FlipPac vs Wildernest

[DaveInDenver]

Note the stiffener glassed into the side. The spring attaches to that, as does the tent structure. There is a similar stiffener at the front corners. Cutting into the front to fit your truck could mess up this critical structural component. I don't recall just how close it is to the front corner.

It's a few inches behind the front wall. Depending on the 'Nest some have enough space to fit a mounting bolt in front of the rib, some not. Structurally the main issue (besides losing all that fiberglass) with cutting out the front is the wood that runs across the bottom that connects the two side mounting plates and I'm fairly certain there is metal in that section the frame halo that runs around the top edge of the lower shell section. I've never personally cut through the front, so I'm only working from assumptions looking at how the lumps in the fiberglass look. It will be interesting to see what happens, I'll be learning a lot from it, too. I do think the two sides are going to want to spread a lot more without that front wall in place.

 

[neverestablished]

I was planning on adding a front strap as well and leaving them both on all the time except for camping or otherwise need them out of the way. It sounds like that still might no be enough and ill have to keep an eye on it and try to put other supports in place (better learn how to weld). I figured on replacing the 4runner tailgate with a regular truck one if they're interchangeable (anyone know?). If the Nest worked out, I was going to sell the fiberglass top and tailgate to keep funding going (I'm over budget as soon as i get the 4runner since we're saving for a house and its already a tough sell to buy a weekend truck).

Do the spring push the top open, closed (I assume not), or straight up? So how do you close it? The strap sounds like the only way to do it smoothly by you self.
The lean on the front of the nest does not seem like it would be especially difficult to seal. I know that taking out the front of the Nest is going to mess with its structure but using it on a 4runner with the front would be awkward and without any advantage over a truck.

 

[RocKrawler]

I figured on replacing the 4runner tailgate with a regular truck one if they're interchangeable (anyone know?).

Hinges in a different spot, easy to make a angle iron bracket across the bottom to bolt the PU tailgate to & the upper latches are the same - did it on my old 4Runner when I did a can-back because I no longer needed the rear window

 

[RocKrawler]

Mine showed up at 5:30 this morning.. quite the heavy beast to transfer from one truck to the other - even with matching height trucks!

 

[neverestablished]

Looks good. Let us know how its working out.

 

[Ford Prefect]

Looks nice

I wonder, does anyone know, why did wildernest go out of buisness? It sure looks like a nice disign. I rather like that it looks so much like a regular topper. Not that I mind the flip pac, I actually prefer how the latter opens up, but the nest sure looks nice closed up...

 

[RocKrawler]

I rather like that it looks so much like a regular topper. Not that I mind the flip pac, I actually prefer how the latter opens up, but the nest sure looks nice closed up...

Thanks - I like it for the same reason, and I too prefer the flip pac opening direction, and had I not found this one I would have had to put up with its kinda fugly appearance as I was setup to purchase the one in the classifieds now. Despite that preference I really like the look of it on my truck and think I made the correct decision

 

[RocKrawler]

Question - I have 3 of the 4 fiberglass poles, the 2 long ones are fine for now, but the one short one I have has a broken tip. I need to build/buy a relacement & was wondering of the sectional poles work and if so what size to buy. I think I remember another member usine them but want to see what others have successfully used before I waste money. I also have a tear on the front of the tent I need to seal (open flat area under the front triangular window, nt at a seam or corner), should I tape it or sew & seam seal?

EDIT: Found this supplier for fiberglass rod: is all fiberglass rod the same?