New Demountable Camper Design

[Truckamper]

Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum, but would like a bit of help. I'm looking at setting up a new business selling demountable campers. You can't get anything like them in the world due to their size and construction, so what do you think they are worth to sell?

So that you can gauge what the value will be, I will list a few details and specs.

Basically it is a demountable camper, designed to fit on any double cab pickup. It is based around a galvanised steel frame and aluminium shell. It fits totally inside the pickup bed with no overhangs, thus not needing to modify the pickup, but still being able to use the tow hitch and retain full 'off-roading' ability.

The roof is a pop up design which extends right to the front of the passenger cab, so that a full size double bed can be left made up with only a small removable intrusion int the living space.

Accessible from a small ladder up to the rear tailgate, the living area features a 2 way gas/12 volt fridge, a combination sink/two hob gas cooker, 23 litre fresh water storage with inline electric pump. 12v 85Ah electrical system with LED overhead lighting and additional power sockets. It will also feature a split charge system, utilising the vehicle alternator. The units are all hand built to a very high standard. Storage will be quite considerable, with a full height cupboard next to the door, and under seat storage on each side of the centre table. There is also the option to decrease the seating area slightly with the full front wall under the bed being turned into lots of storage compartments.

The pop top will be made of tough canvas on the outer layer with sewn in windows. There will also be an insulated inner layer. The walls and roof of the camper will also be fully insulated, so that the camper can be taken to almost any environment.

Due to the construction of the truckamper, it is very strong and is therefore ideal for overland expeditions. It has been designed so that you can mount equipment on the roof, sides and rear. Options will include jerry can holders, mounts for high lift jacks, sand ladders, shovels, etc. The roof will be strong enough, so that it will carry up to 75kg whilst still being able to operate the pop top.

It will basically be the toughest, most compact demountable camper on the planet.

The campers will initially be built to order in Cornwall and will therefore be totally bespoke. Customers will be able to specify their own individual requirements, thus prices will vary accordingly. But, if you could just go by the above spec for now.

What do you think? Good idea? Bad idea? Would you buy it? Have I missed any important features?

I've nearly finished the prototype, so I'll try to get some images on here. There's more info on my newly acquired website truckamper.com

Any constructive feedback at all would be appreciated.

Thanks guys

Stuart

 

[sasquatch]

Two attempts,to my knowledge have been made with dismountables(Sunseeker springs to mind), and they don't seem to have caught on. They are very popular in the States and Canada and have a certain following in Europe.
Perhaps their time has now come,with people needing to downsize and use the same vehicle as everyday transport and also to provide more flexibility on site,as long has it can be demounted easily.
Good luck in your new venture.

 

[Truckamper]

More info

I forgot to mention that the camper will only stick up about 8 inches over the pickup roof bars, so will easily fit into a standard shipping container or onto a car ferry.

It is also easily removable via 4 jack legs - should take no more than 2 minutes.
Any questions, just ask.

 

[bob690]

heres my couple of bobsworth, it doesnt appeal to me because I need space for all my gear, but this type of equipment is ideal for say photographers, geologists, wildlife filmmakers etc. Espiecially as you can pull a trailer as well, I just feel these are avenues that other makers have not targeted. Sorry if Ive gone of subject a little, very good luck.

 

[lenny]

Hi Stuart, I must admit I,ve never given demountables too much thought apart from every time I see one it looks top heavy and perched a little too high up for comfort on the base vehicle. However I look forward to the images of your prototype and wish you luck in your venture

I agree with Bob690s comments on the possibilities for certain professions

 

[jimmnlizz]

Not for us either, as we have nowhere to park it, off the pickup at home, so it would be no better for us than our Kwackers! Also see this web site:-

http://www.wohnkabinencenter.de/

The photo on the right hand side is very similar to yours I think?

JIM!!

 

[Deleted member 207]

I see quite a few demountables in Australia where 4x4 work utes are very common, pop top roofs seem to be standard, 2 berth I assume. Plenty of variations on the theme, slide into the ute well, others that sit on the tray back, all have wind down legs of some sort. At one tonne for most 4x4 utes ON ROAD they struggle when going offroad and lose 250kgs for the 750kgs off road payload, some go even lower.

Not sure about double cabs - try sitting in the back if you are older than 3. No leg room. Plenty of aftermarket conversions to Toyota station wagons 80/90/100 series that remove the boot compartment and put a tray behind the second row of seats and/or convert to 6x6 or 6x4 to get the rear camper to fit.

If the cab moves independantly of the camper body the mounts will fail after a few 100 kms of corrugated or dirt roads. I've seen full length roof racks mounted on parts of the chassis and the roof - usually the roof peels wide open. You have to keep the two parts of the vehicle isolated.

For a succesful camper body to work on an offroad vehicle you have to go to a three point hitch that allows the body to remain rigid whilst isolated from the vehicle - but that will weigh as much as you can legally carry on most utes.

 

[wildweekend]

I love truckcampers

Hi, I’m new here and hope no one takes offence but as an owner of a double cab Navara D40 pickup which we fit with a Northstar demountable camper body for weekends away wild camping I have to come out in defence of the demountable concept.
Firstly if like me you use the pickup as a business vehicle during the week the fact you can throw the camper on the back and be off on an adventure by 5pm on a Friday in the same vehicle is a big plus. There is no extra vehicle licence, no second vehicle MOT, no special vehicle maintenance for a vehicle that might lie up for six months of the year.
Now I’m no novice, having first experienced motorcaravaning as a small child in the 60’s when my father used to take us every year to Torquay, returning every night to a large lay-by in Kinkerswell to wild camp. First in a Thames pop top then a Bedford CA pop top then Transit pop tops. As I got older and driving myself I had a Fiat Amigo Pandora camper of my own when I was 18yrs old. ( My girlfriends father used to call it the passion wagon!!!!). We then moved into Coachbuilts which my father would buy but were always available to me and my young family. So you can see I’ve had some experience of motor homing. The demountable would not suit us holidaying in the UK for more than a week as there’s not a lot of lounging room in there but abroad, though I have never taken it over seas I can imagine you would live out doors most of the time in the warmer climate. The couple I bought the body from (in their middle 60’s) told me they had 3 weeks in Italy with it no problem as they were always out doors. I like this concept as we shouldn’t really be sitting in our motor homes looking out the window ( which was how it always seemed to be with our last coach built ) but outdoors doing something.
Here’s some more undeniable pro’s in the demountables favour. I got the vat back when I bought the pickup, the depreciation goes against my tax bill’s as does all the expenses such as servicing and tyres. It has four wheel drive so you never worry your going to get yourself stuck. We tour and move on everyday never staying in the one place for more than one night but if we were the type that spends 3 or 4 days on a campsite the demountable could quickly be taken off, lowered and left on site whilst you drive around your chosen resort in a car like vehicle.
The camper has everything others have including a shower which the wife uses every morning we’re away, and a permanent king-size double sprung mattress bed. The area in the pickup behind the driver and passengers seats becomes “the garage” and can store lots of bulky stuff. I admit they may look top heavy but as soon as I had bought it I fitted the pickup with rear suspension airbags just in case and it sits fine on the road. The only downside I have encountered so far is the bouncing body effect. The camper body is fixed securely to the pickup body but is independent of the cab so the chassis flexes as you ride over uneven roads at speed and looking up out the side windows you can see the Luton moving up and down slightly more than I think exceptable. I am working on this problem.
God I’ve rambled on a bit here. If anyone is considering a demountable I will be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

 

[JED THE SPREAD]

just buy a roof tent for your 4x4 pick up and you can go anywere, camp anywere, and have the true out doors experience. We have a 2wd VW hightop camper and have hardly been in it since we bought the pick up. Look, YouTube - My Syncro Doka 2.1idj

jed

 

[888dee]

I'd like to chip in here, I really like the concept and would certainly consider one once the kids are older and don't want to be stuck in a MH with their boring parents, I don't think could get 5 of us comfortably sleeping in one

 

[EdF]

I'd get a demountable if the price was right. I've had several caravans, presently tow a 4.1 metre Fendt (German) caravan with a Discovery3 and it's a pain.. I find (being oldish) that I have to concentrate so much, especially on 'A' roads in the north of Scotland, where I live, that it's tiring to tow and the fuel consumption of 22mpg is not good (33mpg solo). The best thing about it is that once we get to a site, I have the vehicle solo for normal driving. We've also had a large campervan, but it was a pain to pack everything away to drive anywhere, even a couple of miles away, and it was too big for exploring in Switzerland on one trip and there's not much else you can use the vehicle for, so you have to make a lot of use of it.., if you can. So, A demountable might suit us, but some of the prices asked for those available at present, for what in essence is a small caravan without a chassis or wheels, is astronomical, often twice as much as a large caravan! I joined this forum because of this post, and I might be interested, but my wife & I don't do 'wild camping' as we use proper sites, and over the years we've realised that all we really need is a comfortable bed, a hob, small sink and a fridge, with a small loo compartment for night-time No.1 visits (age related!). We use the site showers, loos and dish washing facilities. Good luck with it..

 

[better days]

I also have a demountable and love it. Recently retired so just two of us its ideal.Iused to have a car plus campervan, now just the demountable.We wildcamp in it like the campervan pull up and park where we feel like it and get around on our folding bikes but also use campsites where we put up utility tent for showering BBQs and suchlike,drop off the camper part and use the pick up to have a look around the area.The pick up is also my main vehicle when not camping its used for my other hobby, my allotment. Cheap to run,park in carparks/supermarkets etc and cheap on the ferries (less than 5mtrs).It as a good size double bed + a single or three singles whichever,two ring cooker, fridge and toilet/washroom. I have found when driving that a strong wind can be a problem so I slow down or look for somewhere nice to stop for a while,usually near a pub and also the flexing when on uneven surfaces causes concern but its not a big problem.There are a few come up on ebay quite cheap, thats where I got mine and with a good pick up (I have a Mazda B2500D) its a great unit.
I know this post is a bit off topic but I thought I would add my twopenneth.
Regards to all
Better Days (Ron)

 

[rdt2]

I'm also new to this forum, having picked up this thread link when googling 'demountable'. My wife and I have used a demountable for several years now, the back of my old Land-Rover having become too uncomfortable in our advancing years. I find it a good compromise between the comfort of a motorhome and the wild-camping mobility of a tent. Our rig is only used for camping (I've an elderly LR Discovery for daily transport) and we usually dismount the back if we're at a location for more than a day or two and want to do a bit of local touring.

Things I like about our rig:

permanent bed: she can sleep while I'm still padding about.

4-ring hob: she likes cooking and two rings is too restrictive

led lighting: I converted all of the 12V fluorescent strip lights to leds but retained the original fitments (Maplin's sell leds in flexible strips that can be cut to size). As well as using 1/4 of the power, leds allow you to bin all the starter/inverters.

3-way fridge: we use 240V hook-ups when available at campsites and gas or 12V when off-site

manual jacks: electric jacks are just something else to go wrong - but I might change my mind about this as my years advance further.

Things I don't like about our rig:

on-board water tank: I'd prefer two 20 litre plastic containers (one in use, one spare) with a submersible pump

front-opening fridge: I'd prefer a chest design, with the top as a work surface, to reduce cold loss.

too many windows: there are windows in, for example, the overcab bedspace that we never use and are just another potential water leak

base vehicle: it's a 2-wheel drive Mitsubishi L200, standard cab. I'd prefer a Land-Rover hi-cap pickup, preferably with a crew cab to allow friends or family to come along (but sleep in a tent).

Hope this is helpful. I've had a look at the Truckamper website and would be interested in seeing the final design, especially since I expect to change our existing rig in the next couple of years. The price looks good - as has already been noted, some current demountables are vastly overpriced.

 

[EdF]

I'd agree with your comment on overpricing. How makers can justify prices in excess of a new motorhome for a demountable or non-demountable body only, smacks of profiteering and must lose them many customers, including me. The Azalei looks good to me, which is a body conversion on a Land Rover 110 or 130 but at £28,000 for just the fitted out body, it's too strong for me.

I came across a French non-demountable conversion on a Land Rover 130 last month. The guy had made the body himself from 'Glasonite' (glassfibre faced ply used for trucks) and had had a hinged roof which had flexible sides put on it professionally. It looked extremely good and the owners were taking it to S.America and Africa in due course. I have a photo but I don't know how to post it here.
I once fitted out a Movano LWB with a fibeglass 'Aero' van body, into which the body makers put a ramp, personal door and windows for me. I put a kitchen in the back and a shower/loo compartment with a hot/cold water system, cooker and 4 burner hob. As everything needed to stand being washed down, I used the plastic boarding used by signmakers for the kitchen furniture, which comes in various thicknesses and can be worked like wood. The wifes' horse loved it too. He travelled backwards (horses prefer it) and had over 8ft headroom. We made it so that all the horsey bits came out and we then put down loose-lay carpet, Ikea seat beds and it worked a treat, taking it to Switzerland on one occasion (without the nag..). It looked like a large motorhome, not a horsebox. I can send photos to anyone interested if they reply here with their email address. It would also take my ATV.

 

[do1977]

well i am wanting a demount body bilt for me for my 130 defender have you any pic's ???

i have done the 36ft rv & 22ft french motor home & landrover roof tents and want to hve the best of both

 

[EdF]

I was intending to attach a photo of the French job, but the 'manage attachments' thing isn't working and the photo would be tiny anyway. I can send a photo to an email address if you wish, but none of those I mentioned were demountable.. I understand Nene Overland is advertising demountables with the possibility of selling a shell for the customer to fit out, but it may be wise to sit down when they tell you the price..

 

[do1977]

wll i have been quoted £7000 for one to be bilt for me to the spec i want i have the 130 landover defender sat here wating goingto see them next week and put my order in i think

 

[Truckamper]

Truckamper nearly there

Evening,

I thought it was time for a reply after such a long time. Thank you everyone for your kind advice and comments. The Truckamper is coming along well after a lot of delays. The prototype is still not finished, but it will be done in the next few weeks. I've got all of my suppliers sorted, but I just need to piece it all together.

Attached is a little taster pic before all of the lights and jacks, axe, spade etc are fitted.

The actual design will be slightly different with the width being an inch or two wider, a few more curves and it will generally be a lot prettier!

I'll post an update again as soon as I've got it finished.

Cheers all

 

[Journeyman]

Demountables

DM's are alive and well.....


If anyone interested Ive seen one of these for sale near Chichester. Its on a red 4x4 base vehicle(Hilux, possibly).

Later...

 

[do1977]

the one i am wanting will be made of 100% alloy is there wood in this body??
are the sides alloy what thickness is it?
how strong is the roof can you walk on it when down?