The FlipPac info thread.

Yeah not too stoked on the timing but could always be worse atleast I noticed it at home rather than having it break in the backcountry

Yes looking at the sway-a-way and sent a request for a shipping quote to Canada but also considering the torsion delete mod so I don’t miss much time waiting for shipping

 

Yeah when mine broke I didn't discover the fact until trying to open it in the backcountry. Fortunately it was a short solo trip so I could live without it for the trip just fine. And FRP was still in business then and I was under warranty so they replaced it for me. I'm still waiting for their replacement to break one of these days as I expect it is as crappy as the first one. The sway-a-way is apparently much more robust.

PM me if you have issues getting one in time from Sway-a-Way. Back when they first released their replacement I purchased two to stockpile in case it ended up being a single production run or something. I've still not used either and would be happy to sell and ship you one at cost if you are in a bind.

 

That is awesome of you to offer!

I was fortunate that mine already had the Sway a way replacement when I purchased it.

 

PM sent! Thank you!

 

Very true, that would have been pretty unfortunate. I've done a lot of back and forth with Sawy-A-Way since December, I worked with Brian Skipper. Apparently, he's the guy that designed the new bar and was helpful, so I suggest speaking with him. If you're interested, shoot me a PM, and I can give you his email address to get a more direct contact line.

Anyway, I was having some issues with the new Sway-A-Way torsion bar fitting the original hinges on the FlipPac. Just my luck, I have a one-off FlipPac, the torsion bar and hinges I had were completely different splines. So I ended up having to replace the hinges and the torsion bar with new Sawy-A-Way hinges and torsion bar. If you end up deciding to replace the torsion bar, make sure your crank fits the new Sway-A-Way bar properly before you start any work.

I'm sure you saw a few of the pictures I posted from a while back about replacing everything, it wasn't terrible. It took about 5 or 6 people, including me, to get all the work done. We split it over two afternoons (with plenty of beer and food breaks) but can easily be done in one day if you start early in the morning. Let me know if you have any questions, and I can let you know my process. Don't let the videos you see on youtube scare you off haha.

The last thing, when I bought my FlipPac the torsion bar was broken, and I had to use the "torsion bar delete" method to open and close it for about a year and a half. It's doable, but you don't realize how much that platform weighs until you're supporting the weight with a pole trying not to slam the thing open or closed because there is no tension from the torsion bar—just something to keep in mind.

Very cool of you to offer that!

 

How are you 1st gen guys attaching it?

 

Has anyone considered adding some sort of alluminum corner bead or other reinforcement to the top edges of their flippac to protect against damage from trees on narrow trails? I have scraped a few times since February and flattened the tabs on my latches twice, but fortunately I havent cracked the fiber glass.

I know, I know...drive better. Know the trail. Dont hit trees. The truck is 6" shorter compared to the tent/topper, but man is that flippac wide. Some of my favorite trails just got more sporting.

 

It’s funny that you mention that. I’ve actually been putting some consideration into reinforcing the corners of the front where the hinges are with some additional plate steel for just that purpose. I’m going to likely bend something up down at Anthony’s shop and then get it powder coated.

 

are people using 2" or 3" mattress toppers? about to order one and trying to figure out if it'll still close with a 3" topper

 

I went with a firmer 2" mattress versus 3" based on what I read. I keep two sleeping bags and a pillow on the canvas whatever you call it when closed.

Folks with a 3" can chime in on their experiences, but I think the 2" is perfect.

 

Agreed

 

are either of you guys side sleepers? also is it a tight fit to close with the 2" pad

 

I’ve got a 3” gel memory foam I picked up at Walmart and it’s awful especially anything colder than 40° it basically freezes. I’ve also got the kelty 20° double wide bag I keep up there and it’s a super tight fit to close.

I asked the same question a while back about a new pad and littles recommended “foam and more” I just haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

 

On a typical night, I flop around like a fish outta water, but yes, I am more of a side sleeper. I don't have any issues closing the lid with the 2" pad and the two sleeping bags with pillow.

This is the company I ordered from: https://foamandupholstery.com/

I suggest calling them versus trying to find what you want on their site. If you are interested and you PM me your e-mail I can FW you the e-mail address for the gal I spoke with, or even the order number if you wanted to get the same thing I did. I would go with a canvas cover (I regret going with cotton because the damn velcro sticks to the cover) and see if they can sew the "hook" side of the velcro on for you. I am not sure if they would do that...I wish I had asked. You'd just have to send the measurements of where the "latch" side falls on the inside of your topper.

 

I no longer have a Flippac, but for the few months I owned a mint 2015 one before selling it, I just used some Harbor Freight clamps.
I never took it off-road and would not trust it like this.

I recommend browsing GCI's website and measuring things and buying 6 directly from them. The best pricing on the clamps rebranded by most companies are just marked up GCI ones. http://gciclamps.com/products/

 

totally forgot to message you back lol, i ended up using the clamps the PO had that were just a little small with the bulb seal. ended up working okay, the back 2 clamps near the tailgate went on no problem and the other 4 (3 on each side) went on with a lot of trouble and im pretty sure i stripped them all hahaha. don't plan on taking it off or and putting it back on the much anyways so it'll work for now.

 

Has anyone fit there Flippac on a 3rd gen and want to share exactly how to deal with the tailgate? I tried a RTT with my new to me 2016 and want my Flippac on it instead ASAP but the tailgate issue is worrying me. Pictures would be very helpful!

 

There’s nothing you can’t fix with a sawzall, dremel, rivers and some aluminum sheet metal...

 

Thanks. I am hoping not to permanently change the Flippac in case I sell it or decide to put back on my 2002 Taco. I think I have a plan for this weekend, raising it with the plastic wood planks and making a edge for the back glass, if I like it I will change out later for aluminum stock. Picture is what I am replacing....

 

I was just about to suggest to you to look here...