Thinking about custom building an aluminum camper topper!

[DarkDefence]

Hey guys, my name is Josh, I recently started a small off-road lighting company called DarkDefence. You can follow us on our FB page at https://Facebook.com/DarkDefence, but that's beside the point! (Just so you know what's up with my name and logo)

Today, I got a chance to check out a friend's Vegabond truck camper topper and it's incredible! It's fairly plain jane, but does an excellent job at what it does! Although buying it online would be easier, I am considering building one. I met several people on Facebook who is doing this, but just curious if anyone else has attempted something like this? (A clam-shell topper combo type of Overlanding setup). I know about GFC and several others.

I may not get around to it soon, but as I was inspired, I came up with the side angle form factor as a mockup. Curious what you guys think. I know the photoshop job is crude, so don't worry.

What you can see below is a modified design, slimline window, and a clear form fit design with some new rims on (Thanks to Photoshop).

It's really growing on me, wonder where I should start first? Also, if I can build it easy enough, I would love to make an e-book, or sell a kit that you can do it yourself. The wait times of nearly 1-2 years and a price tag above 10K is just too much for me to swallow for some of the brands out there right now.

Check out the included images. The mockups also include our Dark Defence DDS4 True 45 Watt XM-L2 3" pod lights!

 

[Chaury08]

Building your own would be awesome and a great conversation piece. You can build it to your specs and not have to cut corners or have anything unnecessary. As long as you have the skill and are comfortable with trying it on your own then go for it. Plus great way to save money if you already have the necessary tools and equipment.

Good luck man

 

[DarkDefence]

Building your own would be awesome and a great conversation piece. You can build it to your specs and not have to cut corners or have anything unnecessary. As long as you have the skill and are comfortable with trying it on your own then go for it. Plus great way to save money if you already have the necessary tools and equipment.

Good luck man

Thank you, I'm working to see if I can make the side pieces out of cardboard at first and then cut them up how I'd want them pre-welding, then put lines and send them to a friend with a large break-press for bending... I will keep everyone updated. Nothing may come of it, but I'd really love to see what I could do here! I hate the long wait times and really not looking forward to paying up the price others are charging, even though I know $8-12K isn't much if your time is worth more.

 

[Chaury08]

Thank you, I'm working to see if I can make the side pieces out of cardboard at first and then cut them up how I'd want them pre-welding, then put lines and send them to a friend with a large break-press for bending... I will keep everyone updated. Nothing may come of it, but I'd really love to see what I could do here! I hate the long wait times and really not looking forward to paying up the price others are charging, even though I know $8-12K isn't much if your time is worth more.

For sure man. What ever you come up with I cant wait to see, even if you just go with a prebuilt one. I have an Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy and love it. I am glad with went with aluminum over fiberglass shell. You just need to find what suits you and roll with it.

 

[AZ_CAVALRY]

I've been inspired ever since I saw this homemade one on IG. https://www.instagram.com/ripcord_/

He has made a couple of them for himself, and they seem like they are super high quality. There is a link in his bio showing the how-to, and doesn't seem too bad if you have the time and means.

 

[Jwin]

I like your design. Would love to see how you take it from idea to a physical product

 

[Tacomadad18]

Oh yes, I’ve been at home wanting to build one but haven’t even started yet.

I am looking forward to progress on this!