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Seriously Considering a Flated Topper.

12K views 62 replies 21 participants last post by  jbear555  
#1 ·
We are taking a cross-country camping trip this summer for about a month (GA-Glacier/Waterton), and I am trying to add cargo space. The options I'm currently considering are rails/bars/basket or carrier, hard topper, and this very interesting Flated topper product.
I've been researching these, and have been in contact with the company. So far it's a very attractive option, and the folks have been very responsive. The upsides are considerable, with the main points being cost, ease of install with one person, and the ability to take it off and store it compact-deflated (so your truck is still a truck). It also seems to be very sturdy allowing for kayak transport on top, and it also appears weatherproof (from reviews). The downsides are that as it's a relatively new product, the long-term durability is unknown. Obviously it's not as secure as a hard topper, but if someone wants in....
There's a low-profile model and one with more of a "camper top" profile...haven't decided which is for me yet (if I end up going this route).
I'm interested to know if anyone here has experience with these...good or bad. Also would value input as to whether there's something I am overlooking or might be viewing from the "wrong angle" in your opinion.
The responses I have gotten from my emails to Flated have been answered within an hour or so in most cases, and they seem to be focused on quality. I have reached out to companies of various types recently whose philosophy seems to be, "If you don't like our stuff, go buy something else." When I come across a company that cares...it's refreshing.
Ok...whatchoothink?
 
#62 ·
Installed the Flated and took a 400 mile trip to Yosemite.

Happy so far. It matches the Sonic Gray pretty well. No noise of any kind at speed. It is more fussy than a traditional topper, especially one with a single door handle, but I knew that going in. Had to shove it a couple times to keep it from touching the cab. I need to look at strapping it down a bit tighter. As the instructions note, there is no obvious place to anchor the middle straps on a Ridgeline.

Was concerned about losing ~3” all around with the thickness of the walls, but there is still enough space for me to sit up in the back, which is really all I need.

Not sure if my L-bracket waterproofing idea has legs are not. Need to look at it more closely.

More later…

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#59 ·
OK, I took the plunge with $75 off (for giving them my email & phone) + $48 off (free shipping for Labor Day). It took Ryan via their chat support to give me a -$75 code that actually worked, and then he had to refund the shipping manually, as the website was not allowing the combined discounts, though it was supposed to. Good service to make up for the website issues.

Ordered the cab-high version.

Ordered the 3rd brake light kit, if anyone has used that I'd be interested in hearing how the install went. I am thinking I will plug it into the towing connector rather than tap the taillight wires. My hitch is going to get used for a bike rack and little else.
 
#58 ·
Thanks for the report @KJinTN

Yes, bummer the rain flap is not customized to the Ridgeline. If I buy one (80% there), one idea I have is to glue (with silicone caulk) a plastic L-bracket the length of the cab-side rail (with the vertical bit closest to the bed and inboard of the Flated wall) that the water should not be able to get past.
 
#56 · (Edited)
(Pics at the bottom of my post.)
I put the Flated topper on my Ridgeline about a week ago - by myself - and it was super easy.

The only real downside I’ve noticed is that because of the Ridgeline’s unibody design, the flap around the bottom doesn’t sit cleanly against the cab side of the bed. It has to fold under, which leaves some gaps and keeps it from sealing tight.

I tested it in the rain - drove around and let it sit at different angles. A little water did get in along that cab-side edge. I’m planning to add some foam rubber seal, and I’m confident that’ll solve it.

Last night I finally got to camp in it for the first time - and it was great. I also tried my Napier truck bed extension tent with it. Fit was good, though if it rains I’ll need to figure out a way to seal that connection better. For now, I just wanted to see if it would even work, and it does. I'll be camping again tonight.

Overall? Very happy with it.

**One more note - another user here said the topper rubbed against the cab and it impacted the paint, so I cut a couple of pieces off of an old cotton t-shirt and put it between the cab and the topper.
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#43 ·
Been thinking about getting one of these. Just having the factory tonneau cover limits what I can take in bed (especially cooler sizes) when I pull my camper somewhere. Checks all the boxes except the sizing issue and leaking which are no gos for me. Hoping they'll modify the design for the ridgeline where it actually fits correctly and doesn't leak. They do that and I'll revisit it.
 
#36 · (Edited)
Here is to all to help you in your decision in buying Flated topper for Ridgeline. Something to note, I have tried $100 worth of different types of seals and none worked because the topper doesn't fit properly on the Ridgeline. Refer to the images below.
 

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#30 ·
I have one on my Ridgeline. It's okay. You need to buy additional kit to seal edges. It will leak along a couple of edges and allow rain in between bed and flated. Easy to put on, but as I write you'll need additional kit to seal edges. I was pretty much on my own after I bought it. Company could have been more helpful. It can be a pain zipping and unzipping back panel. Those are the cons.
Pros are doesn't vibrate even at 80 mph. It's easy to install. Just don't overthink it. I put like little circlet hooks to tie to. Hasn't moved. Hasn't deflated. Had it on all winter and even ran through car wash few times and no issues.
 
#25 ·
Thanks for the posts. I have a 2023 Honda Ridgeline and I am seriously considering buying a Flated topper. My biggest concern is security when I'm parked overnight at a campsite or hotel. The Flated website states that they don't provide a lock and that users should store valuables in their vehicle. How did you rig up the d-rings and cable to be able to lock the topper? With pictures of seen of the topper on their website and other places (yours included), I just can't see how the back flap can be securely locked. Thanks!
 
#24 ·
It's pretty solid ay 6 psi. You can feel it give if you push hard, but I can jump on top and it's sturdy. I have no qualms about leaving it but I rigged some d-rings and a cable with a Master lock for security. If someone wants in a vehicle...they're getting in, but this will prevent spontaneous snatch and grabbers.
 
#22 ·
Something I realize now is that I could lend/rent this to anyone with the same size truck bed. It is that easy to install and remove. There are two small openings at the front where the topper meets the bed. I am going to cut a triangular gasket from a silicone rubber sheet, and lay a semicircular ridge with silicone caulk to follow the contour of the topper. I can just lay it on there when using the topper and store it when it's off. Otherwise...it's pretty tightly sealed. I'll take a picture when I do that and let you know if it works. Can also use regular bulb insulation, but I think this will be easier, more effective, and more durable. At least I hope so.
 
#20 ·
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This thing us pretty awesome...gotta say. I have a few things to try out but first impressions are overwhelmingly positive. It overhangs the tail by about 2", but that may actually help with water. It took me about 10 minutes to pump by hand and another ten to strap it down. I can cut that time in half .

They are very responsive to questions and seem to really care that I'm satisfied.
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