Pop Top Camper Shell

[Carr5vols]

Does anyone have any experience with the pop top camper shells, similar to an AT Overland or Go Fast system. They are pricey but they seem to be perfect for my needs. Just looking for pros and cons if you have one.

Other examples of them below...

https://gearjunkie.com/camper-rv/lightweight-pop-top-truck-campers

 

[Titan_Bow]

I was really close to getting g a pickup and my first thought was one of these. I love the idea of being able to stand up and move around. They seem like the ticket for solo truck camping. I ended up buying a 4Runner instead though. A dude I work with has a 1st gen GoFast and I don’t know if it’s just his or what, but it seems there were some visible gaps at the corners where the flip up panels come together.


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[BBob]

I don't have any experience with them but I've looked hard at them. I've used a Four Wheel for about 15 years and I've found I just don't need anything other than a roof over my head and a place to sleep. The FW will probably go away and get swapped for something tougher, more compact and simpler.

 

[Carr5vols]

Thanks guys hopefully more will chime in, to give us more input...

 

[BBob]

I was really close to getting g a pickup and my first thought was one of these. I love the idea of being able to stand up and move around. They seem like the ticket for solo truck camping. I ended up buying a 4Runner instead though. A dude I work with has a 1st gen GoFast and I don’t know if it’s just his or what, but it seems there were some visible gaps at the corners where the flip up panels come together.


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I don't doubt the gaps. They are just simple flat aluminum panels with rubber balloon seals up against the tube frame. I've toyed with fabricating one but don't really have the time for it.

 

[Titan_Bow]

I don't doubt the gaps. They are just simple flat aluminum panels with rubber balloon seals up against the tube frame. I've toyed with fabricating one but don't really have the time for it.

Yeah, my first thought was your stuff would be covered in dust or soaking wet in a rainstorm. The AT Overland and the Vagabond camper I think intrigued me more so.


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[tt_johnsclist]

My buddy has a “roof nest” I think it’s called, he loves it and from what I’ve seen it looks great. Definitely well thought out and high quality.

 

[Extrapale]

I am patiently waiting for my Super Pacific.

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[downthepipe]

I am patiently waiting for my Super Pacific.

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The website says they are $12,000. Is that serious... for a roof tent??

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Financing makes the unaffordable…….. affordable to those willing to pay. SMH. But, it’s not my money so the best of luck.

 

[Farmingdale's Finest]

All of these “overlanding accessories” look cool but I just don’t get it. They are all for the most part super high quality but they IMO actually reduce the functionality of the truck by tying you down to where ever you parked because you can’t just jump in the truck and drive away. I would much rather have a traditional tent than any rooftop for several reasons. First one already said, second no issue with possibly slipping and falling climbing in or out. The inconvenience of getting in and out to answer the call of nature and frankly I can find better use of spending my money on a quality tent and have more left over for other accessories or to pay for licenses.


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[Titan_Bow]

While I agree with you about the loss of functionality that a rooftop tent creates, these campers like GoFast, Super Pacific and AT Overland, I dont think limit you any more than a traditional camper shell or truck topper. When I was taking a serious look at them, my main thought was how nice it would be to stand up inside the thing in the bed of your truck. Whether you are changing clothes or just want to stretch, being able to do that in a weather protected space would be nice. However, its not 12K nice hahaha. Like I said earlier, I ended up going with another SUV and bought a 4Runner, which I can sleep in the back of just fine.
The thing that gets me is all the "overland" accessories that people hang off their trucks as ornaments, LOL. I always chuckle when I see trucks go by with MaxxTraxx, Rotopax, shovels, HiLift, 5lb, propane tanks, Pelican cases, etc. all strapped on the outside of their rigs, and its a wednesday morning in suburbia. My kids and I always joke and say "Bro, do you even overland?" every time we see one.

 

[Idaho_Potato]

I've looked hard at all the options out there and my choice is the Alu-cab canopy camper. You can stand up in the bed and access from the inside. Price is reasonable and they seem lighter than most. Also have a lot of modular accessories.

 

[C.patterson]

Though I don’t have personal experience, I’ve heard the rtt what have a hard shell have less drag and last longer than the canvas covers.

 

[Phaseolus]

I have hated the canvas walled pop ups I was forced to own. When they get wet they need to be popped back up and air dried. If you don’t they will get mildew even in the dry climate of Western Colorado. I now have a hard sided Eagle Cap camper that is better in that regard but you won’t want to take them very far on a rough road. It’s all a compromise.

 

[Vandy321]

Have a GFC, v2...dry, vents well, under 300#, more secure, more functional and dar less weight than a fiberglass shell.

I still prefer my tent and rarely sleep at the truck. But I bought this to get the wife and kiddo to get intereted in camping. I do like the GFC for myself for short fly fishing trips where I want to be more mobile than a tent. Also plan to use it this fall for chasing birds.

In the elk woods though, a tent still reigns supreme, imho

 

[Extrapale]

The website says they are $12,000. Is that serious... for a roof tent??

The price has nearly doubled since I got in line. Its a canopy with a pop up. It fits my need very well.

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[BRTreedogs]

I'm planning on getting a belair canopy and building a bed in it.
And depending on that maybe a four wheel eventually.
I was pretty hot in getting a roof top tent for awhile. But alot of what I do is bad weather and I worried about operation of zippers and latches in freezing rain. Along with climbing up and down.

I usually have a 3 weeks worth of gear in the truck and move almost nightly during archery season.
I want the most mobile setup with the least amount of setup or unloading the bed.

 

[Vandy321]

I'm planning on getting a belair canopy and building a bed in it.
And depending on that maybe a four wheel eventually.
I was pretty hot in getting a roof top tent for awhile. But alot of what I do is bad weather and I worried about operation of zippers and latches in freezing rain. Along with climbing up and down.

I usually have a 3 weeks worth of gear in the truck and move almost nightly during archery season.
I want the most mobile setup with the least amount of setup or unloading the bed.

Look GFC if that's in thata in the budget...sets up in 15 seconds, literally. Folds down in under 1 minute (can leave sleeping bag in it). All your gear can stay inside the truck bed, covered, secure and out of the elements. Best part is, you can climb in and out from tent to truck bed without ever going outside, no need to use the outside zippers or leave the tent/camper top via a ladder if the weather sucks, you can just climb down in the bed, cook some chow, get dressed, drink coffee, etc, then pop open the rear window, climb out, lock up and off to hunt.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Look GFC if that's in thata in the budget...sets up in 15 seconds, literally. Folds down in under 1 minute (can leave sleeping bag in it). All your gear can stay inside the truck bed, covered, secure and out of the elements. Best part is, you can climb in and out from tent to truck bed without ever going outside, no need to use the outside zippers or leave the tent/camper top via a ladder if the weather sucks, you can just climb down in the bed, cook some chow, get dressed, drink coffee, etc, then pop open the rear window, climb out, lock up and off to hunt.

$7450 now for the XL
Yeahhh ill pass.