Alu Innovations 76 series Flip Top conversion
- Thread starter tmarx
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bwesty
SILVER Star
It's critical to have sufficient space in the top so they can store a good quality thick enough mattress along with bedding and be able to close effectively. Some tops have issues with this situation requiring a thinner mattress and or don't fit additional bedding.
Perhaps hijacking a bit, but AluCab posted a video of their conversion just last week:
To my eye looks incredibly top-heavy... Would love to see it without all the extra "expo" gear.
To my eye looks incredibly top-heavy... Would love to see it without all the extra "expo" gear.
I saw that one too. I realize that 76 is probably a showcase for all their products, but the amount of junk bolted on everywhere is ridiculous IMO. That said, though the quality and ruggedness looks good the top itself seems enormous. I have wondered why there aren't vertical pop tops available like the one shown on the Mercedes G-Class. Seems like that would add a lot of interior space.
I just don't get these 76 conversions if you're gonna remove the second row seats... at that point a Troopy wins hands down. The ONLY draw of a 76 to me is the ease of access for rear passengers.
Call me weird but if I did a such conversion, I would keep the second row. The pop up is for sleeping room, no?
Edit: I think I would rather have this kind of set up than a RTT mounted on roof rack the more I think about it.
Obviously there is no 76 Series in my garage but doesn’t the second row of seats stow in the same manner as the 77 Series?
Yeah, they do. They stow away quite nicely too.
I am using 76 series seat covers too from Escape Gear also.
For camping, I have been wanting something like the Toyota "Tacozilla" which was displayed a the SEMA show. It will never get made though.
I just recall on my 77 Series that with the rear seat stowed you ended up with a fairly large storage space. (Perhaps not Troopy large but large none-the-less).
JDM Journeys
Moderator
I wonder if there would still be sufficient rear passenger headroom after the conversion was done? I do love the idea, and dreamed of what-if, but with my wedge tent on a low-profile roofrack, my dog still gets the rear seat, and I'm not sure it'd be worth it?
But still - so cool! Ah hell, it'd TOTALLY be worth it.
hoser
SILVER Star
x2.... I would also forego the 2nd row doors for a slide out kitchen. Also, the 76 rear door height is shorter and so ingress/egress is not as good.
JDM Journeys
Moderator
I've been thinking about these more and more. It would be the ultimate commitment, but what a setup.
I'd like to know how much extra height it adds, and the total net weight gain. Alucab lists for theirs but it's not clear if it's the height added or the height of the Thor. Ditto for weight.
Advantages I see are lower overall height (I think?), shorter WB and overall length for easier maneuvering, and better access via the rear doors. Plus 76/77 is much more attainable cost wise for many than a troopy?
For a compact 2 person setup, it could be perfect?
I'd like to know how much extra height it adds, and the total net weight gain. Alucab lists for theirs but it's not clear if it's the height added or the height of the Thor. Ditto for weight.
Advantages I see are lower overall height (I think?), shorter WB and overall length for easier maneuvering, and better access via the rear doors. Plus 76/77 is much more attainable cost wise for many than a troopy?
For a compact 2 person setup, it could be perfect?
This is a very important point when building a vehicle to live in and out of. Having built both, I'd always prefer the taller doors on the 78.x2.... I would also forego the 2nd row doors for a slide out kitchen. Also, the 76 rear door height is shorter and so ingress/egress is not as good.
Highly recommended if you can pull it off. This was put on a PZJ77 in March of 2022. Not a very noticeable difference in handling or load feel, its just a beast anyway. Only light duty excursions with it on so far, no real off road. Gotta upgrade first. I feel if you care about having room and enclosed space its the only way to go.
JDM Journeys
Moderator
@Islandscruiser77 I was wondering if you've used the setup above enough to provide feedback at this point? How's the interior room for rainy nights? How's the inside height? Overall - are you loving it?
