I've got a camper shell on my rig right now and have been trying to get started on some storage inside. Mainly an elevated sleeping platform with storage underneath. Lots of folks I've talked to have said to ditch the topper and lose that extra wieght and then get a tool box for goodies and use the bed space for storing all the recovery gear I need as well as camping stuff.

Thoughts on taking the shell off? Maybe pros and cons from those of you that wheel more than I do?

Thanks in advance.
Ricky

 

ur sleeper/storage would be cool. Just the whole dry bed idea.

However campers are heavy, they like to rub against banks/trees and i imagine rocks.

 

Truth be told I'm trying to build a camping rig. My rock crawling days are over. Thanks for the reply.

 

What about this setup?
I have been scouring old threads over at IH8MUD and Expedition Portal on camping and roof top tents.

This Tacoma owner put on tubing to hold a tent like mine, but still has the bed available for camping gear.

If I had a truck instead of the FJ, I would pretty much do what he did.
Pretty trick.
You could use any type of roof top tent though, not just that type.

 

Damn that's cool.

 

When I had a pickup I loved having a shell 90% of the time. Camping - always wanted it on. It keeps the weather out, not to mention the dust on your gear. I also had my bike in the bed, and wasn't as worried about it getting ripped off with the shell on.
The only time I took it off was to haul big things around, then it would get put back on. Personally, I would keep the shell and build a platform, especially if you want to sleep back there. I don't think they're prohibitively heavy - I could get mine on and off by myself when needed. That would be my vote.
Good luck!

 

If you're worried about it being too heavy, do what I did and order a Bestop Supertop to replace your fiberglass cap. Tremendous weight savings, and you can fold it down in minutes to carry larger items. Mine should be here this coming week and I'll get pics up for you if you need them.

 

If you can please send me a pic or two. I was also wondering where you got yours from since I can't seem to find one for an 86 SR5.

 

if this is going to be a camping rig, I would build a platform, carpet it, build storage areas.
I would do the same thing, but I haul tons of stuff all the time, lots of yard stuff.

 

Ive got a toyo pickup and I go camping more than enough, I have a shell and I have loved having it more than anything for when the weather gets nasty, I have build a raised box that fits over one half of the bed that Use as a tool box as well as a bed and it has worked out awesome. I will post pictures soon so that you can get an idea of what I am workin with. - deo

 

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