Flated Air-Topper Full-Size 8′-Long Bed

The Flated Air-Topper Full-Size 8′-Long Bed is the largest in the series of completely unique inflatable truck tents with a hard-shell performance, ventilated and equipped with four vinyl windows.

Key features & benefits

What this is about, what is an air topper?

Well, it is hard to say, and the reason is because this is something completely unique on the market. This means a unique technology and also a unique design, and here is nothing similar around to compare with.

But one could describe this Flated Air-Topper as an inflatable truck tent. However, it becomes completely rigid when inflated, and it feels as a solid object. So you can hardly describe it as a soft topper.

The focus here is on the 8-feet version, but you will want to know that they have it in several sizes available at REI, and even more at Flated brand site.

Unique drop stitch technology

Everything in this shelter is based on its unique technology which they describe as drop-stitch fabric. It is really hard to understand how it works because these items, when inflated, behave as completely solid things.

You can realize this from the picture below which shows the Flated Air-Topper on the vehicle. As you see, the person is sitting on it as if it is a solid box. You can be sure that it does not feel soft on touch as you would expect from something that is inflated.

The only way to know what this is would be to destroy it and then see what inside is. They write about tens thousands of tough polyester threads that drop-stitch the fabric and this allows a product to maintain its shape when it is inflated to high pressure.

This also allows for flat surfaces that can be inflated to rock-hard rigidity. The picture below shows some details, those hundreds of stitches are behind everything:

So you have a soft-shell object but with a hard-shell performance. These are simply incredible features because i) the tent is compact when packed for storage, but ii) because of its solid structure when inflated, it allows for cargo transportation on its top.

You realize this from the picture below which shows how you can transport some large and bulky equipment on the Flated Air-Topper.

This is possible because the Air-Topper comes with 4 tie down D-rings, one is shown below. You can use them for securing your boards, kayak, or whatever else.

There are also 2 web handles for carrying the tent to the car or when you want to remove it. When you want to store it, you can remove it from the car and deflate, and have it in its carry bag in 10 minutes.

The pictures below show how it looks when stored in its backpack-style carry bag. It is incredibly compact when packed, who could say that this is the same solid structure which you see in the pictures above.

Windows

You have solid vinyl tinted windows on all four sides. The two on the sides of the vehicle are double-layer with zippered mesh and with solid vinyl. So you can have as much cross flow and ventilation as you want.

The cab window is removable so you can get your stuff from the cabin through its window. The rear window is in fact the door. You have dual zippers and you can roll it up to keep out of way.

Materials

The walls are made of PVC layers specifically manufactured for superior air holding. They write that this specialized sidewall material features internal fibers coated in liquid PVC before incorporation with the outer PVC layer.

So go figure if you can, it is hard to understand how those stitches make this structure so rock solid. Perhaps it is best to see more from the co-founder of this company:

Setup time

In this video you can see how incredibly easy to use this structure is. You can install it in 15 minutes, and when you want to remove it and store, this can be done in 10 minutes. Have a look:

Here you can see how to secure the tent to the vehicle. All steps are shown so please have a look:

Who is it for

Regarding vehicle, this Full-Size Air-Topper Long bed was designed to fit most newer model 8ft beds on the GMC Sierra, Ford 150, Chevy Silverado and Ram 2500-3500.

But as mentioned, they have it in different sizes that suit different vehicles. So for example the Full-Size Air-Topper Short bed fits most newer model 5.5 ft short beds on the Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra, Ford 150, Chevy Silverado, and Dodge Ram (also with Ram Boxes).

On the other hand, the Full-Size Air-Topper Standard bed was designed to fit most newer model 6.5 ft beds on the GMC Sierra, Ford 150, Chevy Silverado, and Dodge Ram (also with Ram Boxes).

So just follow the link here in the text and you will find 7 separate options regarding the size. No doubt you will find the size that fits your vehicle.

Regarding the size, I mentioned that the focus of this text is on the largest shelter they have. Its dimensions are shown in the picture. Note that actual height will include also the height of the side walls of the truck.

As you see, it is very long, and the width is such that you can put two narrow cots inside. But it is best to use their Air Deck Large which fits perfectly inside, see its dimensions:

Note that this deck is made from the same material as the Flated Air-Topper. So this huge sleeping platform is also completely rigid and you need a sleeping pad for comfort. But as you realize, it has more than enough space for two adults.

They have it in different sizes, just to know, see the picture:

Regarding best use & climate, this shelter can definitely be used year-round and you will have full protection from the elements.

The tent itself is completely waterproof, after all it is also airtight to be inflatable. You have two layers of thick walls that provide some insulation as well.

It is rock-solid, so it will perform well even on a highway. In other words, you can keep it installed all the time. This is a smooth surface without anything that would make noise when you are in the camp and sleep inside.

But you might have rain inside in the case of wind and rain combined. This is because the connection of the tent box and the truck box is not watertight. You have all those straps and buckles to compress the connection as much as possible, but some water may still leak in.

However, this is not a big deal, the tent itself is fully waterproof. If you sleep off the floor, on a cot for example, you will be safe in any case.

My pros & cons

What I like

• Packed size, see the picture below.
• Weight. Note it is not light, but think about its hard shell performance.
• Cargo features.
• Ease of use. It inflates from a single spot. You have a pump included in the package.

What I dislike

• The windows have no panels for privacy.
• It is expensive if you look at it as a soft topper. But this is not a soft topper.

Specifications

• Weight: 60 lb (27 kg).
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 98 x 64 x 23 in (249 x 162 x 58 cm).
• Made in Vietnam.

Places to buy

Flated
REI

Amazon

Summary

Let me know what you think. Did I miss mentioning something important? For more stuff from this brand please read here.

Bookmark this site and keep as a reference, you will always have new texts added here and this will keep you informed. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.