Truck topper pop-top/canopy camper

[elsb0048]

I already have a diesel heater I rigged up in an action packer.

I just think I’d like the truma because it’s permanently mounted, and no fuel can to spill/smell

I do like my truma, it's definitely easy/simple and the built in thermostat is much appreciated by the lady friend..
I run my cook stove off the same bottle so it is is one less thing to fill by comparison to diesel for me.
Never had a diesel heater to compare it to though and $2500 is a lotta money.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I do like my truma, it's definitely easy/simple and the built in thermostat is much appreciated by the lady friend..
I run my cook stove off the same bottle so it is is one less thing to fill by comparison to diesel for me.
Never had a diesel heater to compare it to though and $2500 is a lotta money.

Really wish I would’ve ordered when they had the free truma in October

But I was hunting lol

I put 15k on the tundra in 2 months.

When I’m over for Xmas I’m hoping I can get to SP for a tour and maybe I can talk them into some kinda sweet deal

It’s all a lot of money for me.
About 5 years ago I flipped and have been trying to angle towards the debt free life.

So a purchase like this is hard for me.

But I was just so not happy with my arrangements this year.
Truck was packed tighter then a drum, mostly slept in my bed roll.

Heck I did a 3400 mile trip for 3rd rifle and just carried my flex bow in the truck and never set it up.

 

[sndmn11]

I do like my truma, it's definitely easy/simple and the built in thermostat is much appreciated by the lady friend..
I run my cook stove off the same bottle so it is is one less thing to fill by comparison to diesel for me.
Never had a diesel heater to compare it to though and $2500 is a lotta money.

Have you used the truma at altitude?

 

[sndmn11]

@BRTreedogs I forgot about Harker Outdoors. They would probably be perfect for you.

Full Size Harker EDC

Standard Features: Tailgate annex (EDC only. The EXO does not have a tailgate annex) 8 inch lid capable of storing 5 1/2 inches of bedding. Camper Weight: 320 lbs Frame: 2" Fully-welded Steel Tube Liftaway Sleep Platform: 58" x 90" carpeted aluminum composite. Camper Roof and Hatch: Aluminum...

harkeroutdoors.com

 

[elsb0048]

Have you used the truma at altitude?

Not so far 6-7 nights around 6000-6500ft is the highest.

I live at sea level and the Cascades aren't that high.

 

[BRTreedogs]

@BRTreedogs I forgot about Harker Outdoors. They would probably be perfect for you.

Full Size Harker EDC

Standard Features: Tailgate annex (EDC only. The EXO does not have a tailgate annex) 8 inch lid capable of storing 5 1/2 inches of bedding. Camper Weight: 320 lbs Frame: 2" Fully-welded Steel Tube Liftaway Sleep Platform: 58" x 90" carpeted aluminum composite. Camper Roof and Hatch: Aluminum...

harkeroutdoors.com

What about the topo mesa wedge style?


Super pacific does seems to have the most robust design. Kind of an air frame style.

It’s just so hard to compare without seeing in person

 

[BRTreedogs]

I don’t see any type of insulation offered by Gfc

SP has t loc tracks up top

I need to find out how wide
If my existing victory rack could go on top that would be awesome

After some additional fees for install and tundra size, the gap closes some.
SP about $2500 more.

 

[sndmn11]

What about the topo mesa wedge style?


Super pacific does seems to have the most robust design. Kind of an air frame style.

It’s just so hard to compare without seeing in person

The Mesa is built the same way as the Rincon we got, so, the only reason not to would be shipping/install or the drive. I would bet if you called and told them Rokslide made you buy they would play with numbers for you.

Doesn't Super Pacific still have their "demo" program ?

Book a Camper Demo

Experience the Super Pacific difference, with an in-person X1 Camper tour. Search the map, find an owner nearby, and tour the best wedge camper on Earth.

superpacificusa.com

 

[BRTreedogs]

The Mesa is built the same way as the Rincon we got, so, the only reason not to would be shipping/install or the drive. I would bet if you called and told them Rokslide made you buy they would play with numbers for you.

Doesn't Super Pacific still have their "demo" program ?

Book a Camper Demo

Experience the Super Pacific difference, with an in-person X1 Camper tour. Search the map, find an owner nearby, and tour the best wedge camper on Earth.

superpacificusa.com

They do, when I go to my moms for Xmas I’ll only be an hour from SP

Plus I drive so much for work, driving doesn’t mean much to me

And if I actually go to SP and they offer me a free hat or something I’ll probably order one lol.

 

[406flyfish]

I own a GFC and have checked out the SP. Initially, I was dead set on the SP. SP is certainly nicer, but not worth the $7,000+ over the GFC.

We take our sprinter for family trips, but my 5.5ft bed is plenty room for my dogs and myself in the GFC for hunt/camping trips. Spent that $7,000 grand difference on a Northern Brooks range Caribou hunt.

18k on a wedge is wild. At that price segment, there are better options with more space.

PS- I was so hyped up on insulation (live in MT), that’s another reason I wanted the SP. After chatting with a few SP owners, must didn’t buy the insulation, and the ones who did ended up selling them. I spoke with an engineer with GFC and they have no intentions of making it an option because there are better alternative. Hence, why they are coming out with their own diesel/gas heater.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I own a GFC and have checked out the SP. SP is certainly nice, but not worth the $7,000+ over the GFC. We take our sprinter for family trips, but my 5.5ft bed is plenty room for my dogs and myself in the GFC for hunt/camping trips. Spent that $7,000 grand difference on a Northern Brooks range Caribou hunt.

18k on a wedge is wild. At that price segment, there are better options with more space.

Well it’s not apples to apples. Bad initial comparison on my part.

It’s basically $2500 more for the SP
And that doesn’t count me having to drive to Gfc for install.
If I ship the Gfc it’s on like $1k more for the SP

The $18k would be with the truma heater, full puff installation package and the full lighting kit.

I also agree on more space for the price.
But I’m selecting a wedge for absolute ease of setup as my number one priority.

I really am the laziest when it comes to camp setup, it’s usually well after dark and I’m pooped and cranky

 

[406flyfish]

Given your location and price difference you just stated, looks like SP would be an excellent choice. An overlooked advantage is the proximity to their facility incase you need any warranty or upgradability work.

GFC is down the street from me, another factor that swayed me, besides the $7,500 price difference for the options I selected. Truma is real nice & convenient. literally 20x more expensive than a decent diesel heater though. I couldn’t justify spending an extra $3,000 over the diesel heater for mostly convenience. Heck, I even use my cheap buddy heater in certain scenarios. People complain about condensation, but this can be easily mitigated by slightly cracking a window or two. Not ideal, but still $3,000 cheaper. If I was living out of my rig full time or a ski bum, I’d probably splurge on the Thurma.

It’s a big purchase, and I went down this research rabbit hole as well. Check out

Tune M1

Meet the Tune M1: an ultralight, durable pop-up truck camper with class-leading space, modular design, and 360° access—built for overlanding and backcountry travel.

www.tuneoutdoor.com

Just came out. Know of a few people who switched over from SP & GFC and are very pleased with the additional living space that is lost with a wedge style camper. Practically same opening/closing time as SP/GFC.

Home

The Hiatus Camper® is our take on the ultimate adventure rig. Lightweight, streamlined, and rugged enough to handle any terrain.

hiatuscampers.com

Hard insulated walls and set up time less than 30 seconds.. I’ve heard some excellent reviews.. Expensive though.


I’m sure you’ll be ecstatic with what ever you purchase. Good luck!

PS - Make sure you get it insured! Also, join the SP Facebook group if you haven’t. A lot of good information and people list their slightly used campers on there all the time.

 

[sndmn11]

18k on a wedge is wild. At that price segment, there are better options with more space.

Definitely! I don't think we are in this Rincon for that including the overkill electrical system I put in this thing.

I woke up to pee, and snapped a picture just now. There's a lot of room in the Rincon.

 

[BRTreedogs]

@406flyfish

Thanks for the lengthy reply.
Yes I definitely am a pay for convenience guy.
Also when I do these long multi state trips, with various weather. I have a lot of gear with me.
So I’m trying to get everything hard mounted and out of the bed if possible, so I don’t have to unload half the truck to get in/out.
I did at least 45 nights this fall and only slept in the same spot once for 3 nights.
And that doesn’t count shed hunting in the spring, I’ve slacked of on that but still do over 20 days.

I also travel for work and sleep in a forester for 7 night every other week.

What I really should do is sell my house, build a small barndo, buy a 4x4 van and a sxs for where the van can’t go.

But essentially I don’t have the motivation or the balls for a change that big.

 

[BRTreedogs]

The hiatus looks like if the walls were wet when you close it the water would just run inside.

 

[hoooogan]

The hiatus looks like if the walls were wet when you close it the water would just run inside.

The roof edges overhang the walls a bit, creating a sort of eave for water to drop off the edge and not constantly dribble down the side. Also, the walls are pretty slick and vertical, so water doesn't stick very well. I went further and waxed my walls. The main "concern" for water is the front and rear panels. When you close, the panels lift off the base/seal during the folding motion, but again, the panels don't hold much water so you'll get a few drops at most. It works better than you think.

LMK if you have any other questions. I'm coming up on three years with my Hiatus.

 

[BRTreedogs]

The roof edges overhang the walls a bit, creating a sort of eave for water to drop off the edge and not constantly dribble down the side. Also, the walls are pretty slick and vertical, so water doesn't stick very well. I went further and waxed my walls. The main "concern" for water is the front and rear panels. When you close, the panels lift off the base/seal during the folding motion, but again, the panels don't hold much water so you'll get a few drops at most. It works better than you think.

LMK if you have any other questions. I'm coming up on three years with my Hiatus.

What about snow/ice

I could see me in a situation where one whole panel was loaded with snow/ice

Suppose I could broom it off.

But what would keep any remaining from melting during the day and just running into the bed?

 

[hoooogan]

What about snow/ice

I could see me in a situation where one whole panel was loaded with snow/ice

Suppose I could broom it off.

But what would keep any remaining from melting during the day and just running into the bed?

I've only been in light snow a handful of times, so I can't comment how well the panels hold/shed snow/ice. I also run a heater if it's that cold, so the surfaces hold some level of warmth to prevent sticking.

For me personally, I would do my best to remove any snow/ice for functional purposes. The panels fold onto each other with minimal gap, so any significant amount of ice could damage the panels if you tried to force it closed. At that point, I can't see the panels holding enough extra snow/ice to make me worried about puddles. But again, I run a heater so I can dry out any moisture pretty quickly.

 

[BRTreedogs]

@sndmn11

I think the campers with side opening doors are higher priced based on what I’m looking at, all the fixed side ones are less money for the space.

They did just increase the run on price yesterday lol.

With the east/west sleeping. Maybe I could get them to make the platform narrower, then I’d have more standing room even w a super short bed.

But using my truck basically as a sxs sometimes. Not sure about a camper that hangs over.

 

[elsb0048]

It’s all a lot of money for me.
About 5 years ago I flipped and have been trying to angle towards the debt free life.

So a purchase like this is hard for me.

But I was just so not happy with my arrangements this year.

I would have a hard time financing a camper like that. I ended up taking a loan on the truck but saving an extra year to pay cash for the camper. 14+% interest is most of what I was seeing for options on a camper loan vs like 5% on my truck.

That said I didn't do some trips due to the wrong equipment without a camper and I have probably spent 30 nights in mine this year and it is a huge upgrade over the truck topper before. I've been in your shoes shunting shit around to go to bed and it's awful.

18k on a wedge is wild. At that price segment, there are better options with more space.

I would argue that cost is somewhat separate from wedge vs flat tops. There are outfits that make both styles and cost is often only about $500-1000 between em. I think it's more about what trade-offs you want to accept