I wonder if you could power the lift with a Jackery? Any reason a large tarp thrown over topper and secured to the sides while camping wouldn't work? Can you tell me how many inches this adds.....from the side rails to the bottom edge of the topper....Thanks so much:)
I havent noticed any movement. Its been 2 full seasons now and I have not noticed any cracking in the topper or the lift parts. However,, I think if i was doing any hardcore off roading I would reinforce it with traditional topper clamps just for piece of mind.
We didnt weatherproof the bed at all. As long as the velcro is good and tight we dont have water issues. The only time we have had leaks is when its not velcro’d down properly, or one time when we had a torrential downpour for most of the day.
In my Tacoma its 4 feet between the actuators. We use a futon mattress that fits our full size sheets. Our mattress squeezes in ok, as long as yours isnt too stiff I would think it would work.
When I put it back together this spring I am adding extra weather stripping. The corners definitely need more and i like added around the sides as well. I will document it all when i do.
Thanks again. I’m glad you had better focus on your camera this time than the last one I looked at. What you have showed me is the most helpful understanding of the topper lift installation I’ve seen. It’s very much appreciated. I’d like to run out and do some measurements on my truck right now if it wasn’t dark out. I’m going to be using this on my truck that I pull my trailer with. I am looking forward to the flexibility it will give me to go off for short trips without dragging the whole 30 foot trailer.
We love it for its portability. Being minimal with our gear makes the adventure so much more enjoyable. As we do more and more videos we discover where our gear needs to be upgraded and the camera was one of the first things we needed to change. Hopefully we continue to get better.. thanks for watching.
Its really stable. The max load its supposed to lift is 900 pounds, the components are well made and heavy duty. I was surprised at how well made they are. We have camped with the canoe and kayak on top with no issues. Its not going to fall over if thats your concern.
There is just a self tapper holding it to the bed of the truck which I wasn’t to fond of when I saw it. However, the hardware that holds the struts to the existing rail of the truck is very heavy duty, I would say they are enough to hold up the topper themselves. We have used it for 2 seasons now and other than the Velcro starting to pull up there are no other signs of wear .
Nice setup. My topperlift shows up Thursday and I'm excited to get it in. I do have a question about the seal at the truck bed. It looks like your leer shell doesn't have a lip that drops down past the bed rail cap. Am I seeing that right? My shell does and I have some concern about that lip scraping the truck as it settles down into place. Does it come down fairly level or do you notice one side contacting first and then fully seating? What do you use for weather stripping?
My topper doesnt fit exact. I found it used for very cheap and didnt plan on using it like this when i bought it. It doesnt come down exactly level but not so far off that it concerns us. I know what you mean by having that lip, I cant say for sure but I dont think you will have an issue with it. For weather stripping I used what came with the Topperlift.
I sooo enjoy your postings. Look forward to each one. I’m in. Ordering the Contractor for my long bed Tacoma because I pull my fishing boat all over Wa , Idaho, & Montana & am alone most of the time. So I think that would be easiest to roll & stow back material for early morning launching I really do enjoy your in-site on this product. Much more headroom to relax & enjoy. Thank you & safe travels my friend. 👍👏
Great video .
I wonder if you could power the lift with a Jackery? Any reason a large tarp thrown over topper and secured to the sides while camping wouldn't work? Can you tell me how many inches this adds.....from the side rails to the bottom edge of the topper....Thanks so much:)
How is it while driving does move at all
I havent noticed any movement. Its been 2 full seasons now and I have not noticed any cracking in the topper or the lift parts. However,, I think if i was doing any hardcore off roading I would reinforce it with traditional topper clamps just for piece of mind.
I asked this on one of your other vids but I am just very curious how you weatherproof your bed (if at all) prior to installation
We didnt weatherproof the bed at all. As long as the velcro is good and tight we dont have water issues. The only time we have had leaks is when its not velcro’d down properly, or one time when we had a torrential downpour for most of the day.
What size mattress do you all use? Would a full sized mattress that's 52" across be able to squeeze in around the actuators?
In my Tacoma its 4 feet between the actuators. We use a futon mattress that fits our full size sheets. Our mattress squeezes in ok, as long as yours isnt too stiff I would think it would work.
Topper lift bad ass whats the price for this system
Great video explaining everything. Just curious your thoughts about adding more weather stripping to keep water from getting in when the top is down?
When I put it back together this spring I am adding extra weather stripping. The corners definitely need more and i like added around the sides as well. I will document it all when i do.
Thanks again. I’m glad you had better focus on your camera this time than the last one I looked at. What you have showed me is the most helpful understanding of the topper lift installation I’ve seen. It’s very much appreciated. I’d like to run out and do some measurements on my truck right now if it wasn’t dark out. I’m going to be using this on my truck that I pull my trailer with. I am looking forward to the flexibility it will give me to go off for short trips without dragging the whole 30 foot trailer.
We love it for its portability. Being minimal with our gear makes the adventure so much more enjoyable. As we do more and more videos we discover where our gear needs to be upgraded and the camera was one of the first things we needed to change. Hopefully we continue to get better.. thanks for watching.
I would like to buy just just the 4 elevators (and controll) and install by myself. Is it available do sell?
Yes. Its a self install kit with very easy directions to follow.
Thanks for this video, great info!
How stable is the top when elevated?
No one ever pushes or demonstrates how the cap will act in heavy wind storms.
Its really stable. The max load its supposed to lift is 900 pounds, the components are well made and heavy duty. I was surprised at how well made they are. We have camped with the canoe and kayak on top with no issues. Its not going to fall over if thats your concern.
wait hold up. is it held down with screws in the bed? no backing plates or bolts? id be highly suspicious about it shearing off at some point.
There is just a self tapper holding it to the bed of the truck which I wasn’t to fond of when I saw it. However, the hardware that holds the struts to the existing rail of the truck is very heavy duty, I would say they are enough to hold up the topper themselves. We have used it for 2 seasons now and other than the Velcro starting to pull up there are no other signs of wear .
When parked and there is heavy wind do the lifting struts hold there own?
Yea, we dont have any issues in the wind. The struts are heavy duty and the fabric does a great job of blocking out the weather.
Nice setup. My topperlift shows up Thursday and I'm excited to get it in. I do have a question about the seal at the truck bed. It looks like your leer shell doesn't have a lip that drops down past the bed rail cap. Am I seeing that right? My shell does and I have some concern about that lip scraping the truck as it settles down into place. Does it come down fairly level or do you notice one side contacting first and then fully seating? What do you use for weather stripping?
My topper doesnt fit exact. I found it used for very cheap and didnt plan on using it like this when i bought it. It doesnt come down exactly level but not so far off that it concerns us. I know what you mean by having that lip, I cant say for sure but I dont think you will have an issue with it. For weather stripping I used what came with the Topperlift.
Use plywood not that garbage board OSB
Yes that is getting upgraded. I used it cause I had it at the time.
Great video. How long is your truck bed?
Its a 6 foot bed.
nice video and thanks for sharing. how much is the Topperlift (weekend model)? does that include the shell?
think I figured the shell won't be included.
@@jc829 I am not affiliated with Topperlift so not sure on the cost. I think we spent about 2 grand for what we have.
Where in the ADK’ are you?
We camp mostly in the St. Regis canoe area near Tupper Lake.
I sooo enjoy your postings. Look forward to each one. I’m in. Ordering the Contractor for my long bed Tacoma because I pull my fishing boat all over Wa , Idaho, & Montana & am alone most of the time. So I think that would be easiest to roll & stow back material for early morning launching I really do enjoy your in-site on this product. Much more headroom to relax & enjoy. Thank you & safe travels my friend. 👍👏
Great to hear and Good luck to you on the water!