My grandparents had one of these campers on a GMC 2500 diesel. They had the full size camper version. Back then (late 90's), they where not automated, so grandpa hooked up a hydraulic system using a bottle jack to open and close it quickly. They travelled in it for about a decade.. all the way up to Alaska.. all the way south to Panama.. across the country to Nova Scotia, and everywhere americana in between. It's an amazing rig! Enjoy it!
This got a thumbs up from me because it's realisticly achievable by your audience. Not another "rich kids spending mom and dad's money" video. Super cool set up that's practical. Haven't seen an Alaskan before either so that's a bonus.
Great set up! Have always wondered about the Alaskan camper. Nice to see one finally. Cant wait to hear your review at the end of your month. Thanks for the video.
We have a 1996 Alaskan Camper, LOVE it! but have to sell since we now have two kids.. Amazing Campers , especially during cold snowy nights.. These campers keep you warm and cozy!
My dream setup for camping in Baja is something like this, a 4wd truck and a pop up cab over camper!! Sleeping inside my Sequoia is an upgrade from the tent but a camper is the ultimate goal, congrats hope you enjoy it for a long time!
I see a couple of comments about the truck not being able to support the weight of the camper safely. Get custom springs and you'll be fine. You'll get the stock ride height back...no sag and a massive upgrade in suspension performance. Talk to Les at Alcan Springs in Grand Junction and you'll be good to go. The springs will be fine if you have the camper off as well. I have a '24 8.5 Alaskan flatbed on an F-250 with Alcan springs...it's magnificent.
I think truck weight limits are more than just suspension sag - but the other components (brakes, A arms etc.) aren't as beefy on a 1500 as they are on a 2500 or 3500. I was thinking of just adding overload springs or bigger springs to my 1500 and was told it's not only about ride height. 3/4 T and 1 T trucks are more than just bigger springs in other words.
My daughter bought a pop up for her Toyota Tacoma when she turned 16 in 2015 and loved traveling about the country during summer break. She had an outdoor shower setup with on demand hot water and a compost toilet for when she was boon docking around.. When I was that age I had to suffer with just a truck topper and showering in the river’s 😅
I have a 1st gen Tundra as well and love it. They have small brakes though, which will be an early wear item. You’re way over payload, regardless of any mods you make.
We had an Alaskan 8’ for 15 years. We solved the up/down weather issues with canvas drapes that gave us protection (sand was the biggest issue) while the roof was going up or down. And for the tall faucet, look for a model that folds flat. We are sure you will love the Alaskan even more than what we see in this video.
I have a 79 Alaskan that I rebuilt last year. I love the Alaskan design…its a hard shell with a lot of room, and compact enough that it doesn’t limit where I can go.
You could turn the bathroom into a wet bath with a shower curtain hanging from the ceiling and potentially you could swap the tap out for an extendable faucet and use it at as shower head. Was my plan but my layout had the sink closer to the hidden toilet.
Great setup! Love the low profile. Wondering about the idea to install a high-rise kitchen faucet - when you lower the top, will it clear the new faucet? Thanks for the time and effort put into the video. Be safe!
When RV camping/hiking always take a weapon to defend yourself against all types of predators. Any gun type is good at least an 8" blade survivor knife. I carry a modified 5-foot walking staff that I snap my knife on to have a ready spare. I also carry some M80 firecrackers(to scare off unwanted intruders) and mace (for bears). It is a good idea to have a motion sensor LED garden light and a loud horn too even a 900-mile laser pointer can be used defensively blinding the eyes of monsters and signaling. If you hear weird noise outside light a M80 throw it out the window after the loud bang thing quiet down. If not shout out "I have a gun and if I have to come out you will pay dearly."
I’ve owned one of those before. They’re incredible campers. Not so much for full time living if you’re moving around a lot. The lower profile is much better on fuel economy vs a regular truck camper. Not to mention crosswinds! I will say, with experience mind you, to upgrade your truck size. You’re probably pushing that truck 1,000+ lbs over its max payload and bad things will happen over time should you decide to continue doing so. Most important thing to replace regularly (I didn’t know this til a few weeks ago) is the wheel studs. ESPECIALLY if you’re using lug centric wheels, which it appears you are. Heed my warning and you’ll be grateful. Cheers from a fellow (although I don’t post much anymore) fulltime truck campin UA-camr who’s upgrading from a 3500 to a 5500 because I’ve had two wheel stud (or wheel possibly) failures in the last 2 years.
Yeah, I never heard of wheel studs as a point of failure. Yeah. Google says dry weight of the camper is right up at the payload of a Tundra. I was thinking "Wow! 7--foot camper on a 5-foot bed! I didn't know that could even work!" But of course. It's a self-contained slide-in! I don't know how much weight that puts on the rear. Seems a little sketch. I think the Alaskan checks all the boxes if you want the best 4-season slide-in camper. I just feel like I'd want something more all-around stout than my Tacoma if I wanted to haul one of these Alaskans around. I agree with the wife about the inadequacies of the sink setup. That's one of the reasons I never bought a full-feature camper/RV. The main reason is that I never had enough money to justify the expense. I just got better and better at tent-camping out of my pickup.
Looks like a great setup. I suppose you have airbag lifters for the suspension? Also, and there's a small army of people who go off on this stuff, you have got to be somewhat overloaded in terms of gross vehicle weight. I'm sure we are, too, but it seems like she's driving great.
Every setup has pros and cons, just have to find a balance that you're happy with. I very much want a hardside for less setup but every time I drive with our old SunLite popup I second guess myself
The sticker weight of the camper is 1,596 lbs. When we purchased the truck it had just been fitted with Bilstein 5100's in all four corners and we added Firestone airbags in the rear. Considering additional mods but it actually rides quite well as is. Yep, 1/2 ton, great questions!
Nice camper! You should consider a pair of the sponge style control blocks for the back. With that trucks age you need heavy duty rear shocks too. From the pile of blocks your using in the front to level it out your raising the weight at the back too much.
Great looking camper. Just check the distance from the ceiling of the camper in the closed position to the intended height of the new faucet that you are interested in. There are also foldaway options. Cheers from British Columbia, Canada.
@ADVENTUREAROUNDTHEBEND OK thanks buddy! I watched a video and the man had a real old one and the way he talked they had closed and then hearing yall I was confused. I would like to get one. If you don't mind and if you don't want to I promise I won't get mad but just wondering what one might cost?
Nice choice on truck and camper. There are quite a few 1st gen tundra rigs with campers on them. As long as you set them up for the weight, you guys will be golden. No matter what rig you have, if you're smiling, it's the right one. And you guys can always switch it up if you want to. Enjoy the new rig and the adventures ahead!!
You are probably about 800 pounds over GVRW. Alaskan campers require a 3/4 ton minimum.. The camper is probably 1600 which put you over weight without all the food, water and equipment and passenger weight.
Awesome setup and nice video! Was gonna get a 7 footer for my F150 but i only have about 2000 pounds of payload and so the camper and my stuff and people were going to gar exceed that. I guess Toyotas have a higher GVWR?
They’re cassette toilets. Usually good for about a weeks worth of regular usage for two people as long as you don’t get carried away. Or eat a lot of Taco Bell.
Really nice but starting at 40K! and with no shower. Truck campers are way to expensive considering you have to have a reasonably big truck to carry one. I like how most people don't talk about about how much these things cost. Do you really need to spend that much to go camping?
Fortunately this one we found used and honestly got an incredible deal. We were able to sell our old camper and pick this one up within our budget, which was nowhere near $40k.
My grandparents had one of these campers on a GMC 2500 diesel. They had the full size camper version. Back then (late 90's), they where not automated, so grandpa hooked up a hydraulic system using a bottle jack to open and close it quickly. They travelled in it for about a decade.. all the way up to Alaska.. all the way south to Panama.. across the country to Nova Scotia, and everywhere americana in between. It's an amazing rig! Enjoy it!
This got a thumbs up from me because it's realisticly achievable by your audience. Not another "rich kids spending mom and dad's money" video. Super cool set up that's practical. Haven't seen an Alaskan before either so that's a bonus.
Great set up! Have always wondered about the Alaskan camper. Nice to see one finally. Cant wait to hear your review at the end of your month. Thanks for the video.
We have a 1996 Alaskan Camper, LOVE it! but have to sell since we now have two kids.. Amazing Campers , especially during cold snowy nights.. These campers keep you warm and cozy!
This is the setup I’ve been looking for, a hard sided pop up and everything looks good
My dream setup for camping in Baja is something like this, a 4wd truck and a pop up cab over camper!! Sleeping inside my Sequoia is an upgrade from the tent but a camper is the ultimate goal, congrats hope you enjoy it for a long time!
I see a couple of comments about the truck not being able to support the weight of the camper safely. Get custom springs and you'll be fine. You'll get the stock ride height back...no sag and a massive upgrade in suspension performance. Talk to Les at Alcan Springs in Grand Junction and you'll be good to go. The springs will be fine if you have the camper off as well. I have a '24 8.5 Alaskan flatbed on an F-250 with Alcan springs...it's magnificent.
I have heard great things about Alcan. So far the setup I have decided on works great and I am really happy with how it rides/handles!
I think truck weight limits are more than just suspension sag - but the other components (brakes, A arms etc.) aren't as beefy on a 1500 as they are on a 2500 or 3500. I was thinking of just adding overload springs or bigger springs to my 1500 and was told it's not only about ride height. 3/4 T and 1 T trucks are more than just bigger springs in other words.
@@the_adventureaddicts use small tension rods for the fridge and cabinets to keep items in place. Old trick from the grandparents/parents time
Such an awesome camper, so glad y'all could find one!
My daughter bought a pop up for her Toyota Tacoma when she turned 16 in 2015 and loved traveling about the country during summer break. She had an outdoor shower setup with on demand hot water and a compost toilet for when she was boon docking around.. When I was that age I had to suffer with just a truck topper and showering in the river’s 😅
I have a 1st gen Tundra as well and love it. They have small brakes though, which will be an early wear item. You’re way over payload, regardless of any mods you make.
We had an Alaskan 8’ for 15 years. We solved the up/down weather issues with canvas drapes that gave us protection (sand was the biggest issue) while the roof was going up or down. And for the tall faucet, look for a model that folds flat. We are sure you will love the Alaskan even more than what we see in this video.
I have a 79 Alaskan that I rebuilt last year. I love the Alaskan design…its a hard shell with a lot of room, and compact enough that it doesn’t limit where I can go.
You could turn the bathroom into a wet bath with a shower curtain hanging from the ceiling and potentially you could swap the tap out for an extendable faucet and use it at as shower head.
Was my plan but my layout had the sink closer to the hidden toilet.
Great setup! Love the low profile. Wondering about the idea to install a high-rise kitchen faucet - when you lower the top, will it clear the new faucet? Thanks for the time and effort put into the video. Be safe!
We share your thought and concern about that. Any faucet with an extendable head would really make the difference.
Thank you!
When RV camping/hiking always take a weapon to defend yourself against all types of predators. Any gun type is good at least an 8" blade survivor knife. I carry a modified 5-foot walking staff that I snap my knife on to have a ready spare. I also carry some M80 firecrackers(to scare off unwanted intruders) and mace (for bears). It is a good idea to have a motion sensor LED garden light and a loud horn too even a 900-mile laser pointer can be used defensively blinding the eyes of monsters and signaling. If you hear weird noise outside light a M80 throw it out the window after the loud bang thing quiet down. If not shout out "I have a gun and if I have to come out you will pay dearly."
@4:00, yeah - I think that faucet is short so it doesn't hit the cabinet when you put it down... Measure first!
You better check your collapsed space over the sink before you change that faucet to a tall one.
I have a 72 non cab over Alaskan...totally amazing No Cons!!
I’ve owned one of those before. They’re incredible campers. Not so much for full time living if you’re moving around a lot. The lower profile is much better on fuel economy vs a regular truck camper. Not to mention crosswinds!
I will say, with experience mind you, to upgrade your truck size. You’re probably pushing that truck 1,000+ lbs over its max payload and bad things will happen over time should you decide to continue doing so. Most important thing to replace regularly (I didn’t know this til a few weeks ago) is the wheel studs. ESPECIALLY if you’re using lug centric wheels, which it appears you are. Heed my warning and you’ll be grateful. Cheers from a fellow (although I don’t post much anymore) fulltime truck campin UA-camr who’s upgrading from a 3500 to a 5500 because I’ve had two wheel stud (or wheel possibly) failures in the last 2 years.
Yeah, I never heard of wheel studs as a point of failure.
Yeah. Google says dry weight of the camper is right up at the payload of a Tundra.
I was thinking "Wow! 7--foot camper on a 5-foot bed! I didn't know that could even work!" But of course. It's a self-contained slide-in! I don't know how much weight that puts on the rear. Seems a little sketch.
I think the Alaskan checks all the boxes if you want the best 4-season slide-in camper. I just feel like I'd want something more all-around stout than my Tacoma if I wanted to haul one of these Alaskans around.
I agree with the wife about the inadequacies of the sink setup. That's one of the reasons I never bought a full-feature camper/RV. The main reason is that I never had enough money to justify the expense. I just got better and better at tent-camping out of my pickup.
Nice setup! If the 7' Alaskan does not work,, give me a shout. I've been looking for an used 7' Alaskan.
There is a 10ft one PHX craigslist
Where are you located? Im selling one :) In San Diego
I've owned 2 Alaskans and loved staying in them
I love Alaska campers, just wish they weren't so expensive. One of the biggest plusses is hardside pop-ups. Good video!
I'm selling mine for 6k in SD :)
How much does the camper weigh? Any weight issues with the tundra’s limited Paulo’s capacity?
Alaskan Campers are AWESOME. There are real bargains to be found out there!
No, I’m not selling mine….
Looks like a great setup. I suppose you have airbag lifters for the suspension? Also, and there's a small army of people who go off on this stuff, you have got to be somewhat overloaded in terms of gross vehicle weight. I'm sure we are, too, but it seems like she's driving great.
Beautiful camper. ! 😊 ( im suprised- just saw a 2024 on yt- yours is way nicer looking. !! )
Every setup has pros and cons, just have to find a balance that you're happy with. I very much want a hardside for less setup but every time I drive with our old SunLite popup I second guess myself
Do you know the dry weight of the camper? And did you do any mods to the truck? !/2 ton right?
The sticker weight of the camper is 1,596 lbs. When we purchased the truck it had just been fitted with Bilstein 5100's in all four corners and we added Firestone airbags in the rear. Considering additional mods but it actually rides quite well as is. Yep, 1/2 ton, great questions!
Good review.
Like it was said in the video, the only thing missing that would make this perfect is a separate bathroom with a shower. Awesome regardless
I've always admired Alaskan campers. Never found one in my budget though. 😢
That's exactly the rig I want for a cross America tour where it's part camping and part AirBnB and part hotels
Nice camper! You should consider a pair of the sponge style control blocks for the back. With that trucks age you need heavy duty rear shocks too. From the pile of blocks your using in the front to level it out your raising the weight at the back too much.
Be careful of the alternators wear & tear with the aux battery charging, it will work but, it's overworking and, will probably quit in the bush!
Holds how much water? Drain tank holds how much? That’s what I thought.
Great looking camper. Just check the distance from the ceiling of the camper in the closed position to the intended height of the new faucet that you are interested in. There are also foldaway options. Cheers from British Columbia, Canada.
The fold out couch would be great on a windy night for a quick set up
That's a good call! Thanks!
Why aren't more people talking about these? Maybe because of the price. That's my guess. They're really cool, but they're also bloody expensive.
Looks like an awesome setup 🤙🏻
I just got one of the 7 foot Alaskan campers also and absolutely love it I wish you the best.
Really stoked on this one! They are great. Thank you!
I don't know ifyours is used but I thought Alaskan campers closed up a long time ago. Do they still make campers?
I don't know ifyours is used but I thought Alaskan campers closed up a long time ago. Do they still make campers?
@@Tommy-rr7ez They are still open; however, in the last year ish they changed ownership. Mine is a 2021.
@ADVENTUREAROUNDTHEBEND OK thanks buddy! I watched a video and the man had a real old one and the way he talked they had closed and then hearing yall I was confused. I would like to get one. If you don't mind and if you don't want to I promise I won't get mad but just wondering what one might cost?
Pretty sweet! Safe and fun travels!
Really appreciate the tour! Thanks and God's speed!
Nice choice on truck and camper. There are quite a few 1st gen tundra rigs with campers on them. As long as you set them up for the weight, you guys will be golden. No matter what rig you have, if you're smiling, it's the right one. And you guys can always switch it up if you want to. Enjoy the new rig and the adventures ahead!!
Agreed, we have it setup to handle the camper very well. Thank you for watching!
I could see a DIY plastic cover for the front to keep the elements out during assembly. Wouldn't be too bad of an install.
Nice camper with lots of storage and windows.
We're you able to change the kitchen faucet or would the cabinet hit it when in travel mode?
Great looking rig! Can you tell me what bags you bought for your clothing storage in the overhead cabinets? Thanks!
Be aware of clearance if you change the faucet the top might hit it when lowered. Take measurements.
Great video! Alaskan campers are so sweet- Just wish they were taller inside!
Looks like the Grand Junction -- Moab area
You are probably about 800 pounds over GVRW. Alaskan campers require a 3/4 ton minimum.. The camper is probably 1600 which put you over weight without all the food, water and equipment and passenger weight.
Nice video! I'm curious, how tall are you guys?
Kelby is about 5' 10" and Zoe is 5' 8". The interior of the camper is about 6' 3"
That tundra looks awesome with the camper, is it a stock setup?
How do you guys go on month long trips? I have to work everyday of my life 😢
Remote work
Interesting rig! Couple of questions: Fridge….three way, two way or only electric? Height inside?
Good questions! The fridge is electric only and the height inside is about 6' 3"
@@the_adventureaddicts thank you!!
I didn't like the sofa not being able to lie flat other than that it's pretty cool
Awesome setup and nice video! Was gonna get a 7 footer for my F150 but i only have about 2000 pounds of payload and so the camper and my stuff and people were going to gar exceed that. I guess Toyotas have a higher GVWR?
Not likely. Welcome to the world of truck camping: where GCWR is more a suggestion than a guideline 😆. Not pointing fingers, I am not perfect either.
Was wandering how one of those Alaskans would fit a tundra ❤
I’d imagine the larger faucet will be an issue when the camper is not popped up
What is the weight of your camper and what is the cargo capacity of your Tundra? Very cool rig, by the way!!
I see what you're doing. Yes He's over gvw by hundreds of lbs.
I wish you could order just the shell. It's the best shell there is, I think. I just don't want all the built-ins.
I just subscribed as I am excited to hear your review on the Alaskan! Maybe you might sell it to me at the end of your grand adventure!
Be safe 🙏
What a rad camper, really would love to build a tundra camper myself. Never seen a pop up hard shell like this.
This is really the only kind of pop-up we would have ever considered, so far the hard side is worth it. Thanks for watching!
That wood platform behind you is extremely dangerous in any crash.
Appreciate your concern! But it is actually attached and not just floating around, that would definitely be dangerous
Nice but i guess you would have to make sure you dont face the nose into the blowing rain or snow wile going up and down.
How much is the MSRP?
how much does the camper cost?
Didn’t catch the info on toilet capacity.
They’re cassette toilets. Usually good for about a weeks worth of regular usage for two people as long as you don’t get carried away. Or eat a lot of Taco Bell.
Really nice but starting at 40K! and with no shower. Truck campers are way to expensive considering you have to have a reasonably big truck to carry one. I like how most people don't talk about about how much these things cost. Do you really need to spend that much to go camping?
Fortunately this one we found used and honestly got an incredible deal. We were able to sell our old camper and pick this one up within our budget, which was nowhere near $40k.
The best pop-up out there, but unfortunately, no.inside shower. I'm going with the new German import instead even though it's not a pop-up.
Hotomobil.
I’ve always liked them but they are expensive and heavy compared to other available brands .
PRICES ❓
For a popup that is by far the best setup. no canvas! The best thing is you have it on a Tundra.
where the hell do ppl get the money do do these rigs
Get a job and save...work two jobs.
Price man. The price.
Sexy truck setup dang
Way too much camper for the Tundra of any model. Nice camper made in Washington State. You’ll be upgrading your truck.
Interior is great but that outside is super ugly, I mean beyond ugly!!! That's what would hold me back on it, but cant have everything I guess.
Too much yak yak. Get to the camper.
To much talking
What is the dry weight of the camper? Thanks
The sticker weight is 1596 lbs. with full water, full propane and fridge