Pickup topper load and unload all by yourself in less than 5 minutes

[@jakejulik]

Sweet setup. I cringed a little when the chains dragged across your paint though haha.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! Yeah. I pull them gently across pickup to avoid scratches. Plus, chains are smooth so.........fingers crossed. A person could use rope but they can rot or use something around the chains to protect the vehicle. Enjoy! I'll show link on putting it on.

[@dollazNzentz]

@@bernireed8295 good words

[@firewirewatcher]

me2

[@gregoryf9299]

Thought the same, lol! Did you try/think about leaving the chains hanging from the posts then connect them to the metal bar with a d-ring to an eye-bolt on the bar? Then you’re just sliding a bar thru (or a bar with an eyebolt)

[@taylorday6814]

Same but great setup

[@jaysonmartinez2830]

"If you got a way to bury some poles like that, you're in luck" But if you don't....You're SOL! 🤣🤣🤣 Great video 👍🏼

[@billjones5178]

You can make a post with a surface foot if u are on concrete drive or hang from ceiling if in your barn. Method still works.

[@deechance5896]

Great idea. I've been searching for a way to take my shell off by myself. This will definitely work. Thank you!

[@billjones5178]

Thanks for video I will do this. I will put a 2x4 block on ground behind rear tire before pulling forward. Next time loading I just back to blocks and stop with near perfect alignment without having to get in &!go back many times to check and readjust alignment. I drill hole in 2x and drive tent spike nail to hold board in place over time. I use this ground stop placement when unhooking from trailers also to get ball alignment on first try also. Really impresses the other campers watching me hook up on first try also! 😄 Thanks

[@gordonhahn7387]

That’s a good idea for all trailers. Good luck!!!

[@ramonsapien7768]

Hey Gordon, I noticed you passed the chains over your truck's finish. Why not eliminate the chains? Just bolt some wood blocks on you posts. At the same level as the as the bottom of your topper with the 4x4s. Now just lay the square tubes on the blocks on the posts. You may have to install the block slightly higher. An inch or two so you lift the tubes (and the shell) to free the 4x4 blocks. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

[@jackchinook]

There is still value found on the web! Great video Gordon. Thanks for posting. Gotta find a place to do this on my land.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thank you so much! It really is slick. Make sure everything is strong enough to hold your topper and good luck!

[@MrMeeseeksC416]

Thank you for sharing. Love seeing the ingenuity and wisdom you just passed down. I look forward to seeing any other videos you may post

[@gordonhahn7387]

You are very welcome. It is an easy method and I can put it on or off in just minutes without any assistance. Thanks!

[@loganhart9505]

I watched this video and make the same setup myself, only thing I did differently was welded my chain to the square tubing and eyelid screws and cut half of the eyelid off, utilized it as a hook. Great idea thanks for sharing

[@loganhart9505]

And I also used c clamps to secure my camper shell to the square tubing instead of rope

[@normantiedemannii5236]

Applause to you! Love that ingenuity. Thank you for taking the time to post and great camera work too.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks so much. Good luck!!!!

[@gordonhahn7387]

My wife thanks you!!!

[@joeyd7865]

Triple OG showing us how it's done, they don't makem like him no more, mad respect sir👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Lol. Thx!!!!!

[@andreww9098]

Thanks for this. Gotta love the gift of imagination. God Bless you and yours.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! Your comment made my day. 😊

[@Yrrlate]

Thank you! I've been thinking of ways to store my shell and you're method is great.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! It really is slick. Good luck!!

[@cheyneturbyfill4727]

Best solution I’ve seen yet.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!! Really is slick and quick.

[@BigE-92]

This is the Most Coolest, Most Efficient thing I’ve Ever Seen! Thanks for the Vedio.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! It really is quick and easy. Make sure ur supports are all strong. Good luck!!!

[@BigE-92]

@@gordonhahn7387 oh yeah most definitely, now I can take it off for awhile.

[@dolfan13jmb]

You got an easy way for one man to do it. I looked around and I'm gonna do it your way. Thanks.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! It does really work and just takes a couple of minutes for one person to do it. Make sure your poles are strong, planted well and the support bar or whatever you use is strong enough to hold your topper. Good luck and thanks!

[@Greencollarguy]

Ur the man! I've been waiting for this video the last month I know there was a way I might just hijack some trees and skip the cement

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks a lot! It really is slick and easy. Make sure everything you use is strong enough to support your topper. Good luck and have a great day!

[@floridaexplorer6530]

You Are Brilliant! Thank you sooo much. I am a 66 y/o woman and only 5'4". It took 5 of us to get our 8 foot extended height topper off our truck because it is so high off the ground and heavy because it was made in '95. And worse, we didn't have a ready stand for it. I have a friend who welds so I am sure he can help me make the metal bars. I will definitely try to build this.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Awesome! It really truly is easy and quick as you can see. Good luck to you make sure the polls are secure and thick and you should be perfect. Thanks for the comments

[@floridaexplorer6530]

@@gordonhahn7387 You are welcome.

[@vitbing]

excellent idea . Nice thank you

[@gordonhahn7387]

You are welcome! Good luck hope it works for you

[@jacobzirkle9153]

Thanks for the great setup. Also beautiful property.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx and it is quick and easy!!! Good luck!!!

[@michaelmckeag960]

After watching a pair of videos describing the use and construction of a rack consisting of tall sawhorse style supports I came across your video; so much simpler, and better suited for a situation like yours (and mine) where the ground is irregular instead of perfectly level. The the truck cap will double as a shelter under which to park the log splitter. I will likely add straps to secure the cap against wind lift..

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thank you so much for the comment. Yes I use rope around my topper to secure it so when doesn’t blow it off. Make sure poles are strong buried well and your support beams are sturdy enough and you should be good to go. It is really quick and simple. Thanks so much!

[@michaelmckeag960]

@@gordonhahn7387My Tacoma goes in for suspension upgrade and camper installation tomorrow. This morning I removed and stowed the cap on the rack I built inspired by yours. I also removed and stowed the tailgate on the rack, resting on the rails, sheltered under the cap. The log splitter is now parked for shelter under the cap as well. The rack is simple to construct, and easy to use. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@gordonhahn7387]

@@michaelmckeag960 thx for the kind words. Smart to keep tailgate lights n the rails and store stuff under topper. You have a great New Year!!!!

[@GmaTortilla]

Thank you for sharing this brilliant idea. I will be digging holes for poles right away!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks so much for the comment! It really is slick, quick and easy for one person. Make sure your polls are in good and make sure your support beams are good to good luck!

[@RogerSayers]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing with us... I'm 64, I live alone and have bad back and I have to do everything alone. I think I can lift my shell with my back. Mine is one of the bigger LEER shells and is a bit heavy but I think I can still lift it. So I'm now gonna head to the lumber store and get everything that I need to make this. Have a great one and be safe.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! Get stout stuff so the posts can hold the topper well. Even with a compromised back I think you can still do it. It’s really easy. Let me know how it goes.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

I was thinking a small floor jack and a few pieces of 2x4 instead of my 62 year old back and wore out knees

[@ChadTower]

@@seymourwrasse3321 the one caveat here is if anything slips that jack might poke a hole in the roof of the cap.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@ChadTower thanks, I make sure it is secured to address that problem. I have to work smarter not harder, and I'm no longer in a hurry

[@curtis5809]

This is the first one I’ve seen using buried poles. I like the idea. Others I’ve seen are either suspended from a garage or using oversized saw horses on each side. Time for me to go buy some poles or do you think regular pressure treated 4X4s would work also? My topper is only around 6’ , but commercial grade so it weighs more than the average fiberglass kind. Thanks for sharing.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx for the remarks. I think 4 x 4 should work but bet treated poles prolly aren't more expensive. Also get metal square tubing they won't rot. GOOD LUCK!!!!! I also use Chris instead of rope for same reason.

[@strykern8r]

My dad had a similar setup years ago, except he used heavy duty ratch straps instead of chains so he didn't have to do as much lifting if he was alone. He and I attached an electric hoist in the rafters of the garage and just put 2 2x6's with eye-bolts at each end under the cap. Put a couple of heavy duty ratchet straps in an x pattern over the top and the hoist lifts it up to the ceiling and out of the way. We then put chains going down to each eye-bolt from the rafters to take the tension off the hoist. Only took us about an hour to put together

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks for the comment. I used to use ratchets on each corner of the posts, but that was sometimes hard to do. I found it easier to do what I’m showing and a lot quicker because you don’t have to go to each post for each ratchet. Thanks for the comment and have a great day. Good luck.

[@russellwilks9465]

Sweet idea looks great I like that you can do it by yourself👍

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks!!!

[@mikepoint4717]

I need to do this , thank you . It’s such a hassle to get buddies to help out

[@gordonhahn7387]

It’s so simple easy and quick. Good luck.

[@lawrenceklein3524]

Very clever! Thanks! I know I'll be building this set-up for my own use!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks so much! Make sure the poles are sturdy and buried well, make sure your support bars whatever you use can hold the weight and enjoy! It really is super quick and easy and can be done alone without any problem. Good luck!

[@CorwinKlein]

This is the solution I've been looking for! Thank you

[@gordonhahn7387]

That’s really great to hear. It does work extremely well if you have the place to put it. Good luck and enjoy.

[@ElectricIguana]

Really nice setup! Thanks for taking the time to make the video. About how deep did you bury the posts?

[@gordonhahn7387]

Originally I had an auger that I used on my skid steer and probably went down to feet. However the set up you’re looking at probably is only down about 18 inches as I had to kind of hand dig those. But pack the dirt down and good and/or use cement. There really isn’t a lot of stress on the polls even though the toppers are pretty heavy but not that bad. Good luck glad you enjoyed it really works well for me.

[@jackjack-lq4de]

​

[@timothysparks6293]

Excellent. Now just gotta dig some post holes. Thanks

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks for the comment! It really is simple and quick and I can do it in just minutes on or off. Good luck to you make sure the polls are buried well. Use cement if you think you need to I don’t but you could.

[@anthonyleone9638]

You could also use ratchet straps connected to the post and then attach to the square tubing instead of lifting it up.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Good point. Would be easier to lift. Have to pay attention to straps so they do t rot o et winter.

[@mattsedlacek9068]

I assume you leave the topper elevated like that whenever you are using it. Have you ever had issues with the wind toppling it? It’s pretty secure both horizontally and vertically. Really simple solution. Thanks for sharing.

[@gordonhahn7387]

I secure a couple of ropes around it when it’s hanging there. Although sometimes I’ve gone many days without doing so in the wind is never bothered it, but being in the mountains, we are somewhat protected from the wind. But yes, secure it well.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Seems smart. If I did anything like your thinking I’d run metal posts or bolts (thick and strong) through the posts so rotting wouldn’t happen over winters. Smart idea though. Oh… and dragging chains over the pickup hasn’t made any scratches over years. Some suggest plastic around the chains or use ropes.

[@BarryMDHo]

Perhaps a stablized 2x4 boxed frame on each side of truck instead of posts, and 2x4s across slid under. Cheaper, easier. Lots of other approaches too but your example works good. Thx!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx. Enjoy!!

[@prestonsymonds8005]

took it a step further.. had some 6 x6's ... put those in the ground... then put some brackets up on each to hold a 2 x 6 that goes across the posts... thanks for the ideas...

[@gordonhahn7387]

Sounds like a really good idea. Thanks for the comment and good luck.

[@mariomillin8387]

Thanks for the video, this is my next project!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Perfect! Thanks for the comment. It really is quick and simple. Make sure all your supports are strong.

[@jefferyfowler5080]

Well instead of the big poles you could put a receiver pipe in the ground (level, so you can mow over it) for another square tubing (slightly bigger) only maybe a little heavier, and then you could remove the square tubing when you don't want this to show, like the posts show all the time. Overall your idea was very functional.

[@gordonhahn7387]

That’s really a good idea. Not necessary for me because I live in the country and have plenty of acreage to leave the poles up and I don’t even mow over there. But for others who have limited space that’s a really terrific idea. Good luck. And thanks for the comment.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Not sure the length of my polls minimum of 7 to 9 feet and buried them about 2 feet in. I did not use cement but pack the dirt in well you could easily use cement though. Good luck, my friend. It is quick and easy. thanks for the reply.

[@850OVERLAND]

This is amazing! Wonder if it would work the same but with 4x4x8 wood posts..

[@gordonhahn7387]

I would sure think so. It 4x4 posts hold up decks they should hold up a topper. Check the height tho. Prolly want 18-24 “ deep. Might not leave them high enough. Maybe 10 footers would be better. Or use cement and not as deep. Ur call.

[@850OVERLAND]

@@gordonhahn7387 you’re the man Gordon!

[@gordonhahn7387]

@@850OVERLAND 👍👍

[@ooopsohnoo9061]

Very to the point video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! It works easily for sure!

[@skannal]

To the point videos are the best kind of videos! 👍

[@edwardogomez2919]

Very nice setup sir. Thanks for the video.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! It is easy and quick. Good luck!

[@Andrew-jm4tp]

Great idea. I am going to do the same thing and stack firewood underneath.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Great idea. Unless you need your topper when there’s wood under there then you have to move it all to get your pick up under there. But you know the use of your pick up and top or so, good luck to you and thanks for the comment it really is slick quick and easy.

[@ronmac1832]

Great method. Would be nice to have a way to bring it to the ground.

[@lisabevans8107]

❤ your hat! Nice video. I'm going to be buying a cap soon and its just me and my daughter ty.

[@dreamingcode]

Nice set up

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks!!!

[@luisnunez9277]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thank you. Good luck!!!!

[@donbalin]

That was a great way to do it. Thanks for the tip

[@avadeal345]

I did the same thing with mine about a year ago came out one day and a side window had blown pout from the inside out. Great idea just balance the load a bit closer to the center of the topper I think there's too much stress on the glass otherwise.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Good idea to be aware of. Thx for the look and comment.

[@johnwyoder]

One way to reduce the stress on the cap and glass is to add rails, that sit on top of the cross tubes, that basically take the place of the truck bed. So in other words, after passing the steel tubes through under the cap and before hanging them with the chains, place a 2x4 "front to back" on top of the tubes under the sides of the cap.

[@karlnyholm5492]

Great idea; just what I was looking for!

[@TheReviewKing909]

Dude, I'm so making this. Thank you.

[@gordonhahn7387]

You are very welcome. It is slick and easy. Good luck and enjoy!

[@jaykaiser1754]

Cool idea! Do you think short bed fiberglass canopies are heavy too? Ive never owned one before.

[@gordonhahn7387]

I really wouldn’t know. Since you’re only a foot and a half shorter than mine I’m guessing it’s still pretty dang heavy. It’s also a good way to store it and it really is slick to do by yourself, so good luck to you make sure the polls are planted well and your support across it is strong and you should be good to go. Good luck.

[@VIDEOAIRBLADE]

Nice job works excellent 👍

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!! Good luck!!!

[@Nicole-oi6il]

Genius! I love this!!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks for the comment! It really is super an easy as long as you have the means to have the set up. Good luck!

[@EddiesCustomsandRestorations]

Very nice set up!

[@gooutside6055]

,,,, Awesome video, thanks for making it. Wish I could hit the like button 100 times :)

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks for the kind words. Check some of the comments out for some ideas of modification in various ways to make this even better. Good luck enjoy.

[@TheSkystrider]

That's awesome! Ingenious

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thank you so much! It really is slick. Quick and easy and all by yourself and under five minutes. Good luck!

[@That-Wanderer]

Thank you for getting to the point instead of dragging it on...

[@gordonhahn7387]

You are welcome! Never really thought about it but I agree. I hate it when people waste time with a lot of details people don’t need. I showed it the way I use it quick and easy. Good luck!

[@shannonlawsonnashville]

That was good information. Thank you buddy.

[@BakerBaker1-9]

Good idea 💡 ... Thanks for the share

[@gordonhahn7387]

You’re welcome. Good luck.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

I like the four poles over the large saw horses. Nice.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Ok, but I'm confused?

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

@@gordonhahn7387 , I'll rephrase. I like the support structure of the four poles vs using large saw horses on either side of the truck to support the load.

[@gordonhahn7387]

@@OldAndGettingOlder Ohhhh. Now your wording makes far more sense. THANKS! It is quick and easy if a person has the space to do it and much more sturdy. Thanks again!!!

[@ericolsen2498]

Nice and easy, well done, sir >

[@brinksshoots9519]

Good man. Unfortunately I can’t bury posts like that on my drive way. Me and my twin brother had to break our backs yesterday taking it off, mine had an aluminum roof rack on it aswell, so that just made it extra heavier. Probably should’ve taken the roof rack off first Lol. Cheers

[@gordonhahn7387]

They are really heavy. I understand you need space/land to bury posts. Works great if you can swing it. Good luck!!

[@MrEroupe]

Nice good idea, thank you!

[@gordonhahn7387]

You’re welcome. Good luck

[@eduardocortez6803]

This such a amazing idea

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! It really is slick and easy I can do it in just minutes. Good luck!

[@johnr8476]

Good ideal, but in my neck of the woods I would have to put a couple of straps over it due to the wind.

[@gordonhahn7387]

I do that here.

[@chetmack9640]

I do the same thing only instead of pipe and chain I use ratchet straps.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Good idea for sure. I might worry the straps might root and break but otherwise sounds good.

[@steriltech63]

Truely awesome!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! It really is. Quick and easy for one person. Good Luck!!

[@jasonstarnes351]

That was awesome!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thank you! It’s sure quick and easy. Good luck.

[@ChadTower]

Man, this would be dead perfect for me if I had a reasonable place to set some poles like that. Damn quarter acre lot!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Sorry. One person thought they would bury some PVC pipe that would support poles that could come in an out as needed. Perhaps that’s an idea that would work for you?

[@ChadTower]

@@gordonhahn7387 yeah, I saw that. It would look better when not in use to store the cap, sure. But obviously if the cap isn't on the truck they need to stay there.

[@gordonhahn7387]

@@ChadTower good luck Chad!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Foam gasket between topper and bed rails?

[@gordonhahn7387]

That’s a good idea. My topper is sort of chipping around those areas so that would be certainly a plus good idea.

[@davidhett8883]

Excellent. I am going to use wood instead of the metal tubing. Thank you.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Probably should use treated to avoid rotting. Good luck. Easy. Fast and can be done alone!!!

[@jasontaylor9871]

Pure genius, way better than the giant flimsy sawhorse's

[@anthonyleone9638]

I would suggest coated chains. Great idea

[@gordonhahn7387]

You aren’t the first to say so.

[@davidgeving5586]

Great idea

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks!! It really does work well. Good Luck👍

[@nitruhsmisouli1656]

Usted es un genio...

[@jaspercoleman]

Thanks for the tip! I’m gonna set that up too! Nice job! Go Broncos!

[@gordonhahn7387]

It’s quick and easy. Enjoy!!!

[@jerryodom7358]

Very smart. Great job…

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! It’s super easy. Good luck!!!

[@scrambledeggsalad]

Clever, I like it. Now only if I didn't live in an apartment lol

[@gordonhahn7387]

That is problematic. 😏

[@breakingrocks6388]

How to quickly remove your shell while not caring about your paint.

[@gordonhahn7387]

True, but you can use plastic tubing around the chains to protect the sides of your pick up or even rope. However, I’ve been doing this for many many years and there isn’t a single scratch. Were they chains hit. Besides that it’s a pick up and I’ve had a whole lot worse in it then chains on the side. But I appreciate the comment and good luck. If you’re gonna give this a try and like I said, use plastic tubing around the chain to protect the pick up.

[@kevinkelley8145]

How does it stand up to the wind?

[@gordonhahn7387]

Seems to hold up really well. I do put a couple of ropes around the whole system just too it doesn’t blow off the racks if you have a pretty strong wind. I used to live in Northeast Montana where the winds were very high so the rope seem to hold it on just fine.

[@YAHSHUA2285]

Smart move there Old Feller.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! It works. It's quick. It's easy. And I can do it myself.

[@RegisteredNurseLA]

this guy reminds me of my dad, NO FUCKS GIVEN I just needed to redo the shell sealant to the bed and dont need to take it off the truck just a lik space to put the new sealant in, looks like this will work. Thx

[@gordonhahn7387]

I think this was a compliment. Thx!!

[@RegisteredNurseLA]

@@gordonhahn7387 lol yeah reminds me of my dad guys 67 and hes out ther getting after it👍 Just wanted to say thank you! You helped me with resealing my topper

[@Hammerback0]

Smart. Gonna knock the dust off the post hole diggers

[@gordonhahn7387]

Great! It really is super easy and fast. Good luck!!!!

[@AM-lc9ub]

Perfect, thank you.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Good luck!!! It’s quick and easy!!

[@alananderson2961]

Awesome 👏 thanks

[@gordonhahn7387]

My pleasure. It really works for me. Good luck!

[@michatvrider]

Awesome and simple.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks. It really is!!!

[@lukewang4396]

great job.

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! It is easy, fast, and can be done alone.

[@herbb8412]

Pretty cool!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! Good luck!!!

[@greggreg2263]

I’m subscriber 77🙌

[@metroplexchl]

Like a BOSS!

[@Bergarita]

Excellent!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx. Hope it helps you!!

[@paguerro1696]

What about the paint? You just dinged the body with those chains!

[@gordonhahn7387]

I just do it carefully. Others have suggested using rope or strap or plastic covering over the chains. Been doing it for years and haven’t got a single scratch on the pick up. If you’re careful or use other protective measures it works. Thanks for the comment.

[@danhenry3846]

pretty slick

[@gordonhahn7387]

It really is! Thanks!!!

[@LandisLegacyFarm]

Looks a lot like the one I made a couple years back. I guess great minds think alike.... 😀

[@gordonhahn7387]

Lol. It works!’n

[@pnwtim503]

Genius!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thanks! It’s quick and easy! Good luck.

[@stanogle8977]

Keep It Simple!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Absolutely! It really is slick and quick and easy. Good luck.

[@attaboymix]

I like that thx dear friend

[@gordonhahn7387]

You are very welcome. Quick and easy. Enjoy.

[@stevevicksr7899]

Chains hard on paint

[@gordonhahn7387]

Can cover w vinyl or use rope. Been doing this for years…I’m careful…no scratches yet.

[@Twitch_CG]

Very neat

[@lindasaldana8329]

Genious!!!

[@gordonhahn7387]

Thx!!! It’s quick and easy!!!! Good luck.