ARE MX Series + DIY Camper - 6 Month Review!!

[@epaul1967]

Did you add the Roof Rack to the MX…?

[@TheWaterHopper]

Yes I did.

[@epaul1967]

I’ve looked everywhere for a weight limit. I’d like to add a rack and RTT.

[@TheWaterHopper]

@Eddie In Bama when I bought it. I was told, 400 pounds. I would not go far over that. Just me personally

[@troygilligan5551]

The wiring above the door, on mine, i pulled the wires snug and hot glue gunned them in several spots. Worked good.

[@TheWaterHopper]

Great tip!

[@JP-zg7tm]

nice rig, sorry about your paint chip

[@TheWaterHopper]

Haha thank-you. I am too.

[@badprince1149]

The videos are exceptional.

[@TheWaterHopper]

Thank you!

[@jasonbridle7931]

Hey, I really like your convertible single/double bed platform. And the mid rise cap. If and when I do this, I will do something similar. Thanks for the video

[@TheWaterHopper]

Thank you! Yea the optional side is great. Also when you put the other side on it makes a nice level surface for loading stuff.

[@mattfischer6116]

Solid video

[@TheWaterHopper]

Thank you!

[@LoveDogs___3]

Why tie loops when you could just use Velcro?? And I would hope it would be that cold inside since you have the back end wide open.

[@TheWaterHopper]

Never been huge on velcro. But that definitely may expedite things. And yea it was obviously cold since I had the tailgate open. Just showing an example.

[@tuanaz6322]

I’m looking at the same camper for solo camping. One question, are you able to sit up inside the camper on the bed that you built?

[@TheWaterHopper]

When the bed is fully setup. Air mattress under the Milliard. I can sort of sit up straight. Real close. I'm 5'10" and my head scrapes the liner when I sit up straight. Can lean back perfect tho.

[@trucktractorchannel1570]

I have ordered an ARE MX cap, did that chip come from the carwash? Your custom-made work looks great.

[@TheWaterHopper]

Yes it did come from a car wash. Got too close with a high powered nozzle. Still don't think that should happen tho. Thanks for the kind words!

[@peterleveillee1321]

@@TheWaterHopper was it an automatic carwash?

[@TheWaterHopper]

@@peterleveillee1321 no hand wash. I can't go thru automatic with my rod tube. Would shred the paint right off the pvc.

[@peterleveillee1321]

@@TheWaterHopper was the cap new? That link I posted says not to wash for 30 days

[@TheWaterHopper]

@@peterleveillee1321 nah it was about 4 months in.

[@HBJonesy]

How do you like the mid-height camper in terms of headroom? I've got a very similar setup right now but my cab-height shell is way too low, thinking about trading in for something this size. Thanks!

[@TheWaterHopper]

The headroom is perfect for me to be able to sit up. But not much above my head. If I wear a hat I scrape let's put it that way. I am 5'10. Worth the switch! Thanks for watching.

[@23KCOutdoors]

Dope review

[@TheWaterHopper]

Thanks man!

[@Jack-lr9cv]

Hello WaterHopper and thanks for the video. I just ordered the same camper shell today. I have the same exact truck. I have all your options except for the wind doors windows. I ordered sliding windows with pet screens for extra security. How do you lock yourself in at night in your camper shell?

[@TheWaterHopper]

First off super awesome on the shell and truck! Second. Windoors are locked. And it seems simple but I use a set of vice grips. And I clamp it shut at the bottom left corner. I clip to the handle. Easier to show with a picture or video. Maybe I can make that my next upload and help a little better. But yea. Vice grips lol

[@CabinOutdoors]

great review man cant wait to see some more truck camping videos

[@TheWaterHopper]

And they're coming! 2 weekends from now. Southern Illinois. Just for the weekend.

[@elijahblack8537]

great setup thanks for the review

[@TheWaterHopper]

Thank you! You're welcome.

[@sanjay.sinclair]

What’s the height between the bed/platform/floor to the roof? Can you sit up straight when your bed is set up? What’s the weight of the topper? No worries if you don’t have all these answers yet. Thanks!

[@TheWaterHopper]

Let me measure this tomorrow for you! No I cannot sit quite straight up. My fiancee can. She is 5'1" though. I'm 5'9"

[@bluezklewz8351]

I am curious how much this camper costs, I am looking at getting the exact same specifications. I am guessing it depends on your dealer, but would be great to get an estimate.

[@TheWaterHopper]

Well. I went over cost a little bit in the video but I'll give you some details. First of all. I didn't spare any expense. Been wanting this for years so I got all the bells and whistles. ARE MX Series. 6' bed Tacoma. 40"??? I believe. Yakima Jetstream racks. Windoors both sides with sliding screens for flowage. Two T handles in the back for locking. Headliner. 2 36" LED strips up top. Anndddd sliding window for cab access. Painted to match my trucks vin # built and installed for $3,400. One year with it now. Love it more every time I use it. No complaints of any kind so far. The whole build was a DIY project of mine. Separate cost from what I just told you.

[@bluezklewz8351]

@@TheWaterHopper Thanks for the breakdown! Were there any other toppers you were looking at that were similar to the ARE? The VIN match, paint, and installation a large portion of the cost? I ask since those might be the features I would omit for myself.

[@campingalan]

@@bluezklewz8351 Greetings from the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. I have a 6ft bed Tacoma also. I have a Snugtop Sport Hi Liner; it really is almost the same setup as in this video....windoors (these are awesome), interior roof liner, LED rope lights, and fold down front window. It was about the same price. That included installation. The only thing left I still need to do is to do a camping buildout inside. If I'm camping inside the truck, it pretty much is just me and my dog. The wife holds out for the hotels and RVs hehehe. I would want to do a build that is easily removable, if needed. I don't worry about oversized loads too much as I have one of those $299 4x8 Harbor Freight trailers.

[@bluezklewz8351]

@@campingalan Good to know! This topper seems to be the best of the best when it comes to camping. The additional head room, win doors for access, sliding windows for flow, and front glass for access as well. Im in between a Tundra and Tacoma, the Tacoma checks all my boxes but I really dont like the seating position. Making this not as easy of a choice I want it to be haha.

[@mikeylion2790]

@@TheWaterHopper Ah man this is the exact setup that I'm looking to buy for my F150 long bed. Your video just got me stoked! Thank you!

[@complementarychaos]

Great buildout!! Been wanting a Tacoma with that long bed. Where'd you get that sweatshirt, btw?

[@TheWaterHopper]

Thanks! I love it. Worth every penny. And it's a Strata Basspro Shops Sweatshirt.

[@theStorypage]

Hi. Thanks for the vid. I'm looking to get a truck cap and found this useful. Question: who was the guy you mention at the end of the vid that you said inspires you on truck builds? I'm hard of hearing and couldn't quite catch the name even after multiple views. Anyway, thanks again!

[@TheWaterHopper]

Thanks for watching! He is a member of a Facebook group called Pickup Truck Camping. I'm in it. He built a super cool camper and it is all very specific and exact. He called its the ArdNut. Haven't seen him post in awhile though but definitely inspiring to my build.

[@Luck33y7]

boss

[@TheWaterHopper]

Heck yea!

[@23KCOutdoors]

What’s up man I seen you leave a comment over at JonB upload foot to meet ya👊

[@TheWaterHopper]

Good to meet you!

[@Masterhughesproductions]

as long as you can get 2 women in the back its a okay.

[@resolve638]

hi, what are the plans for it? Where did you get the design online from? please message me ill send you over my email address.

[@resolve638]

6 foot 1 bed

[@TheWaterHopper]

Don't know if it is bad news for you but this was a custom build. No plans I can send your way. My bed is also 6'1" I have a video earlier on my channel detailing the whole build process if you want to check it out. I camp in it a few times a year. But honestly it has become more of a storage convenience. I fish a lot and hunt a lot. And having the bed setup the way I do now is perfect for me. I also use it to cook out of multiple times a year.