I want to start camping again. (The unintentional build)

Don't do that to yourself, get the best if you get one. Those look sweet, and really sealed up for the highway.

 

That's a must. Currently I have a trailer, and that was the nice bit about the RTT or the GFC. I could sleep and ride all in one trip, or just take the truck and go camp somewhere if riding was not on the agenda. The trailer limits the places that can be camped at, but it gives the RZR an indoor home during the less pleasant riding months, and a place for all the camping gear to live. It would basically be a camping shed that can move.

I am inclined to agree, but it depends on the savings. If I can save a thousand bucks on a new tent because the new model is out, it would definitely be tempting. If it's only a couple hundred bucks then I'd splurge.

 

More research is needed, but I'm actually looking at toppers/shells with a rack on top for a RTT as well. I think I could get the mostly weatherproof storage of a GFC and a RTT for a bit less money. Not certain, and no clue about any brands, but if I am truly looking at a budget in the GFC/Rock Solid Cargo Trailer ranges, then I have to at least consider it.

 

That would work great too, off the top of my head you would probably be in that $8-9k range for a new canopy, rack and tent right? It seems like you can't get away from that price range, lol.

 

I'm not sure. I've not priced out the caps much, but I just filled out a quote request for an ARE HD cap with the specs pictured. We'll see what they come back with.

 

Been there with all the research for last 2 yrs, finally decided on Topper , went with Ranch ,Mid Rise for x-tra height, and by far best price and lead time, also got free headliner ,free LED strip light , and drop down front window. That being said , I also have coleman 2-burner stove, some dishes , and Yeti cooler and a cot and sleeping bag for bed now. All folds up or rolls up and plenty of room in rear for fishing and hunting gear. All so simple, I hope , getting topper next week. I was making it so difficult deciding , I was all wore out and haven't even left yet. Mainly wanted topper because always pulling boat. Oh ya , and a small Buddy heater if needed.

 

A Topper doesn't work for a sleeping area for me for two reasons:

1. CrewMax. Tiny bed.
2. My spare lives in the bed and gets territorial.

The topper option for me would need a RTT on top, but adds some out of the weather storage.

 

Ooooh! RSi is giving away a smart cap.

https://swee.ps/uagODz_vorCLJj

 

lol, spare gets territorial!

any reason your spare lives in the bed?

 

I don't want my pretty SCS matching spare to get beat to death under the truck on my road.

Even without the tire the bed is a bit small for carrying gear and sleeping in, and that's coming from a short guy.

 

@NWPirate I got an email quote back for the ARE as I would want it.

Your Cost*: $4085.55 INSTALLED WITH TAX (1/2 DOWN PAYMENT REQUIRED NON-REFUNDABLE) UPON ORDER AND 16+ WEEKS OUT FROM ORDER DATE. HAVE A NICE DAY

I asked how much of the quote is install. As it stands and RSi SmartCap shows online as about $200 more with a higher weight capacity.

Still, if it's $4K+ for a topper, $3.9K+ for an iKamper Mini or over $4K for the big one, then I'm right back in GFC territory. Lead times are no better on the cap and iKamper either. Add in American manufactured and no sales tax in Montana and the GFC just wins out.

I think I'm back to GFC, just a RTT, or trailer. Round and round we go.

 

Even though it’s round and round, part of the fun is the hunt. Once you finally settled on one, you’re not going to know what to do with yourself.

BTW, you going to Sedona this year? I’m actually making the trip from the east coast with camping stops along the way.

 

I don't think so. Hadn't planned to. I liked the trip over Imogene, and I'll do similar stuff, but I don't consider myself much of an off roader. Bit of social anxiety as well.

 

I vote for the cargo trailer with cot, etc...

What's the cons to that set up?

 

Biggest cons are fuel economy, access limited to where a trailer can go, another plate to pay for, and that it's towing a trailer even if the RZR isn't going on the trip. Minor hang up with hitch and unhitch for any trip, but it's not terribly difficult to hook up a trailer.

The pros are the versatility of a trailer, storage for the RZR and camping gear, readily 4 seasonable camping.

 

Smart-ass.

 

As you should be. This forum is for fun!

 

Ranch was 2400.00 installed with all the free x-tras. headliner, cargo net , 4ft LED strip light,all free, drop down full front window ,with the slider in it , was 125.00

 

Does it have a reinforced roof for a RTT? That's what Jack's up the cost on the toppers I have seen. They get an aluminum skeleton built in for the weight, and it's not cheap.

 

Don't think so , but was ok'd for roof rack.

 

If the load limit was high enough, then that might work. I'm kinda doubting it would, though, because with the aluminum frame it is only rated for 550 pounds static load. Perhaps yours is rated higher, I don't know.

 

I doubt if it would, I went with the mid-rise to sleep inside anyway. And going to build fold down cots on each side , so can carry more, and still just fold down to sleep, and not have to worry about drawer units and stuff. And I usually move my spare to bed in winter so it doesn't get full of salt and crap.

 

Sounds like a solid plan. I'd love to see your build on the fold down cots. It sounds like a solid option for doublecabs, but could probably be adapted to a cargo trailer build too.

 

supposed to get topper next week, then I start. Had an older pickup years ago , just used continuos hinge on 26" wide by 70" long pc of 7/16 plywood bolted to bed rail and had 3 drop down legs , so when up, legs hung on bottom and when down legs came out for support. I will do pictures when I start it.

 

Nice! You should do a build thread. These are the things people read them for.

 

Already have one . Bucks 04 2nd gen