I BOUGHT A FLIPPAC!!!

[@socalexpeditions]

*THIS VIDEO I MADE WAS NOT EXPECTED TO HIT EVEN 1,000 VIEWS. I filmed this just walking around the truck for fun. This was not a well made video (in my opinion), so before going on to judge - Please watch my newer videos. *On to the update:* The Flippac was regretfully sold. I quickly came to realize that my future traveling style (Crawling + High Speed Desert) was going to break the Flippac eventually. Instead of ruining a perfectly good shell (and there being one less of them out there), I decided with my better judgment to let it go to someone who was as passionate about them as I was, and has spent just as long looking for one. He took it to a new home in CO where him and his wife will be using it, and I couldn't be more happy about who it went to. For those asking how much it sold for: $4,250. Where I realized it was not going to work well for me was on the Mojave Road Trip. Check out my video on that on my channel as well. The sight of seeing it go was really, really sad. However, I am going to be doing a full build on the truck for high-speed traveling, crawling, and camping. If you EVER get the chance to buy a Flippac in good condition - Do it. I had the tent open over 80 times in that short month I kept it, and I truly believe I used it enough to be happy. One day, I will have another...

[@timschutte6924]

Dont worry about the editing of your video. I think your dedication to finding one of these speaks volumes to your character and the type of person you are. You take great pride in everything you do. I'm the same exact way.

[@bradbarr3059]

My Dad invented this camper in the early 1970s. He sold the patent to flippac who sold it to Fiberglass Reinforced Products who quit making them in 2016. I have one manufactured by FRP in the year 2000. Really nice camping experience. Queen bed and 7 foot headroom.

[@timschutte6924]

This style is really awesome. Someone should buy the patents and start to manufacture these again. I would buy one in a New York minute !!!!!

[@ryancaugust]

If it flipped the other way it would be great - support poles could go down onto the ground, you'd have some shade/rain shelter, and you could still have roof racks on your truck

[@socalexpeditions]

Look up AT Habitat

[@chuckster3629]

Problem with that is, you can't move the truck at all without taking the poles down. I've moved mine to another campsite clear across a big campground because noisy neighbors were ruining my camping experience. Damn Millennials. I didn't have to touch a thing inside or out. I'm glad I bought my Flip-Pac brand new in 2000 just a few months after buying my Ranger shortbed. I paid $2,000 for my Flip-Pac brand new and have used it extensively. Great getaway unit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmjFmqSmht6hqpo

[@elonmusk9666]

@@chuckster3629 damn whiney complaining boomers. Enjoy your flippac lol

[@scottbarr4347]

There was this version built and sold by my dad the inventor.

[@eb4305]

For lubing up zippers, get a crayon of similar color and coat the teeth. It wont leak on fabric like oil and it will stick around longer. Good find on the topper man

[@c.tuckerstewart159]

Eric Bender nice tip! Thanks!

[@jimmyharrison1864]

Bar soap or candle wax will lube zippers...

[@jimmyharrison1864]

Bar soap or white candle wax lubes zippers without the oil mess. Your video is dizzy because you are having around way too much. I just skipped thru because I'm starting a 2007 Ranger build. 🍀🙏🌴🎶

[@steveturnbaugh6179]

I bought my Flippac in 1996 and the company in Longmont, CO. custom painted it red to match my 93 Nissan 4x4. Used it until I wore out my Nissan then put it on a 2005 Tacoma 4x4. It fit better on the Nissan, but I was able to add a piece of plexiglass on the Tacoma to make up for the extra 1" bed length. I loved the functionality of the camper. Lots of headroom and the lights were handy if you didn't forget to turn them off. The torsion bar on mine never wore out, but the steel member connecting to it snapped. The company sent me a new one and I replaced it myself. The number one issue I had with the Flippac was what it did to your gas mileage. My 4-cylinder Nissan barely could get to highway speed with it on and my v6 Tacoma lost several mpg on highway. Air would get directed between the front of it and the rear of the cab of the truck, not to mention the squared off rear end also created air resistance. The camper is also heavy and not a two person job to take on and off. I constructed a hoist behind my home that allowed me to use chain hoists to lift it off and store it. I was able to do this by myself and frequently took it off and put it back on for different purposes. I think the manual said it is 350#, but I think it may be more. It was heavy even for four people to lift and put in place. It was super comfortable to sleep in and tons of room inside when opened. I used a very large tarp to cover it during rain and would not suggest using it in rain without something over it. It would definitely leak. Overall, loved it and hated to have to sell it.

[@christopherlastname7638]

This is the first time I have seen on of these! It's a awesome idea now I'm looming for one dam you !

[@CaptainJackScrapper]

Very Very Cool. I have a small sixpac camper and this baby of yours is giving me some ideas 🙂

[@gungfuriceboy]

That's AWESOME !!!......glad you 'Tracked One Down'! Karma!! Enjoy the Budget build! CHEERS!

[@turnerables]

Lucky you found one, I’ve been looking for a while in Florida but haven’t found one

[@ltx383]

That’s a cool looking tent. Idk why nobody has innovated on this thing. With a roof rack that supports the weight of the flip out would be sick and still be functional.

[@davidwill1320]

If someone has not already mentioned it, candle wax is a great way to condition zippers.

[@scotquigley513]

Mr Zogg's Sex Wax!

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

SC EM sex wax is a surf wax. It’s been around for decades. It’s not ky or used sexually. Unless you’re the type that likes to get weird.

[@ATumblelinaTruth7777]

AWESOME 👏I Need One For My 2005 Dodge Dakota ....I’ve never seen or heard of These So Thank You For Sharing ☺️👍 Good Luck & Fun To You

[@mrblond750]

Congrats on finding what you been looking for. I know the feeling, I been looking for an Alaskan NCO camper for some time and just found one.

[@LoveDogs___3]

I have never even heard of one of those. Cool!!!

[@robbot9877]

why isn't anyone making something similar to this anymore?

[@dominica2765]

at overland.com they make an atlas a summit in a habitat very pricey worth every penny

[@stevesmith3556]

Good tip for zippers. There is wax that is made for lubing zippers.

[@danielsmith4090]

This thing is gnarly. So cool👍

[@EvanxBurke]

crazy to see the evolution of your trucks as well as this video taking off.

[@scottbarr4347]

Flip PAC acquired the patents and production rights from my dad, Dwight Barr,who invented this in the early 80s. First several hundred produced were under the name Barr Top. Same design was used for car top tents. With the patents having expired, many manufacturers today are producing car top tents with the mechanically automatic unfolding and folding.

[@deautomaton]

Get yourself a Bedrug to line the bed. They are very nice, and are very durable if you carry cargo in the bed when you aren’t camping. They are more expensive than just using house carpet, but they are fitted to the bed and they aren’t pricey at all.

[@socalexpeditions]

I had a bedrug sitting in the shed when I had it - Just never put it on. I actually sold the Flippac and gave it to the next owner!

[@scotquigley513]

If you use oil on zippers, it will bleed onto material. Use wax instead, cuz it's pretty dry & won't go anywhere but on zippers. It also helps weatherproof.

[@soup.p]

Oh nice! 😮I want of these for my ford sport trac!! 😄

[@armandcouture4655]

That is really cool. A cap and roof top tent all in one!

[@armandcouture4655]

Sweet score! Never saw one of these before.

[@williamreynolds8210]

That a great idea! Your persistence paid off!

[@socalexpeditions]

Thank you!

[@gregraines8082]

I didn't realize they went out of business. I see below it looks like the family still owns the patent. Someone should buy that and restart this type of camper shell.

[@RM-gv3lu]

@socalexpeditions ... Wow I haven’t seen one of those in years. My uncles were the owners of FRP. Fiberglass Reinforced Products. They were based out of Corona , Ca . My uncle Louie passed years ago and his brother Homero was the only owner until he had a major stroke. He is still alive but in a home. The company was a family run business. I used to work there as a teenager during the summers. I’m 44 now. The original patent to the flip lac was bought by my uncles from a retired doctor . My uncle who also worked at FRP owns one! We also use to show it at the SEMA show before the show was as big as it is now!

[@socalexpeditions]

Wow this is crazy - I am so glad that you were able to find this video and comment. Tell Homero thank you for making this product and he made something that is so highly desirable and we all love. It's insane hearing your story and how you used to help out there as well. Again so stoked that you commented and found this!

[@RM-gv3lu]

socalexpeditions unfortunately he is unable to communicate because of his health. I’m sure he would be happy . And yes the inside lights were put in by FRP. We also use to show it at the Pomona Car show! Happy trails

[@robert1621]

@@RM-gv3lu sorry about your Uncle's current state. what is the status on the patent now ?

[@RM-gv3lu]

Robert Enriquez I would imagine he still owns it...

[@robert1621]

@@RM-gv3lu Is the patent for sale?

[@drawfark]

Dude! That is so super sweet! Congratulations Man! So Cool!

[@jeepwranglerjk1]

Repetition overland uses a new version of this from a different company the habitat I think

[@inchranger]

You'll have a blast with it.. I just wish mine didnt have the window pkg in it..

[@inchranger]

#12degnorth

[@kevinjamiesonbelou]

Wow. That rig is amazing!

[@pcbmale]

rubber fender flair,can be run under the seal if you need more rubber

[@timschutte8310]

, get urself an " Air Bladder", seal for the back pass thru windows, also get urself some battery powered LED Lights for ur truck/tent. cool, I wouldn't mind having one of these

[@backonthelevel85]

You can always use a inner tube for a 10 speed bike & just over inflate it with a compressor to make the seal. Works great actually.

[@timschutte8310]

Backon Thelevel , one of those kids inflatable tubes

[@SimplyLesa]

That is beautiful. I have liked these since their beginning!

[@luke8210]

Reminds me of the old wildernest. Cool setups. Wish I could find one for my truck. Nice job!

[@jcoats5529]

I didnt know that these existed, but I've always wondered why truck canopies don't expand. Pretty awesome.

[@chuckster3629]

I only paid $2,500 brand new for my FlipPac in the year 2000.

[@socalexpeditions]

Woooo!

[@scotquigley513]

Score!

[@xaviertian8268]

WOOOO

[@fm00078]

When I seen this here I would have offered $1600.oo ... go from there IF he balks. STILL, if you love it, you're married to it.

[@Tacoexplorer]

Congrats! I always liked the flippac. Good choice! I’m about to place a new order for a Vagabond Drifter for my 2015 Tacoma.

[@mcenforcer566]

Very cool. I've built something similar but never seen anything like that. 3 grand... pretty high. Could get a camper with kitchen, bathroom, water tanks & generator or solar panels. But, not criticizing, if that's your thing....dig it

[@socalexpeditions]

Check out my other walk around video with the newer setup!

[@dougmckittrick2212]

This is incorrect as far as the invention goes. My grandfather, Dwight Barr, invented this year's ago. It was originally called the "Barr Top". He sold the patent to Six Pack at some point. Great to see they are still made and enjoyed!

[@Tenright77]

Silicone spray or wax on the zippers, check sailing supply for a ptfe / UV roll on sealer preservative coating...nice rig, enjoy.

[@hautala88]

Where's the videos of you setting this thing up/using it? Or did you sell it shortly after?

[@joeynelson6092]

Still have this thing?cause I’ve always wanted one

[@mrglasswindowwashing]

Careful what you put on the zipper it will run to the threads and then caused them to rot or stretch kind of like a spa cover you never armor or a spa cover it causes it to stretch in the strings the thread to go bad

[@joshharmon4867]

You should raptor line it to better match that sick little Toyota you have. It looks like a fun project to mess around with.

[@ehsoule]

That is so innovative, it’s a shame they don’t make these anymore

[@Abundanthealthcoach]

Way to go!! It’s so hard to find for 2009 long bed Tacoma

[@socalexpeditions]

I know!

[@dant3113]

Why they stop making these camper shells they're awesome. Do you know much this shell weighs?

[@socalexpeditions]

The owner passed away. It weighs 300-360, something around there.

[@CactusJackSlade]

HEY Peeps: There are a couple for sale on the Sacramento Craigslist in very good/excellent condition (6/6/2020)

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Can I get dibs on it if you ever upgrade or something lol? Congratz man!

[@socalexpeditions]

Haha there's a much newer video out now.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

@@socalexpeditions Lol ;p

[@CalvinHikes]

Would have loved to see that thing deploy.

[@socalexpeditions]

Check out my video Expedition Mojave Road and skip to 3:00 to see me open it!

[@otimaldo]

I missed one of those for 200 bucks on Craigslist in my area that's what I get for going out of town.

[@aarondavis5535]

That's a realy cool Ideal I'm surprised no one else started making somthing like that my wife now whant one for her truck but I'm not even going to try

[@garywray6081]

I hate that these guys went out of business. I had always hoped they would come out with it for other truck models. MAYBE THAT HURT THEIR SALES. The product is awesome. I wanted one since I first saw it but I have a crew cab 4x4 Silverado.

[@JJKHaywood]

A very good lightweight, roomy answer for the small truck.

[@Radnally]

The cost to "weight and space" ratio is really great on these rigs. Light, stream- lined and expand into a lot of space. Fairly rugged as well. I'm surprised they're not more common.

[@danieltaylor6535]

Please make another video showing how the finished set up is.

[@socalexpeditions]

Unfortunately if you watch my newest video, you'll see that it is off the truck. I switched build directions as the Flippac is amazing, however, it's super heavy and going fast in the desert + 380lb fiberglass shell do not mix well. I sold it to an awesome person who is going to treat it very well.

[@ladonnad.steele2470]

Nice! Never heard of these before. Love this!!!! Like a tent on your truck! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍!!!!

[@robertdotfox]

Cool vid. What are the bed caps you talk about @8:38 ? Are they stock or an aftermarket product? I’m looking to add some more height to my camper shell if possible.

[@socalexpeditions]

Rob Fox The KB Voodoo bed caps will lower the height 1”, so the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve unfortunately

[@codeman1979]

That’s so cool dude

[@mrmichaeltscott]

I did want one until I saw this video of all the problems with this thing. Wish another company would pick it up and improve upon it.

[@socalexpeditions]

There are a few different options available now! Check out the Vagabond Drifter, Go Fast Camper, and AT Habitat and Summit! They are well made!

[@scottb6505]

@@socalexpeditions Hey Awesome vid. I am retired military and new to the area. Do you have an email I could contact you on? Looking for camper info for a Dodge Dakota

[@oversizedoverland6088]

Nice vid man. Congrats on the topper

[@danstrausbaugh6430]

If that was my truck I would definitely color match it to the truck

[@wt5390]

is FlipPac a brand name or a style?

[@monsiuersmartypants3391]

you should look into project m campoers from four wheeel campers

[@freedom456able]

You don't oil Zippers. Wax it with an old candle or Soap bar it up. Just a thought ; )

[@nastysasquatch1909]

Can i ask what year your truck is.? I like this set up.

[@socalexpeditions]

2006 Toyota Tacoma

[@zacd7094]

What happens if the canopy tears?

[@beckysnyder4701]

Thank you for sharing. Gives me ideas. Cool

[@mrglock2313]

Look for an upholstery shop/ awning shop they can replace zippers and or replace other items that may wear out. Nice find👍

[@jbearmcdougall1646]

Very cool indeed.. would you consider having the Flip-Pac colour coded to match the truck..!.?

[@XrayDean]

Jeff Moore maybe a wrap?

[@jbearmcdougall1646]

@@XrayDean sure it would look awesome if it was all colour coded, your doing really well with truck.. I wish there was a weekly blog..lol

[@OdySlim]

I love the Flippac. What a nice set-up. I have been looking for something for my full sized truck. I may end up converting a contractors top. Good luck with yours! I hope you made your budget. I was looking at fridges and they are expensive.

[@LivingOnCash]

Nice find! I don't think your budget is unreasonable at all, especially when looking at the outrageous prices some of these new pickup campers go for. Why don't you just remove the bed side rail caps? The Flippac makes them unnecessary anyway and it would solve your seal issue. It will also make the back window seal to the sides and tailgate better. Also, please remove the veteran sticker from the back window (unless you are a vet and put it on there yourself, in which case, thank you for your service).

[@socalexpeditions]

So the bed caps were on as when I found this, I didn't have close to enough time to buy the KB Voodoo ones. Without the bed caps, all the holes on the side of the bed were showing which would have made the leaks worse. The veteran sticker was in the process of being removed (if you can see the edge on the right being torn a little). It was removed the following day!

[@socalexpeditions]

@Ryan Anderson I would never pay 36,000 USD for one...This one was 3,000 and that was the most I wanted to spend. I don't think I could build something like this for that price! I know the 4 Wheel Campers are super expensive though - A lot of people live out of them or travel for months in them. But heck you should look into starting to build them! Easy money right now!

[@MustyBastard]

For sure, I spent 50k Cad on mine. Truck campers are un necessarily expensive

[@wh8085]

@@MustyBastard FWIW , and no Dis intended , but the price would come down if people stopped paying that much.

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Someone Needs To Step Up' And Bring This Gold Mine Product Back!!! _ This Could Even Be Improved Upon' To Be Even Better With Like a Vestibule' ect... Um' Who Wants To Be a Mililionair !? _ Anyone?

[@TheRealhippy]

It’s absolutely insane. The insanity is just insane.

[@SPEEDTER601]

Oil is not a great idea for zippers. Scrapping an old candle along the open zippers then zip them back and forth is better and doesn't give oilstains on the canvas or whatever it is made of. great rig.👍

[@24ZEN]

So cool!

[@brookeholder4807]

Did you have to find a company to remake the tent? if so who?

[@socalexpeditions]

No I sold it, it was not up to todays standards at all

[@singletrackftw]

That thing is M I N T. You just hit next level with your truck. Can’t even believe it.

[@socalexpeditions]

Thank you man! I also look forward to getting back into riding downhill biking someday soon! Just need to find the right bike and some time to ride again!

[@ronrico2620]

Family canvas business dry silicon spray lube is what we used on zippers.

[@JavierBonillaC]

Why don’t they make these anymore? They are a brilliant idea!!!

[@wh8085]

Read all the comments and you will find out.

[@geoffreybywater518]

Nice set up

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Sad they went out of business, great idea and lots of tweaks in Gen 2 and Gen 3 they could have made to improve it.

[@19frog68]

@socalexpeditions This FlipPac only appears in one of your videos. did you get rid of it?

[@socalexpeditions]

Yes, I have something way more exciting on the way.

[@wtfu812omg]

This would be perfect for my Tacoma . It’s a quad cab short bed so there’s not much you can find for a camping setup for my type of truck. Hell I can’t even find a used shirt bed cap for it.

[@socalexpeditions]

Where are you located? I'll do a quick search for you...Somehow I'm really good at finding camper shells haha! Feel free to send me a private message on Instagram: @socalexpeditions

[@Greengoblin2345]

*Find cup holders * “This guy loves to get lit”

[@chrisginoc]

Are there any companies out there making anything close to what Flip-pac used to make that is not over $20k? Ive seen other companies but man they charge an arm and a leg because its custom or handmade.

[@rnunezc.4575]

Use silicon spray on zippers never oil..wax too but spray easier..

[@beavertrapper330]

Very nice setup!

[@jeepwranglerjk1]

Expedition over land uses this

[@iismatthew123]

How much weight can the bed part support?

[@socalexpeditions]

I'm actually not too sure on that. The torsion bars on the Flippac are prone to breaking, yet a replacement is offered. If I had to give a number, I would say 350lbs is the most I would put up there and not be too worried. Over 500lbs would be a little scary IMO.

[@socalexpeditions]

Update! I found out it can support 1,000lbs.

[@iismatthew123]

@@socalexpeditions dude thats crazy!

[@traciejohnson8381]

@@socalexpeditions We bought ours new in 2013. I agree with the 350lb range. We got a better piece of foam for the bed which is much heavier than the stock foam it came with. I no longer flip the mattress over with it in the lid. I want the the torsion bar to last. We just slide the mattress by hand across the top of the "hammock" portion as we pull the hammock closed. Windows in the fiberglass all leaked badly. We took them out and reinstalled with the puddy tape they use to install windows in RVs. Wished I had not gotten the pass through window in the front as I think it will always leak. Also the gel coat is thin and deteriorating. Store indoors if you can or make .a cover for it. I wax it regularly.

[@blasvital827]

Nice man! Do you have a short or long bed. If you have a short do you know if they made 5.5 thanks

[@socalexpeditions]

They did make one for a shortbed! I have a long bed.

[@russelldonithan2621]

Why did just offer 3000 it's sounds like you could got it cheaper

[@socalexpeditions]

I would have but the person who sold the truck told the new owner how much I offered.

[@cjw2661]

NEVER, EVER offer your highest price right off !!! ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS start off low then give them a chance to counter offer. Especially when buying this type of used item. MOST owners will overprice things in the beginning because they are expecting to be offered a lower price. THEN YOU START THE BARTERING PROCESS !!! You probably could have saved a bunch of money. The other person probably got the truck for a much lower price than it was listed, then got your $3000. You probably almost paid the truck for him. Better luck next time. Remember ALWAYS barter/haggle for big ticket used items.

[@cjw2661]

@Gene I totally agree. And if they wait for you to offer, you start off low.

[@socalexpeditions]

@@cjw2661 The guy paid $3,000 extra for the truck just for the shell (; Trust me, I've bought and sold more things than you could ever imagine. When someone already knows your offer and you know it's value; you don't argue. You be happy and take it! But thank you for the buying lesson, I'll keep that in mind.

[@pedro664]

He doesn't know how to negotiate

[@mikezuba4494]

Are you going to wrap the flippanc the same color as the truck or leave it the original color? Awesome set up btw ;)

[@socalexpeditions]

It's going to stay white for a good bit of time as I love the original white - Stands out IMO! Thank you Mike!

[@stillnotwoke]

@@socalexpeditions White stays COOLER

[@efromhb]

Wait for the wind noise, cold nights, leaks, and broken torsion bar. They are good for what they are but many new designs are much better. Enjoy it. Get a rainfly.

[@socalexpeditions]

What's funny is I actually took it out in Mojave where one night we were camped up a mountain with 50+ mph winds. One persons RTT flipped over on him, and others had to move to their truck to sleep. I slept just fine hahah! Cold nights are fine with me - I camped out last year in Mammoth where it was 11 degrees at night with no heater haha! Fun stuff, but good thing that replacements torsion bars are available. The new owner is enjoying it thoroughly!

[@bob.evans.8679]

Do they still make these?

[@joeylandis8735]

Is there anything similar to this still for sale?

[@informedcitizen8687]

That's awesome!!! Do the still make these and how old is that one?

[@socalexpeditions]

They do not make them anymore! This particular one was 7 years old.

[@oldfordcarsandtrucks]

saw a similar thing in the late 80's flipped to the drvers side don't know who made it but very similar

[@SimplyLesa]

WildrrNest

[@lukemacie4843]

Where did you buy those seals?

[@socalexpeditions]

Amazon