This Small Company CHANGED The Truck Topper Game - Here's Why It's So Much Better!
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2023
- ( www.radicaproducts.com/moonla... )There are more options than ever before when it comes to choosing a truck topper, but Radica takes an interesting approach with the MoonLander bed camper that's both light and versatile, so you can still use your truck as a truck even with it installed. Alex covers how it works in this video and figures out just how trail worthy the MoonLander really is!
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#truck #camping #moonlander - Авто та транспорт
This is a neat concept. But, for the price the inside should definetly come finished out with insulation and carpeting similar to the inside of a carpeted Snugtop. The condensation in that thing could get ridiculous depending on air temp, location etc.
Hey! Thanks for the input. Our campers start at $5,500 currently, and you can choose whatever options you want. We plan to offer insulation as an option eventually, but it is pretty easy to DIY so we are leaving that up to the customer for now. The fan and window options help remove condensation, but some simple outdoor carpet between the framing can help eliminate condensation completly.
Great point.. However, given the design, adding DIY insulation would be super easy and affordable and probably worth it! I think the camper design (as shown) has A LOT of potential to upgrade it to suit your taste and needs. The fan it has would definitely maintain condensation. It is what they are for.
Totally agree, was my first thought when seeing it. Don't want another DIY project...
@@radicaproducts Do you guys do any full ceiling window? Like a non-functional panoramic roof. If that make sense. So basically, just a longer ceiling window than the current one.
@@chrisx5127nice idea. A real solar cook out!! Nice for starry nights !!
I love the founder attitude of letting the employees put things where its best for them and always looking to improve, that is how you make your business successful.
That's the Toyota method, in Toyota factories employees get bonuses if their suggestions are used, hopefully here too.
Straight from the Toyota system.
As is the "fix one thing today" . That's straight from Mr Toyoda. When you actually get everyone doing it the results really start to add up!
What is the price?
Yes, until a left handed employee replaces a right handed employee and they don't understand why the new employee wants to change things. It has been my experience that people that have had their ideas incorporated do not like to give in to change of their ideas.
@@rosalindadasher1175 Look it up via Google.
These overlanding truck toppers are always cool. The problem with them is that they cost as much as a really nice, used tow-behind camper but have 1/4th of the practicality.
That's where I always end up when I'm researching what direction I want to go. As cool as many of these setups are, I always come back to the versatility of being able to tow a small travel trailer, setup at a campsite and then take the truck to do cool adventures wherever we're at.
But if you look at this from another angle they are way more practical. I can’t get a traditional camper to the places that I want to go. And if I was bringing a small motorcycle trailer or something I couldn’t also tow that. So it becomes much less practical for that use case.
Different application IMO. If you want a true overlander capable tow behind, those are BIG money. The typical RV towable is not built for off road. And for some travel, it's just more practical to have it mounted onto the truck. Given the relatively light weight, a full sized truck could have this as a topper, and a pull behind, giving lots of options. Took my pull behind to AK. I really wanted to do the Dalton. No way my pull behind would have made it. Top of the World would have been questionable. If you are going to stay put in one spot, then a tow behind is great, set up camp and be done. And have a kitchen and maybe a bath too.
I’d buy one these and rent the RV as needed.
They've got more functionality, but *small* teardrop campers can run $30k and even run well north of there - up to $50k, new. And this will be a lot easier to drive around with - doesn''t take up any more space when parking and no jack-knifing in reverse, plus when you pull the bed out, you can use the whole space for cargo. No system is all upside, but there are some nice advantages here.
I picked up my Moonlander back in April. Due to health issues, only have taken one trip so far for two nights in June. First night, I used my Mr Heater off and on throughout the night and noticed some condensation on the panels and windows. 2nd night, I used my diesel heater and it was awesome. No condensation at all. Made a plywood insert to fit the window with the screen slid open and attached the hose for the heater. If you use dry heat, condensation is virtually no issue. Topper is solidly built, fan works great, solar panels are perfect size for my application as I used a 12v fridge in addition to the fan and heater. I put a vent cover on so I can leave my vent open without rain intrusion. The lighting option wasn't yet available when I ordered. It would have been nice to get. I use my Travel Trailer as a Base Camp and plan to use the Moonlander as 2-3 day Adventure Excursions. I can't say enough about the build quality of this topper. I has the appearance and feel of it lasting for years with few problems of significance.
As someone who has camped in toppers for years and doesn’t really have the payload capacity for a true slide in camper this is awesome! The pricing honestly isn’t bad considering the low volume they are building them in and the likely durability over time compared to a typical rv style camper or trailer. Not for everyone but I like what I see.
Nice setup. Some suggestions that will improve things:
A) insulation would help. Styrofoam panels glued to the bare aluminum then cover with headliner material.
B) add LED light bars on side and back for area lighting. Hook them up via a relay to light up when reversing.
C) use a 120 VAC inverter running off your truck 12 volt system to charge your batteries when you are running your motor.
D) I run the MaxAir fan in reverse. Mosquitoes often follow your scent escaping through small holes when the fan is pressurizing the space. Run the fan in reverse creates negative pressure. When driving in dirt run the fan to pressurize the space. It sucks relatively clean air in the top and pushes out any small holes keeping the dust out.
E) add small switched LED marker lights to help find your rig in the darkness, believe me this helps when nature calls.
love the tips
The use of SIP, structural insulated panels, would help with A.
I think it's intended that you finish it yourself as money permits. Your suggestions are good.
I like your dog. He was very patient and polite the whole video. What a good boy!
Really nice set up. 11k is a lot though. I’d by a runaway camper for less than half the price, take the wheels and axles off, then slide it into the bed of my truck. They even come with A/C😅😅
An excellent idea!🤔
Every black anodized aluminum part I've owned turned purple from the sun in a year. For the price point I would prefer powder coating. Bed liner would be another option. I'm also aware black and grey get all the likes on The Gram but white would be the go to color anywhere it's hot. Overall I like it, especially as a starting point of a home build interior build.
I'm with you on the color. When it's 96 with matching humidity here in TN black is definitely not the color of choice.
Black is for looking cool. White is for actually being cool.
All I could think is this is going to be an oven in the summer. White all the way.
Coyote tan!
Fantastic topper! Great company! I love that you guys are always striving to make things better and more efficient. That’s the portrait of success. Keep up the good work.
What's so great about it?
@@dirtydigger3218 they seemed to have taken all the good features of a topper and refined, maximized and reengineered them so that it can remain an extraordinarily simple attachment and they’ve, exponentially increased it’s usability. That’s what’s so good about it.
Love these type of reviews. I'm in the market for a 2500 RAM and in the market for a camper style bed cap. Perfect timing!
Frank is one of the best parts of this video 😊
I love these Moodlanders. Really want to get one for my Tundra. That fully removable pass-through window in so sweet. The other advantages of this are #1 security being hard sided, #2 way less wind noise as compared to a soft sided pop-up, and #3 these appear to be very weatherproof.
Only $6,500 a bargain
Not sure about the weatherproof part. Watching them construct it with all of that sealant and seams; looks like a lot of failure points.
I checked in with Luke last week about getting one of these and took a tour of his shop. Then I saw you driving this one Saturday while I was headed to Red Rocks. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for sharing this. The people who built the topper for my current truck are out of business so I'm looking at options for when my new truck arrives. Walking on it show me strength that I know we will be looking for because we will be adding a 12-volt dometic ac on the top. Gotta keep the dogs comfortable when they are riding in back.
Might be the most useful piece of content TFL has released.
Nice camper topper! My only suggestion is to add some type of insulation, especially in the roof. It looks you have plenty of room to add block foam insulation or the like. You'd probably burn your hand off if you touched the roof in the summer in the south!
I was about to say the exact thing
Yes, the whole time I was watching the video I was waiting to see the finished interior (insulated). Without it I couldn't imagine how hot that toaster oven would become in the desert sun all day, fan or not.
In AZ that ain't work
Love how it’s American Made and the shape; also like the generally lean approach of their manufacturing. I would never ever have any shelter in the color black uninsulated; it would only be helpful in the sun during winter, otherwise likely miserable. Looks fantastic and great for some folks who like truck camping without any tow behind.
Nice! Made in the USA! I like the fan and solar set up. Not my style, but glad you're happy with it!
I would rather the overhang in the back than the sides. Given I am 6' tall and my Ram's bed is 6'-4", I could technically sleep in the bed lengthwise. Thus, if there was any extra overhang it would be preferable they would design that at the rear of the truck. On tight trails the overhang on the sides is no bueno.
And then there’s all of us with the 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬5’6” beds!🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
Love the idea hate the price. It's reaching that price point where for a few dollars more you could get something with much more amenities.
Love this build, keep the updates coming.
Cool! Would be pretty sweet application for a decked system below or a home built drawer configuration to be able to organize things under the bed, get to them, etc. 🤙
I’m putting my order in very soon. Have been stoked about this company for a while now. Luke has always answered all my questions and is just a great guy all around. Purchasing one of these, at least for me, isn’t about Radica being less expensive, because I can afford a fully-kitted Alu-Cab or other option. They’re an American company that is doing things the right way. Started in a garage and is all about the customer’s satisfaction, employee care, and building bomb diggity kazoomskie products that waggle the wiggle. You can quote me on that. 🤘🏼🤣👍🏼
LMAO.
Spending all that money for absolutely nothing.
im planning on ordering one of these in a few months. its half the cost of a bare bones gfc camper, and i can sleep horizontal, while leaving the bottom half for my drawers/ camp gear. Right now even a used offroad teardrop will cost you close to 13k, and any alucab or slide in camper will be well over 15k. for the price these are pretty solid
I am quite impressed with this concept (and local made) and that it’s not priced as much as the truck itself! I haul my fat and mountain bikes around daily and this would still work. I have a short bed Tacoma so would need to see more in that size up close, spacious on a full size though!
This looks super cool but dosnt look very insulated at all lol. I live in montana… and camp in the winter. I feel like I’d freeze in that
I was super fortunate to have purchased an all-aluminum Tradesman shortly before they called it quits. The thing is a total dream. Like many others have already noted here, the insulation with carpeted finish layer is key ... not just for warmth, but also for general aesthetics. Although some people have the skills to DIY it, most don't. Hopefully, they'll consider adding that option as they get more established.
Been looking for something similar and you make this video... Awesome man 👍👍
Nice, clean & simple design. The only thing I would add to your setup is a folding awning.
I think that they have a great idea. I am going to look into getting one for my hunting truck. I think that coolers could fit under the bed for room. Great video,and thanks for sharing it.
That side window with the bug screen and shade is sweet.
One mod I would do for your goal zero is tap into the 12V feed on your trailer 7-way to charge the battery pack while you drive. If there is a 12V input on your battery pack. It’s not much current but it’s at least something aside from the solar.
wow , awsome company , I'm impressed , would love to be on that team.
Hell yeah! Glad to see y’all do more of the camping I was hoping for! The camper looks extremely functional but it is an eye soar compared the the GFC. Even pricing is similar. Either way I loved the set up and content! Can’t wait to see more.
My GFC has killed my mpg on my Tacoma. I wonder if these campers are an improvement in that area.
Quite nice! You can insulate it to prevent it from getting too hot or cold, better than a tent!
Nice Overview - Awesome Topper - Love It.
Saw these last year at Overland Expo in Loveland! Not a lot of videos on them. Just wish I had a truck to put one on!
Need the bed slider and then that’s a complete and easy set up. Very nice.
Hey, nice idea and it looks nice from the outside. For sure pretty lightweight. But it looks actually not finished from the inside. There will be condensation from the inside beside thatching looks very rough. Some insulation will avoid condensation and keeps heat by cold outside. Some felt or other finish fabric will make it cosy and not feel sleeping in a can. 😉
👏👏 LOVE YOUR VIDEOS ALEX 👏👏.....
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY EVERYBODY ✌️
BAD ASS! I love the bed configuration
I was going to order two of them until the Eagles cap. 😎😜 Nice rig!
Basically all I need to build one is the materials it's a super simple design and process
Thank you good timing this is a great idea good for them I will follow them and you this is awesome
Nice topper, and smart mods, Alex. More Frank in future videos, please!
Sick truck and sick company. Love it. Now throw some sliders on that truck 💪
Great concept having the bed removable so it turns into a normal topper you can use when it’s in work mode
It's a good concept and looks to be well built. I don't think it would work so well for those of us out east because of the width. Most of the trails I've been on are a challenge for a full size truck and some are a squeeze even in a Wrangler.
I put a deposit down on a moonlander last week. Keep in mind truck campers & toppers are NOT a “one size fits everyone’s needs”. What drew me to Moonlander:
1. Hard shell, no tent. It’ll always be a better sleep.
2. Sleeping sideways = more space for gear
3. Removing the bed panel to haul 4x8 sheets, motorcycles, truck stuff
4. Lightweight
5. DIY compatible - I didn’t want insulation, sinks, cabinets etc… I’ll add that stuff in my own style, when / if I needed it.
6. It’s unique amongst a sea of GFC/Leers/FWC’s
7. Price: starts at 6k
For the right consumer, Moonlander can’t be beat imo. There’s other options out there if you don’t fit their niche, that’s the beauty of trucks!
How do you add a sink?
8. It’s fugly
@@chrisx5127 gonna keep my “sink” outdoors like a Gospout. I’m full time in a Transit now with a sink and actually prefer doing dishes etc outside cause it just makes a mess inside where you try to sleep. Same deal with cooking and bathroom.
Of course there is a trade off with this vs a camper topper or a slide in. I have a tacoma short bed so payload weight is a clear issue with slide ins weighing considerably more than this style or a topper camper. As for those they are convenient with plenty of head room and a sepereate sleeping space but you are also sacrificing space on your roof if you happen to have a rack. Taking into account that you can stack the bed plates to create more space/natural bench in a loft system makes it overall very versatile not to mention base price is 3-4k less than a topper camper and even more than a slide in.
I have an aluminum canopy on my pickup. On a hot day open the screened side windows for cross ventilation. For cold nights once it is heated up you can run Mr. Heater on the pilot flame as it is a small area to heat plus you build up heat in your sleeping bag.
Have been thinking about a cap with a bed and viola, here it is ! Looks sweet price isn’t bad considering how expensive some other options are.
Dude they start a 5k? WOW!!! Tent toppers start at 10k that's awesome, thx for lettering all of us know, if and when I get my next truck I'm checking this out.
That's an awesome looking camper top. Truck looks really good too.
Edit: Frank is looking awesome as well ! Dogs and camping, it's the best.
It does look pretty cool inside! My only issue is the width. I wouldn’t want to take away one of my truck’s (Tacoma) primary advantages: trail maneuverability.
This would be my concern too. I have a Super Pacific on my DCSB and I don't think I'd go for anything else. It's short enough folded down and narrow enough to not interfere with narrow trail conditions. And it weighs well under 400lbs.
Black aluminum looks really cool. But maybe performs like a solar oven?
I’ve read through a few of these comments and I feel that some people are missing the point of the Moonlander. Full disclosure, I am a Radica customer and I have a Moonlander on my Nissan Frontier and my truck has a five foot bed. There are several great things I can speak about regarding the Moonlander, but the fact that you can make it your own with what options you choose or how you decide to build it out are among the reasons for choosing this over more complicated campers with moving parts and fabric walls. I sure as heck didn’t spend $11k on my Moonlander, due to the options I chose. I spoke with Luke personally, regarding Alex’s build, and they threw everything at that build to show off all their different options. Of course that’s going to increase the cost. That being said…it is for sure an investment. Not in the fact that it will make you money, but for those of us who like to camp often, want an easy camp setup, but would still like to use our pickups as actual trucks when not camping, the Moonlander is the choice for many of us. People often like to talk about buying things that are built in America, but don’t want to pay “built in America” prices. For me, it was worth it.
I have a 5ft bed as well. What bed size panel configuration did you get and how is the space.
Very nice set up!
I’d love to have one of these it looks so amazing and would definitely come in handy
Fantastic !!! I want one for my M1102 aluminum military trailer to tow behind my M923A2 or Hummer H1. Nice Design. Simple. Effective.
I’ll be watching your videos! I might just go get one. Thank you for sharing
I race and would love to have something this efficient. But I have and 8ft bed and optioned out the way I'd want it's close to toy hauler/cargo trailer money. Such a great idea.
Picked my Long Bed model up in April. Used a diesel heater, feeding the hose into the slide window with the screen slid over. Made a plate that fits into the window to attach the hose. Far better than the Mr Heater, which I tried the night before. With the diesel unit, no condensation on the windows and aluminum siding. Run that on low all night, no problem unlike using Mr Heater. The Buddy heater is not safe for use while sleeping.
Wow that's awesome! I can put tailgate down and load up kayak in back!!!! Best design for truck camper shell
Such a great little camper that is actually affordable!! I was wondering how it is for dust intrusion through the tailgate and door?
Nice video. Good job.
This is perfect for my type of camping
Great video. You put in some really cool additions to make it more homey. Just an FYI that Frank is an exceptionally well behaved dog.
Alex! This thing is so cool!
Take that baby down to Arizona in the summer. You'll have your own mobile hot box or sweat lodge. It'll be RADICA!
Nice review the extras makes it pricey, overall looks practical.
One thing that would be really useful is a leg system that enables you to set legs and drive away from it. This would be super useful where people like to go wheeling and leaving the camper behind at the camp site would be great.
Really cool i like this more solid then a tent
Regardless of what you may think about the topper, this was a good review and he was honest about the price. Hopefully a 1 or 2 year review will be done. I’ve got an old slide in I love and a just as old topper. Plus a small travel trailer (for my wife, who needs a shower and toilet). This is very intriguing for the backwoods exploration that my other platforms don’t provide. Buy now and wait, wait and prices go up, or find a used one that fits my truck. Decisions, decisions….
The COOLEST part of the camper is Frank! 🐩
That is basically an oven or freezer depending on where you go with it.
One word diesel heater for cold, two word look at your weather app where its your temp at night, a lot of us are OK down to 32f a few shots and good plus a little spicy food before bedtime.
@@javadude666 that still doesn't help the fact that this thing is made entirely of aluminum has no insulation. What are you doing it's hot?
@@drooskeedoo3388 weather app don't pick a place where it's too hot or cold, plus I don't think your the type of person that camps in a tent, its USA made that's all that matters.
@@drooskeedoo3388probably insulation it
Have you ever been camping before? There are way to mitigate these issues if you’re willing to put in just a TINY bit of effort.
It be nice if it came down into the bed like every other bed camper though, Give you more useable space, you can stand up in it, cook in it, bathroom, etc.
11k for that is absolutely insane.
Price depends on options chosen. They threw everything at this particular build to show off different options.
@@denim_joey $11k doesn't include insulation... So that's an automatic "insane" price for an oven or freezer depending on time of year lol. By the time you do all the DIY why not just buy a utility trailer (up to $2,000), 1/2" plywood ($20-$25 each), 2x2 boards ($4 10ft), exterior house primer (kilz 6gal $100), bed liner ($40-$150 gal), 2" foam boards for insulation ($55 4x8). That's all prices based on Home Depot. Ebay stuff - teardrop door $300, Window $115, etc. For $11k you can go all out on a ground up DIY.
You could cut and glue styrofoam insulation board for less than $100, don’t know why that isn’t included,
Great review, Ty for sharing it, I subscribed I like the simplicity of the review, the flow of the video & Frankie Doggie. 🤙🏼. Say hi to Frank!!
I really like this. It’s way cheaper than the alu-cab and you don’t have to worry about a pop up tent. This is quite brilliant
Great video!
This is absolute everything I’ve been looking for… my only problem which is a HUGE problem.. my ram boxes. I’m
Wondering if they can fab one that will work with it.
Yes, offer them with upgrade options like soundproofing to keep pets from fireworks noises. Insulation, double insulation, diesel heater set ups, 5 cameras motion activated with wireless monitors in the truck cab and the camper.
I love the idea and execution of this product. The only negative I see is with the size of that giant remote control for the fan. You may need a second truck to carry it so your not overloaded. Topper 2 lbs., Fan remote 340 lbs. Lol.
Fly Eagles Fly!! 🦅 Nice camera $$ thanks for the video
good vid, looks good functional simple
Do they make them insulated? Looks like in hotter or colder weather it would suck to sleep in. Wonder if they have a option for insulated campers
For short box double cab trucks I’d like to see a topper that is just the width of the cab and box like all the others but utilizes a simple slide out portion on one side to allow sleeping across like the Moonlander. Using the slide out portion for your feet would not be too taxing on the structure’s strength. Most toppers suffer from dust and water issues from the tailgate area. Sometimes a rubber gasket can work or a couple of foam pool noodles but another solution could be to design a simple lightweight waterproof membrane that attaches to the inside of the truck box and effectively creates a complete closure for the topper when the tailgate is shut and the topper door is shut.
Their site says there's an option that takes the topper in 3" on each side
@@auduffer I think the topper in the video was the narrower version as the guy mentioned that the standard version is wider for taller people. To my knowledge no one makes a side slide out although one industrious young Brit converted the gull wing window on the side of his Land Rover to create a ‘box’ so he could sleep sideways with his feet out the window portion.
@@ricoman7981 you're right; I took a look at the door and even the narrower isn't really narrow although I'm sure they could probably do a custom since everything is made inhouse.
Definitely need some kind of insulation through out that area but this is a number one choice for me
Rad setup. Could use the decked system too. Nice
Saw one of these in person in Nebraska the other day. Kind of a cool design and concept. Pricey but now a days a leer topper is over 2k. Light weight which is nice but also if doing some winter camping may want to add some insulation to it. Wondered how HOT it would get being black for summer camping. May need to come up with a way for a portable AC even if you need to camp in a 'commercial' campsite that has access to electrical hook ups. The drop out window behind the cab of the truck looks like the exact same style leer is using.
When and why did "Canopy" truck shells description change to "Toppers"?? This "camper/topper" might as well call it a "Tampper" 😆 1st impression, nice compromise between a utility canopy and a camper style shell. Loaded with amenities I never had with my Canopy back in the day. I forget how much I paid for it back in 92, but it matched the paint of my Nissan Hardbody SEV6 4x4 and it had a 1 light in it. lol 3 C clamps on each side and it was good to go. It was flush with the side rails(which I personally like that)about the same height as the cab roof as I recall. And I slept in there very comfortably. (2 people would have worked too) Also used for carrying all types of other misc. cargo. Water tight, had screens and windows of course. Lockable. And yah, was a nice deal. Better deal than using an 83 S10 Blazer. Hope you enjoy this thing for decades to come.
It's a regional thing.... where I grew up we called them caps.
Alex, how hot does the roof get without insulation?
Id rather have my tent personally. More space, can stand up, zip up windows. Wait to bug season. But, it looks cool! Looks well made.
That would be torture out here in Arizona, it would have to be insulated and a nice dometic roof top ac unit installed.
Too damn funny. I don’t own a truck yet but am planning a shirt bed and was designing a top just like this but this time he is ahead since I started coming up w/ this in the past few months
Wonder how well this could turn into a little mobile work shop 🤔 I have an musical instrument repair shop and have been looking at a cargo van but don’t reallly need that much space. This would be a great alternative if it could be setup that way, could be a DIY project even!
He is on the 5 S mind set for an organized shop like Toyota does and other large companies
Not bad. The design seems better suited for the full size or HD pickup trucks. I could see where it would be tight on a mid-size short bed.