New pop up camper? Topo Toppers

Your tape is well past the top bolt and you're already at ~13.5" at the top of the handle.

Unfortunately I don't think it would work, unless I make a super angled mount to clear the opening of the handles.

Oh well, thanks though!

 

I think it could work ... and yes an angled bracket to clear the latch ..there's some dude on YouTube that made brackets for similar install with tern hatches ... I personally am planning on storing my gear in the truck bed /camper ...no sun fade ..or visibality for theft

 

It took me almost a year to decide which one to get. I liked the Project M the most, but I knew it would be the worst one for my little 4 banger reg cab. The more I looked at the GFC, the less I liked it. I'm pretty tall, so a wedge just wasn't going to work for me. I also wanted something that I could do some sort of build in the back and have a "living" area, for those times that the weather really sucks. No side windows on the GFC kinda killed it for me. I really don't care about side access, I'd rather have windows to look out of and open up for ventilation for my dog and I. Being so tall, I can stretch in from the tailgate and grab almost everything. We all have different wants and needs. The final decision came down to looking at a few in person. The Topo really stood out and how nice the owners and their crew our sealed the deal. It also helps that they are less than 2 hours from me.

 

Of course it depends on your specific needs, but GFC doesn’t hold a candle to the badlander in my opinion, and this is why. The lower truck cap portions are functionally the same if you choose side access doors, but the tent portion provides a drastically different experience. Once it’s time to actually get in bed, the badlander gives you a more spacious, comfortable, and practical space. Scenario: sitting up in bed comfortably with pillows against the rigid wall at the head of the tent and grabbing some snacks and drinks from the cooler just below the foot of the bed without moving any bed panels. It sounds simple enough, but would be completely impossible in a GFC.
Sure, we all go camping to be outside, but it’s super nice to wind down the same way we do at home and maybe watch a movie, especially if it’s cold/rainy.

 

Just saw them the other day, will definitely look more into them, just becoming more and more of a fan of the badlander everyday.

 

Ya, I got to see Topo at Expo, and they are extremely well built. I do like the fact you can add windows or side doors at any time in the Topo. Not totally sold on their new side doors yet. Tent space is really becoming the deciding factor. Just me, my wife and a little pup, but we plan on adding in the near future.

Thanks for the input!

 

More great points! I forgot about not being able to get down from the GFC bed without removing panels. That was another deal breaker for me. Although, I can say that I've had my blankets fall down twice now, in the Badlander. I need to get some that aren't so slippery and maybe Velcro one corner or something.

 

I posted early on in this thread and now after a year of ownership and all-season use, wanted to restate my complete satisfaction over my Topo Topper. Thomas and Katy are top quality people dedicated to their product and customers. I know my Badlander will serve me well for a very long time.
What one seeks in their set up is incredibly varied and this topper serves as a fantastic place to start, complete as is for me, or as built out as one desires. My needs were very simple and straightforward, but primary of which was all season use, stout, sturdy and capable of keeping me comfortable and dry regardless of snow, wind and rain, which is exactly as it has turned out to be.
I’m happy to answer any questions folks may have. Not many detailed interior pictures, but can try to if requested. Here’s samples of it in use.

 

Ya, the more I look at photos of that extra from in the front, I like it more and more. Significantly heavier but I do like the option of being able to customize different options of the camper, like the doors. I do wish the windows of the tent were bigger though.

Have you had any problems with leaking in the tent at all while it’s closed?

 

Was looking into aluminum caps like the smart cap or RLD design camper. Eventually going to put a rooftop tent but this these toppers look awesome.

 

Any issues with water leaks? Any concerns in high winds?

 

Look into the original Alu Cab camper shell as well, extremely simple design. If I was going camper shell life again, I would buy that one.

Topo is the next step after a camper shell, hah!

 

Wishbone Runner,
No leaks at all in the camper canvas, roof, windows or structure. I’m just running down some typical trickles from the usual gen 3 Tacoma bed issues cause OCD can creep up on me sometimes. I’ve been in very strong snow storms with high winds and had close to a foot of compact snow up there without issue and, given the taughtness of the canvas and strategic parking, had minimal issues. I could hear gusts, but didn’t have untoward movement, only when the entire truck was blasted.

 

Hey Joe!

I have a friend who has been waiting for his Vagabond Drifter wedge camper for over 2 years. I am trying to convince him to pull the plug and purchase a Badlander. One of his big concerns with the Topo Badlander is snow loads. He will be using it to chase storms in the winter. Looks like you use yours in the winter as well. What are your thoughts on the roof supporting snow in the up position?

Also the Badlanders don't currently offer an insulation package for the lower shell portion. Have you added any insulation down there? I assume it wouldn't be to difficult to add some foam to the wall but I haven't seen one in person so hard to say.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Hello TacomaInn,
I had a deposit down with Vagabond too for over a year thinking wedges were a non-issue with snow load, got out of it for my Badlander and have no regrets. I camp in it often and, as your buddy, storm chase and ski chalet out of as well.
Yes, straight pop ups can collect snow while deployed and I try to be cognizant of accumulation. It handles snow loading extremely well, and if things seem marginal, I can always drop the foot end of the camper roof to dump snow.
As far as insulation goes, I got the softwall insulation package and then I installed foam board with speaker carpet on the hard walls, full coverage bed rug and a thin sheeting of foam on the ceiling panel, all in the name of reducing condensation with little expectation of major heat retention. It all does that, makes it cozy and does keep some heat.
Very satisfied with it for winter use.

 

I've never used mine while snowing, but I can tell you that it can handle the weight of a 300 pound person hanging on one end.

I had a dumbass moment this last weekend. It was 16 degrees when I was packing up camp in a hurry and couldn't get the rear to come down, no matter how much ass I put into it. Turns out I forgot to undo the velcro that holds the folding mechanism in place

 

This thing is almost as good looking as my OVRLND hahaha

 

What foam did you use on the sides and top? I've had the top collect condensation and rain on me a few times and this last weekend the condensation just froze. I don't really care about heat retention either, just don't like getting rained on or sitting down in the back and then leaning back on to a cold wall.

 

Tiny_Taco,
I used rigid foam board with speaker carpet glued to it for the hard sides and this for the ceiling:

$73 US Energy Products AD5mm Reflective Foam Core Insulation, Cold and Heat Shield, Radiant Barrier, Thermal Insulation 48''X25ft 100sqft R8

https://www.amazon.com/US-Energy-Products-Reflective-Insulation/dp/B07YSX1K4G?keywords=US+Energy+Products&qid=1674590785&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-8

Both solved the issues you mention, but the ceiling can still lightly frost up in cold, but it won’t get to the point of dripping this way.

 

Thank You!!!