Topper EZ Lift Turns Any Pick Up Truck Into an Adventure-Ready Camper
If you’re looking to turn your pick-up truck into a camper at a moment’s notice, then you need the Topper EZ Lift. It’s a simple bit of kit that not only transforms your truck, it also provides you with a cheap way of getting off-grid.
We cover a lot of campervan conversions and RVs here at Van Clan. It is, after all, what we do best. There are so many out there to choose from, but not everyone has space or the money to purchase another vehicle. It’s difficult to find a place to park a humongous RV outside your flat, and some people just can’t justify the purchase.
That’s where flexible, affordable camping options like the Topper EZ Lift come into play.
Get Ready For Adventure With The Topper EZ Lift
Our regular readers will know that we love a good truck camper. From the ultra-versatile builds over at Four Wheel Campers right through to mammoth motors like the EarthCruiser, we can’t get enough of off-road trucks. Having the freedom to camp anywhere and the power to achieve it is what overlanding is all about, after all!
See Also: Truck Bed Tent Reviews
What Is the Topper EZ Lift?
The Topper EZ Lift is a 12V system that essentially turns your truck into a pop-top camper. It’s a universal fitting that works with most mid-size pick-up trucks. If your truck has a rear box that’s around 5′ x 8′ on the back, then you’re in business!
The lift system itself hides away perfectly and can’t be seen from the outside. It raises the headroom in the back of the truck by an extra 17.5-inches, creating a space for two people to camp and sleep comfortably.
So, if you’re looking for a Toyota Tacoma Camper or a Toyota Tundra Camper on a budget, then this could be the answer!
How Does It Work?
The Topperlift Lift System runs off your trucks 12V engine battery. There’s no need for any additional leisure batteries in the back of your build, and the lifting process requires very little electricity to run. It’s so easy to install that you can do it yourself without hiring in professionals!
The roof can be lifted via two beefy actuators that are bolted into the main body of the truck. One end connects to the truck bed, and the other is fixed to the roof of your truck box.
They can lift over 900lbs and are operated by a safety switch, so there’s no chance of accidentally lowering the roof while you’re sleeping.
Of course, there’s a little more to it than just raising the roof up. It would get pretty draughty without a pop-out tent built into the equation.
What Features Does It Have?
We’ve already mentioned that this system makes a space comfortable enough for two full size adults. The Topper EZ Lift Weekender package, however, is what turns your truck into a tiny home.
Using a series of canvas walls that zip together, the Weekender package features large windows and a more traditional camping feel. You can choose to look out at the beautiful American landscape or zip it all up to keep the sun out when you’re in need of a long lie in.
The part of the tent that sits on the tailgate feels and looks a lot like the area in a festival tent where you’d kick off your muddy boots before diving into bed. It’s a tried and tested design and one that we all know works.
It’s also important to note that you don’t have to remove the Weekender tent package when you lower the roof down. It can be kept in place for as long as you want and unzipped when you need your pick-up truck for transporting goods or as a work van.
The company can provide a set of easy-use tools for installation, making the whole process super simple. The tools are hand-picked by experts, giving you everything you need to fit your new camping pod without having to break off for a trip to the hardware store.
Are There Any Downsides?
At the time of writing, a Covid-19 statement on the website informs visitors that all canvas materials will no longer be insulated. Now, this isn’t too bad if you’re planning to use the Topper EZ Lift in hotter climates. But without a high-quality sleeping bag, I wouldn’t suggest that this is a camper that you can use throughout all four seasons. What’s more, it’s not big enough to safely house a portable heater.
The space isn’t massive, and I wouldn’t say that it’s big enough for anything other than sleeping or relaxing. You wouldn’t, for instance, be able to cook Thanksgiving Dinner in one of these things.
They’re designed for weekend getaways, hunting trips and fishing vacations. And in all fairness, they provide a no-nonsense camping experience with little to no setup.
Sounds like a winner to us!
For many people, setting up a tent can be a stressful process. You’ve got to find a smooth piece of ground, you end up killing the grass, and there’s always a tree root in your back no matter where you try to get comfy.
The great thing about a truck camper is that you’re actually minimizing your contact with the ground. You’ll be sleeping on a stable surface, and there’s less chance that creepy crawlies will invade your shoes in the middle of the night.
Checking Out The Topper EZ Lift Range
The Contractor Package
The Contractor Package is built with workers in mind. It doesn’t feature an extending tailgate section, opting instead for transforming your truck into a super-swish storage space. With the roof popped, you’ll even have an area where you can saw, measure, and glue no matter what the elements throw at you.
The Contractor set-up also has spaces for you to access tools on the outside of the van. It turns your truck into a swiss-army knife, making it perfect for any tradesperson who often works off-grid or likes to travel.
The Nomad Package
The Nomad Package keeps things simple. So simple, in fact, that you don’t even need the trademark Topper EZ Lift roof to install it.
The Nomad set-up slots neatly into any truck camper without the need for actuators. It’s essentially a tent that slots neatly inside your pick-up truck. It doesn’t get any more no-nonsense than this!
The Nomad Package is great if you enjoy camping in the wilderness and want a breathable, ventilated tent for roughing it in the wild. Add a camper shower and some outdoor-inspired top cooking accessories, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts…
If you’re into luxury off-grid living or having a virtual butler change the settings of your camper, then these products won’t be for you. If, however, you like to camp the ‘old-school- way and consider a fire to be a good form of central heating, then these Topper EZ Lift products will suit you just fine.
Truck camping is so popular in the States because of the ever-changing terrain. It’s no use taking a converted RAM Promaster off the highway and into the depths of the forest, but a 4×4 truck can cope with pretty much anything.
These Topper EZ Lift products are simple to install and can be removed at a moment’s notices. And best of all, they’re cheap.
How Much Do They Cost?
The Weekender and Contractor packages will set you back $1,995 dollars. That’s chump change compared to the cost of the EarthRoamer! The EZ Lift feature on its own costs $1,195, and the simplified Nomad package costs just $345.
If you’re camping on a budget and don’t need a lot of space, then these Topper EZ Lift products will give you everything you need to get off grid and enjoy the world.
If, however, you want space to be able to store more gear and maybe fit a kitchen and have a proper bed, then check out the Project M from Four Wheel Campers. At under $10,000, it’s a better fit for anyone who really wants to up their off-roading game. With a variety of colours and accessories available, there’s a custom-built package for everyone!
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