Feedback on a prototype camper for the Slate

[truckcamperhybrid]

Would love some feedback on a hard sided camper design I created for the Slate truck. In the spirit of keeping prices low, I’m using all CNC cut engineered plywood that weighs around 250lbs for the outer shell and slide out. I highly recommend sealing the shell system with an ⅛ in coating of Line-X to keep the water out. It also adds ding protection, insulation, and strength to the shell system. This adds about 50-60lbs bringing total empty weight to just over 300lbs. I do have a nose over the cab model that you can see on my website, but I was trying to keep this design as aerodynamic as possible while still offering more space than a fiberglass cap. One of the pictures shows how you could place a 4 inch thick queen mattress (60 by 80 in) on top of the bed rail. There are several other interior build ideas I have that can work with the slide. There are a lot of options for windows, and I’m showing cut outs for the ones I like which are 30 by 20 in exit windows that can be left open in the rain. A cut out for a roof top fan and a very large hatch door over the tailgate. You could do an annex room like the rooftop tents under the large hatch door to have a nice covered stand up space for cooking.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

I like the idea, and that size is a perfect for doing occasional camping while still fitting a larger mattress than a truck bed tent. The only thing I would change is some way to pass through to the cabin. You'd probably still want the midgate in place, but being able to either remove the glass and seal to the cabin, or have a flip in panel that allows you to also flip the glass in would allow you to use the truck's HVAC.

 

[AZFox]

Wow! That's some impressive creativity you have there.

All of that and it weighs the same as Slate's SUV Kit.

 

[Driven5]

It's interesting and I appreciate the effort. I'm curious what the motivations for constraining it to fitting inside a closed tailgate comes from? Tailgate down, or removed entirely, opens up 1-piece shell options.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

Fitting it inside of a closed tailgate seems like an unnecessary (over) constraint.

I assume the thinking there was that the tailgate becomes the support when it's extended.

 

[truckcamperhybrid]

It's interesting and I appreciate the effort. I'm curious what the motivations for constraining it to fitting inside a closed tailgate comes from? Tailgate down, or removed entirely, opens up 1-piece shell options.

You can leave the tailgate down and drive with the slide out to the end of the tailgate. I'll figure out a way to lock it in. Also was thinking you could remove entire slide in and maybe have a fabric door of sorts for covered hauling, or just remove shell with a friend (outer shell is under 100lbs).

 

[RCW 85051]

It's a great idea!! Definitely something I would buy. I think I would like it extended over the cab, and Id add elector hydraulic jacks to the corners for easy removal. Once Id add Solar, Propane tank, water. It may be quite heavy. Great idea!! Keep it up!! This is what a Slate is all about. Design it, build it, Share it. Now I'm starting to sound like there commercials. LOL

 

[truckcamperhybrid]

Wow! That's some impressive creativity you have there.

All of that and it weighs the same as Slate's SUV Kit.

Thanks for the kind words! Speaking of the Slate SUV kit..... I have one of those bedryder seating systems in my f350. I love those seats. I wonder if that could be a cheaper option on the Slate. Then you would be covered which is a legal requirement to sit in the bed of a truck. On top of that my slide could have extra reinforcement (maybe steel instead of wood?) that would get you the roll bar stamp. I don't think the air bags are a requirement.

 

[truckcamperhybrid]

It's interesting and I appreciate the effort. I'm curious what the motivations for constraining it to fitting inside a closed tailgate comes from? Tailgate down, or removed entirely, opens up 1-piece shell options.

Access to the hitch mostly, but you could do a single shell with my nose over model. I was thinking mostly about aerodynamics/truck caps with this design since mileage is important with an EV.

 

[truckcamperhybrid]

It's a great idea!! Definitely something I would buy. I think I would like it extended over the cab, and Id add elector hydraulic jacks to the corners for easy removal. Once Id add Solar, Propane tank, water. It may be quite heavy. Great idea!! Keep it up!! This is what a Slate is all about. Design it, build it, Share it. Now I'm starting to sound like there commercials. LOL

hydraulic jacks are heavy and expensive. then you will have 4-6 truck clamps to undo as well. If you go to my website I do have the option to add 2 inch receivers in the outer shell which can be used with some of the newer truck camper jacks that can clear the wider wheel wells.

 

[The Weatherman]

You might consider casters that can be raised when not needed and lowered to insert or remove the unit. Maybe just at the front corners because you can easily lift the rear while inserting or removing.

Just a thought that keeps with light weight and low cost.

Great job!

 

[Ali]

I’ve never owned a camper, so sorry if I sound stupid, but wouldn’t an inflatable camper make more sense? Something like those jump houses. Less weight, less volume when packed, more volume when expanded, less drag, less cost, no?
Inflatables don't make sense on ICE cars, but EVs have tons of power on demand.

 

[Twisted Santa]

It's interesting and I appreciate the effort. I'm curious what the motivations for constraining it to fitting inside a closed tailgate comes from? Tailgate down, or removed entirely, opens up 1-piece shell options.

I believe there are restrictions on camper shells extending onto the tailgate. Has to do with visibility of the tail lights. There are, of course, ways to get around that with kits that extend the tail light structure further back.

 

[AZFox]

Seems like only a matter of time before will be a Truck Bed Tent that fits.

 

[GaRailroader]

Would love some feedback on a hard sided camper design I created for the Slate truck. In the spirit of keeping prices low, I’m using all CNC cut engineered plywood that weighs around 250lbs for the outer shell and slide out. I highly recommend sealing the shell system with an ⅛ in coating of Line-X to keep the water out. It also adds ding protection, insulation, and strength to the shell system. This adds about 50-60lbs bringing total empty weight to just over 300lbs. I do have a nose over the cab model that you can see on my website, but I was trying to keep this design as aerodynamic as possible while still offering more space than a fiberglass cap. One of the pictures shows how you could place a 4 inch thick queen mattress (60 by 80 in) on top of the bed rail. There are several other interior build ideas I have that can work with the slide. There are a lot of options for windows, and I’m showing cut outs for the ones I like which are 30 by 20 in exit windows that can be left open in the rain. A cut out for a roof top fan and a very large hatch door over the tailgate. You could do an annex room like the rooftop tents under the large hatch door to have a nice covered stand up space for cooking.

I checked out your website. That is pretty cool!