Truck topper pop-top/canopy camper

[hoooogan]

For people using these on a midsize pickup like a Tacoma/Ranger, how's the overall weight? Gas mileage, capacity, handling? I've been interested but wonder how much capacity I'd have left for two people, gear, and 400+ lbs of elk, hide, head, ice, etc.

I'm probably over GVWR with my setup. But I've upgraded suspension, brakes, frame stiffeners and regeared for 35's because of how I use my truck. I get anywhere from 12-17mpg highway. Bone stock was 17-19. Handles like an old Cadillac, because I set it up like such. Not financial advice, but GVWR is the load rating for a bone stock vehicle. Even upgrading tires to heavier load rating would theoretically raise GVWR.

I wouldn't think twice about adding another 1000# into my truck because I've done my due diligence and wouldn't be driving like an idiot in that situation. Your truck is not going to spontaneously fall apart if you surpass the rating. If it bothers you, make appropriate upgrades and drive more carefully.

 

[elsb0048]

Not financial advice, but GVWR is the load rating for a bone stock vehicle. Even upgrading tires to heavier load rating would theoretically raise GVWR.

Counterpoint: GVWR is rating for as delivered, manufacturer does not specify what the limiting factor is for weight rating. It COULD be tires, it could also be transmission, axles, or transfer cases. Upgrading tires to heavier load rating could raise your overall weight and REDUCE GVWR. Seems like most heavy payload trim options on will have added transmission coolers, different axle spec, limit to larger rim diameters for larger brake calipers, and also have a smaller tire size than the off-road trims

I think hibernation is right to be cautious about payload in a midsize truck even with a lightweight camper.

 

[Ozzy841]

I went back and forth between a topper and slide in and ended up with a FWC slide in shell model. Only added solar and a heater. It has been a good option because the bed is still mostly open with the shell model even though you are limited somewhat by the smaller door. It is way better at keeping dust and water out than a topper as it’s a sealed unit and it only takes me 15-20 minutes to take it off if I need to haul something larger so I end up just taking it off between trips for convenience. I’ve camped in it down to zero degrees and up to 10k elevation and have had no issues with it. Higher elevation is where the propane heater shines vs the diesel from my experience. That said if I were going the topper route I’d go with a super pacific. Excellent build quality, integrated truma propane heater option available (their install is super clean) and no sales tax in Oregon so that’s a plus.

 

[sndmn11]

I went back and forth between a topper and slide in and ended up with a FWC slide in shell model. Only added solar and a heater. It has been a good option because the bed is still mostly open with the shell model even though you are limited somewhat by the smaller door. It is way better at keeping dust and water out than a topper as it’s a sealed unit and it only takes me 15-20 minutes to take it off if I need to haul something larger so I end up just taking it off between trips for convenience. I’ve camped in it down to zero degrees and up to 10k elevation and have had no issues with it. Higher elevation is where the propane heater shines vs the diesel from my experience. That said if I were going the topper route I’d go with a super pacific. Excellent build quality, integrated truma propane heater option available (their install is super clean) and no sales tax in Oregon so that’s a plus.

Was the FWC heater their install or your own?

 

[Ozzy841]

Was the FWC heater their install or your own?

It was the dometic that FWC installs. Came with an externally vented/access for the propane bottle also as well as a propane safety meter inside which is nice

 

[Voyageur]

Take a look at OVRLND Campers. They are great to work with and build our semi-custom campers similar to the Project M. They have lots of options and the build quality is fantastic.

OVRLND Pop Top Camper Shells

OVRLND Campers builds the lightest, most spacious and robust campers shells on the market.

campovrlnd.com

I second OVRLND.
I purchased one of these back in March and am very happy with it. The build quality is top notch, as is their customer service...everything from guidance in choosing options prior to ordering, communications during the construction phase, meticulous attention to detail during install, owner education, and prompt response to any follow up questions after purchase.

 

[tony]

Anything with the words "off road or overland", adds 10k right off the top.

Have you thought about tear drop trailer? I'm looking to go that route. With a big dog, getting in a roof top tent is a no go.
Downside is the price, some of these tear drops are 20-30k and climbing.
I want something with minimal wood in the build.

 

[Randy11]

Downside is the price, some of these tear drops are 20-30k and climbing.
I want something with minimal wood in the build.

I had a Braxton Creek (now Bontrager), and the build quality was better than I expected. I pulled it on hundreds of miles of dirt roads and never had any issues with anything coming apart. I would buy another.

 

[sndmn11]

I went to the overland expo today and looked at a bunch of these. Here's quick video showing the space in the different models, and some photos.

Soaring Eagle OV-X

Big surprise as I didn't know this existed. Welded tubular AL framing, wide enough to sleep East/West, the longest of the bunch, made in Indiana, insulated, good base options, under bed storage... I was impressed.



Lone Peak Overland

Seemed to be feature packed with add ons at a value price point. I believe this is extrusions bolted together but USA sourced. The lift out of the way bed is nice. The roomiest of the wedge styles.



Four Wheel Campers Project M

Fully welded AL, mostly tubular but not all, long standing brand, 10 in length, good spartan options available.




Topo Topper Rincon

A bit of a surprise how much I liked this. I didn't have high hopes based on their website, but this thing is well constructed of welded AL. No solid side access door, but two side window options, factory solar, and it looked like a factory heat option.




Go Fast Camper

I'd dismissed this in my mind due to the bracing "being in the way", but in person it didn't seem bad. However, the tent material was loose and looked like it would be a circus in the wind.




Hiatus Camper

Hiatus Campers

youtu.be

This was the first of two hard sided popups and was pretty neat. It seemed to have a good bit of options for the base model, is insulated, and they offer vertical sidewalls (like most others are) and a slanted sidewall if you wish to match your cab profile.




Harker Outdoors

Harker Outdoors

youtu.be

The shortest of the bunch, I think close to 9'. This was any jque concept where the rear lift hatch comes off and the tent extends down past the tailgate. Factory heat and solar options, STEEL construction, the bed is long and can be lifted but doesn't have a pass through space within the bed itself.




Super Pacific X1

Super Pacific X1

youtu.be

Fully welded AL, best doors of them all, electric chases throughout, threaded bosses, seemed well thought out and functionally simple. I liked it a good bit.




Explore Elevated

Explore Elevated

youtu.be

USA aluminum, but riveted together, T slots and molle-ish slots everywhere, great door hardware. I didn't know this brand existed until today. I also didn't get a picture of the whole thing, but it's a wedge style.



Oru Designs USA

Oru Designs

youtu.be

The second hardside, oodles of options, mostly welded construction with a few rivets, east/west sleeping available in the XL version, factory solar and heater options, my first exposure to barn doors and I liked them.




Radica Moonlander X

Radica Moonlander

youtu.be

Neat concept with lots of options, but no standing room. Made in Colorado though! Another one I didn't get a picture of.



Tune M1

Tune M1

youtu.be

This was a high and a low... Really neat options, wide enough to sleep East/West, seemed to fulfill a lot of wants with power and heat. It's imported AL extrusions bolted into imported synthetic corner pieces. I wish it wasn't!





More shipping tomorrow.