Alublack’s system is a configurable tray-and-canopy setup, not one fixed camper body: a Toyota pickup can be built up from a flatbed tray to a canopy-equipped utility rig or a more fully outfitted camper. A 2024 New Atlas report illustrated the range with a single-cab Toyota Hilux carrying a full canopy and electric-lift rooftop tent, while Alublack’s current site also presents tray, canopy, camper and trailer forms. The phrase “every adventure” is promotional framing; the right configuration depends on the truck, fitment and equipment selected.
How the modular system works
New Atlas reported that an Alublack build starts by replacing the pickup’s factory bed with a tray and headache rack. From there, owners can choose among storage, wall and canopy options rather than buying one unchanging camper shell. Alublack’s current product overview describes the system as configurable across canopy, camper and trailer forms: Alublack’s official site.
The 2024 report described galvanized mounting hardware with vibration damping, storage drawers and lockers, and an underside shaped to improve departure angle. Those are features attributed to the company and the report, not independently tested performance claims.
Start with a tray or utility setup
A flatbed tray is the simplest configuration. The report describes options including boxed walls, racks, drawers and partial canopies, allowing the truck to remain an open work or hauling platform while adding storage where needed.
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- [Standard Left/Right Locks, Ready to Install] Left lock includes: 1 lock body, 2 screws, 2 keys, 1 cam lock (pre-installed with 2 screws). Right lock has identical configuration—no extra parts needed.
- [100% Universal Key System] Left lock keys open right locks flawlessly. Single-key operation for multiple Camper Shell Latches or Trailer Door Locks, minimizing key loss risks.
- [Adjustable Cam Lock Direction] Install in 3 steps: 1.Rotate cam lock to desired direction (left/right). 2.Secure with screws. 3.Turn counterclockwise to open Left Truck Cap Lock, clockwise to release Right Camper Shell Latches—reverse to relock.
- [Dual Symmetric Protection] 1-1/2" hole spacing for Pickup Truck Locks & Van Door Locks. Identical left/right lock structure works individually or paired for single/double-side security needs.
- [Zinc Alloy Anti-Corrosion Build] Lock core, handle & base: Zinc alloy (chrome-plated & powder-coated). Square rod: Galvanized steel. Metal plate: Galvanized iron. Hardware: Iron screws & nickel-plated copper keys for rustproof durability.
Add a half canopy or work-focused modules
Alublack’s Weekend Warrior example uses drop-down, half-height walls that can double as worktops. The reported setup also includes a fridge drop slide and provisions for a rooftop tent and awning. This illustrates a middle ground between an open tray and an enclosed camper: accessible storage and useful surfaces without enclosing the entire bed.
Build toward a full camper
A full canopy can be paired with more substantial storage and camping equipment. The featured Hilux in New Atlas was a single-cab truck with a full canopy and Bundutop electric-lift rooftop tent, including an interior ladder and hatch between the canopy and tent. The report describes seating space inside the raised tent.
What the illustrated Hilux camper included
The 2024 New Atlas article describes this particular single-cab Toyota Hilux build with an Engel fridge/freezer, a 205-Ah lithium battery, inverter, water heater and pump, air compressor, dual-burner gas stove, pantry, oven/air fryer, and water storage offered in 80- or 160-liter options. These are reported specifications for the example and its options—not a standard equipment list for every Alublack order.
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- EXACT FIT: 3D-scanned to match 2024-2026 Toyota Tacoma 5ft bed rails. Bolts directly to factory mounting points with a true DIY clamp-on setup. No drilling and no permanent modification required, your truck stays intact.
- MANGANESE STEEL TRUCK BED CAP: Double-layer thickened frame with 3mm manganese steel brackets. Supports 1100 lbs static and 600 lbs dynamic load, a solid foundation for rooftop tents, overland gear, and heavy cargo.
- WINDOWLESS SECURITY, LOCKABLE STEEL PANELS: Replaces fragile glass with solid manganese steel panels for full cargo privacy. Lockable gullwing doors and weather-tight seals create a secure, rust-resistant vault that keeps tools completely out of sight.
- GULLWING PANELS, FULL 360 ACCESS: Heavy-duty gas struts open the side and rear panels fully for all-around gear access. The flat panel surface doubles as a rigid mounting base for recovery boards, tool pouches, or offroad equipment.
- BUILT-IN LED, OVERLAND TRUCK TOPPER DESIGN: Interior LED roof light illuminates the bed for night loading or camping. Integrated third brake light boosts road visibility, and the sleek hard top profile cuts highway wind noise on long trips.
The tent, kitchen and electrical setup show how far the system can be taken, but they should not be assumed to come with a tray or empty canopy. The same report said the US configurations it priced did not list refrigerators or electrical systems.
Fitment, load limits and removal
The Hilux example does not establish that the same assembly fits every Toyota pickup. Cab style, bed length, model year and the selected components can affect compatibility. Before ordering, confirm the exact vehicle fitment and the payload and load limits for the truck and the rack or tent combination.
Alu-Cab is a separate company with its own products, not another name for Alublack. Its official pages list product-specific fitments, including Toyota Tacoma and Hilux applications where relevant: Alu-Cab ModCAP Modular Camper and Alu-Cab Guard Canopies. Those listings are useful examples of why fitment needs to be checked product by product; they do not establish compatibility for Alublack equipment.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 5ft/6ft models. This truck bed soft topper is designed as a direct replacement for the rear truck bed, matching factory bed rails without cutting or drilling. This product requires custom sizing — please contact us with your vehicle details before ordering to ensure proper fitment.
- The frame is constructed from stainless steel for long-lasting durability and rust resistance. The oxford canvas shell provides water-resistant protection, keeping cargo dry and secure in all weather conditions.
- The high-rise foldable camper shell design adds extra vertical space to accommodate taller cargo such as camping equipment, luggage, or work tools that low-profile covers cannot hold. The clear rear window improves rear visibility while adding a clean look to the vehicle.
- When not in use, the soft top can be loosened and folded forward against the front of the truck bed, freeing up the full cargo area for tall or bulky items without removing the entire cover. The integrated all-in-one design makes switching between open-bed use and enclosed cargo protection simple.
- This soft shell truck top is a practical aftermarket accessory for pickup truck owners, suitable for daily commuting, road trips, camping, and work use. The steel frame with stainless steel roof combines cargo security, weather protection, and enhanced exterior styling in one solution.
New Atlas reported that canopies could be removed by undoing four bolts and raising the assembly on four hydraulic lift legs. That is the removal method described in the article, not an independently verified timing claim or a guarantee that every configuration is equally quick to remove.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the reported US prices do—and do not—cover
New Atlas reported on November 26, 2024, that Boise-based Long Range America offered a replacement flatbed tray and empty canopy for a short-bed Toyota Tacoma at US$16,950. The reported package included a full-length platform roof rack, spare tire carrier and rear ladder. The article said selected additions could bring that setup to US$22,952.
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Those are historical prices reported in 2024, not verified current quotes. They describe a Tacoma tray-and-canopy configuration, not the featured Hilux camper; New Atlas said it had not been given a price for the full Alublack camper. The reported Tacoma figures do not establish the price of a tent, kitchen, fridge, battery or other camper equipment.
How to decide which configuration makes sense
Choose based on the job the truck needs to do, not the most elaborate example. A tray can suit hauling and changing loads; half-height walls and a fridge slide add accessible storage and work surfaces; a full canopy with sleeping and utility equipment creates a more integrated camping setup.
Quick Recap
- Vehicle fitment: Confirm make, model, year, cab and bed length for the exact tray, canopy, rack and tent combination.
- Payload and roof loading: Check the vehicle’s limits and the loads imposed by the system and accessories, especially when adding a rooftop tent or rack.
- Storage and layout: Decide whether you need open cargo access, enclosed lockers, a fridge slide, a kitchen or a dedicated sleeping arrangement.
- Removability: Ask how the specific assembly is installed and removed, and what equipment or help is required for your configuration.
- Total installed cost: Get a quote for the exact components, installation and region. The reported 2024 Tacoma prices are not a current quote for a fully equipped Hilux camper.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
