Futuristic Foldable Camper Turns Into a Robust Toyota Rooftop Shelter

The rising trend of hard-sided pop-up pickup campers and camping toppers in the early 2020s is evident through new launches such as Oru Designs Bruin, Cube Series QB, and AntiShanty Dwell Shell. Ohio startup Hardsider is actively developing a sleek and innovative approach by combining a military-grade truck rack with a detachable pop-up roof and composite cladding.

Innovative Design Features of the Hardsider Camping Topper

This camping cap distinguishes itself with a forward-extending, reinforced front, ample exterior track for accessory mounting, LED lighting, and Starlink satellite internet capability, solidifying its unique and future-proofed design. The foundation of Hardsider’s build is a robust 2-inch aluminum square-tube pickup rack originally created for the US Department of Defense.

The rack has standalone utility, similar to a less modular version of the new Küat Ibex. However, its primary purpose is to act as the base for the drop-on pop-up camper, securely clamping to the upper frame. The walls, roof, and sleeper platform of the camper feature a ballistic nylon-encased honeycomb-core composite, designed for enhanced strength and weight reduction. In contrast to certain hard-sided pop-tops with multiple folding components, the Hardsider’s “Origami Tech” wall design unfolds all three sides simultaneously in a single motion.

The pop-up walls are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy, wet snow loads, with the ballistic nylon offering abrasion resistance. The insulation consists of laminated closed-cell polyethylene, providing an asserted insulation level of R22.

The Hardsider, lacking a floor, is positioned on the pickup box rails and features a complete rear wall extending to the height of the tailgate, which houses an entry door. Additionally, it incorporates a front wall and lockable doors on both sides, facilitating convenient interior access from all sides of the vehicle.

Enhanced Interior Space and Accessibility in the Hardsider’s Extended Roof Design

The extended roof of the Hardsider covers more of the truck cab roof, which may limit the space for carrying cargo on a rack but results in increased interior space. In contrast to other pickup topper sleeper platforms that extend over the entire bed, eliminating standing room, the Hardsider’s full-size bed allows ample open space over the floor. This design facilitates easy access for both individuals without disturbing the other, and one person can stand downstairs while the other sleeps comfortably.

Regarding the lower space, the Hardsider is initially provided as an empty shell but offers various layouts for filling the pickup bed. A basic bulkhead separates a pass-through storage compartment between the small left and right hatch doors. Buyers can customize the larger rear pickup floor space with either a pair of sidewall benches or a single bench and a shelving unit with a work table. These shelves are accessible from both inside and outside for added convenience.

The Hardsider is equipped with both interior and exterior LED lighting, and its pop-up shell’s entire perimeter features stacked tie-down rails, allowing the addition of accessories such as off-road lights, awnings, and antennae. The topper is designed to be Starlink-ready, providing support for digital nomads. What sets this design apart is its capability to remove the pop-up roof, transforming the Hardsider into a rack, a feature distinguishing it from nearly all other camping toppers except for the upcoming Jeep-branded Addax.

Prototype Unveiling and Reservation Details for the Hardsider

While mainly existing as attractive conceptual designs, the company showcased two prototypes at last month’s Overland Expo East show. They are currently accepting $1,000 reservations and aim to commence deliveries of the first customer builds from their Cincinnati facility in the spring of 2024.

Projected pricing ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, contingent on the chosen interior layout and options. The Hardsider topper is designed to be compatible with a range of pickup trucks, spanning from midsize to full-size HD models, including electric variants. With an estimated base weight of 450 lbs (204 kg), it is slightly heavier than designs such as the 380-lb (172-kg) Dwell Shell or the 350-lb (159-kg) Rossmönster Lagom but remains quite comparable to the 460-lb (209-kg) Hiatus camper.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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