6 Pros Of Truck Toppers / Benefits Of Buying A Truck Topper

[@kampinkevin8889]

It's been 35 years since I had a topper...LOL My #1 pro was, when the bar closed, you hooked up with a hot chick, you could drive down to the beach, back up to the sand, listen to the waves crashing on the beach, and get yourself a little nooky! Oh man, those were the days! Keep up the good videos Brian. Always enjoy watching.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

LOL! That definitely beats my list of pros! Thanks for the laugh Kevin!

[@shaun7057]

You listened to the waves crashing, the waves listened you smashing!!!!!! What a good trade off haha

[@bobknepper770]

Another nice plus is the ability to haul extra gear of whatever type, if you’re pulling a trailer. Bikes, chairs, generators etc can all fit in your truck camper and not crowd your trailer…

[@ColoradoCamperman]

That is very true! Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

2:54 the list starts. Thanks for watching!

[@laurawilde2828]

I just bought a topper for my 2022 Tacoma. Lord have mercy I'm taking some heat. I bought my truck to camp and ebike. Works !!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Toppers are great! I just bought a Moonlander and I am loving it. I hope you enjoy yours! Thank you for watching!

[@Sirskibumsalot]

Yup Toppers are a must if you have a truck , you do not always have to have it on . I take mine off and put it on by myself and its not light . 2 - 8' ft. drawers for storage = tools , skis, fly rods , truck gear , camping gear etc. keeps gear dry out of rain or snow , lock it up for safe storage . I can see just fine while driving with the topper on and I use my mirrors when I drive hauling trailers , boats etc. I also have a rack on top for my canoe , cargo carrier , jon boat , lumber etc. It works I like it and it has its purpose ....

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Heck yeah man! That sounds like a great setup. When we had the topper on the Dodge, we had considered doing some drawers or some other type of storage. That's crazy you can take yours off by yourself! I always had to have at least one other person to help me take the topper off. Thanks for the comment!

[@gregoryf9299]

Another pro: the usable volume of storage NEARLY doubles! (this has been my primary argument for going from a minivan which can carry an insane volume of family trip stuff, lol! ) We’ll be able to carry MORE stuff, more easily/safely, and the truck won’t scrape every ferry ramp or break a sweat). But personally, I’m not keen on their looks - it’s silly, but I feel like the truck now looks like a Suburban or Expedition!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Great point! We really miss all the additional storage capacity a topper offer. That's why we are getting topper, a Moonlander. You should look into those, it's not a normal topper. Here's a link: www.radicaproducts.com/moonlander Your truck definitely won't look like a Suburban or Expedition with a Moonlander! Thanks for watching!

[@gregoryf9299]

Haha that might be a little TOO crazy for my tastes! I’d be a little nervous about the blind spots from those flared sides, no? And potentially harder to remove? Thanks for the link!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

@@gregoryf9299 They are super cool! A lot more room than a traditional topper. Surprisingly, they weigh about the same as a normal topper. I'm not super worried about the blind spots. I have tow mirrors that extend out if I can't see. I also drive a cargo van for my business, so I am used to having blind spots 👍

[@devildog8084]

Ordered my A.R.E shell back in the beginning of Feb. right after receiving my new Silverado, and I just received it earlier this week (over 20 week wait) was told several times that it was being built and and that it would be shipped. Original time frame I was told was 10-12 weeks. After that just plan on getting the runaround. I even offered to drive up to Ohio and pick it up when they told me it was a shipping issue, only to find out that it hadn't been built and that it was just another line of BS they were coming up with. On a good note only 2 of the 4 windows leak....I like the function of the vented windoors but they leak pretty bad. Not looking forward to taking it the dealer, I'm sure they will make up some crap. Paid $3350.00. I recommend going with Leer (I have one on my Ram) it's been on for 12 years and have had NO issues. If I hadn't spent so mush I would take it off and use it for target practice then burn it to the ground. (With the so called fiberglass shortage) you can tell that the shell is much more flimsy than the older style. Have a nice day

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Thanks for sharing your experience and watching!

[@ubomninomen7765]

Your description of aerodynamics and streamlining is pretty much spot on. Too often people have no clue how vehicle configuration actually affects aerodynamic drag and proudly proclaim their ignorance ad nauseum.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Thanks! We could definitely tell a difference. Thanks for watching!

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

The hotshot drivers who tow very heavy loads will tell you a travel trailer is harder to pull down the road than a backhoe that weighs twice as much. But I'm considering a topper for more storage and to cut the wind. I know from my bicycle racing days how much difference drafting another rider can make. Or how much difference getting in the clean air behind a big rig can make while towing my trailer. I don't do that though for safety reasons.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

@@theantiqueactionfigure I've heard the same thing. Our TT is around 28' and has a GWVR of 7,620lbs.

[@jimgraham9450]

I have always used a topper to use the truck like a car with a giant trunk. It is fantastic for travel. And, if you need, you can sleep in it. It is not like you are hauling or pulling a big camper trailer. That setup is far safer than an SUV. With a SUV if you are in a wreck or a panic stop, you may get hit by everything that is in the back. Think about a tool box. That is very scary. With a pickup and a topper, you are separated.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Good points, thanks for watching.

[@TheSpaceGuy8538]

You did forget how the topper makes sure that what you are hauling in the bed, let it be wood, garbage, or camping gear doesn't blow away or fall out of the bed. Great video btw.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Good point! Thanks for the comment and watching.

[@daveholte7658]

Great and informative videos. I have almost the same set up Chev 2500 Dura Max Diesel (paid for 79K miles a single guy and want to travel the US and see sights Yep it is rough riding and like it simple as I can choose to topper camp, do a ABB Rental, hotel etc but do I look for a newer unit mini van to travel in more economical and user friendly. But then there is debt. Guess it’s a trade off I dislike debt Thanks for your videos

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Stay debt free! Thanks for watching.

[@jayo7799]

Good morning Brian. All great points, used to camp in a shell all the time.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Morning Jay! Thanks man, they really are great for camping. We've considered getting another one for the new Chevy, but we're going to wait a while to see how we like not having one. We also still have the old truck to get rid of......so then there's that...lol! Have a great weekend!

[@grayeagleswolves]

What's up Man Great video Listen when I was working I had to travel for the jobs I had And my mom and I used our 1977 single cab Chevy 3x4 ton truck and we were in the cab for month's until we had someone donate to us the topper and then I moved to the back with a cot and loved it back their

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Thanks David! Toppers really are great and can serve many purposes.

[@grayeagleswolves]

@@ColoradoCamperman yes sir yw

[@richardkoch8752]

I'm a old guy so I can get away with a topper on my truck LOL It will be idea as a place to put my extra fuel cans,water and portable inverter/generator. The other idea I'm kicking around is putting a solar panel on top to feed a Bluetti portable Lithium power station, just feed the cable along the door window channel. That way my inverter/generator & Bluetti will be under lock & key.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Lol, old guys do like toppers! Old guys also have a lot of experience, so maybe that is saying something about toppers?!? I definitely miss having a topper. Sounds like you have a pretty good setup! I am a huge fan of solar. That would be super easy to hookup and would be pretty darn useful. Thanks for continuing to watch all my videos Richard!

[@richardkoch8752]

@@ColoradoCamperman Thanks Buddy, you do a good job!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

@@richardkoch8752 You're welcome, thank you!

[@Outdoors4adventure]

Been thinking about swapping my rooftoptent rack out for one. Then put my tent on it. Maybe down the road.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Have you ever seen those flippacs? My buddy has one and love's it! Kinda like having a topper and putting a tent on top. Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@captainblacktoe1328]

@1:49 I learned long ago never set your metal edged skis against the side of your vehicle.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Agreed, thankfully that was my old POS truck and I no longer have it. Thanks for watching!

[@huckleberrychris]

My topper is taller...but another 6 inches taller would be good. My dog and I sleep just fine. Spent a week in it going to Montana.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

I gotta say, after owning the shortest topper I could get, I wouldn't have minded if it was a little bit bigger. That extra half a foot would've made a difference. That's awesome you and your dog were able to camp back there for a week!

[@huckleberrychris]

@@ColoradoCamperman we do it all the time here in Colorado. A night or two just to go fishing. BTW. When you got your truck out of state, what did you have to pay as far as taxes and license fees?. A friend of mine is looking for a camper van in New Mexico. Did you have to also pay the other state tax?

[@ColoradoCamperman]

@@huckleberrychris That's a great setup Chris, and perfect for one guy and a dog. When I bought my truck in Iowa, I paid the sticker price there and that was it. All sales tax and registration/license, I paid in Colorado. I got a 15day temp tag from Iowa.

[@huckleberrychris]

Thanks.

[@carypeaden4147]

You showed the inside of your truck camper, and it looked like your sleeping bed only takes up part (maybe 2/3) of the truck bed. That is nice because it gives you some room (on the right side of the truck bed) where I believe you can sit up and put on shoes. or whatever. Do you have any video (or anything) showing how you made that bed and set it up in your truck camper bed? I am going to try to do something like that after I get my truck and truck cap in the next six months so any advice you have is appreciated (my 2022 truck was just ordered last week).

[@ColoradoCamperman]

It was a really good setup! I liked how I built it. The setup and teardown was very easy. I designed it that way because I use the truck for work and to haul the family around. Here's a video on how I built the bed - kzbin.info/www/bejne/one1Y6d7g6mil7M. Congrats on the new truck and have fun with your build!

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

I like my topper but I don’t like the huge knobs to open the windows.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

I had sliders and they were pretty nice. Thanks for watching.

[@jonnyt16]

Awesome video! I just bought a 2020 Silverado and a topper as well. I went with the ARE CX, carpeted, led lights. Dealer said it will take about 6 weeks. Just curious, do you have any experience with the Bedrug bedliners? I am thinking it will go real nice with the topper for camping and such, just not sure about the durability of them. Thanks again, can't wait for my topper to show up!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Heck yeah, congrats! That sounds like it is going to be a great setup for ya. I have not had any experience with that liner. I've only had a Rhino liner or the hard plastic liners. Have fun with the new topper and thanks for watching!

[@sciguy59]

I bought a bed liner and love it. I also used thinsulate and put it under and on the sides before I put the bed liner in. Perfect to truck camp for a few days when riding.

[@jonnyt16]

@@ColoradoCamperman Everything finally came in. Took a lot longer than 6 weeks. Anyway, I actually made a video on it about a month ago.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5-Yf6lml996bsU its a pretty horrible video ha ha.

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

Anyone else have the experience of towing a travel trailer with topper on versus topper off with the same combination truck and travel trailer? Going nearly full time with my Cummins powered Ram and 30ft travel trailer but running out of storage

[@ColoradoCamperman]

From my experience towing with a topper on/off with the same travel trailer, I personally think it is a more pleasant experience towing with the topper on. It seems like you don't get as much wind drag from the travel trailer. And as I had mentioned in the video, MPG is better. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching

[@ridethetiger1895]

I have a 2018 F150 with a 5.0 and a Leer topper and I have lost about 1-2 mpg.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

That is surprising to hear! Is it a high top?

[@raftika1]

Is it a high top?

[@donnelcrunk2122]

Is it a high top??

[@_droopie]

Is it a high top???

[@Buletspunge555]

Is it a high top????

[@gregoryf9299]

Question on the Yakima racks - can you pull the canopy off using them? (Eg, using a hoist system to hold the topper from the roof rack). Most examples I’ve seen online hold the topper using bars/wood below the topper.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Maybe but I don't think I would risk doing that. This is probably one of the best videos of seen on how to remove your truck topper by yourself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKzhWOqrJaCoqc It is not a hoist system but a great way to remove the topper yourself & a great way to store it. Thanks for watching.

[@gregoryf9299]

Nice, thanks for the link!!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

@@gregoryf9299 You're welcome!

[@tguthrie1121]

What do you think about traveling with PETS? I have 2 small dogs and deciding if I can add my 2 cats.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

We have only ever traveled with our one dog who was a medium sized dog ~60lbs. He loved going camping! We usually only camped around 3-4 days at a time. Are you looking to do the same or camp full-time? Really the only thing we sometimes struggled with was having to occasionally leave him in the camper. This was sometimes a challenge because if we were camping without hook-ups and it was hot, we'd have to run our generator for the AC to be on. Not a huge issue as long as the generator was running. But there's always a chance the generator kicks off and the lil guy would have been stuck in a super hot camper. If we had to do that, we would make our trips away from the camper as quick as possible. Nomadic Fanatic travels with his cat. He has to do the same thing with leaving his AC on but he has a security system that he can check on his RV while gone. It shows the RVs inside temp. That would be a good option if you are going to bring all the animals and camp on a full time basis. Hope that helps!

[@Joe-cu4hi]

I wanted a topper for our new Tundra but my wife and son shot down the idea, they said it didn’t look sporty and actually looked like an old mans truck compared to a tonneau cover 😕

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Lol, yeah, that isn't the first time that I've heard that before! I know after I got mine, several people made the same comment to me.

[@JERRYR708]

@@ColoradoCamperman My 1988 Toyota mini truck had a wooden camper shell with exterior two tone black and silver aluminum siding and interior wood grain paneling. It had a vent hood on top and a small cupboard above the cab. The 2 inch thick insulation was great and I really miss it. This was my old man sleeper with a TRD racing cam, Doug Thorley Header, outlaw carb, K&N filter, Flowmaster and Jabobs ignition. It was raised with BFG's. I was fast asleep.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

@@JERRYR708 That sounds like a sweet setup! I always wanted an old Toyota truck like that. Thanks for watching!

[@mikebaker1044]

You got to show them who wears the pants

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Put a utility topper with extra head room and cargo doors, best investment!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

That is a really good option. I have a Moonlander now, and it works great! Thanks for watching.

[@bbnc6241]

Would you go with solid panels or windows if you bought one again?

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Good question! I would go with the setup I had in the video. If I did more camping in my truck topper, I probably would have installed some curtains or window coverings. Thanks for watching!

[@zachmanning3996]

Just a question, don’t you think you could’ve got a tonneau cover so your stuff didn’t get snowed on before you got the topper?

[@ColoradoCamperman]

No, tonneau covers are not tall enough. I use my truck for work as well as personally. With a tonneau cover, I would not be able to fit my sprayers or equipment in the truck bed. Some items would work. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelross8252]

I bought a used LEER from a dealership for $500 (This included the salesman personally installing the topper on my truck - when I saw what a pain it was for him, a pro, I was glad I didn't try to do it myself). I then got the topper repainted the same color as the truck (go to a pro to get this done, unless you want it to look like Jeb Clampett did the repaint). Be Careful: If you' re looking for a used topper, be very careful that it fits your truck box (the year of the truck may have a different size box than the topper you're looking at).. The serial number inside the topper will have a code for the make(s) and year(s) the topper is designed to fit. It is common for all truck manufacturers to change not only the exact size of the truck box for a certain year, but also the dimensions of the box which might end up not being a perfect rectangle at all. You want your topper to fit as perfectly as possible, not only for appearance, but for water tightness on the truck box. Best to get the topper serial number from the seller over the phone and check with the manufacturer to see if it fits the way you want it to before you go out to buy and discover the topper doesn't fit right. I knew that my used LEER would fit perfectly, as yours should on your truck. Or, you could just get someone to help you place it on the truck box, but if it doesn't fit, you've wasted you time and effort. Truck toppers are not cheap, and the resale value is very low. However, the upside includes all the reasons mentioned in the vid, plus, it is unlikely any of your friends will ask to borrow your truck to help move their shit. Your truck will look much more like an SUV than a pickup, and therefore is likely not to be seen as a hauling vehicle by your feckless, truckless amigos.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Sounds like you got a great deal Michael! Thanks for the detailed comment and watching!

[@DanielJayHouk]

How much did it cost to have the shell painted?

[@lindaweldon1927]

I have a 2000 ranger rwd with a topper. Want to know more about camping/living in the truck.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Nice! There's a guy out there called "The Homeless Firefighter." He lives in his truck topper, you might want to check out his channel. Thanks for watching!

[@thecaptain6994]

Does your truck bed still get wet even when you have a camper shell?

[@ColoradoCamperman]

No, it didn't. However, some trucks are different. I no longer have that truck. My new truck has some holes in the bed for draining water. Well, if I am driving and it is raining or snowing, water comes through those holes. Not much water, but enough to get stuff in the bed a little wet. Otherwise water doesn't come in anywhere else. Thanks for watching!

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Not mine!

[@oldranger649]

Yakima is prounced AK-AK-AK as in AK-AK guns. not softly- this is a Sahaptin Word. In fact Yakima Tribe, Yakima River, in the Yakima Valley. The correct pronunciation is Yack -ih-Maw, rhymes with Wichita, with as much emphasis on Maw as on Yack.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Thanks for letting me know and watching.

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

So what’s the difference between 1 and 2

[@ColoradoCamperman]

As stated in the video #1 - your gear is out of the weather elements. #2 - your gear is locked away and secured. At 3:38 I said #1 rolls into #2. If you want to look at them as one pro, you can do that. If you want to look at them as two pros, you can do that. Thanks for watching.

[@oldranger649]

Who decided to change the name from Canopy to "Topper"?

[@ColoradoCamperman]

I've heard people call it a camper, shell, lid, topper but I've never heard of anybody calling it a canopy, lol. I'll add it to my list. Thanks for watching

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Don't forget Cap.

[@justwannasay5454]

What RIGID product is that in the background? Just wondering...

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Good question, it's the 18volt jobsite radio. I love it! I have it hooked up to my TV for audio with an aux jack but I can hook up my phone via bluetooth. It also has a USB port and can charge your phone from an 18volt battery - definitely nice when you're working on a jobsite that doesn't have power or an older home w/out exterior outlets. It also has a normal 120 plug so you don't have to run it off an 18 volt battery. I got it for Christmas a few years back, but here it is on Amazon if you want to check it out: amzn.to/2sT34Xc Thanks for watching!

[@aschmitt36schmitt97]

The only real con on them is for yard work they can suck. But for everything else they are great

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Good point, thanks for watching!

[@ckarnik]

Grandpa caps rule!

[@ColoradoCamperman]

They really do. I have since bought a Moonlander for my truck, talk about the ultimate Grandpa cap! Thanks for watching.

[@magma9138]

What brand is yours? Any leaking? I heard these are notorious for leaking...

[@ColoradoCamperman]

I had an ARE topper, no leaks. I had it for around 3 years and bought it new. I no longer have that truck. Thanks for watching!

[@curtcoltharp3719]

Here are my Cons ahead of your next video. Toppers cut down on visibility when backing or changing lanes. When you haul stuff in one, what you need to get out is always up front and hard to access. You tend to have a lot of old, seldom used stuff end up in the front and you forget it’s there. My worst con is that you need knee pads when you climb up and crawl back to get that one item needed that is always in the front. Final con is that you can’t pull a fifth wheel if you have a topper.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Thanks for being on top of things Curt! You definitely made some great points and some go in line my thoughts as well!

[@moparlover1968rr]

Bed mat resolves one of them, if your not using a rubber bed mat, your not utilizing your bed properly and protecting it! And things don’t slide around

[@recyclespinning9839]

You can make a home made slider , then you can load and unload tools easily and save your back and knees

[@jeffloucks2120]

I'd get one if I could clear getting my full size dirtbike in the back. Theres a Century T model nearby that is taller but likely not enough.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Yeah, that would have to be pretty tall. Thanks for watching!

[@sixfoursoul2538]

its criminal how much these cost

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Yeah, they are definitely pricey!

[@brianlane9534]

40 years ago they were called camper tops. Today is the first time I ever heard them referred to as "truck topper". It's a camper top. Really.

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Everybody calls them something different. Thanks for watching.

[@user-cf1se1kk5x]

We call them canopies in Canada

[@matthew7972]

If I was to buy one used, how do I know it’ll fit the bed of my truck?

[@ColoradoCamperman]

Lots of measurements, lol! Thanks for watching.