As our family adventures continue to evolve, so do our needs. With the kids growing rapidly and needing more space, it was time for a few adjustments. Out with the old roof-top cargo basket and in with an iKamper roof-top tent! From tackling ladder issues and rust removal to revamping the driver’s cab, here’s a look at our latest upgrades and what we learned along the way.
New Roof-Top Tent: The iKamper Mini 2.0
Our old roof-top pillow looking cargo basket served us well and held much, but with our oldest now a teen, we need more space—it was clear that a new solution was needed, iKamper roof-top tent. Compact yet spacious, easy to set up, it provides the extra room we need, allowing the kids separate sleeping arrangements. Taking turns sleeping up there during our recent two-week camping trip, and it worked perfectly.
A New Storage Solution: The Ski Box
The ski box doesn’t quite match the storage capacity we lost in the basket. But does hold a good amount, which will force us to be ruthless on our next trip and reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ we take. The box somewhat balances out the look and is much easier to access.
Ladder Challenge: Custom Solution
One of the unexpected hurdles was the iKamper telescopic ladder, which turned out to be 4 feet (120 cm) too short for our setup. After a little head scratching, we disassembled our own 12-foot (365 cm) ladder, piece by piece from the bottom up, and combined it with the top 4 rungs of the iKamper ladder. With some DIY ingenuity, we crafted a ladder that is long enough and attached securely to the tent, ensuring safe and easy access.
Revamping the Driver’s Cab: rust removal and comfort
The modifications didn’t stop at the roof. As Charley grew taller, her head started hitting the ceiling, prompting us to rethink the driver’s cab. We removed the seats and had to cut away the steel box they were mounted to, which also meant taking out the head and wall liner cards. Revealing the original fire truck red paint, a few rust spots and zero insulation.
Opting for Kilmat for anti-vibration and sound dampening, which has made a noticeable difference. Although we haven’t yet applied it to the floor—where it’s needed most due to the proximity to the diesel engine—we’re hopeful it will improve acoustics, in a quieter ride. We then covered the Kilmat with 15mm of closed-cell foam insulation. Given that we don’t have air conditioning, this upgrade should help keep things cooler and quieter inside.
Tackling the rust included removing the front windscreen for a thorough job, revealing our suspicions. Sanding, filling, priming and painting progressed over three weeks due to the weather. Windscreen reinstalled smoothly, for a win!
Custom Fabrication and new upholstery
The seat platform is a custom piece. First Tim built a template from wood, which included a strong lock box, space for an amplifier and speakers, and full-width storage.
The template was then turned into a CAD drawing before sending to a metal fabricator. Three weeks later, and just two days before heading out on our summer camping trip, the platform arrived. It was nearly a perfect fit. A few adjustments, priming, and painting, it was welded into place. Significantly enhancing passenger comfort. The ceiling and wall cards were original, and desperately needed reupholstering, which turned out to be more challenging than we anticipated, resulting in a few unsightly finger dents. However, the fresh, new fabric still brings a much-needed clean look to the interior. Running out of time, we had completed what we could before heading to Nitinat.
, but not 100% complete
Final Touches and Testing
Before reinstalling the headliners, we prewired for a new stereo, speakers, reading lights, and device charge ports for the kids. Adding these little extras will make all the difference for our next trip. Despite the minor challenges, the end result is a truck that feels new and refreshed, with increased comfort, ready for many more adventures.
Looking Forward
Our truck modifications have turned out to be a worthwhile investment for comfort and convenience. With the roof-top tent, custom ladder, and upgraded driver’s cab, we’re set for our next adventure. Leaving for South America in just 2 months, the count down is on!
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