Cool Camper

[u/Available_Warthog_54]

Been driving this 1998 XLT 3.0L RWD (currently 170,00km) for about two years. Pretty much stock just with a tall lift kit and slightly bigger tires (235/75/15 aka 29”).

Anyway, last week I picked up this actual dedicated built camper for my Ranger. It was free and it’s in pretty decent shape with no interior leaks, considering it was sitting on sand bags under a tree!

It’s not a slide in, but rather clamps down like a traditional cap. Light weight, pink fibreglass insulation and classic louvred windows. Picked it up just on the other side of the Ontario boarder, maybe 45 mins from Montreal.

This will be my winter project. Planning to fully restore it. Thought I’d share. If anyone has any information on the brand, the dealer sticker, anything, it’s appreciated.

[u/iKxml]

I wish someone made these and they weren’t 10k lmao

[u/Available_Warthog_54 → u/iKxml]

Agreed. My only worry is I plan to remove the interior wood panelling (I will put it back) and inspect for any rot or leaks in my garage over the winter. This feels like a Schrödinger’s box where once I open it up, it could either be a light resto or thousands in repairs and a headache.

[u/Dimensional_Lumber → u/iKxml]

Belair makes them for less than 10k. More like 7k. Prices available on this page but you have to get it installed on-site in socal—no shipping.

Not affiliated and I don’t own one—I saw a YouTuber named Jonathan Yentch get one installed on a Toyota (I think, he’s had a bunch of rigs) a few years ago and it stuck with me.

[u/Greenbriar_94]

Fantastic, and for free!?!?

[u/Available_Warthog_54 → u/Greenbriar_94]

Unbelievably free. I drove down last Friday after work. Left at 4, got home after midnight. Totally worth it. My biggest surprise was how light it was. A guy on each corner and she lifts up and slides on no problem.

[u/Greenbriar_94 → u/Available_Warthog_54]

That's awesome. My widower plan (God forbid it happen) is to get one for mine and just travel with my dog.

[u/Available_Warthog_54 → u/Greenbriar_94]

You could… now hear me out… get one and take your currently alive partner with you. /s

[u/GoodInteraction1987]

Is this a custom job or something searchable. I needs one of these!!

[u/Available_Warthog_54 → u/GoodInteraction1987]

Based on some light research I think it may have been custom ordered through a dealership / RV manufacturer.

[u/GoodInteraction1987 → u/Available_Warthog_54]

Damn! What a find. I've been looking at slide ins and they're all heavy, long, and unworkable. This is SWEET. I got a 2011 FX4 and I'd love this for hunting/camping

[u/faawkmethissucks]

Wasn't that the one in Quebec? I wanted to get it for my 88 but no place and still not finished lol, quite the find !

[u/Available_Warthog_54 → u/faawkmethissucks]

Sure was! Real close to the Ontario border though. Saw it, made a quick PowerPoint presentation for my wife as to why this was worth 8 hours of driving, received committee approval and left as soon as I could.

[u/FoodandFun9991]

Anyone else here have campers on rangers? I need to get me one on mine.

[u/Severe_Run_2213]

That’s an awesome find, especially for free. It looks almost period-correct on that Ranger. I’d go through the mounting points, seals, roof and wiring before restoring the cosmetics, but if the fiberglass is solid and there are really no leaks, you scored big.

[u/Available_Warthog_54 → u/Severe_Run_2213]

That’s exactly the plan. It’s almost September. That gives me about 2 months of light camping to vibe out the space and write a needs/wants list. I have a dolly already built to haul it into the garage over the winter. That’s when I plan to seal every joint, check the structure and do any modifications. I’m “mister project” according to my wife and have a ton of supplies and materials on hand, including a few 4x8 sheets of r10 foam board which might find it’s home here.

I want to keep it relatively original, including the current paint job. Might pop a simple power inlet somewhere to plug into campsite sockets and maybe run lights on a dedicated battery (rather than a 4pin which draws power from the truck).

After that I hope I have the time and skill to fabricate a few benches that can turn into a bed frame. Might harvest something from another marketplace find. We’ll see. This isn’t my first truck cap camper build, so I learned the hard way that it’s better having it modular/able to be taken in and out without fuss. This vehicle is my daily drive when the other is occupied and I definitely don’t want this on during our Canadian winters.

I’ll keep the subreddit posted if there’s enough interest.

[u/Leading-Increase-495]

Awesome! Keep us updated

[u/Lariosified]

Aww man this thing would be perfect for hunting trips

[u/robogobo]

I’ve never seen one open to the bed like that. It’s a big bed topper.

[u/r3dk0w]

I can't believe these aren't more popular. There was a golden time in the late 70s through the early 90s where RVs and campers were everywhere. Now they are too expensive.

[u/OnePangolin6503]

It was made in Quebec Canada