Truck topper pop-top/canopy camper

[sndmn11]

We were just discussing this style camper/tent today. Can someone explain what the appeal is? To me I see no benefit over a good tent. Also, can't envision having to use a ladder to get in and out, especially if nature calls during the night. Just curious.

My attraction (without experience so just assumption) is that I have always had a fiberglass topper. I have one right now on my '05 ram. It is a one-trick pont, and I wouldn't say it has any tricks other than keeping things out of of the weather and relatively secure. They are also $2k to $5k.

We have a lot of tents, I've written tent reviews here actually, and 13 years of my career was with a tent manufacturer. I like tents a lot.

This purchase would add convenience for @KickinNDishin and I. We agree that there are times when it would be much easier to get out if all we had to do was hop in the truck and go. Not setting up a camp at midnight, or not packing up a tent camp the day after arrival because you are only hunting for a day, or being able to head out to upland areas the day before weather without paying for a hotel, all come into play. We also never utilize the wood stoves we have for any of our tents because of securing fire wood. We also don't have much for electronics' use when camping, and there's been some times when it would have been great. I slept solo with the birdpup last year in my Outback 9 nights last year for upland hunts; it gets boring when the sun goes down at 5p and doesn't come up until 6a.

So, if, BIG IF, we can achieve something that is self sustaining from an electricity standpoint with the ability to use an exterior diesel heater, that would be a game changer. The alternative would be to setup solar panels and heat for a tent camp everytime, and while some do it, we haven't yet.

 

[yfarm]

My experience with dust intrusion is that positive pressure within the bed is as important as sealing. Have used bulb seal on the tailgate and topper window as well as painters tape outside when its really bad. Caravan shells in Reno is the only company I am aware of that addresses this issue in their designs. Have thought of adding a marine solar powered vent to the leading edge of my topper roof. Using the truck cabin fan thru a sliding window sealed to the topper accomplishes the same thing.

 

[elsb0048]

So, if, BIG IF, we can achieve something that is self sustaining from an electricity standpoint with the ability to use an exterior diesel heater, that would be a game changer. The alternative would be to setup solar panels and heat for a tent camp everytime, and while some do it, we haven't yet.

Don't discount propane heater options either: The heat exchanger style in mine is quite slick, it's dry not like a buddy heater, and you'll probably cook with propane anyway so still two birds. It may be cheaper than trying to splice into main fuel tank and less faff than a dedicated heater fuel tank.

 

[sndmn11]

Don't discount propane heater options either: The heat exchanger style in mine is quite slick, it's dry not like a buddy heater, and you'll probably cook with propane anyway so still two birds. It may be cheaper than trying to splice into main fuel tank and less faff than a dedicated heater fuel tank.

I just read about a truma!

 

[elsb0048]

I just read about a truma!

That's what mine is.