TopperEZLift, a different sort of pop up; anyone see it?

[kudzu]

Have started shopping around for my next TV. When it finally comes to it, I'll probably go back to a mid-sized truck, instead of another van. But I'd miss the ability to occasionally camp comforatably, for a night or three, in the van. Even with a high top cap, I wouldn't be able to do that in a truck bed, no room to stand up, even if hunched over. That's why I'd add something like a TopperLift with camping package. It would solve a number of problems of going back to a truck.

Has anyone ever seen one of these or know someone who has? https://topperezlift.com/

 

[kudzu]

 

[Dingit]

I'm not convinced. You can stand up in it (maybe) but it'll still be the back of a truck. No insulation. No furnace. No nuffin. I think I'd rather have a Flippac or Wildernest for the extra space. (This has the advantage of being an actual extant product of course!)

Would love to see these in person though.

 

[kudzu]

You are correct, of course, but the van is basically used as a sheet metal tent. When I'm towing the camper we've got insulation, furnace, etc. Am looking for an easy way to camp for those few trips a year when we are not towing the camper. As for standing, I should probably point out that I'm only 4' 11". (Okay, okay, 4' 10.5" but let's not quibble.) Being this short means rarely having to duck for low hanging branches.

This has the advantage of being an actual extant product of course!

Yep. Don't think there's a used Flippac that would properly fit a late model Tacoma or Ranger. I had considered it an option before buying the Aliner, back when Flippacs were still being made. There are some things currently on the market that are Flippac-ish but all I've seen have a cabover area to catch the wind when driving. This brings me to some other considerations.

1) The current Flippac-ish products start at $8. TopperLift is only $2400. Add the price of a high top cap and it's still about 1/2 the price.
2) With the camper portion closed, a high top cap has more interior space than a Flippac-ish. I know from experience we'll use all of that extra space when hauling things. (For me, hauling stuff is the primary purpose of having a van or truck.)
3) The kayaks could stay attached to the roof when using the TopperLift as a camper. Flippac-ish would require unloading the kayaks. I really hate having to unload a bunch of stuff to camp. I'd rather park and just pull out a chair and a stove.

I'm not giving up my trailer. I love it and that is my preferred way to camp. However, there are several times a year when we either don't want to tow something or will be towing something other than the camper. There will also be times when I want to haul things in the bed of the truck that are a bit too tall to fit in the cap. A topper with a lift to give a few extra inches would be great. It wouldn't be worth the cost just for camping a few times a year or just for hauling a few things a year. But for both hauling something oversized a few things a year AND camping a few times a year, year after year... Yeah, that makes it worth $2400. (And yes, I am totally trying to find a way to justify that extra $2400. lol)

 

[SteveP]

Haven't seen one in person but it's been on my short list for when Debi decides she absolutely doesn't want to camp any more. Looks great for road trips where you won't be staying in one place too long. But my experience with slide in popups is that every time you need to move the truck for any reason you pretty much have to break camp. My main concern would be how level you have to be to raise the top.

I don't care for how the door opens, see Kudzu's pic, since I pretty much need steps to get into the truck bed now days.

 

[kudzu]

My main concern would be how level you have to be to raise the top.

OH! I hadn't thought of that.

 

[SteveP]

There are other options, most look quite usable but pricing is pretty high. Compare though, you're going to spend 5-7K for the basic combination topper and lift if buying new and that may not include installation and wiring. Review this forum if you haven't already.

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