New pop up camper? Topo Toppers

Holy hell this thread has really blown up since I was first putting my deposit down about a year ago (page 1 of the thread)

Few photos from my time with my badlander since I picked it up in June 2022
Note the 2x4's - This was a safety thing to prepare for my first snowstorm with it. I used the vantech J1000 series crossbars with the L track bolts as they were what I could find in stock from the company, they're heacy tho. I got some stronger struts from TT, 80 and 90# to support the weight of the solar, fan, crossbars and ski racks on the bars

After catching up on the thread, few notes/observations
1 - Love this thing, cant say that enough! Wind, rain, snow, ive felt comfortable inside the whole time. I will say ive had a small amount of water come in along the seams by the bed once, tightened all the bolts and I *think* its been resolved!
2 - I you're going to plan to put as much weight up top as i did, definitely get the upgraded struts and I would recommend either having a 2nd person help or use a 2x4 like I did for safety. When I drop the front, I need to leave the rear velcro attached while I climb down. Once down, I release the velcro and the rear will collapse or borderline hold up which is why I have the 2x4 to let me get fully in position to close the thing properly. Again, I have a LOT of weight
3 - 2.5" mattress TOPS if you're going to go with something that doesnt deflate. At 2.5", dont plan to leave your comforter up there. Im actually about to get some custom ones done as I started with a 4" memory foam and had to cut that wayyyyy down
4 - Opinion of mine, I got both the upper and lower lighting and never need them both. I wish I had just done the lower and saved a buck as it lights the place super well as is
5 - Would recommend insulating the roof, this is probably next on my to-do list for the summer. Camping out in tahoe/yosemite on the way back from pickup last summer was brutal!
6 - Got the KDmax tune which helps, but living in the mountains of CO Im getting about 4 miles/gallon less
7 - Yes, I have build out specs. Yes, my diesel heater is self contained and the intake/exhaust is punched out through the composite bed. Yes, it's crude and yes, my dogs awesome. Hope I helped anyone thinking about it! Id do it again in a heartbeat

 

Nice set-up. Thanks for the photos. What kind of heater are you using?

 

Vevor 2kw, this baby just sips diesel! I have the 10L reservoir and can run it nonstop for 30+ hours

Would recommend the 5kw if you’re going to do winter camping where temps are in the negatives a lot. The 2kw struggles to get above 8 Celsius when it’s -10 out

 

Cool little heater! Thanks for the info. The mod list just keeps growing…

 

Just picked up mine yesterday and couldn't be happier with it. Will get a chance to fully try it out next weekend for a camping trip but so far has held up well on the trip back.

Just minor things ive notice within the day: Now averaging about 17mpg, a 2mpg hit. It was a decently warm day today, the car got hot but the inside stayed relatively cool with ventilation, even then, insulation is still high up on my to do list. I also got upper and bottom lights and both work supper well; I like the extra light since I lack some on my prior set up but if you need to save money the bottom lights below would probably be enough. I got the mesa which holds less on the top then the badlander but I don't plan on putting much up there; cool part tho is that the crew mentioned using heavier struts in their walk through and to reach out if we needed replacements.

 

Nice to hear the feedback on everyone’s Topo topper.
Picking up my Badlander in a couple of weeks.
Pretty stoked. The one question I have is has anyone rigged a wind fairing for the front cantilever?
I have some ideas put always looking for suggestions. I would like it to look professional, not some cobbled effort.(interior trim carpenter here)
Once I get it I’m sure I will have other questions. Thanks

 

I haven't seen anyone do just a wind fairing but I have seen ppl use a rack system with a wind fairing that seems to work pretty well.
Like the Animus on other toppers: https://sherpaequipmentco.com/products/animas
Apparently the prinsu rack will fit with some minor cutting as well.

Personally I was thinking of the Animus 24, but wanted to run some wind/fluid models for fun first to compare. Driving the truck back I did notice more noise, not sure how much of an impact it had on my mpg aside from the additional weight; was getting 19mpg before and now am getting 17mpg on average.

 

Yavin4, thanks for that link. Maybe a bit pricey but looks pretty well designed.
Also a local Colorado company. I will look into it.

 

Might look into Martin off-road as well, they make camper specific racks. Not sure if they have them for Topo but they have them for Vagabond and GFC’s on Tacomas.

 

Nice review! How’s the fabric material? Seems pretty thin.

 

That thing is a beauty! Anyway I can come look at it?

 

Yeah I'm in monterey if you can make it down. This weekend may be tough but I'm more free next week. DM me.

 

Where in CO do you live? Would love to meet up and take a look at your set up! Really want to go the Badlander route.

 

It’s marine grade I believe is what they categorize it as, much thicker then your standard fabric

 

Silverthorne if you’re ever up this way hmu, happy to show it

 

We will be doing some occasional in city sleeping and want an interior lock to prevent someone from popping the upper tail gate door. I have something in mind but wondering what you guys have been doing if anything at all?

 

Going to ride Copper on Thursday actually… if you have some time, that would be sweet, or come ride!

 

I'm sure you found something by now but in case it helps anyone else: Katy at Topo Toppers just told me you can lock yourself in with a large carabiner by clipping the cam latch to the strut bracket.

 

Basically what I ended up doing. Using a carabiner and to the latch connected to the bed stiffiners with a turn buckle. Probably a bit over kill.

 

Hey y'all, I've been entirely inactive from TW for years, figured I'd hop over here and give Topo Toppers some love.

I picked mine up in January this year and have been busy building out the truck ever since. Initially I was looking at Vagabond but went with Topo for their attention to detail, design, and included features; I'm really happy with the decision that I made, their design and manufacturing are superb and the attention to detail really shines throughout, especially after geeking out with Thomas about all the little things.

Anyway, here's some photos. Got the interior build mostly wrapped up, still gotta add solar, then I may do some kind of insulation on the ceiling.