Flated Topper Review

[kkreit01]

For me, the Flated Topper (@FLATED Guy) is as handy as sliced bread. The first time I saw this, I thought it would be perfect for my needs. I wanted something temporary, portable, and easy to switch back to a regular tonneau cover when not needed. The Soft Topper did not fit that criteria. I wanted something to use when I haul my daughter back and forth to college (205 miles away). She has room to herself, and brings a lot of "stuff". I snatched up the Flated Topper this summer, and used it about a month ago. It's easy to install, and weighs about 35 lbs. One would think it's flimsy, but it's rock solid when strapped down. I wiggled it on the side with all my weigh, and the whole truck rocked back and forth (not the topper). I was able to drive 84 with no problems. It rained the day we moved into the dorm. The topper kept everything dry. I honestly wish I would have spent the +$200 for the taller version, although it doesn't look as good.

The only minor complaint I'd have, is the way the back window seals to the tailgate. It comes down too far and rests on the paint. I knew this ahead of time (watched several YouTubes), and I had PPF installed at the top of the tailgate. I might try tucking the bottom in next time.

Below are some pics. Also included is my previous setup (bed extender, cargo net, many straps, and pray it doesn't rain, or nothing flies out).

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[Shock96]

Nice!

 

[Jasonhstick]

I purchased the taller one and love it. Only complaint is one side of the zipper window in the back started to come undone, they were quite quick about sending a replacement window panel but the new panel is longer than the old one and now rests on the paint instead of the plastic tailgate cap. My solution is to tuck the flap at the top of the tailgate. I used some rubber cement to adhere the velcro strap to the tailgate plastic and works great.

 

[Dad]

Thanks for posting this. Looks like a perfect solution for your needs and no doubt, other members will appreciate how this topper will fill their needs. I like the look, too!

 

[Maverick+dog]

I love how everyone has a different "right answer" for what, if any, bed cover is best for them looks good brother

 

[Guv]

That’s really sweet! Beats wrestling a hard shell on and off. Also, the storing of the hard shell for the time it’s off can be a bugger.

 

[North Coast Joe]

I had never heard about this alternative cap. Thanks for sharing that info. I am going to bookmark their site.
One question: can it be used in conjunction with a rollup cover, or does the rollup need to be removed?

 

[kkreit01]

I had never heard about this alternative cap. Thanks for sharing that info. I am going to bookmark their site.
One question: can it be used in conjunction with a rollup cover, or does the rollup need to be removed?

A roll-up would need to be removed. That's also why I switched from a roll-up, to a tri-fold. The Gator soft-fold (or similar) can be removed and installed in < 5min. There are lots of youtube reviews on the Flated topper. Everyone seems to really like them. One Maverick dude flipped it over and used it as a boat for a short period. Another guy with a TRX reached speeds >100 (IIRC?).

PS> The MTC discount mentioned in their Vendor section still works!

 

[lonewoof]

I was in a similar situation to yours where I needed something I can take on and off without much time and effort. I looked at the product but their price seemed pretty steep. I finally ended up getting a soft topper because it is a sturdier system with a metal truss. It takes me 15-20 mins to install our remove and I love their "overland" mode - especially when my doggos can stick their heads out when I'm in city traffic.
I agree everyone can find a solution that works for their needs. Thanks for your pictures!

 

[colinl]

it's a good option for you, but I see similar things in both loads. I would have rented a trailer to get all that and more in one trip...

 

[Duke Nukm2001]

Looks Good Brother. I am sold on the Idea of the FLATED. Thank you for the update.

 

[triangulumhalohydra]

The Soft Topper did not fit that criteria.

Did you cross shop the Fas-Top? Curious why it wouldn't meet your needs. I have one and other than it being pretty ugly (like all toppers, really), it's held up well for weekend camping expeditions and then folding right back up the rest of the time.

 

[kkreit01]

Did you cross shop the Fas-Top? Curious why it wouldn't meet your needs. I have one and other than it being pretty ugly (like all toppers, really), it's held up well for weekend camping expeditions and then folding right back up the rest of the time.

I did not. I haven't heard of them until today. Looks like a neat design. However, the concept looks to be very similar to the Soft Topper. I didn't want any frame, etc. to remain in the truck bed. The Flated Topper completely removes in a couple of minutes, and stores in a large backpack (in basement) when folded. I used my shop vac to inflate/deflate. That also took a few minutes.

 

[tom_tucker]

Life wouldn't be this sweet without the fiberglass ARE MX. Game changer. It's true that you don't take it off like the Flated though. Flated has that use case. My use case is for the hard cap. I wouldn't choose based on cost, since this is long term item. Spring for the hard top if you need it.

 

[Ehytinen]

How much clearance is there from the bed to the top inside for the regular size one and the taller one?

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