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Larry Blau, Phoenix, Arizona
Camper Topper Transformed
2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
2021 Alucab Canopy Camper
After overlanding for a number of years and wanting to be able to get out of inclement weather, I purchased a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and had an Alu-Cab canopy camper. This setup lets me camp in any type of weather and I can be out of the elements and be comfortable inside. It’s a place I can just sit and relax and cook comfortably.
While waiting for the Alu-Cab to be installed, I started by removing the Jeep’s back seats and built a platform to hold my Dometic 12-volt refrigerator on one side. I bought a three-drawer dresser that’s on the opposite side.
Under the platform, I have room for tools and paper maps. Behind the dresser, I have an air compressor mounted and hard-wired to my auxiliary switches.
I have a custom Molle rack mounted overhead that holds my communications; ham and GMRS radios.
I also have a custom mount for my phone and an all-in-one notepad holder. Since I’m usually a solo traveler, I built a custom organizer that sits on the passenger seat and holds pens, maps, an ice chest, flashlights, etc.
The dresser behind the driver has a custom Molle rack that holds some small tools such as a screwdriver, pliers, bunch cords, a flashlight, a utility knife, etc.
After the camper was installed, I started to modify the interior for my needs. The first modification was to build wooden benches on both sides over the wheel wells. This area holds some extra food, blankets, and miscellaneous items.
The tops lift up and four adults can fit comfortably there. I also made a bracket to hold my Buddy heater so it won’t tip over.
I built custom aluminum drawer units to hold dry foods, personal hygiene items, and cookware.
Above: Under Bed Storage and Platform
I installed a 100-watt solar panel on the roof and connected it to my house battery.
There’s also an isolator to charge the battery while I’m driving in case there is no sun. This battery is directly connected to my refrigerator.
On the interior of my camper door, I added four custom Molle panels. The top two are for paper towels and a trash receptacle. The bottom one holds my single-burner stove. The other is for the first aid kit.
I built a custom dual swing-away tire carrier on the back bumper. The spare tire is on the driver’s side. On the other side is a custom box that holds all my recovery gear. I had to relocate the rear camera. I bought a relocation bracket and installed it above the rear door. I also built two drop-down tables on the side wings of the camper.
On my Jeep, I replaced the factory front bumper with a Rugged Ridge stubby front bumper, installed a 12,000 winch with synthetic rope, and added 35-inch General X3 tires. After that, I installed the Clayton 2.5 inch heavy-duty overlanding suspension kit. All the items that I built were made from materials that I had lying around my shop.
After completing a three-month 17,000 mile overlanding trip this past summer, everything worked perfectly for me. The only thing that I had to change was where my phone was located. I had it originally mounted high on the dash which caused it to heat up. I relocated it to the grab bar on the passenger side.
I bought my Alu-Cab Camper from Sonora Rovers in Tucson, Arizona for about $10,000. The solar panel and controller from Newpowa cost about $150. The auxiliary battery from Auto Zone was $100. The Rugged Ridge bumper and winch were $700. General tires were $1,000. The Walmart dresser was $35. Aluminum was $800. The radios were $600. The isolator and wires were $170. And the Clayton suspension kit was $3,000.
It took me approximately two to three weeks of working about 6 hours a day. Some days I wasn’t pleased with the way it turned out, so I had to redo it. It cost me $16,500 including the Alu-Cab, plus the cost of the vehicle.
Disclaimer: The modifications above are submitted by Truck Camper Magazine readers. It is your responsibility to make sure that any do-it-yourself modification project you undertake is safe, effective, and legal for your situation.
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