Inflatable Portable Topper Camper Build And Review - Affordable And Easy To Use!
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- This video is a review of the Flated Topper from getflated.com. The Flated Topper makes an ideal truck bed topper for many uses, one of which is camping. Because it is light weight and portable, it can serve as a truck bed topper one moment and be removed so that the truck can be used for other purposes the next moment. I use the topper to convert my truck bed too a camper. Everything I built for the camper, like the Flated topper, can be easily removed so that the truck can be used for other purposes. I have used the Flated Topper for over a year in hot and cold climates, dry and wet weather, and in rough and tough conditions. I have found the Flated Topper to be very strong and durable, reliable, easy to maintain, and fits my need and purpose very well. Additionally, it stays warm inside in the winter and cool in the summer. I do not know the R-Factor, but it definitely must have one. In this video we also touch on solar power. We use the Ecoflow River Pro 2 for power for heating, lights, recharging electronics, etc. We also touch on how to heat the camper and stay warm in the winter.
Topics covered:
Portable Truck Camper
Inflatable Truck Camper
Affordable Truck Camper
Pickup Truck Camper Build
DIY Camper Build
Heating a Truck Camper
Electric Blanket for a Truck Camper
Ceramic Heater for a Truck Camper
Solar Power for Camping
EcoFlow River Pro 2
Truck Camping 
Развлечения
That looks so much better than the normal fiberglass bed shell topper. Those things weight like a million pounds.
Hey great to hear from you! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Yeah this topper is light and easy to take on and off. Love your channel!!!
Imagine coming across another Astrophotographer while searching for cheap and easy camping solutions for dark skies. Great review and I like your door you made!
Thanks @AstroDanno! What part of the country/world are you in?
@@adventuresofshadowdog I’m in Mississippi, but I love camping over there in the Southwest. Darkest skies I’ve ever seen in Southern Utah!
Let me know when you come out this way next. Maybe we could meet up. 😎
@@adventuresofshadowdog we might be going to Arizona later this year. I wish I could bring all my gear out there.
Great video and camper, the astrology is fascinating, is there a darks skies viewing area in that area?
Most excellent setup. I like it. Thank you for sharing your rig. I have no problem stealing some of your ideas.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Any and all ideas are yours for the taking.
This is one of the best product reviews I’ve seen in awhile man. Pure class. I think I’m pretty convinced
Thank you! It’s been a really good product for me. After I made this video I bought the roof rack cargo carrier too. That allowed me to free up more space in the camper. It’s inflatable and holds a lot of cargo. Just FYI.
Thats another key point. Air is a great insulater.
I love your modifications. This little setup is pretty cool! You are right regarding the electric blanket: those things work great.
Well coming from a guy who actually BUILDS CAMPERS, I’m on cloud nine! Love your channel on Camper Builds and am amazed at your ideas and skills. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Would love to see more detail on how you built the door!
Thanks for watching and commenting. I’ll try to do a follow up video with more build details. 😎
I found it very interesting
Portable power source with solar panel, perfect for electronic blanket
It's a good hobby😊
Thank you for watching and commenting. Shadow is wagging his tail!
This is exactly what i plan on doing is a highly customized version using one @6 or 6 1/2
Ft. For over the bed. Then build custom extension mid sized walls front, 2 sides. The back is a marine grade truck bed Rhino lined 3/4 inch plywood with an acess door.
Then buy or build a platform over the caben of my truck for a sleeper. Just flip it around backwards to seal it to the bed cover with commercial velcro. BINGO, sleeper and so you can stand up in the bed cover.
It will work. Ive already done the math.
That sounds awesome! Wow! Thanks a ton for sharing this. Good luck with your build!
Appreciate the tips on this set up. I already have this topper in mind. I was glad someone made one so light. I am a writer in progress and want to set up a writing area in the back of my truck while I am waiting for my elderly mother to do her shopping. Trying to write while sitting in my truck does not cut it.
Thanks for watching! Good luck with your writing.
Super cool set up! Glad it keeps you and shadow safe and warm.
Thanks Nick!
I been thinking about getting this, thanks for the review! Great video
I’m glad the review was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting’
Cool set up
Thanks!
thanks so much for the honest review!
Thanks Brandon! Appreciate the comment.
This is an excellent review video for this. Love your entire set up.
Thanks!
You’re so creative…great build
Thank You! Really appreciate the nice comment. Take care!
Awesome review. Thanks man
Thanks! 😊
Looks like you are ready for anything! What a great set up for you two. Thanks for sharing this interesting topic and your insight the little things one can do to be safe and more comfortable in the outdoors!👍
Thanks for watching! And I really appreciate your comment. Take care!
You’ve done such a good job with your camping build! It looks awesome :)
Thank You!
Great review. Thank you
Thanks for the nice comment!
That was a very interesting review! ❤
Thanks Curt!
Excellent review. Thanks for going into the details.
You are welcome Tom! Thank you for leaving a nice comment.
Thank you for sharing. I just stumbled onto this video while looking at minivan camper conversions. This may just change what I was thinking of doing!
Thanks for watching and commenting. There are so many options out there that it can be bewildering! Depending upon your purpose, this may or may not be a good option. For me, camping in it for one or two nights at a time, and allowing me flexibility with my truck, it's a great option. However, if I were camping for longer periods, I think I would want to be able to stand up inside of it. This option has me on my knees or stooping really low. I think a Minivan would allow you to at least stoop less. My suggestions is that you look at lots of options and then go with what you think would be best for your intentions. Good Luck!
Looks like a great setup! I gotta follow your photography.
Thank You Mindy!
Excellent work
Thanks Andrew!
Good morning from Godley Texas, I've heard of the inflatable caps, but never saw one in use. Thanks for your honest review. Fantastic solar set-up. Thanks for sharing this with us. Stay safe and happy travels 😎
Hello Godley Texas! Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope to see you on future Adventures!
Your camper build looks good. Well done.
Thanks Jon!
Lance -You are so practical. Information is well presented. I love that everything is portable and can be easily removed, when necessary. I always wondered how you keep warm during the cold nights and now I know about the heating blanket.
Hi Andrea! Always good to hear from you! Thanks so much for the compliment. Coming from you, who has accomplished so much, it means a lot to me. Hope we can go shoot the stars again soon. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Really enjoyed. I am 70, so the step ladder is a must for me too.
Absolutely! There are more stable options as well that actually attach to the truck or tail gate. When I Google it I’m amazed at all the products and options made for this application. Thanks for watching and commenting!
That's very cool! Thanks for showing this, it gives me an idea for something to do in retirement.........which unfortunately is over 10 years away.....
Thanks for watching and commenting. If it makes you feel any better, I'm still a working stiff too! Hope to retire in about 7 years. My weekend hobbies keep me sane!
...nice camper build with the flated and the tail door...
Thanks! A skilled carpenter could do better. But the basic idea is there and even my novice build out works out quite well. Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment!
Very nice video. I love that the soft flap lets you put in the wood insert, that thing is great. I am looking for something to replace a tent in the cold weather and wet conditions and this may just be it. They are not cheap but a lot more affordable than a hard topper thats for sure.
Thanks for watching! I’ve come to learn that when it comes to camping, campers, etc., it’s all a matter of compromise. What I really like about this topper is that it’s light, portable, and can be easily put on and off by one person. There are times I wish it were taller, but then I would have to buy a hard topper and they are too heavy and unwieldy to put on or take off by myself. And hard to store when off. Back to the compromise! lol. Good luck with your decision. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Electric blanket is genius
I thought so too! I only wish I could claim it was my idea. But I learned it from a friend who probably learned it from somebody else. Somewhere out there is a genius who deserves the credit! Lol
stick to hobbies😊
I found it very interesting
Very nice to stick to the details
portable power supply
Soler panel
I like it because it makes me get into my own world
Oh boy I agree 100%. I don’t know what I would do without my hobbies. I work hard 5 days a week. But on the weekends I explore the Cosmos and this beautiful earth of ours. Thank You for watching and commenting. Hope to see you on future adventures!
That was a really good review. I was using a truck bed tent, easy to set up but you have to take everything out of the bed to set up and no R value. I definitely would have gotten one of those instead.
Thanks Patrick! Really appreciate you for watching and commenting!
Finally found a reviewer that commented on the R value! I am considering one of these for my f150 powerboost, which i hope will be terrific with a small heater and air conditioner. Trying to get my wife to enjoy camping. Thank you! Liked and subscribed.
Thanks for watching, commenting, liking and subbing! With regards to the airconditioner, if you live in a dry climate like the Southwest. I suggest a small evaporating cooler. I have one I bought at Home Depot that is cylinder shaped and oscillates. Is about 20” high and 10” diameter. It only draws about 70 watts per hour so I can run it as long as I want. Just add water and plug into a Jackery or equivalent. A true AC unit draws a ton of power, even a small window unit. Just food for thought. Thanks again!
@@adventuresofshadowdog You're so right. I had a small AC unit for a motorcycle-towed camper and it never did a very good job, either, but that wasn't insulated as well as this topper, either. My hybrid pickup has a 2.4kw generator and storage, but I would probably get some standalone power just to save running the engine. I'd really like to know more about the door you built. You don't happen to have any photos or dimensions of that, do you? I would love something like that to go with the topper, when I get it. Such great information.
I really don’t have anything written out. And each vehicle will have different dimensions. But basically I just built a simple frame out of 2x2 lumber. Framed a door and window opening. Used 1x6 lumber for the exterior wall. Same for door. It’s a really simple build. Believe me it’s not finished nicely or anything. But it does the job just fine. And cost me next to nothing. I took my measurements as I built it out. You’ll need the topper in place to take those measurements. And hey! You can camp out of it without even building a wall and door. I did for over a year. I just closed the gate and zippered down the back flap. That worked fine too.
Great video and review. Great tips too. Always good to have a video by someone who has tested out something for a while and then gives his opinion about it. Regarding those outside zippers getting dust coated while you drive, would some type of masking tape work? You could strip and replace the tape periodically. Just a thought You got a sub! Cheers, Dave.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. And the tip! What a great idea! It certainly can’t hurt anything to give it a try. And it just might really make a difference on those dusty roads. Thanks!!!!
Lance that’s great I want that hot dog yum LOL
Hey Paul! I wish you were sitting by the fire with me and I would cook one up over the fire for you. You have to move fast though or Shadow gets ‘em!
@@adventuresofshadowdog yes I bet Shadow would get them, he’s saying yum
Mr. Lance, for not being a carpenter looks like a great job to me !!!
Question??? Did you seal the wood ? Sealing will protect it from moisture. See you !!!
Thanks! I didn’t seal the wood but now I’m thinking I should. Thanks for the tip!
Looks like a great camping setup. I am looking into this kind of topper as well. Is there any chance that you could do a video going into more detail on how you built and install your door? Thank you!
I will try to make a follow up video showing that. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Awesome job on rear door would love to see a more detailed review of your rear door and how you sealed it! Also did you add any weather stripping under the edges and front along the bed rails great job enjoy>
Hello Roy! Thank you for watching. I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
Regarding the weather stripping of the bed rails: YES, I used Camper Mounting Tape, which is essentially weather stripping, all along the side rails and front of the truck bed. I found that to be absolutely critical or some water will get inside while driving in heavy rain. I have a picture of the Camper Mounting Tape in the video. I bought it at Home Depot.
Regarding the sealing the door and wall. I had some garage door weather stripping on hand and it happened to work real well along the sides and top of the wall. It is wide enough and flexible enough to accommodate the gap between the topper and the wall and flexible enough to accommodate the curvatures, etc. I just screwed it with washers to the wall and it presses up against the topper. I used regular door jam weather stripping for the door.
Now to be perfectly honest, although the door and wall has weather stripping, it’s not 100% weather tight. However, if I want to, I can close the gate and zip down the flap from inside and then it is very weather tight. But so far I’ve been fine even with the gate down and flap up.
I hope I was able to answer your questions.
This is a great off the cuff review that says a lot for the topper. How does it do for dust and dirt getting into the space? Would be very interested in hearing from you.
That’s a good question. Before I built the wall and door, a fair amount of dust from the dry dirt roads would make its way into the bed of the truck. The rear window flap zips down from the sides, but is only attached to the gate with Velcro. A fair amount of dust would work its way under the rear window flap. Once I built the rear wall and door, it eliminated almost all of the dust. A little would still work its way in from here and there, but not much. I hope this helps.
Two opportunities I see for this thing….
1. Make one that is Langer than bed and covers the tailgate with it down. Longer mattress area than what you get with 5.5ft beds.
2. Make one that slopes down towards tailgate from cab for better aerodynamics for Ford Lightning. I would buy one of each.
Thanks for commenting! So Capri Camper does make different models. This one I purchased is a non-cabover for. 6’5” bed. My Ram 1500 has a 6’4” bed, so it sticks out a bit further. The bed length is actually 82” long. I’m 5’10”, or 70” tall. So it works for me. But they do make a longer version for an 8’ bed. They also make cob-over medals. Check out their website and you can see all their models and sizes. Your idea of sloping downward is an excellent idea! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
I'm from San Jose /Santa Cruz California unfortunately and fortunately. A while back someone tried to give me a campershell for free but I didn't take it because I'm a loner. I knew I would have trouble taking the thing on and off by myself and where am I going to store it when not in use. I have been thinking a while now to buy this inflatable one . Now I'm sure I'm going to buy it. Having an 8-ft bed maybe I'll have a little more room . Happy travels.
I can relate because even though I am not a shy person, deep down I am a loner and I hate to ask for help. I’ll happily help others. Just hate to be the one asking. You will have a ton of room with an 8’ bed. You have to stoop, but you’ll have lots of room otherwise. I suggest you call the company and confirm measurements to make sure you get the exact right size. They were super helpful when I called and I called with some follow up questions too. Thanks for watching and commenting.
As im in Canada the price conversion to Canadian dollars is $3,500 for the 6.4 bed, thats a lot, i could get a hard top around that price, but the insulation factor is definitely a bonus
I do understand the price consideration. And I would never try to convince someone to go with this product over a hard top. But in my case, I wanted to be able to easily take it on and off by myself. I could never do that with a hard top. That’s why I bought this product. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@adventuresofshadowdog ah I did not consider that perspective. I am buying my truck on Tuesday so it's my first truck other than rentals. I hopeful to spend a lot of time on the road traveling in it. Not decided on the cap yet. I appreciate the videos!
Happy to help! Please feel free to reach out if I can answer anymore questions. Good luck!
Great review, I think you're downplaying your carpentry skills. That door looks amazing!
Question: Hows the condensation on the inside roof? Does it ever drip or does that material have some magic that absorbs it like a carpeted ceiling would?
Hello Emmett! Thanks for watching and commenting. Regarding condensation: when using an electric heat source, I have had no problems with condensation. However, a few times in very cold nights I did run a Mr. Buddy propane heater for a while. Even though it has built in safety features, I don’t dare sleep with it on. So I’ll run it before going to bed. When I’ve used it, I have woke up to condensation on the windows. But I have not experienced condensation on the ceiling or walls. Please bear in mind that I live in a desert environment with low humidity. That may play a factor. I hope this helps!
I am really interested in how you built your enclosure wall in more detail. I’ve been thinking about doing something similar to this, but I’m unsure on how to cut the wood to the contours of the bed and the topper.
You can use a glue gun and cardboard to make a template to cut the wood. Just search youtube for “how to make a template” they use them in boatbuilding all the time because of the shapes.
Great video! Can you open and close the windows from the inside?
The windows that are a part of the getflated topper are secured with strong velcro. You can open them from the inside but it’s hard to close them completely without stepping outside and sealing the velcro by applying pressure from the outside.
The window on the wood wall and doorway I built opens from only the inside.
Did I understand your question correctly? And if so, did I answer?
Have you had any water intrusion on the corners? I’m trying to decide between the v1 or v2. Oddly they reduced the height by 6” on the v2 so now I’m thinking the v1 is the better option for a camping setup
Edit: the v2 has a skirt that goes around the base to keep water out.
Edit pt2 watched the whole video on my lunch break. Saw the portion where you spoke about the strip of foam you used to keep the water out. I think using that foam to waterproof is worth the 6” of head room !
Hey Nick! I’ll do my best to give you my opinion. I don’t think I could manage with 6” less of head room. It’s cramped enough already that I’m usually crawling around on my knees. So I agree with you 100% on that point.
I used the mounting foam tape generously and packed more of it from the inside around the corners. I haven’t had issues with water leaking in. However, I suspect driving in a downpour might allow some water to leak in. But even then, my floor is just the truck bed and all my stuff is in totes or off the floor on the bed, so I don’t really worry about it much. If you need 100% water tight, I would be a bit concerned. I don’t want to steer you wrong. But I’ve been camping in mine for over a year and haven’t had problems. I would suggest calling them and talking with them. Maybe they can put a skirt on the v1 for you? They were super helpful when I called them.
Best of luck! And thanks for watching!
Two things would worry me, getting a flat tire in my topper and sleeping in that thing in bear country is a deal breaker since there will be snacks in my topper. Does it come with a spare? Other than that, it looks pretty awesome and affordable I presume.
I wouldn't worry too much about a flat. These things are super tough and have an air inlet for each separate panel (left side, front side, right side, and top). And they come with a repair kit in case. HOWEVER, the bear country thing is a different matter altogether! Tough as the topper may be, I wouldn't want what is essentially a rubber boat to be the only thing between me and a hungry bear! Thanks for watching and commenting!
How are you cooling it in the desert heat? It would be great if the company could design a full screen door that unzips in the middle for easy exit and entry at night but I love what you’ve done to solve that.
In the summer I use a small portable evaporative cooler. It only draws 100 watts per hour and actually works pretty darn well. I bought mine at Home Depot.
In the summer I use a small portable evaporative cooler. It only draws about 100 watts and actually works pretty good. I bought it at Home Depot.
Also, have you noticed a difference in your fuel mileage with the topper on?
This was a big concern of mine. I'm happy to report that the mileage difference is minimal. Virtually no difference in town. Highway driving is about 1.5 mile per gallon less. I've been keeping records of this and my truck was averaging 21 mpg before and 19.5 now. I do a lot of highway driving, so my mpg is pretty good for a big truck. I hope this helps you!
@@adventuresofshadowdog thanks for sharing! I appreciate that
Do you think it would fit over a retrax tonneau cover? Or does that cover just need to come off?
I think that cover would have to come off for sure. But I suggest you call the company and talk with them. They were super helpful for me.
How did you attach your custom door? Attached to the truck bed frame?
I attached it to the bed frame inside that runs front to back. And, there are two Velcro straps that come attached at the top inside of the topper that can be used to roll up the rear window and snug it tight to the top of the topper. Instead of using the straps for that purpose, I used them to attach the wall to the top. So the wall/door is attached in three places, two at the top and one at the bottom to the bed frame. It holds nice and snug with just that. It also fits tightly with the weather stripping around the edges that apply pressure along the edges of the wall/door to the truck bed and topper. It's good and snug! Hope this helps.
What type of antenna collar is Shadow wearing?
Garmin Alpha TT15 Mini + garmin pro plus handheld.
I have a Ram Rebel, 4 door with what looks like the same size 5'7" bed as yours. Is the topper you have the full size 5'5" they have on their website?
My Ram 1500 has the 6’4” bed. You will want one shorter for your truck. I suggest you call them and they will help you pick the exact right size for your bed. That’s what I did. Also, they have more size options now than when I bought mine. So I think you can get an even better fit. They were super nice to work with. I hope this helps.
This is wholesome af, but the nicest thing you could have done for that family was help them change the battery in the damn smoke detector.
Edit: glitch in the matrix here. This comment was supposed to be on a video about cooking for strangers. I watched this camper video days ago. 🤔
Hahaha! That explains everything. I listened to my own video again to try to figure out what your comment was addressing. I’m glad you cleared up the confusion. In any regard, I do appreciate you for watching and commenting, even if things got a bit confusing. Take care!
@@adventuresofshadowdog yeah it was a cool video! I was looking at the Flatable covers for a Maverick and that’s how I came across this. I’d really like for them to create one that is extended for use with the tailgate down. 4.5’ doesn’t quite work for a camper.
What if someone decides to be an a**hole and close that back lid on you? Will u still be able to reach the lock
Yes. If you noticed in the video I can reach out the little window in the door and easily open the gate. I actually reach through and close it sometimes on extra cold night. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@adventuresofshadowdog cool 👍🏾
You do it all night long.
Well now that you put it that way! Lol
are the solar panels velcroed on top or just resting up there?
They are portable, foldable panels that I only place up there when stationary and camped. I use bungee cords to hold them in place in case the wind blows. BUT I DO NOT DRIVE WITH THEM UP THERE. They are very easy to put up and take down. Mine are made by Ecoflow. Hope this helps!