Campteq or similar options for 100 series (1 Viewer)

[mcgaskins]

I am extremely interested in doing a pop top conversion for my 100 series, and I reached out to Campteq a few months back and didn't hear anything. I sent another email last month and heard from Eric that he was a bit too busy right now to take any more projects. I was ok with my truck being the guinea pig for the conversion and would like the ability to enter the camper/tent from inside the truck (cutting the roof in the back cargo area). I've considered a RTT, but honestly I think I would rather do this conversion all the way then buy a RTT try it for a while and then decide later I should have just done it this way from the start.

Are there any reputable alternatives to Campteq that have done or would do a conversion like this? I'm familiar with Ursa Minor / Ecamper in San Diego and their conversion on the Honda Element, adn their ridiculously cool hard top replacements for the Wrangler. I've almost considered selling my 100 for a 2012+ JKU Rubicon and getting a J30 topper for it, but I also have reservations about wheeling a truck that expensive since my 100 has been such a great vehicle for us (and is so cheap to own for registration and insurance). I am considering seeing if Ursa Minor would be interested in trying their hand with my 100.

Here are some of the inspirations for what I'd like to have done:

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/
http://www.campteq.com/

 

[paflytyer]

I'm pretty sure @LandCruiserPhil did this to his 80? His knowledge on the 80 and 100 might be useful as to where to look and what to do.

 

[highonpottery]

Here's a proper inspirational pic, not that heep. Just wipe that blasphemous thought from your mind...

\
No idea who the maker is of that pop-top, but there's plenty more badass Cruiser pics in the thread HERE (omg, want some of these rigs soooo bad)

 

[highonpottery]

found a few more pics. looks like we (the USA) just get shafted again by the global Land Cruiser community (no 70-series, solid axles, or diesels - and apparently cool things for the 100)
Large pic has manufacturer's logo for reference.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Here's a proper inspirational pic, not that heep. Just wipe that blasphemous thought from your mind...

\
No idea who the maker is of that pop-top, but there's plenty more badass Cruiser pics in the thread HERE (omg, want some of these rigs soooo bad)

Made by a Swiss guy...his web site has been down for a while not sure why

AEV make a top for the jeep also

 

[maxdog1969]

I am thinking of doing the same, I live 20 min. From ursa and I spoke to the owner about the conversion awhile back.

This post revived my interest, I am going to contact him again and visit his shop with the rig to see what can be done.

 

[cboyd]

I've lusted after that orange 100 conversion for some time... I'd totally be interested in what it would take. Love my RTT, but this would be far more practical to leave solar installed. If I was going long distance this would be the preference to an RTT, IMO

 

[mcgaskins]

I've seen that 100 as well and think it's super cool. The only problem is it's a one off and not here in the US. I think Campteq would be the best option, but Eric is too busy to work on it right now. I wouldn't mind having Ursa Minor work on it, but I live in Denver and they're in SD which poses a little bit of a logistics issue. Just trying to see what options are there right now and figured here would be a good place to start.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Something to think about if you plan on cutting your roof. The fiberglass or ABS top will not replace the rigidity that is loss when you cut the roof. This should be a key design thought from what I have seen.

 

[G-Cat]

Depending on how much time and effort you want to put into it, you could head-up a "100 Series Campteq Group-Buy Interest Thread" and see if you could get enough folks on-board to peak Eric's interest in diving into it.

Not that a large order is what drives him or if the promise of XX units would have any impact on his schedule...but might be worth looking into, at least.

IH8MUD group-buy threads have lead to many a product launch.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[mcgaskins]

Something to think about if you plan on cutting your roof. The fiberglass or ABS top will not replace the rigidity that is loss when you cut the roof. This should be a key design thought from what I have seen.

Agreed. Coming from a sports car background (and unibodied vehicles I offroaded namely XJs and ZJs) maintaining structural rigidity is very important to me which is why I wanted to stick with someone who has LC experience. Ideally I wish @sleeoffroad would offer something

@LandCruiserPhil Did you have your roof cut for an access point? Did you notice a loss of rigidity?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

[QUOTE="mcgaskins, post: 9318900, member: 28551"

@LandCruiserPhil Did you have your roof cut for an access point? Did you notice a loss of rigidity?[/QUOTE]

I did NOT cut my roof for many reason.... saved for another discussion.

The prototypes bottom was 1/8 the last few including mine was 3/16 (12lbs difference). Eric noted a more solid feel in the vehicle with the upgrade. Also keep in mind the 80 sets in the drip edge there is nothing on the edge for the top to set in on a 100.

 

[mcgaskins]

[QUOTE="mcgaskins, post: 9318900, member: 28551"

@LandCruiserPhil Did you have your roof cut for an access point? Did you notice a loss of rigidity?

I did NOT cut my roof for many reason.... saved for another discussion.

The prototypes bottom was 1/8 the last few including mine was 3/16 (12lbs difference). Eric noted a more solid feel in the vehicle with the upgrade. Also keep in mind the 80 sets in the drip edge there is nothing on the edge for the top to set in on a 100.[/QUOTE]

It looks like on yours you have to enter from the outside of the vehicle correct? Did you have an option to enter from the sunroof? I'd consider that instead of cutting the rear of the roof if it was technically more feasible, but I would be concerned about wear on the center console and front seats from jumping up and down through there.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

It looks like on yours you have to enter from the outside of the vehicle correct? Did you have an option to enter from the sunroof? I'd consider that instead of cutting the rear of the roof if it was technically more feasible, but I would be concerned about wear on the center console and front seats from jumping up and down through there.

I enter from the outside and for my environment and set up it is perfect.
Only a performer from Cirque du Soleil could get into a CampTeq through the sun roof.
Another option would be an additional sun roof at the rear.

 

[mcgaskins]

Thanks - that thing is saweeeet!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Thanks - that thing is saweeeet!

Thanks! It has definitely changed the way I travel and camp

 

[AimCOtaco]

While I like the idea of an interior entrance I expect that in practice it might not be as great as it seems.

The hatch would have to be all the way to the rear or you would greatly compromise sleeping space. In the front you wouldn't have height to climb in/out.
The rear is way to valuable for other cargo to sacrifice for a stair case IMO. Add drawers and a fridge and you really don't have the room to spare.
In our columbus small we have just enough room to sleep and it covers most of the roof length on the 100 already, It would need another 24" of length to have room for an access hatch.

I think for the cost and modifications required you would be better off with a Columbus or similar hard shell RTT that can be re-used or re-sold separate from the vehicle and gets you everything you need. Cool as the conversions are I don't think the interior entrance is practical so at that point I'm not sure there is enough advantage for the trade off. I could see where Phils set up with the built on without a hole would be sweet for extra space and a low profile.

Just my thoughts, but if you find someone to build it I definitely want to check it out!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

FWIW the sleeping platform in the roof cuts are in sections and are stacked when not in use or if you need to get down inside when up top. Most of the time when night time comes the sections are in place and you enter from rear. The main reason for roof cuts by international travelers is for security although ever one I have talked with has never needed it.

Given the choice who would want or need the living room inside provided with a roof cut and why?

 

[mpho]

I totally agree with you...I like the idea of a pop top...But, with just an outside entrance; it becomes an RTT in my opinion...it is always nice to have many options though!!!

 

[cboyd]

FWIW the sleeping platform in the roof cuts are in sections and are stacked when not in use or if you need to get down inside when up top. Most of the time when night time comes the sections are in place and you enter from rear. The main reason for roof cuts by international travelers is for security although ever one I have talked with has never needed it.

Given the choice who would want or need the living room inside provided with a roof cut and why?

For me being 6'3", I would like an option to be able to stand up in the rig and get dressed, but i'm not sure the few times I couldnt get out and do it nature or the privy would equal the cost and expense of cutting the roof...

That said, leaving things like the solar panels attached and other tools not needed during the overnight permanently attached are useful to having the platform configured with a permanent option.