Alu-Cab Roof Conversion Build Out Ideas

[Wile E Coyote]

Quick update, I took a leap of faith and pre-ordered the Alu-Cab conversion. Should have the IG in the next few weeks, then I’ll do the Goose Gear rear seat delete/platform, camp out of it through the summer to see how I want to build out the interior, then do the Alu-Cab conversion when it’s available, hopefully Q3-Q4.

Looking forward to others ideas on similar builds.

Hi ADVer, what is the benefit of the rear seat delete over buying the 2 seat version?

 

[Mohs 9]

Hi ADVer, what is the benefit of the rear seat delete over buying the 2 seat version?

No benefit. I think the 2 seater is not available on the North American market, so you have to convert a 5 seater.

 

[DezRoamer]

Quick update, I took a leap of faith and pre-ordered the Alu-Cab conversion. Should have the IG in the next few weeks, then I’ll do the Goose Gear rear seat delete/platform, camp out of it through the summer to see how I want to build out the interior, then do the Alu-Cab conversion when it’s available, hopefully Q3-Q4.

Looking forward to others ideas on similar builds.

I'll be keeping an eye on your build. It sounds great.

I've owned and used so many different types of campers but never anything like the AluCab conversion. It has my interest but at age 65, I've went back to what I was doing at age 20. Sleeping in a tent or under the awning. But now every truck I build will have a fridge. And my tent does have a wood burning stove! Is it easy to make and break camp? Not even,, but there's something to be said when off the main track, camped in the bush where my 4 wheel drive has taken me on a chilly fall night. Waking up before the sun rises, starting a fire in the stove and enjoying a hot tea. Seeing the day begin.

Every truck build has compromises. Once certain decisions are made then we're committed. It isn't about a right or wrong decision. It comes down to the money we need to spend to build that dream and the joy we get in return. I've had regrets about the financial investments I've made in my life when it comes to vehicle builds, and I've lost more than I care to admit. But the experiences, and the memories, totally worth it to me!

 

[ADVer]

I'll be keeping an eye on your build. It sounds great.

I've owned and used so many different types of campers but never anything like the AluCab conversion. It has my interest but at age 65, I've went back to what I was doing at age 20. Sleeping in a tent or under the awning. But now every truck I build will have a fridge. And my tent does have a wood burning stove! Is it easy to make and break camp? Not even,, but there's something to be said when off the main track, camped in the bush where my 4 wheel drive has taken me on a chilly fall night. Waking up before the sun rises, starting a fire in the stove and enjoying a hot tea. Seeing the day begin.

Every truck build has compromises. Once certain decisions are made then we're committed. It isn't about a right or wrong decision. It comes down to the money we need to spend to build that dream and the joy we get in return. I've had regrets about the financial investments I've made in my life when it comes to vehicle builds, and I've lost more than I care to admit. But the experiences, and the memories, totally worth it to me!

@DezRomer Thanks for the comments and I 100% agree on everything you said. I also have no experience with the Alu-Cab builds, the closest I’ve gotten is with a Ford E350 pop top Sportsmobile and a built out 80 series Landcruiser, and a few others. And yes, they all had compromises, and may not have had a great ROI, but worth every penny in the experiences and memories they provided.

What’s key at this point is simplicity and relative comfort. If I meet these two design goals I will not hesitate to head out at any time of year for as short or long as I want. I want to get to a point where it’s a matter of loading up food and water and hitting the road. Once I arrive at camp, pop the top, setup a chair and table, pull a cold one out of the fridge and enjoy my surroundings. Same thing next morning after a good nights sleep, just replacing the beer with a steaming hot cup of coffee.

Good times ahead!

 

[MidnightCamper]

We are very interested in getting the AluCab conversion
Already have our Queens Red Trialmaster - gave ours a mud bath baptism on our favorite trail on the way home from the dealer. Unfortunately the rain washed off most. Had so much mud I could not see out the driver side window. Interesting the passenger side was clear?
A friend is an AluCab dealer, they have their Grenadier and will be doing the conversion.
Big question we have is how the IG's roof is attached. Both the Land Rover and Toyota have bolt on roofs, believe the IG's is welded. If so there is a bigger commitment to getting the IG conversion where the roof has to be cut off then simply unbolted. AluCab makes a thing about with the others you get to take home your original roof!
Does anyone know for certain how the IGs roof is attached?
.
View attachment 7841688

IG should buy that photo from you. It's a corker.

 

[MidnightCamper]

HEY - Did everybody see the latest posting from Alu-Cab on Instagram? It's very exciting.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

View: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3iDLTIq2NV/

 

[TCMColorado]

If I am interpreting the video correctly the camper top will be fixed to the vehicle using the OEM roof handle mounting points. This is great design execution by Alucab and creates a true mechanical connection using load bearing factory mounting points, 24 fasteners in total, 12 per side.

 

[MidnightCamper]

Quick update, I took a leap of faith and pre-ordered the Alu-Cab conversion. Should have the IG in the next few weeks, then I’ll do the Goose Gear rear seat delete/platform, camp out of it through the summer to see how I want to build out the interior, then do the Alu-Cab conversion when it’s available, hopefully Q3-Q4.

Looking forward to others ideas on similar builds.

I'm torn between 2024 Tacoma/Alu-Cab canopy and Grenadier/roof conversion. I'm on graded road, country road, highway, flat beach, coast to coast for weeks at a time. "Shoulder season" mud and deep snow. I need storage and want some convenience. I've vowed to get stand-up space this time around.

 

[Krabby]

I'm torn between 2024 Tacoma/Alu-Cab canopy and Grenadier/roof conversion. I'm on graded road, country road, highway, flat beach, coast to coast for weeks at a time. "Shoulder season" mud and deep snow. I need storage and want some convenience. I've vowed to get stand-up space this time around.

Those are two different vehicles from several aspects (not just the PU v wagon) - what considerations are on your mind. The new Taco is a stunner - especially in the TRD and Trailhunter trims.

 

[MidnightCamper]

Those are two different vehicles from several aspects (not just the PU v wagon) - what considerations are on your mind. The new Taco is a stunner - especially in the TRD and Trailhunter trims.

Current camper/daily driver is a 2009 Taco ACLB MT TRD Off-Road with 150,000 mi. I know, barely broken in and a classic. It has a 29" ARE contractor cap which I like a lot. Simple, Stealthy. The PVC awning I made is clever but tedious to set up. I had the truck at the Grenadier event last May but took off right after the demo drive so missed everybody. One factor is that the local dealer here is both Grenadier and Alu-Cab.

 

[TWExplor]

I had the same dilemma. At first I was going to go with the 24 Tacoma Trailhunter and Alu-Cab Canopy Camper. But after I walked around the Trailhunter at Overland Expo East I thought it was going to be too small in the interior. I had a 2010 Taco that I liked but could never see out the front windshield well enough. The rear view mirror obscured the entire right side of my view. With that said until I discovered the Grenadier I was thinking I would just get a full size pickup and add the Alu-Cab.
After looking at the possibilities with doing a conversion and build out of the Grenadier it changed my mind. Plus we wanted to have direct access to the entire build from inside the main area of the vehicle and not have to go to the truck bed (plus everything that entails with heating and cooling etc).
The potential layout configurations that are possible for the interior on the Gren are vast. Doing the rear seat delete and adding some sort of full floor (Goose gear is interesting) gives lots of options. This also allows for our “furry” travel companion a place to stretch out and sleep on a bench/bed. Our dog isn’t big but he likes to sprawl out!

Your use case may vary. Either choice will be exciting and will give you lots of capability and convenience!

 

[MidnightCamper]

I'm leaning towards Gren/Alu-Cab because of access front to back. I want the fully opening rear doors instead of the Alu-Cab "container" door on the truck canopy version. And windows. I wish the Alu-Cab pop-up opened up from the inside like the Mulgo but I assume it will be like the Icarus and Thor.

 

[ADVAW8S]

Update on the roof conversion. Posted on Instagram today

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

View: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6ifv5utfim/?igsh=ajk1OHFqN2RtamY=

 

[DaBull]

Hello all, so as not to diffuse the other discussion around Goose Gear products, I thought it might make sense to have a separate thread specific to the Alu-Cab Roof Conversion kit and plans for building out the interior and exterior. Since the conversion will not be available until Q3-Q4 there is plenty of time to plan for, or begin a build.

My question for the group is, do you plan on doing the conversion, and if so, what are your plans for the rest of the build?

My plans thus far include the following:
- Alu-Cab roof conversion
- Alu-Cab Shadow Awning and Side Wall kit
- Alu-Cab Shower Cube
- Goose Gear Rear Seat Delete and Rear Plate system (I’ve seen this in person and it looks great, as is expected from Goose Gear)
- Goose Gear Campkitchen Module (or whatever they come out with in the next several months)
- Dometic CFX3 45 fridge
- Cook Partner Stove
- Dometic 972 Portable Toilet
- External diesel heater with ducting to inside cab
My goal is to have only enough storage below to be organized, whilst still keeping a relatively clutter free floor with space to hang out in the morning for coffee, or in the afternoon for a beer, or if needed, sleep below in bear country or in freezing temperatures.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, ideas, suggestions.

Cheers!

Hi ADVer and fellow posters on this post. Just have to say, what a wonderful refreshing discussion of the various options for hitting the back country. All respectful and informative and without any vitriol. You are all a fine example of how to have a proper discussion. Just thought you should all be highlighted after reading some other posts recently. DaBull

 

[ADVer]

Hi ADVer and fellow posters on this post. Just have to say, what a wonderful refreshing discussion of the various options for hitting the back country. All respectful and informative and without any vitriol. You are all a fine example of how to have a proper discussion. Just thought you should all be highlighted after reading some other posts recently. DaBull

Hi DaBull, thanks for your post and I 100% agree. As many of us probably do, I follow this forum for a welcome and refreshing respite from other less positive world news and events, i.e. it’s a welcome distraction. I have to say I also enjoy your posts, as they too are positive and encouraging, so good on you!

While I’m on here, a quick update on my build. I have the Goose Gear rear plate in, and will finish the rear seat delete this weekend. The build quality and fit/finish of the GG kit is great. I’m looking forward to seeing what Brian and team at Goose Gear come up with for an interior build-out compatible with the Alu-Cab conversion. Ideally, a troopy like build with minimalist storage/cabinetry, an aisle down the middle, and a sitting area convertible to a sleep platform (for sleeping down below without needing to raise the roof). I also installed the GP Factor table with cubby, excellent fit and quality on that as well. Very cool to see the video above with the cutout for the Alu-Cab conversion. Really looking forward to getting that done by Mule Expedition Outfitters in Oregon. Hoping to see some of this on display while attending the Overland Expo Northwest in Redmond in June after doing the northern sections of the ORBDR. Cheers everyone!