RamBox bed with Canopy

[Fishnerd]

I like the functionality of the RamBox bed, but options are pretty limited for covers. Im in search of a canopy that is compatible, but it seems to be non-existent except for a few modified ones I found on youtube. Anybody know of any companies that carry such a product or custom fabricators up to the task?

here is a video of a modified one that seems to be what im looking for…wish i understood Russian…

 

[el_barto]

That’s pretty awesome!

I’ve seen the Topper Lift installed with a RamBox a few times…but the lack of topper options available is one reason I steered away from getting a truck with RamBox.

 

[Fishnerd]

That’s pretty awesome!

I’ve seen the Topper Lift installed with a RamBox a few times…but the lack of topper options available is one reason I steered away from getting a truck with RamBox.

Yeah, i flip-flopped on the decision when i got mine, sometimes I wish I had the standard bed, but when I actually use the boxes im glad I have them. The topper seems like a cool idea but was hoping something simple and quick access. I wish RSI would make something , their design is 95% there…..

 

[Dirt Monkey]

I like the functionality of the RamBox bed, but options are pretty limited for covers. Im in search of a canopy that is compatible, but it seems to be non-existent except for a few modified ones I found on youtube. Anybody know of any companies that carry such a product or custom fabricators up to the task?

here is a video of a modified one that seems to be what im looking for…wish i understood Russian…

This is what I built for my 2012 short box. It works wonderfully. Ive been mulling over the idea of making them for others to solve the problem Rambox owners have. I love my bed boxes and wouldnt want to have to choose between them and a canopy. I made mine low profile so my rooftop tent wouldnt be hammered too bad in the wind but for those who dont want to have a tent I could totally customize it to your needs! Let me know if anyones interested

 

[Fishnerd]

This is what I built for my 2012 short box. It works wonderfully. Ive been mulling over the idea of making them for others to solve the problem Rambox owners have. I love my bed boxes and wouldnt want to have to choose between them and a canopy. I made mine low profile so my rooftop tent wouldnt be hammered too bad in the wind but for those who dont want to have a tent I could totally customize it to your needs! Let me know if anyones interested

Wow! You did an amazing job! Looks like youre in WA as well?

 

[Dirt Monkey]

Wow! You did an amazing job! Looks like youre in WA as well?

Thanks! Yep, im up in Blaine.

 

[Dirt Monkey]

This is my overland camping setup. Ive also added 4 remote activated independent lighting circuits to the canopy. 3 separate circuits for each side and the back, and 1 for the inside. Everything goes to a seperate battery I located in the drivers side rambox and is charged passively by a solar panel on the roof of the tent. Additionally, I have the option to charge with my alternator by engaging a solinoid. That solinoid is powered by a switch that gets acc 12v so I cant accidentally run my starting battery out at camp. Basically when I shut the truck off that switch loses its power and the solinoid disengages in case I forget to flip the switch. (Disconnecting the main and auxiliary batteries) I use a heat blanket off it on cold nights as well as a host of other electronics so I didnt wanna strand myself. One added benefit is if my main battery dies and I have juice in my second battery I can engage the solinoid and jump start my truck without leaving the cab!

 

[Eatonpcat]

This is my overland camping setup. Ive also added 4 remote activated independent lighting circuits to the canopy. 3 separate circuits for each side and the back, and 1 for the inside. Everything goes to a seperate battery I located in the drivers side rambox and is charged passively by a solar panel on the roof of the tent. Additionally, I have the option to charge with my alternator by engaging a solinoid. That solinoid is powered by a switch that gets acc 12v so I cant accidentally run my starting battery out at camp. Basically when I shut the truck off that switch loses its power and the solinoid disengages in case I forget to flip the switch. (Disconnecting the main and auxiliary batteries) I use a heat blanket off it on cold nights as well as a host of other electronics so I didnt wanna strand myself. One added benefit is if my main battery dies and I have juice in my second battery I can engage the solinoid and jump start my truck without leaving the cab!

You got Skillz..Great build!

 

[Buxton85]

Dirt Monkey is that the nutshell xl?

 

[Dirt Monkey]

Dirt Monkey is that the nutshell xl?

If you mean the RTT its the condor XL by roofnest folds out into a Queen size bed so pretty big inside. Overall id rate it a 7 out of 10.

 

[Buxton85]

Sorry should have been more specific, I was asking about the expedition rack/topper. I'Ve been debating on building one.

 

[Dirt Monkey]

Oh I gotcha, no I fabbed it up custom in my shop at home. I couldnt find anyone who made anything like it that worked with the ramboxes and I wanted a canopy not just a rack. My kids sleep in the bed and me and the wife up top. It works great for overland camping and exploring. Sense I've added a 270* awning by overland pros that works awesome

 

[Dirt Monkey]

Heres a pic with camp all set up

 

[Hockeyfool]

This is my overland camping setup. Ive also added 4 remote activated independent lighting circuits to the canopy. 3 separate circuits for each side and the back, and 1 for the inside. Everything goes to a seperate battery I located in the drivers side rambox and is charged passively by a solar panel on the roof of the tent. Additionally, I have the option to charge with my alternator by engaging a solinoid. That solinoid is powered by a switch that gets acc 12v so I cant accidentally run my starting battery out at camp. Basically when I shut the truck off that switch loses its power and the solinoid disengages in case I forget to flip the switch. (Disconnecting the main and auxiliary batteries) I use a heat blanket off it on cold nights as well as a host of other electronics so I didnt wanna strand myself. One added benefit is if my main battery dies and I have juice in my second battery I can engage the solinoid and jump start my truck without leaving the cab!

This thing is dope! I work in a metal shop so I'm thinking about building something like this in an attempt to copy you. It looks wonderful. How'd you do the doors on the topper? I have so many questions lolol

 

[Dirt Monkey]

Thanks! Its cool to get feedback from other fabricators that understand the labor of love that goes into stuff like this. The doors were obviously the most difficult part and im not 100% satisfied with the route I chose but ill lay out for you what I did. Basicly I bent up a 1-1/2" flat piece of steel 1/8" thick to the exact angle of the uprights on the frame. Then I welded them to the backside with 3/4" reveal to the inside so there was a flat face to seal the door against. Then I bought some D shaped sticky back weather stripping and cut it to fit on the flat face. The hinges I ended up using were just run of the mill 3" door hinges which is were I wish I would've gotten off my wallet. There are continuous hinge manufacturers out there that make waterproof hinges that go the whole length of the top of the door. I didnt care because my RTT has enough overhang even when put away that water does not get into the gap at the top of the door.

 

[Go4Mac]

I had the idea recently to start with a Go Fast Camper and modifying it, aka cutting out the middle of the bottom bars. Might have to reinforce the frame else where?

Thanks! Its cool to get feedback from other fabricators that understand the labor of love that goes into stuff like this. The doors were obviously the most difficult part and im not 100% satisfied with the route I chose but ill lay out for you what I did. Basicly I bent up a 1-1/2" flat piece of steel 1/8" thick to the exact angle of the uprights on the frame. Then I welded them to the backside with 3/4" reveal to the inside so there was a flat face to seal the door against. Then I bought some D shaped sticky back weather stripping and cut it to fit on the flat face. The hinges I ended up using were just run of the mill 3" door hinges which is were I wish I would've gotten off my wallet. There are continuous hinge manufacturers out there that make waterproof hinges that go the whole length of the top of the door. I didnt care because my RTT has enough overhang even when put away that water does not get into the gap at the top of the door.

 

[Go4Mac]

Check this out: https://www.snapoutfitters.com/gallery-1/rambox

 

[jetrinka]

Check this out: https://www.snapoutfitters.com/gallery-1/rambox

That has potential. Just get rid of the rooftop tent

 

[jlban11]

This is what I built for my 2012 short box. It works wonderfully. Ive been mulling over the idea of making them for others to solve the problem Rambox owners have. I love my bed boxes and wouldnt want to have to choose between them and a canopy. I made mine low profile so my rooftop tent wouldnt be hammered too bad in the wind but for those who dont want to have a tent I could totally customize it to your needs! Let me know if anyones interested

I am very interested in your design/fabrication. I live south of you in Mukilteo. I have a 2017 Ram 1500 Sport with boxes and have, like others, been considering canopy options. I'd like to contact you to discuss possible options, if you are still thinking of marketing your skillset to other rambox owners. Nice work on your prototype. I'm a carpenter and although I don't fabricate metal, can totally appreciate your skillset and ambition.

 

[starvingsquirrel]

That has potential. Just get rid of the rooftop tent

I took a look at their site. It looks like they will make a custom cap for you, coined the 'snap-cap'. The price is a bit eye watering (at least to me). I do understand that custom stuff is expensive, but I don't know if I need a cap that bad, lol