2025 XLT AWD Hybrid - Light overland / camping build - Looking for feedback

[Djaydan]

Looking for some feedback on my idea to build a "poor mans go fast camper". - https://gofastcampers.com/products/platform-camper-2024

I have a Bakflip hard roll up cover and am thinking about getting a Truxedo Elevate T-slot rail and building out a custom bed rack with 4080 aluminum extrusions -https://thetruxedo.com/truxedo-elevate-rack-system/

I am hoping to make somthing similar to those posted on this thread on the gladiator forum - https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...usion-t-slot-rack-for-bak-revolver-x4s.59111/

v


thinking about 18" tall so it just clears the antenna fin and then getting a Aluminum wedge roof top tent similar to this one. It has lengthwise T-slot rails on the bottom so I should be able to position it forward above the cab so the rear lines up with the tailgate.

The idea with the higher tent set up is to leave enough space in the bed to fit mountain bikes in the bed for shuttling with a tailgate pad.

Can anyone think of any obvious issues? My only concern is the interface between the Elevate rail and the extrusions.

any feed back or thoughts?

Thanks!

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[Weland]

I am thinking about using ideas from the DualEx YouTube videos to build the frame. He also shows how he made a wedge tent.

Using plain aluminum square tubing and brazing is less expensive than buying extrusions and fittings (if you are handy and methodical).

Connections from the frame to the truck box can be standard clamps designed for truck bed toppers. Available from truck/rv accessories stores, Amazon, etc.

Search YouTube for videos of head to head comparison different wedge tents similar to GoFast.

I am also thinking about a wide shell design that allows sidewards sleeping and snug four seasons camping (tent not needed). The drawback is more frontal area that increases wind drag, and it looks less sleek. (Moonlander version raises the side bulge enough to avoid blocking the view from side mirrors)

You can get useful info from local overlander club, RV or Overlander store, metal suppliers and recyclers, home builder store, and many YouTube videos.






Available at Home Depot etc
https://www.atkore.com/products/strut-and-fittings?l2names=Unistrut

cheers

 

[Djaydan]

I am thinking about using ideas from the DualEx YouTube videos to build the frame. He also shows how he made a wedge tent.

Using plain aluminum square tubing and brazing is less expensive than buying extrusions and fittings (if you are handy and methodical).

Connections from the frame to the truck box can be standard clamps designed for truck bed toppers. Available from truck/rv accessories stores, Amazon, etc.

Search YouTube for videos of head to head comparison different wedge tents similar to GoFast.

I am also thinking about a wide shell design that allows sidewards sleeping and snug four seasons camping (tent not needed). The drawback is more frontal area that increases wind drag, and it looks less sleek. (Moonlander version raises the side bulge enough to avoid blocking the view from side mirrors)

You can get useful info from local overlander club, RV or Overlander store, metal suppliers and recyclers, home builder store, and many YouTube videos.






Available at Home Depot etc
https://www.atkore.com/products/strut-and-fittings?l2names=Unistrut

cheers

Thanks for the reply, my main issue with just using standard clamps is the balflip is an inboard tonneau cover and clamps to the inside of the bed rail. I need an adapter in order to get it to fit. Haven't been able to find to many options comercialy available yet.

I will look into the aluminum brazing options for sure. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Weland]

If I was constrained by the Bakflip rollup cover, I’d drill through the decorative plastic trim into the bed sides and bolt the rack frame through the bed sides into backing plates/bars.

If I was concerned about holes in the plastic trim I’d buy and store salvaged trim from an auto wrecker.

car-parts.com

Yeah brute force , cheers.

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