INFLATABLE Camper Shell? First Look & Install on F150 - FLATED AIR TOPPER

HIGHWAY TEST IN RAIN ------}= • Inflatable Camper Shel...
How will an inflatable camper shell work? I take my first look at the new Air Topper from Flated as I blow it up and secure it to my truck. Will it work for camping/overlanding? How about strapping things on top? How do the windows work? Will it just blow off on the highway?
💨 FLATED AIR TOPPER - bit.ly/3LTbSz6
Would you like to help future adventures happen? Access to Trip Smith Volley Space? Trip's Tracks? Consider supporting the channel over on Patreon - / tripsmith

[@TripSmith]

Be sure to watch me test this thing out on the interstate in the rain.... The results put a DAMPer on my vacation.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/poi9oIh7i6h0rrM

[@emiliobandera7260]

❤F las LG por el y su ôú😅úó no😅❤sú es su un😅❤😢😮😅😅

[@Kwikrnu]

Thanks for your video, made my decision easy.

[@FLATED]

Well, we have made many improvements to our Air-toppers since you made the wet luggage video.

[@michaelbeever7592]

Bear's and Bigfoots are gonna LOVE this!!!

[@TheTrucker91884]

Cool product sadly it's more than a Leer hard shell camper. So I won't be even considering one until the price is under 1000$

[@LawF250]

Yeah for $2000 you could buy a super nice and great topper.

[@allaboutroofing2]

I was thinking it would be probably about $800ish so I am shocked to see it's over double that! Way too high IMO.

[@francisbael9334]

Regular canopy will probably last longer

[@christopheryale6867]

Yes I feel this should be below the price of the Softtopper to compete

[@keepit9762]

Look into Softtopper $1000 is what you will spend and is way nicer than this inflatable monstrosity 😂

[@degraham9198]

I had a greenhouse that relied on the inflated plastic sheets idea, and that thing lasted fifteen years through several hurricanes. Make sure you keep your patch kit in your glove box. Good luck to you; I would try this!

[@moreclips805]

That is An interesting Story. I read it And said to my self, Hmmm.

[@rebelyell2741]

I love my Cheyenne with hard topper. I truck camp in it all the time. I used a futon mattress instead of modern foam. And and 4 -5 gallon buckets and lids for gear. Put a rack on top with 2-8 ft. Long, 6 inch pvc pipe water storage tanks. I use it hauling a lot so I can’t build out a dedicated living space. But it works great to take on vacation, and the occasional weekend. I just hose it out at the neighborhood car wash first. The topper takes up space on the side of my house when I have it off( most of the time). And it’s a really heavy one from 1991. I bought it new when I bought the truck.This makes things really easy.

[@Boostedblackbird_]

I have definitely done that by myself multiple times with my fiberglass shell

[@mikedorman5521]

Just installed the air topper and air deck on my 2021 Tacoma and have driven it a couple hundred miles at speeds up to 90mph. There is no way this thing is coming off, and there isn't anything that "flaps in the wind" It's dead quiet. It's so strong you can stand on it. I did a lot of research before pulling the trigger. Think of a paddle board and various inflatable boats, they endure rocks, branches and extreme temperatures without issue. I live in Arizona and can tell you first hand the heat is not an issue, in fact, being 4" thick it's going to be much better insulated than a fiberglass shell. You inflate it to 7lbs, where as my paddle board (same material) inflates to 20+ lbs. I get the skepticism but if you've ever been around the boating industry you would know just how strong this stuff is. It weighs 50lbs and is easily removed. I haul dirt bikes but still wanted an easy to use and easy to store camper shell.

[@TripSmith]

You're spot on in my opinion Mike 😎👍

[@mikedorman5521]

I should add, if you are inflating at home and have access to a shop vac, this thing blows up super fast !

[@yaakovwiedermann6745]

where did you buy it? can u send me a link?

[@tonymontes8840]

Hmmm, We play at the sand dunes, often........the wind gusts get rather, GUSTY, not sure about the durability. I have a hard shell on my rig with sliding windows. Can't see it any other way. This might be a good idea for a 1st stage overland build for the beginner....I just don't see it in the long run.

[@okiepilgrim]

Mike or Trip. Does it do a good job with "sound insulation" - meaning is it quiet inside? Wife likes the kids to have a quiet place to sleep camping. Does this fit the bill? Thanks!

[@mikemead2315]

So it could be a camper, temp topper, or replacement for hard topper. Inflatable kayaks work great and are very durable but pricey at $1,000+, so this is in that price range. As a camper, the extremely low weight and easy mounting is fantastic, but the outside zippers are a no-go for me - on actual camper canvas windows, screen/blackout/window zippers are mounted inside, so this is made more for outside window access. As a temp topper, great for one person easy off/on. As a replacement to a basically permanent hard top, it is a bit pricey and less secure. Still, interesting. Thanks for showing it!

[@ronniewolf9650]

Kind of cool for camping let's see how versatile it stands up to weather conditions

[@TripSmith]

Check out the video in the description where Im in the back of it down the interstate in the rain 🤙

[@zachddt7589]

Not sure why anyone would pay nearly 2 grand for this.. Much rather buy a hard shell that will last

[@jchristensen6323]

when it gets old and leaky, can you fill it with expandible foam to make a hard shell?

[@frankrosemeck9898]

Two thousand dollars? Inconceivable!

[@zachddt7589]

@@frankrosemeck9898 Expand on your comment, because I don't think you understood mine.

[@marksim3488]

Storage is easier when not installed? Space is a premium when you live in a city

[@selfdisplaced]

2 grand? Lol I didn’t know price, figured it was made to be cheap, like 300-500$

[@annej5699]

I will be interested in seeing how this works at various highway speeds and in various types of weather. How much will it really stand up to, and how well does it seal out stormy weather and protect the cargo? Also, how much does it restrict visibility to the rear and the rear sides? I am assuming that with this shell in place visibility is effectively blocked. One pro that I see is that this is something I can potentially put on and take off as needed, without removing my three-panel folding bed cover. I am a little concerned about the way the zippers overlap and flap against the tailgate. It looks like these could beat up the paint while driving.

[@WW-wf8tu]

With the exception of your last sentence, that is exactly what I was hoping to see. Because if you are going to treat a truck bed/rails/gate like a princess, this is hardly going to compliment your mall crawler show piece.

[@annej5699]

@@WW-wf8tu I live near the coast, where salt and humidity tend to cause rust quickly. I'm not going for pretty, but I do want the integrity of my paint coverage protected.

[@maddavvid2339]

We have a speed limit of 70 mph here in the UK on our motorways I would also like to see how it travels at a speed

[@williamjohnston3770]

That's super innovative. If it holds up it could be a game changer.

[@mrlariata9290]

Cool idea for a temp cover. I would be constantly thinking about it coming off, flapping in the wind, and deflating. I would rather just want something I can forget about and just lock it.

[@TripSmith]

Yea.... I think it's actually going to do really well going down the highway. We shall see! I understand you thinking though. This may be a good option for someone who doesn't want to spend the extra money for a fiberglass topper and may not need it on 100% of the time.

[@hokiewiley2510]

Its VERY expensive!! Can buy a traditional campershell for same price.

[@miguelcastaneda7236]

Ahh on that need to.lock tailgate too ..get poplock if you can find ..even if you lock shell you can still open tailgate ..

[@offroad5798]

@@TripSmith for someone that doesn't want to spend the extra money? Dude that thing isn't cheap lmao

[@TripSmith]

@@offroad5798 Cheaper than others I was looking at though.

[@suzymeister]

I like it! It seems convenient to set-up and take on and off for someone like me who would be doing it by myself. I also don't have a lot of storage space, so this is really interesting. I'm wondering about how it will stand up in the rain. I look forward to see it in use. Thanks for the review.

[@allaboutroofing2]

I've removed and installed a 6.5 foot fiberglass shell solo. It's a hassle, but can be done and I'm 150lbs. You get under the center and carry on on your shoulders and upper back. Just an FYI since many things said to be impossible are very possible with proper technique and know how.

[@TripSmith]

It's possible, but not fun lol

[@allaboutroofing2]

@@TripSmith not fun, but rewarding. I also have a jeep hard top hoist I modified to remove the shell and store it suspended near the ceiling of the garage. The product you reviewed is nice but way too expensive. I could see this being appealing to apartment dwellers or people with very limited storage options tho. Cheers.

[@e.z.hernandez6378]

This is a “you are the beta tester” kind of thing. That being said, it is cool with many uses. I’m sure it’ll improve and go down in price quick. I can see these having problems at first when the speed to drag ratio hits its limit in some cases and a few go flying.

[@TripSmith]

Yea, I think you are right. We shall see! Fun being on the ground floor.

[@NoonMight]

That’s awesome! But it should be cheaper than a hard top :( I’d say $500-$700 maybe

[@flipmarc69]

You can get the Softopper for around $850.

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Looks a very good product. High pressure air things and structures have a lot of possibilities

[@TripSmith]

I agree! I'm wondering where they will be in 2-5 years.

[@pamelaklemp5615]

That's really cool! I can see where that would really be a nice-to-have. Wondering how rainproof will actually be, especially since most of your inside items are going to be on the truck bed floor. Also additional side and back privacy curtains since those on the bedliner are on the outside. Those are small add-ons to consider but overall it seems nice for its intended use. Nice that it's high too, plenty of head room and then some extra for sure 👍

[@kaical-610]

Wow, would loved that in my camping days. Take apart, no worries about someone breaking in as a permanent one.👍🏼

[@klrrob066]

Neat. Reason I don’t have a fibreglass shell now is I have no room to store when off truck. This solves that issue!

[@TripSmith]

There ya go!

[@robertjimenez7285]

This is great! This would be awesome for our Softball tournaments in the summer! Get a chance to cool off and the kids can relax in the bed!

[@theupscriber65]

Great concept. Easy to take down when you get to the pick up destination and realize the thing you want to carry is taller than the shell.

[@TripSmith]

Very true!

[@diegochavez7203]

I see the utility of this being able to still use your bed when it rains, and gives you more height than a tonneau cover. And more versatile than a hard cover camper shell since it's easy to store if you don't need it

[@Nippyou812]

I've had air inflatable tents and at night when the air gets cool the tent sags, when it's hot the tent is nice.

[@DrMott]

Trip: Tell me I can pop my kayak on top of it!

[@TripSmith]

You sure can!

[@Mhg77825]

That F-150 looks really cool especially with the top.

[@tex1797]

That is neat about time someone made this 👏 👌 🙌

[@briteidea08]

Great for someone who goes camping.

[@kerrygibbs8198]

The top looks cool and I’m impressed how you just pop into the trunk bed. I’m 62 and have to use a milk creat step. Lol

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

We are all ready for the next C-Dory adventure Trip! I've watched basically all the C-Dory videos on YT at this point and you are one of the only folks putting out new content. Is there anyone you can recommend that is putting out current C-Dory adventure videos? Don't worry, we are all gonna watch yours first regardless. 😁👍 Thanks Trip! 🐟🐟🐟

[@TripSmith]

I know.... I'm waiting for a bit warmer weather to hit the spots I have in mind. I don't know of any others.... I don't watch other people who do stuff like I do anyhow lol

[@PickledParrotfish]

I'm watching you! Inflatable topper futures are riding on your shoulders Trip! 😎

[@TripSmith]

Awesome! Yea, I agree!!! Going to be interesting.

[@rfamilyadventure5057]

Man that's cool I didn't know that was a product.. I've been wanting a cover for my f150 too.

[@TripSmith]

Yes it is!!!! Might be worth trying ;)

[@endtimeswriter]

Awesome. I have been looking for a very light shell and this would work.

[@officer3054]

Neat idea just way to expensive for camping a couple times a year!

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

Omg yes, wtf is up with that price?!? Ridiculous.

[@cup_and_cone]

@@ArbitraryLifestyle I mean it's basically three custom SUPs, so price should be close to three SUPs.

[@TripSmith]

It's actually half the cost of a fiberglass shell though..... So if you want a shell, it's a good option

[@TripSmith]

@JP Seems like I priced one and it was that high.... Unfortunately used isn't an option for the 2021 year model as they changed the beds so older models don't fit.... Or I'd have a used one 😉👍

[@jungleno.]

For a lot less money you could get yourself a nice 8 x 10 two room tent, sleeping bags, camp chairs, lanterns, stove etc. And an inflatable kayak.

[@mrjack8849]

I’m thinking best used off highway or as a camper once you get to your destination. I used to have a truck tent to go in my truck bed. This inflatable shell would be better than that. However, I would get a hard shell for long term use or just use tarps for moving stuff temporarily that need weather protection.

[@jesseevangelista2422]

Can u imagine driving through some high winds and it just blows off like a kite 😂

[@nmbr1bassr]

could use some flaps over where it meets the bed sides to help keep water out looks like if it just sits on top it would leak when it rains

[@100PercentJames]

I had a inflatable SUP. Pumped it up and used it just fine. Then left it on the shore for 20 minutes. It got too hot and the air expanded and the glue failed and it was ruined. I would be worried about that happening with this thing too.

[@mwnowell]

Looking forward to an in-depth review! Awesome!

[@johnphilpottand6361]

I can’t see those four little straps keeping it from moving all around. Especially with it being taller than the cab. But seems like a good start. Just not fully tested

[@mfwicbasterd477]

Curious as to how well it stands in winter weather. Not so much snow load, more deflate gate concern 😂

[@offgridutah1]

This will bring a new meaning to: "I can't go camping because my camper has a flat"

[@SMMBHQ-cg2zy]

good old trip always doing what I want to do

[@TripSmith]

Lol doing my best!

[@kevinreist7718]

No metal frame or clamps to scratch your paint, Great idea!

[@williamwilliams6791]

Would be cool if this was dual use. Like you could use as a truck cap/camper shell and it could also be converted into dingy for anglers or people who like boating. It definitely reminds me of a zodiac or rubber boat the way it is constructed. Pricey though.

[@Strawhatandacane]

Cool idea, stay away from narrow, wooded trails with branches pinstriping your vehicle..POP !

[@DJStroble]

This is what I need to camp in snowboarding

[@TripSmith]

There ya go! Problems solved!

[@garym51124]

If it had some overhang flaps for the sides and near the cab it would be better...keep the rain out. Very cool though

[@TripSmith]

very good thought there!

[@alallen2767]

Thanks for that. Stay safe.

[@BlockchainToTheFace]

When I think camping, I think of the woods. The first tree that raked across this thing would render it useless. I guess it would work ok if you camp in Target parking lot

[@JaliscoMe]

You could get a Kodiak Canvas truck tent for much less if your only wanting to use it for Camping. But this looks great and practical for more of a permanent topper with the ease of storage when not in use for when you Carry larger or taller items. Easily remove with one person and put away. That was one issue with fiberglass toppers. Not a one man show for installation and removal plus all the real estate they take up during storage

[@ellerybice3787]

The securement straps look to be less than adequate for canopy retention, highway speeds and strong cross winds are going to rip product apart and right off that pickup bed in short order.

[@TripSmith]

I donno.... I think it'll hold it really well. We will see! When the next rain storm comes through I'm going to let my wife drive down the highway with me in the back! Should be a fun video!

[@ellerybice3787]

@@TripSmith fairwell! Consider the strap strength, the strength of the attachment point, the thread, load fatigue on materials over time, the damage done by weather and ultraviolet rays. This product could end up in the path of other traffic, LOOK OUT! 🥺

[@cayb10]

awesome product

[@jimbartosevich498]

I have mixed feelings about this. My personal go-to is a soft trifold tonneau cover, because it's light, and can be removed and installed by myself in seconds, in case I have to haul a tall load. This product seems to ALMOST have that advantage, if not for the inflation/deflation time. That makes it take way longer, and be way less convenient to install and remove than the tonneau. So, I'm actually seriously wondering, how often will it be removed to really take advantage of it's portability over a hardshell topper?

[@gl7431]

That would be a great idea for small boats .... Would transform a cc into an overnighter ..

[@TripSmith]

Yea might be..... Would need some finagling.

[@jamesa9lpiopatton419]

Coolest thing I seen in awhile prices

[@TripSmith]

Pretty cool for sure!

[@macp349]

Interesting. I wonder how much weight the top can support, though

[@michaelteague9230]

Thanks for the great review, Mur!

[@carllubrin8518]

This is where a auto pump is in handy lol

[@bobsmithers]

Blew right off!!

[@Kevin_D1]

Looks better than the Bestop Super Top 2 that I purchased.

[@JustMe-pu3xm]

That’s nice and there’s nothing wrong with being Nick Picking, that’s how a company gets feedback from their customers.

[@thatguy8005]

If the tracks were mounted to the truck, securing it, it would be pretty cool

[@patmason7276]

What the. Cool set up.

[@TripSmith]

Heck yea!!!

[@ReWyldOutdoors]

That's a cool idea! Looks pretty well made too!

[@TripSmith]

Sure is!

[@brettalexander5585]

What a cool product!

[@luvtoyscollector3373]

That’s the coolest thing I’ve seen 👍 I love it 🥰

[@NYMikeandMore]

Just found your channel and subscribed! This bed cover is amazing! I’m currently looking for one to put on my fore mavericks. Thanks for the video - Mike

[@Macky4941]

Very interested to see how it holds up to sun exposure and highway driving. Overall I think it makes a awesome rooftop tent alternative for trucks!

[@TripSmith]

I think highway driving should be just fine. The sun probably won't be to bad on it. I don't plan on having it on 100% of the time anyhow. Yes, I agree. I've never been able to understand the point of a RTT for most people.....

[@Macky4941]

@RISKY ADVERTISING HIGH PROFIT BEACH TRAVELS most quality roof top tents cost $2,000 and up so it's in a competitive spot as it can stay up the whole time, not just when stopped for camp.

[@Macky4941]

@@TripSmith yeah I prefer either sleeping in my vehicle with a platform setup or a comfortable pop up cabin tent. While a hard topper shell would be more ideal this product is definitely easier to store when not in use.

[@philc.9280]

I wished they had this product back in 2015 before I bought my hard shell topper. I love my topper but don't always want it on and its a bear to remove all the time.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Awesome.

[@NextNate03]

Good 1st attempt. Except the cover needs to have a center brake light. Did some research while writing this. Yes, it needs a brake light. No, it doesn't need a brake light. Check with your local DMV. Law enforcement might give you a hard time and ticket you, even tho they might be wrong.

[@johnnyjones7427]

New subscriber brother, this is awesome...exactly what I needed.. keep up the good work

[@TripSmith]

Thanks for subbing Johnny, glad you found the channel. Need a deal on a topper? Hit me up 👍

[@Hipporider]

Well that's rather unique 🇦🇺

[@chelseab5467]

Interesting thank you!

[@TripSmith]

You're welcome!

[@al-masihad-dajjal4565]

1:15 pumps up swimming pool only to find water won't stay in 😂

[@lamasteve6905]

Camper is next !

[@mendozaconsultation]

Nice. Be better if the Windows and rear opening was secured with water proof zippers. Also, for almost 2 thousand dollar's, you can get a nice hard topper.

[@josephtucciarone6878]

Nice. Thank you.

[@hotrod76.]

Shld have seen how good it kept water out. I bet it leaks like hell.!!

[@TripSmith]

I will be hopping in the back and cruising down the highway when we get a rain storm ;)

[@southernjustice615]

That's cool!!!

[@The-Man-On-The-Mountain]

Came for the thumbnail, stayed for the guitar.

[@chuckgunn1359]

I will definitely stick with the softopper. Cheaper, looks better and is more versatile. you can collapse it in under 2 minutes without even removing from the truck.

[@MelloThatDude]

That's pretty badass. Great idea. How well does it work keeping water (rain) from getting inside? And is it worth buying. 👏🏼👏🏼. Thanks

[@TripSmith]

It's pretty cool! Not to well on keeping the rain out without some extra weather stripping.

[@ML-uk6lu]

Cool.

[@kerryjacobs472]

You aint tricking me

[@debbiethomas2622]

Probably have an electric pump to inflate it. I'm not lazy, but you did get a bit winded doing it. Not crazy about the velcro closure at the tailgate. Maybe if there was a way of tucking that tail (bottom) in somehow. Curious on how it holds up weather wise, like winter conditions (snow and high winds).

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you

[@GooberNuf]

"and in my next video, I test out an automatic air pump"

[@technicalitems731]

I can see a use for this. But what about rain? I see a daylight gap between it and bed rails. I hope a vandal doesn’t pop it with a knife?

[@Ozzypup1]

Interesting idea. But I have a very strong feeling your going to have water comming in were the bottom of the topper sits on the bed rails.

[@ImTheDaveman]

Yeah looks cool - but how well it holds up in moderately high winds and rain is the big question. And then, how well it holds up in the cold.

[@BizDev_00]

Awesome idea. Goes well with a SUP! But will it fly away at 75 mph on the interstate?

[@TripSmith]

Sure does! Nah, it should stay on just fine. I've already had it up to probably 50-60 around town. But will be taking it at interstate speeds soon ;)

[@peterellis9089]

Looks cool!

[@TripSmith]

It's unique..... lol

[@linda-rubyjacobson4400]

Could this be also used as a water toy?

[@MrJeep75]

That's so cool

[@TripSmith]

Pretty wild!

[@michellesmith8912]

I like it.

[@truenaturestormers2525]

I like it we love you Trip. Peace

[@TripSmith]

Peace!!! Thankya!