Tacoma Overland Rig with TopperLift Review

Our trip to the Adirondacks in our new Tacoma overland build. We discuss how we like our TopperLift Camper.

[@stevewhitaker1474]

When you were inside showing the lift and tent, sounds like you have a puppy wanting attention. Oh, at the 11:20 mark I see the Yorkie.

[@dougpike8521]

Good job explaining the Topper Lift tent system (setup/takedown) I recently purchased a used Hightop Camper Shell for my 2002 Chevy Silverado Z71. I've watching DIY vids how to build bed/storage such. I came across the Topper Lift and I think it an amazing thing. Then I saw there was a tent system with it...Wow blown away.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Doug Pike glad you liked the video. We suggest getting the weekender package for the extension over the tailgate, the extra room is a great place to put wet sneakers and things like that. We have another video showing how I built the drawer system. I made it self supporting so no nuts or bolts to remove. We can take it out in 2 minutes and have my truck back into truck mode. Let us know if you have any questions. Good luck with your build. 🤙

[@surfcruzer]

I think that’s the best set up forsure.

[@davidsedor]

That is so cool I just got myself a Tacoma. What you just showed is going to be my next add on.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Horrible Game Player awesome!!! I have other videos of the bed system I built. Any questions let me know!! Thanks for watching.

[@motosporttouring]

Thanks for the video. I’d love a camper shell on my Tacoma but I put dirt bikes in the back frequently. I could always get a trailer but this would save me the hassle. Best of both worlds! Thanks for the video

[@dalewaterhouse7129]

Am still very interested. After some time & use any problems & are you still Luving it? Your videos are the only thing I can find with extensive views & explanations of actual owner usage. Thank you. Very informative. 👍👏

[@mirroredsouls888]

Dale Waterhouse yes, we stayed in it for 8 days with no issues. It rained a few days and temps got in the low 50’s at night. The Topperlift kept us dry and warm. We used it a lot this summer and I would still highly recommend. Thanks for watching, I am going to do another video talking about how the season went with it so keep watching!

[@chilidog73]

That thing is slick.

[@paparentman]

Thanks. This is a good overview of your topper lift which I’m very interested in. You might want to think about a better camera though.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Lol yes we know, we have since upgraded our equipment including the camera. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisoconnell5149]

Great video! I've got a 5 foot bed frontier and I'm looking at this same set up. What bed size is your tacoma?

[@ismaelgonzalez5478]

I had a 89 toyota with 300k miles on and still was reliable, took that truck down to Baja several times ... Sold it in Cabos several years ago, Dad told me it's still around ... 200k on your tacoma barely breaking in .. lol nice truck ..

[@mirroredsouls888]

I drive by the dealerships and look at all the new shiny Tacomas and think about trading her in,,, but then I cant think of a good reason why so I keep on driving past them. 👍

[@kennethjohnson5180]

I'll stay with my Napier 57 series tent and the Napier canvas set ups

[@berserkerusmc7613]

Great review! Thanks.

[@gandrea7280]

Great video. Thanks

[@scottphillipy9831]

Thanks for sharing

[@jjgctg]

To prevent the sagging from the top, you need pull it further back. That's when the carpet on the top is a good idea.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Joe Garcia yea that makes sense. We are camping this weekend so we will try doing that. I have extra velcro. Thanks.

[@floydco3503]

Awesome videos, im kn the process of getting my tacoma done similar to your. Ordered my toppeerlift yesterday. Hopefully its ready before my winter trips.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Thank you!!! Hopefully your TopperLift arrives in time. We heard that because of the pandemic they are far behind in production. If you have any questions let us know!!

[@floydco3503]

@@mirroredsouls888 Mine will arrive this Wednesday, Did you install it yourself?

[@mirroredsouls888]

Floyd Co yes I did. It was actually very easy to do once I figured out how things were set up. All the nuts and bolts were individually bagged and labeled, the directions were very simple. Just make sure you take your time and do a good job on sticking the velcro down. Clean the surface well and use adhesive promotor which the kit should come with. I have a few spots of velcro that are coming loose and I think its because it was cold when I did it and I was rushing a bit.

[@floydco3503]

@@mirroredsouls888 im looking forward to install mine this weekend. Thanks again.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Floyd Co did you get your Topperlift installed?

[@rob1972-b5d]

Very helpful. Thank you! I was wondering if you know of anyone who has retrofitted the unit for a very small window air conditioner?

[@mirroredsouls888]

Hi, sorry I havent responded, I just found this question. I dont know anyone who has installed an AC unit. I have considered installing a camper style one on the topper though.

[@ollicat2006]

I purchased a small free standing unit that fits on the tailgate.

[@LamboDadd]

Awesome video!!

[@girlintheblueridge6529]

Hi, enjoyed your vid. I was on the topper lift website and couldnt find whether or not a person can drive with the topper in the lifted position. For example if you raise it to fit a couch or chair in it to help move someones fueniture to another house.

[@mirroredsouls888]

I found somewhere when I was researching before I bought it that said its not meant to drive with the topper up. The hardware and struts are very sturdy but I dont think I would be comfortable driving with it up. Thanks for watching.

[@doingitwithnothing]

Neat rig I like it

[@dalewaterhouse7129]

Beautiful set up. I’m in. Did you get the insulated covers for your canopy walls & windows?? Can’t wait to order mine, SOON!!! Thank you for a great video.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Great! Yes we got the covers, we are surprised about how well it retains heat. Glad you liked the videos

[@SacredHeart0520]

ThTs legit can u mount a truck topper ten on top

[@two76s]

Thanks for this. It's hard to find good information on the whole process of putting it up and taking it down. This was really helpful. One question: Can rain get in from the sides/front of the tent where it connects to the bed? I'm looking to buy one of these, but I go to a lot of rainy areas and that might be a deal-breaker. I don't want to wake up in a puddle!

[@mirroredsouls888]

two76s thanks for watching our channel! We have only been in the rain once with it and we didn’t have any leaks. I think the only way rain could get in really is if its not secured properly with the velcro. You have to make sure you tuck it good into the corners. I also saw on one of Topperlifts videos that said if you lower the top a little in the rain it helps stop rain from dripping down the fabric so much because its not so tight. I will do that in heavy rain. Hope this helps. Bill

[@two76s]

@@mirroredsouls888 Thanks for the quick response! That helps make up my mind. This seems like a great addition to my existing shell.

[@TheCameronsnell]

Topper lift recommends to put topper down half way in heavy rain!

[@mirroredsouls888]

Yes, we put it down about 4 inches in heavy rain and havent had any issues.

[@wilmotf16]

Great video! I've watched this and a couple of your others. I have the same gen Tacoma with a Leer topper as well. I've installed the system and so far I love it. When you're not using it, what do you do with the two back door pieces? In the video you just fold them up and shut the tailgate and topper window. But do you also remove either or both and put them away? Do you roll up the top part like Todd does in the install video? I can't seem to get the top part exactly right in order to easily roll it up like the install video shows. My topper is carpeted and I'm also concerned with the putting in and taking out of the pieces over time - I'm afraid the velcro is going to cause the carpeting to start pulling away from the topper fiberglass over time. Any thoughts? Thanks again for your videos!

[@mirroredsouls888]

Thank you! We take all the fabric off for the winter and store it away. Usually during the summer months we just fold the back pieces up and tuck them in. I am not familiar with Todd so I am not sure. I know its easier to tuck away with the door un zippered, and I roll the bottom part up and push it up on the bed. I carpeted the topper myself and so far its held well so I wouldnt worry to much about your carpet pulling off but I agree its best to not keep removing the velcro.

[@wilmotf16]

@@mirroredsouls888 Cool, thanks!! Todd's the owner of TopperLift. They guy in their videos. I've called a few times with questions and often I end up talking to him. He's really helpful. I have a follow up question. In your video, I can see the shelf you've installed around the 7m30sec mark. How did you anchor those hooks into the topper? Is there a method for attaching things to the ceiling of a topper without going through to the exterior? Thanks again!

[@mirroredsouls888]

@@wilmotf16 the canoe rack is bolted through the topper with a bushing and nut inside the topper. I just bought threaded rod couplings and screwed them into the threads of the canoe rack bolts then screwed threaded eye hooks into the other end of the coupler. I put eye hooks on the back set of the canoe rack as well, we made a little gear hammock that we connect to them length wise. Its works good for sweatshirts or PJ’s, light things like that.

[@wilmotf16]

@@mirroredsouls888 Ah, okay. That's ingenious. I don't have anything bolted to the topper to work with. I'll have to think of something else to do. I'd love some shelves like that!

[@BikerDude71]

Howdy, one question, did you add additional base support along the topper lift hoists b/c the dealer I was going through recommended it b/c he has seen and repaired topper supports that have broken from using them with equipment atop the topper. Fun vids, keep up the great job.

[@mirroredsouls888]

No I did not but thats an interesting thought. I feel like most of the weight is supported by the mount to the box rail on the side. Seems like as long as the truck is in good condition and the weight on top isnt to much it shouldnt be a problem. I will check it out though and see if I can find any sign of pushing through. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@BikerDude71]

@@mirroredsouls888 Yep, the supports are rated at 900 lbs; however, not sure what the small areas are rated at where the actuators attach to the fiberglass topper shell would be. I dropped by to ask for an estimate and he included an addl $ for adding a steel plate along the base of the topper edge on both sides attaching it to those lift actuator bolts. But not knowing of how much was on top of those he has seen break. Good luck! Still trying to decide on buying that system.

[@mirroredsouls888]

I have been an auto body guy since high school and like to think that I know my way around a shop. I have been thinking about this since I got your message. I honestly don’t see the need in adding supports unless you wanted to add more than 900 pounds. The weight is only on the struts when it’s raised and stationary also. I could see them snapping easily if you drove with them up, but I can’t really see the struts breaking the truck like you mentioned. In my mind the weakest point by far is where the strut connects to the topper, the actual connection that raises the topper up. That’s just a metal bracket bolted to the fiberglass, that will break before the truck does. All the Topperlift brackets and equipment seem high quality, the fiberglass topper is the weak point in my opinion.

[@BikerDude71]

@@mirroredsouls888 Cool, great to have that experience and knowledge to add to the build out. Yes, I guess I actually meant the fiberglass portion breaking and not the hoist itself. Probably depends on a number of items: fiberglass age, construction, supplier, covered during storage-out of the elements, etc.

[@thetankslapper]

Thanks, My concern with rough trails in overland use would be whether or not the jacks are able to deal with a shell shifting and bouncing around. Your observations?

[@mirroredsouls888]

If you were driving with the topper raised I think something would break for sure. But with the topper down I don’t see the struts being an issue. They are solid, well made and bolted securely to the truck. I was impressed with the engineering and construction of the Topperlift. They did a great job of making it quality.

[@thetankslapper]

@@mirroredsouls888 Down of course. But a shell is typically clamped to the top of the bedside to secure it, or bolted. With the lift setup, the force holding it down will base of each rid/lift , where the lifts are screwed in. I guess you could add clamps as needed.

[@mirroredsouls888]

I have actually had a lot of questions about this so I have put quite a bit of thought into it. The clamps that are normally used just connect to the track also. The track clamps on this are far heavier then the clamps are. These struts are heavy duty and they pull the cap tight against the box. For my purposes I see no issue. However, I don’t do any hard off roading or rock climbing. I think if I did I might add some clamps just for peace of mind. Bouncing the truck around rocks and boulders would make me worry a bit especially if I had weight such as my canoes on top.

[@normedwards5305]

Nice!

[@kprice399]

Nice rig. Did you do the drawers yourself? If so nice feature

[@mirroredsouls888]

Yes I made them, nothing fancy just the basics. We try to keep things simple. Thanks for watching.

[@SacredHeart0520]

Put some helper bags in the back for weight

[@reedjack6564]

Did you have to use separate materials than those provided in the weekender kit to weatherproof the bed prior to install?

[@mirroredsouls888]

No we didnt. I think the only thing extra we bought was an adhesive promoter.

[@melissacarson9047]

What is the interior height?

[@DGinthehouse]

Can this be installed on a Toyota Tundra as well?

[@mikegeberth]

do you have any problems with the topperezlift and water? looks like rain running down sides will go in the bed of the truck

[@mirroredsouls888]

This has been a big debate and I actually did another video just about that possible leak. Our bed sits above that seam so any water that does leak doesn’t get us wet. The only time we have had water inside though is when we have been in heavy rain. We have been in a few bad storms and never had our bedding get wet. Unless you’re bed is in the bottom of the bed, I wouldn’t worry much about leaks.

[@MERLE1593]

I ordered a TopperLift last week. They charged my credit card, but I have heard nothing from them since. Are they still in business?

[@mirroredsouls888]

MERLE1593 not sure? We bought ours back in January and I havent dealt with them since. We ordered ours and got an email 3 days later that it had shipped. Danelle just checked the website and it says all orders are delayed because of the covid. I would try and call them.

[@alextrainor2552]

What is that moaning sound when you were in the camper?

[@mirroredsouls888]

The moaning sound is our dog whining lol. I had to go back in watch it again, I never noticed that. He always tries to steal the show. Thanks for watching.

[@alextrainor2552]

@@mirroredsouls888 thank you for the video 🙏

[@AirOnJohnson]

Can you use a drawer pull out system with the topper down? Doesn't look like it

[@mirroredsouls888]

Yes. The only issue is the tent extension that comes out over the tailgate. That extra fabric is in the way when the top is down but I just hold it up out of the way when I need to get into my drawers. The extension piece also removes and reinstalls in about 30 seconds.

[@AirOnJohnson]

@@mirroredsouls888 awesome! Good to know! So I could just install it when I go to bed and have it off the rest of the time no problem?

[@mirroredsouls888]

Yea, it velcros all the way around. We only leave it on when we are at camp, when the truck is just sitting home its off.

[@AirOnJohnson]

@@mirroredsouls888 I was thinking of putting in a cargo glide with a bed on top that's easy to put in and out so I can use my truck for anything at any time

[@mirroredsouls888]

Did you see mine that I built? It comes out of the truck in under 2 minutes if I have a helper. I have a video on it, it was actually the first video we made for our channel.

[@grantzimmer4437]

How will this work if you decide not to lift topper like if you were going to sleep in a parking lot or somewhere you don't really want attention? Do you have any pics of inside bed with topper lowered ?

[@mirroredsouls888]

I can’t find any pics of it lowered and it’s all apart now so I can’t take one. We spent the night in a parking lot once and put the topper up about 2 inches just for a bit more headroom, I don’t remember the distance from the bed to the topper. It is tight but doable. If I knew we would need to be stealth more often I would definitely make the bed lower than I have it now.

[@mariemccoy7775]

Can the tent be removed for hauling stuff.

[@mirroredsouls888]

Yes, its just velcroed in place. If i need my truck back I just pull the bed and drawers out and leave the tent in place.

[@mariemccoy7775]

@@mirroredsouls888 Thank you, I did see another video by the company on how to install and remover the door so it will work for me.

[@paulmfti]

Do you have any leaking issues with the top down....

[@mirroredsouls888]

Paul Smith only once when I drove home in a bad storm, but it was blinding rain on the highway. When the storm passed I checked the back and there was some wetness in front corners. But it was a horrible storm and the only time I have had any leaks.

[@toddswasey1671]

How tall is it inside and how much does it cost

[@mirroredsouls888]

Hi, it is 56.5 inches from truck bed to the roof when the topper is lifted. We paid about $2100 for it with the extender and the insulated panels to cover the windows. In the video I am attaching I show a few measurements. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH_YiYaIjsuCe7M

[@TheSilverSurfisher]

How can I install and uninstall by myself? Is it too heavy?

[@mirroredsouls888]

It’s not heavy at all. 4 actuators get installed in each corner of the truck box and the wiring harness gets fed under the truck to the battery. Needs basic tools and general shop knowledge to install and the directions are pretty straightforward.

[@TheSilverSurfisher]

@@mirroredsouls888 okay, thanks for the reply.... so I can actually put it up over the bed and install it by myself then, right?

[@mirroredsouls888]

I am not sure I understand what you mean...I am going to attach another video that shows the actuators without the bed inside. If that doesn’t answer your question let me know and I can make a video showing whatever you need to see. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnm5fnuCq9B1qLM

[@adamthompson8432]

How much was this system?

[@mirroredsouls888]

It was around $2100.

[@Guitarpick1770]

Dude, you shouldn’t film on an empty stomach. Your tummy growling was a bit distracting. 🤓

[@michaelparr7534]

Does the topper lift have a manual overdrive?

[@mirroredsouls888]

No it does not.