For too long, pickup campers have been dragged into chronic filth. The recent topper trend has helped reverse some of the pickup camp aesthetic misfortunes with lighter, lower and sleeker designs that complement rather than detract from truck styling. Overland brand Days on Tracks has taken this look-inversion to the next level by launching Alpaca, a camp topper that is downright beautiful thanks to its bright pop-up fabrics and wooden walls, doors and roof panels.
Days on Tracks (DOT) was founded by the team of husband and wife Nico and Sylvia Muller as something of a pandemic passion project. The duo converted his decades-old GMC Vandura Pathfinder 4×4 into an all-terrain family his camper van and began manufacturing more and more accessories for himself and friends, turning the hobby into a full-fledged business. Growing up, his Hookie Co., his business customizing motorcycles and e-bikes.
days on the track
With the new Alpaca, Days on Tracks moves from vehicle accessory to full-fledged (but lightweight) vehicle camper.
DOT Alpaca works just like any other topper, but looks more stylish than average. The contrast between the bright wood exterior panels and the orange accented ‘bright olive’ fabric shown in the first rendering makes it look more like a design student’s project than an actual camping product, although the latter is actually the case. is. Those who don’t like that particular rustic-chic look can opt for powder-coated aluminum or carbon fiber panels instead, or choose from a range of other fabric colors.
days on the track
Whatever look the buyer chooses, it’s supported by a structural aluminum frame with a wedge-style pop-up roof. The pickup bed remains empty and ready to load your gear. Her side hatches and rear doors open with the help of integrated struts.
Alpaca’s available raised ribbed roof rack adds space for carrying gear. Days on Tracks says the frame is compatible with attachable accessories such as awnings and supplemental lighting. Base weights start at around 375 lbs (170 kg), comparable to American pop-up pickup toppers that tend to weigh in the 300-400 lbs (136-182 kg) range.
days on the track
DOT Alpaca is currently available for pre-order starting at €8,900 (approximately US$9,775) plus shipping. According to Days on Tracks, the topper was designed with the entire range of pickups in mind and will be offered in a variety of widths and lengths. The initial focus is on popular European market trucks such as the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok. We have already started production with a lead time of approximately 8-12 weeks. The company says the first full examples will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
days on the track
In addition to alpaca, the young homegrown company offers several other impressive land-based products, including rugged roof and truck bed racks and their own line of heavy-duty off-road excavators. We especially like the truck bed rack with side bike carry option pictured above.
A short video shows some other alpaca material and color options.
DOT Alpaca Pickup Camper
Source: Days on Track
