Bed/Cab flex with camper?

[Psyched]

I'm planning to build a custom camper to put on my gladiator (that I'm still shopping for). I plan to install a flatbed and I would love to buy an extra hardtop and integrate the hardtop into a pop-up style camper, i.e. take out the rear glass, cut a hole in the topper roof for access, etc.) Is there too much flex between the bed and the cab for this concept to work? I would lift it on and off from the ceiling of the garage just like a regular topper (but much larger!).

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[phreak480]

Use an accordion gasket like they use to connect typical pickup bed canopies to the cab.

 

[Mules]

Use an accordion gasket like they use to connect typical pickup bed canopies to the cab.

I have the same question. I would like to build a continuous camper shell like the Wrangler Action Camper, but for a Gladiator. It would replace the existing hard top. The two options I've thought about are adding a rigid stiffener (angle iron) from the bed rails to the cab bed rail (behind the rear door openings. This would have to be pretty strong to compensate for the frame twist. Second option Isn't as simple. It would be to allow the bed/cab twist. This would mean a slip gasket, accordion gasket, or something else between the roll cage of the cab, and the outer shell that extends over the cab. Pretty tricky either way. I would love to see any examples of how to address the twist, if there are any.

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