[nitroxracer78]

I've never seen one of those before, but seeing that one makes me wonder how many are left. If it were mine I would try and restore the El Camino and the camper and take it to shows with the camper. Who else would have an El Camino with a camper.

 

[theelcaminofactory]

Well I would like to see a pic of that, never heard of a camper on an El, just the little toppers that most ppl have.

If I'm not mistaken I remember seeing an original Chevy El Camino dealership brochure with a pic of full size camper on a 5th gen. Welcome to ECC Doug.

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[Doug E]

more info

 

[Doug E]

Thanks to everyone for the feed back (good and ??)
I just spent an hr replying to your comments but it ended up in cyberspace,
But I'm gonna try one more time
Hopefully this add will answer some of your questions,
So 'Texas' NO Bubba didn't make it'
And 'Tuggy' over cab bunk and a table that folds down 2 sleep 4+
Hopkins MFG Milan Ill, bought in 83 (used) and they told me they made about 400 units,
And like '87' said it was and is called the Idlewild,
'87' found a link to another one,thats the only one I have ever seen online or otherwise,
Anyway have more to add so if its OK I'll be back soon
Thanks to everyone
Doug
texaselkyWho built that? Bubbas' backyard camper co?
texaselkyWho built that? Bubbas' backyard camper co?

 

[elcamino74guy]

Wow, I guess that's versatility for you right there.

Still, I'd never put one on an El Camino. I don't know of any El Camino's that came with more than a 1/2 ton rear end. Even on a Full Size truck a cabover camper shell can overload the rear end. I had a neighbor who experienced that problem.

I'd bet it's got overload springs on it and beefy air shocks on the rear end.

:nanawrench:

 

[El Corvino]

Holy cow man... have you ever read something on here and actually been stumped?

 

[elcamino74guy]

Well, yeah the camper my neighbor had actually stuck out over the hood so it was kinda big.

I just really don't care for the look but to each his own.

:smileyb:

 

[Doug E]

It,s a choice thing,could even say a look only a mother could love,
Sleeping,2 max with maybe a kid or two,but what the heck is in a camino box,
Rear end yep "air bags in the coil springs and an extra set of shocks"
87 Thanks for the pics,
I don't have any at the time,
Once again thanks,but it really doesn't do it justice the builders used the space like real pros,cabs and storage every sq in,
And like the pros you guys are,
From a collector standpoint what value would you put on it?
I don't know!!

 

[Doug E]

 

[Doug E]

 

[Doug E]

 

[Doug E]

 

[Doug E]

 

[havin_a_ball]

holy cow, that is quite a camper

 

[lsrx101]

Recently there was a camper for a Gen 5 listed on Ebay.
It wasn't nearly as big as the ones pictured here and was basically a sleeping cabin for Two with a small water tank and sink. Lob about 3 feet off the top of that Idlewild camper and you have it. It was a good bit larger than a topper or camper shell, but not by much.
It protruded out over the roof a bit, but it seemed like that area was just stowage. It was too low for sleeping.
It actually looked pretty cool. I was very tempted, but didn't have the cash to spend.

 

[elcamino74guy]

I like the trailer idea.

Your camper seems to have held up pretty well too.

:nanawrench:

 

[El Corvino]

I kind of want to see this turned into a sticky. This is a very cool and interesting piece of trivia. Any chance we could put something together?

 

[lsrx101]

I kind of want to see this turned into a sticky. This is a very cool and interesting piece of trivia. Any chance we could put something together?

I agree. They are a neat aftermarket El Camino accessory, worthy of recognition in their own right. I'll bet they are even more rare than factory trailer brake controllers. :dontknow:

 

[Maddening]

I wouldn't think it'd need a sticky, but maybe moving it to the history section would be good.

 

[El Corvino]

true