I have to say that an inflatable truck camper cap was a brand-new concept to me when I happened upon the video below from the team at Live.Life.Simple.
When the video was made, our host had not used this product long as the video covers an unboxing, setup and installation, a durability test, and a road test. Then, after driving with the inflatable truck camper cap installed for about 100 miles, he shares the pros and cons of the experience to that point. But we don’t have a long-term report.
The inflatable truck camper topper is pretty ingenious in that it gives your truck ultimate versatility. When not in use, it folds away into a small tote bag, but when needed it can be inflated and installed in minutes.
Our host admittedly had a lot of questions, primarily surrounding whether or not this inflatable truck topper would be durable enough to withstand weather and driving conditions. He was also concerned that it would be noisy and flopping around at regular highway speeds. He also wanted to ensure that the camper would be waterproof. So he sought to put it all to the test.
One nice feature is the fact that there are multiple chambers and air ports. Therefore, if one part should go flat or get a hole, it doesn’t affect the structural integrity of the entire topper.
The company includes a hand pump, and even when doing it by hand it only takes a minute or two to blow up each side. You could also use an air compressor set to 8 PSI.
A puncture kit is also included although, hopefully, you won’t need it. The truck topper is made from extremely durable material like is used in rubber rafts and paddle boards. So, to a degree at least, it is made to withstand abuse.
The entire thing only weighs about 35 pounds. That combined with handles and D rings makes it easy for a single person to inflate and install the camper shell on their own.
When it comes to installing the Velcro windows and shades, an extra set of hands would come in handy. But our host did manage on his own.
Next, he tested the durability by getting on top of the inflatable camper shell. It held fine, so he loaded it up with a kayak and three paddleboards with no issues. Our host admitted the rig was stronger and more durable than he thought it would be.
Next came the time to take it on a road test. Our host was impressed with the visibility. The rig passed with flying colors. There were no odd noises or flapping, even at high speeds. He didn’t experience any wind drag either. In fact, he said, nothing felt different with having the topper on his truck.
What’s not to like?
Lastly, he put the inflatable truck camper top through a weather test, exposing it to a 90-minute rain downfall. It mostly passed but there was a little water leakage along the front seams. He speculated this could be fixed with an insulating tape, but we aren’t sure from this video.
Our host also did not like the way the window over the hatch opened and closed, and thought it would wear over time.
Also, let’s talk about the price. I expected it, for some reason, to be lower. When I balance the fact that I could get a decent used traditional truck topper for the $1,800 price tag, this option becomes less appealing. Sure, the inflatable topper has other advantages like being lightweight and easy to get on and off. But I would have thought price would have been another advantage. Alas, it is not.
What are your thoughts on this unusual inflatable truck camper cap? Leave them in the comments below.
Learn more about Flated inflatable truck camper caps here.
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I’d be afraid someone would slit it with a knife to vandalize it or steal whats inside. You have that with a tonneau cover, but at least they can’t see what’s inside.
Thank you, Cheri! You are so skilled in finding unusual stuff. 🙂 Very interesting. As you note, the price is surprisingly high. I guess there are circumstances that make this a viable choice, but none immediately come to mind. Thanks again! 🙂
Tony Barthel has one, he claims it is the best, and he really loves it!
I paid $4000 for a hard shell topper on my truck. I don’t think the price is that bad.
Kudos Cheri, love this find.
Comparatively, an inflatable tube replacement for a 16 foot Zodiac RIB is about $8,000.00 so the price point for this inflatable topper is excellent. Air is a great insulator to boot.
Bob M makes a great point on securing valuables but that’s about the only question mark I see.
Looks like it might make a great game day tailgating option too for your truck to keep your supplies covered up, easy install and removal
I can certainly see the Flated topper on a small truck used as a toad on a small Class A or C motorhome. Some of those have a 5,000# hitch, so the weight of the toad is critical. A 35# topper adds minimal weight, but still allows the truck to be used as an overnight “camper” for exploring 4wd roads from a USFS, BLM, or boondocking campsite.