Canopy Campers Thoughts and Interior Set Up Questions

[AKID_RBM]

I am working my way through a few different canopy camper wedge opening, options. I'm having hard time, as what I want is not quite what is available. My top 4 are GoFast (light, fairly close to me), Vagabond Drifter (has all the options, but you pay for them...), Harper EDC (just found this one, researching it now), and Alu-Cab Canopy Camper (solid build, but I want to keep my tailgate). GoFast, if I can mod it, might be my best bet, but I need to see some of these in person before making up my mind.....

Of the 4, I can build the Drifter to exactly what I want, but not sure I like that price... Looking at the Harker EDC as well
Features I am looking for:
Light, durable, white.
Front and Rear windows
Side Sliding Windows (maybe slider on driver side, swing open on passenger?)
Ceiling fan
Ability to run wires for solar power

The Drifter also is partnered with folks who make insulation kits and window coverings as I have seen in a few YouTube videos.
But, I think these could be made for any camper, but pretty interesting to see what folks have done.

With that said, I am looking for inspiration as to what folks have done to the inside of their canopy camper. Everyone's build will be different (as the countless videos I have seen are), but curious to see what you all are doing on the Gladiator builds. I am not living in mine, I use my truck for work so need free space and modularity. I am specifically looking for inspiration from folks who have done it via budget methods vs purchasing the high end custom options.

For my layout I am thinking as follows, black is free space for removable totes.

What sort of base plates are out there; other than Goose Gear One (https://www.goose-gear.com/collections/jeep-gladiator/products/jeep-gladiator-truck-bed-plate), or is one needed?

Once I get it all built up, I will need to evaluate if my current suspension is adequate, but figure I would get the camper set up first before going down that rabbit trail.....

Thanks!

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[TroutFishingInAmerica]

I have a Mojave with a Go Fast Camper, satisfied with it. Picked up the GFC Memorial Day weekend and have put some quality time in it, haven't had any problems. I removed the rear seat and have some rotomolded containers, backpack, duffle bag, storage stuff in the back. It squats a little bit so I installed some Sumo Spring between the coils thingies that I got from a member here. I think I'm going to airbag it instead, haven't decided for sure yet. On your diagram the orange is my cooler. Green area is propane bottle and 2 rotopax for gas when I don't want them on the rack and want to lock them up. Have a collapsible ladder on the strapped to the left side of the bed. I don't know about putting sliders on the side of a GFC it's something like 0.080 aluminum, could probably be reenforced and then done. Wireing and fans have been done by some people, look at the GFC forum. There was a thread on the forum about cooling and air circulation in the back for dogs. I don't have a dog do I didn't pay attention, mine would ride in the cab anyway. You have any questions let me know.

 

[AKID_RBM]

@TroutFishingInAmerica, appreciate the info. Do you have any pics of your GFC setup? Didn't realize the doors were that thin. Might explain why they don't offer windows... ??

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

I'll get some pics posted tomorrow. The rear door and front panel is the same thickness as the sides (now that I think about it) and has the window option so I bet you can find something for the sides that would work. I'll set it up tomorrow and take some pictures, anything particular you want to see or just some general shots?

 

[AKID_RBM]

I'll get some pics posted tomorrow. The rear door and front panel is the same thickness as the sides (now that I think about it) and has the window option so I bet you can find something for the sides that would work. I'll set it up tomorrow and take some pictures, anything particular you want to see or just some general shots?

Interested to see the side panels and that rear window and how it all comes together.

Also, what is your take on the actual tent itself they offer?
Is it nice and tight when set up?
Weather proof?
Condensation?

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Interested to see the side panels and that rear window and how it all comes together.

Also, what is your take on the actual tent itself they offer?
Is it nice and tight when set up?
Weather proof?
Condensation?

I'll make sure to get some shots of the panel/window set up. I like the tent material seems tough enough. There is a lot of complaining the bed is to hard, I like a hard mattress so I'm good, but that is a issue for many. It's tight, the first model the tent snapped in, the new model (like mine) the tent slides in on a track and is more bug proof. I picked it up in May so I have only experienced some pretty sweet weather, a little sprinkle once, no bad wind. I've always been able to keep the tent opened up and breathing so I don't know about condensation when you have to hunker down, can't imagine it would be good unless you put in a fan and cracked a window, that's physics. There is a track inside on the roof and owners have hung a extra layer from the track for insulation. The locks are cheap, like the cheap locks on a regular canopy or storage on a motorhome.

 

[AKID_RBM]

You ever get those pics??

 

[dsundy]

Pumped I found this thread. Picking up a Super Pacific next week and thinking about the best way to build this out.

@AKID_RBM you should check Super Pacific out. Went with those guys as it seemed like a solid balance between the fast/light/simple design of GFC but in a more refined 4-season package.

 

[PsyRN]

I've learned about twice as many camper options from this thread already. Not quite there with a need for a camper, but maybe. lol

I'm curious what others experiences are with the Vagabond and Super Pacific. I kind of like the seemingly better build quality a bit more than the GFC, but seems to have a fairly open and modular feel than the alu-cabs.

 

[Free2roam]

Check out Hiatus camper. Hard side pop up around 450 lbs shell unit. Build inside yourself. What I want build is awhile down the road as their having to ramp up production because of demand. Gives me time to build interior.
https://www.hiatuscampers.com/

 

[Free2roam]

Love this guy's setup.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...overlanding-rigs-overweight.28923/post-789256

 

[PsyRN]

Love this guy's setup.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...overlanding-rigs-overweight.28923/post-789256

That camper with the zebra stripes is pretty sweet, but my pocket is not that deep. That thing is 3-4 times as much as these other options.

 

[PsyRN]

Check out Hiatus camper. Hard side pop up around 450 lbs shell unit. Build inside yourself. What I want build is awhile down the road as their having to ramp up production because of demand. Gives me time to build interior.
https://www.hiatuscampers.com/

I like those back doors.

Check out Hiatus camper. Hard side pop up around 450 lbs shell unit. Build inside yourself. What I want build is awhile down the road as their having to ramp up production because of demand. Gives me time to build interior.
https://www.hiatuscampers.com/

That’s a pretty nice set-up too. I really like those rear doors.

 

[Free2roam]

I like those back doors.

That’s a pretty nice set-up too. I really like those rear doors.

They can also build a straight wall setup. A bit more money but it offers more room overall.

 

[PsyRN]

They can also build a straight wall setup. A bit more money but it offers more room overall.

One thing about the Hiatus camper is that when you collapse the pop-up wall, there's a gap between it and the roof. I'd be concerned that would let water in if it's rainy and windy, thus getting your bed area wet.

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