New pop up camper? Topo Toppers

Get the lightest camper you can if you’re offroading.

 

The Mesa and GFC are close to the same weight of the RTT/rack/tonneau setup that I've been running for the past couple years (250lbs , plus whatever my awning and mounts weigh). I'm mostly interested because the tonneau cover's design and the height of the rack severely gimp the bed capacity, especially combined with the bumper swingout. I figure that by moving the spare to the bed (can't be done with the tonneau) and fuel cans to a hitch-mounted carrier (on the rare occasion I need them), I can offset the COG and overall weight increases and make the bed more functional again.

The Mesa has most of the options I would have to DIY on the GFC available from the factory, and at a similar overall cost to a bare GFC. It also has an actual passthrough in the bed. However, it's less modular.

The GFC looks stronger and maybe a bit sleeker, has bigger barn doors (although they are blocked by the supports), is more modular, and has more aftermarket support but requires a lot more DIY drilling and hole cutting to get the features I'd want to add, and really seems more like an RTT with the option to get in through the bed than a camper.

The main reason I was looking at the Tenfold is because I could mount a fuel cans straight to each barn doors, and not need to fab up a hitch mount.

 

I'm not the best example since I don’t crawl but I have zero driving issues with mine. What I am normally on is fairly basic trails. In those instances you know it’s there but it’s not bad. I also don’t have things all over my roof top. Washboards are no worries, I’ve been nervous about the mounting clamps and they haven’t moved since the initial retorque. Last weekend was the 5th desert trip with it and still on there rock solid and the shell itself hasn't shifted at all.

My Mesa is around 300lbs empty if that helps at all. I also have L-track top/sides and molle panels so it’s not ultralight.
I do wish the pass through doors were larger but in all honesty it’s pretty easy to use the tailgate.

It’s stout though, nothing seems flimsy. The rear door has some wobble when opening and closing but it’s latched on both sides and I've never had an issue with it. Tent held strong in 40 mph gusts the other weekend.
Plus Thomas and Katie are super good people

 

I've had all three (well, a Bruin not a Tenfold) and settled on the Mesa as best fit for me. All three are slightly different and provide different advantages/disadvatanges depending on priority. Feel free to DM me if you want a better direct comparison. Hard to give feedback without knowing what your priorities are. If off-roading is your prime focus, then I would go with GFC then Topo.

 

Thanks! I'll definitely send you a PM later to pick your brain.

 

Installed a new bed and storage today. Roof insulation to follow

 

That looks awesome! How are you insulating? I've got carpet on the roof but need to insulate the sides. We've been cooking lately.

 

Thanks! I’ve got the pink insulation board cut to size for each roof panel. My plan is to stain and glue 1/4” cedar to the insulation board and then use the mounting brackets I bought from Topo to mount. My sides are currently ghetto insulated and I just have reflectix Velcro’d on for the time being. I don’t have an aesthetic solution yet lol