Let's see those Alu-cab setups

you may have seen this one? big/deep enough?

https://www.planooutdoors.com/rustrictor-all-weather-2-52-gun-case-1595445

https://www.planooutdoors.com/all-weather-2-52-long-gun-case-1595405

the second one was a little cheaper but looks like in store only

 

That looks like a good option. A little taller than the HF Apache Case of similar size. Thanks!

 

I cut an RV style roof vent in mine so can tell you what I know.

There's only aluminum skin on the outside (maybe 1/16" thick), which is supported with aluminum stringers that run the length and width of the roof. The long stringers on the long axis of the roof were about 14" apart, the exact width of the RV vent. There are stringers that go cross-ways too, they are maybe 18" to 20" apart. The areas that aren't stringers were filled with a foam mat and the whole deal is covered in that quilted headliner.

The easiest way to find the stringers is with a pin or sewing needle - just poke the headliner and you'll find them, barely leaves a mark in the headliner too.

Here's what pictures I had from when I cut the hole.

 

Thanks for sharing. Your definitely the first I know of to do it!

Are those Alu-cab branded load bars in that picture? They look different than mine.

 

No problem, hope it helps. I was definitely nervous obout chopping a hole in the roof of this thing but it's been nice having some ventilation in the camper when it's packed down.

As far as the bars, they're the 1"x3" t-slot from Tnutz. Just drilled them straight through and bolt down using carriage bolts that fit in the Alucab roof track.

 

Is anyone aware if the Alu-cab explorer canopy fits both the second gen and third gen tacomas? I’m finding conflicting information. OK4WD sells a version that they advertise as fitting 2005+.
https://ok4wd.com/alu-cab-explorer-canopy-for-2005-toyota-tacoma/

 

I can't answer this exactly, but I know the Canopy Camper is identical, it just has (2) sets of 'filler plates' to get the camper 'sealed' to the bed.

Probably not helpful, but that's what I know.

 

the rear hatch is different. Had someone local go through this and had to order the correct rear panel for it to work. Can’t remember which way they were trying to go but think the hatch wouldn’t latch because it hit the tailgate too soon.

 

Talked to Chuck at OK4WD who told me that they were different and that third gen owners that want the explorer will have to special order it because Alu-Cab is promoting the contour canopy now. Gave me an estimate of November for delivery of an explorer.

 

Have any finished photos of the roof vent fan?

 

Hey folks, seeking comments on an option to lower the profile of my iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 on Alu-Cab Contour canopy. Currently, the iKamper is mounted on Alu-Cab load bars which are attached to the Contour on 40mm feet. Without the feet in place, there would not be enough clearance above the canopy roof for the iKamper 3.0 mounting brackets. With the feet in place, the gap between canopy roof and iKamper is large enough to cause significant aero issues (sizable mpg drop). Wwe're only talking lowering my setup < 1.5" here (yes, I trend OCD). The option I am exploring is to replace the 40mm feet with flush feet (Alu-Cab load bars attached directly to Contour roof rails) and cut off the lower portion of the iKamper 3.0 brackets so they don't contact the roof. The brackets would still fully grip the load bar, there just wouldn't be as much material below the bar - only about 0.5". Obviously, this raises concerns about the integrity of the iKamper attach point...which is why I'm seeking opinions! Do you think an iKamper 3.0 bracket that grips only 0.5" below the load bar is a sound attachment? Other ideas?

 

Do you have some photos you can share? I am not familiar with this exact setup.

 

Yep…worth a thousand words, right?

 

I was able to snap a couple over the weekend as I needed to replace the lid. I usually have the DIY protector over the vent so I can have it open when it rains without much issue, but it needs to be removed when I carry the kayaks. I notice last time I was up there the original lid on the maxxfan (00A04501K) was all cracked. This time I replaced it with the smoke version of the lid to see if it holds up better. In general, I keep the vent cracked for ventilation but seldom use the fan. To me the biggest issue with these campers was ventilation when the weather is poor, as you really could only have the back screen open. The best mod I've done so far is cutting in CRLaurence VW1033 window in the front wall. Much better ventilation in bad weather plus I can haul long stuff again through the cab slider.

 

Sorry brother, I'm really late to see this. And it looks like you already got everything set up (looks fuggin sick btw), but to answer your questions:

The Leer mounting feet came with the T-nuts, washers, and bolts needed to secure the feet down onto the tracks. I suppose I could have run a carriage bolt down the canopy roof tracks, but I opted for the T-nuts so that the force would be more evenly distributed within the track. Probably a non-issue, I know, but having the nut sit flush in the track (and over a slightly longer run of it) seemed like it would result in less stress on the tracks.

 

What did you use to remove the badging? I was thinking about doing this, but I'm too worried I'd make it look worse than it does just leaving it on there.

 

Well I am in Central Valley Cali and that day was like 100 degree out. I used the heat gun a little on low and my finger nail to lift the stickers just a little then more heat gun to get them to peel off. I then used 91% Isopropyl Alcohol from Walgreens and a microfiber rag to clean up the glue. It destroyed the rag but I got a pack of like 40 from Costco awhile back so no biggie. All in all it took like 20 minutes going slow so not to mess things up. Also, the Contour was just a few months old so it came off easy. Let me know you have any other questions my friend I’m here to help!

 

What backup/rear view mirror cam are you running?

How are you liking it?

 

Currently the ViviLink VX510 which has worked great for the last two years. Not sure I'd recommend it at the current price, I only paid $80 for it back then. I went with it after the VanTop H610 failed. I also liked that the Vivi functions as both a forward and backward dashcam.

 

I have this same problem with my AluCab and SkyCamp 3.0. I thought about cutting the bottom of the brackets off too. I don’t see any issues with it at all. Shouldn’t affect the strength of them since the mechanism that tightens them is at the top.