New pop up camper? Topo Toppers

_u can always upgrade your struts to support a heavier load. It will also make it harder to pull down if unweighted...

 

Forgot about that one too killerkeener. Thomas shipped me a set of the heavier duty ones without charge, and I’ve found them straightforward enough to get down. I just have to watch that the front end stays down when I’m pulling down at the rear. My buddy also got a set for the rear door.

 

I went with the mesa at intro price it was a great entry level option $6250. I will say that you lose about 12" of space with the wedge design if you sleep head first with a pillow in corner or your feet first on corner..doesn't matter .... I am 5'8" so it works for me but if I was 1" taller it would be a issue .I also have a 6' bed so I get a bit more space and can sit on bed with one section of sleep platform laid out .. mesa does have a better veiw than badlander 3 windows not 2

 

Anyone close to Northern California for me to check out the Topo?

 

San Jose...mesa 6'bed

 

Picking it up end of Feb, also 6' bed mesa in monterey

 

In Chico Diesel156, welcome to stop by if our schedules work out. Badlander 6’ bed.

 

That is a much better view! My reg cab 4 banger would also appreciate the lower weight of the Mesa. Too bad I'm 6'5". I can handle not being able to lean the seat back when I drive, but I need to be comfy when I sleep.

 

I might take up on your offer very soon!

 

What’s the build quality and attention to detail on the Topo? All the aluminum cut close to perfect? Any signs of cutting corners or things they did to save money?

 

Are you the same person I was talking with on FB, last night?

 

Hahaha yes!

 

Right on, good talking to you. It sounds like there are some members around you that are willing to meet up with you. I wouldn't want to commit to spending that kind of money without seeing it first.

 

1. I see that Topo uses L-Track as opposed to regular Yakima Rails. Has anyone mounted anything up there? I’m planning to put my ISUP bag, traction boards, or maybe a cargo box up there.

2. Has anyone insulated the ceiling yet?

3. Is there a lock on the rear hatch where you can lock yourself in at night?

Thanks!

 

1. I am sure if you buy the rails and ship them, they might be willing install them for you. If you want to put stuff on top, I'd go with the Badlander. The roof on it is much more substantial than the Mesa. You'll also need to know the approximate weight that you'll be adding so they can spec out the proper struts.

2. TacomaInn has insulated his ceiling

3. The rear hatch does not have an interior lock, but it is easy to use a couple small chains with hooks to prevent someone from opening it. You could even just use paracord or something. The latch for the hatch swings down. You can just wrap something around it and then tie it off to the hatch strut mount that is above it.

 

As a vagabond owner, I am quite disappointed that Topo came to fruition after I ordered from VO. The quality of VO is top notch and I’m sure Topo rivals my drifter…however, the uncertainty of not knowing if VO will ever reply or answer my attempts to contact them (they still owe me $150) forces me to recommend any future buyer to get a Topo topper……as far as the wedge design goes, I absolutely love it. I’ve had 2 FWC’s and 2 wedge style campers and for a single dude with a dog the wedge wins out 9 out of 10 times for me, especially if you can make bed on gas struts and “lift” it out of the way.

 

One thing I can say about the folks at Topo, they are great at communicating with you if you call or email them. They really aren't that active responding to social media questions.

 

I can vouch for that as well. They have answered all of my questions with back and forth emailing for the last 6 months or so about the Mesa. This includes pictures and measurements that I was concerned about for my rig.

 

Anyone available near the Bay Area this weekend for me to check out?