[Tdool]

Just received my Alu Cab Camper Monday. Doing self install as our local Cap-It had no clue how to do it. ITs going to be a challenge. First hurdle is the tail gate hinges. Got the gate off but now I need to remove the hinges. Can not get even one Torque bolt lose. Anyone have removed them , themselves? What is trick without wrecking them. Can't get fitment kit in till this is removed. Tried some heat and still nothing. Afraid to strip the bolts.

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