Hello everyone, in the ever competitive world of overlanding, I'd like to make sure I'm not missing any options to look at compared to the Project M. I had one on my previous build, but the fit and finish was a bit lacking for the price. Just want to see what all is out there these days and unfortunately wasn't able to make it to the Expo this year. Thanks for any input!
Project M competitors?
- Thread starter hitek79
- Start date
dirtnsmores
Active member
Highly recommend OVRLND CAMPERS. Same concept, better quality.
SimplyAnAdventure
Well-known member
Antwon412
Well-known member
Topo Toppers has some nice setups. And they have a new version coming out that’s a little boxier so you get more room. The Rincon model.
I really like that Rincon model they debuted. I have a Lone Peak Camper on my gladiator that I like a lot. It’s half the price of almost all the other competitors and so far I’m pretty impressed with it.
I really like that Rincon model they debuted. I have a Lone Peak Camper on my gladiator that I like a lot. It’s half the price of almost all the other competitors and so far I’m pretty impressed with it.
llamalander
Well-known member
x2 for Topo Toppers, have a Mesa myself and am finding new parts to be impressed with every day I build it out. I saw a Rincon prototype when I had my camper installed earlier this year, wider, and the same high quality as their other offerings.
I'm enjoying kitting mine out, it's more basic than some offerings, but those basics (windows, hatches, tent materials) are top quality. The turn-around time was unreal, and they were happy to work on some particular details I wanted. Totally worth a look--
I'm enjoying kitting mine out, it's more basic than some offerings, but those basics (windows, hatches, tent materials) are top quality. The turn-around time was unreal, and they were happy to work on some particular details I wanted. Totally worth a look--
dstefan
Well-known member
I’ll second this. 3 1/2 years in, mine has had zero to complain about. It fits my needs very well. Rugged as can be, but light as well. Looks industrial, but flawless construction. Highly customizable from Ovrlnd and then further highly customizable by you. Built to your truck and needs (want 3 hinges on your reinforced barn door to be strong swingout carrier? Want an drop down hatch with a fold out table? Want Tern Overland windows in a flip up hatch? etc, etc. You can get it done by Ovrlnd and then do more yourself further)
Think the pop up topper segment is a horses for courses thing to a degree. Some are prettier, some have more/different options. Some are for folks who want off the shelf done without much/any build themselves. I wanted as light as possible (360 lbs for my Tundra 6.5’) and as strong as possible to enable go anywhere and not worry about it. I also didn’t want anything forced on me that I didn’t want (eg, the Project M “shelf” that makes it fit multiple beds, or stick out walls that catch on tight trails, etc. )
After the Vagabond fiasco, it’s also good to have an established builder who’s not going anywhere.
YMMV!
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Why are they the hottest on the market and what makes their design/product worth nearly $5k base price more than competitors such as Topo Toppers and Oru Designs, with no bed or no rear cab door window included? Asking genuinely as their site doesn't exactly sell it to me.
Once you start kitting out some standard wants you're into some crazy dollars for this segment ($16k+?). You can max options on Topo's new Rincon at $13k or come away with a small Bruin at $10.5k with a nice bit of kit, $2k more for the new Bruin XL. As far as I know the other big players in this segment have been around just as long.
Funny thing about the copying designs statement, I stumbled upon a subreddit where people are buying $3k-$4k truck toppers with these popup designs delivered straight to your door on a pallet from AliE/China. I really wonder how much this might cut into market share or make people realize a cabover platform tent and metal shell should not be anywhere near the prices they are.
My new rig build will incorporate one of these but I have a feeling patience and market prices will put money back in my pocket.
Sparse Gray Hackle
Morgan Freeman Imposter
For a couple of years, I’ve been Jonesing over several of the toppers. So far haven’t pulled the trigger on any of them, and probably never will. I keep coming back to continue to using a decent ground tent that can be wadded up in the back of the rig, or abandoned in an emergency.
I have to agree with the comment about websites not selling the product.
I have to agree with the comment about websites not selling the product.
aaaslayer
Active member
can you link that subreddit? I want to see pics of these imported pop ups.
SDDiver5
Expedition Leader
Lol ditto.
I do think the Rincon from Topo Toppers is quite nice tho. Next time I'm in Ventura I am going to check them out. Last time I was there I stopped by to say hi and see the campers and they appeared to be very high quality but seemed small with the inward slant. The boxier Rincon Model looks to solve that. Currently Jonesing over the Rincon but likely wouldn't buy one.
Went to pnw expo and got hands on all these campers. Tune in my opinion is at the bottom of the list after seeing them and comparing them to others. Theyre just bolted together and have lots of issues people post about in their facebook group. I love how so many new camper companies are bolted together extrusion and you all are excited to line up for that? If cars, trucks, trailers, buses, motorcycles, bikes could be made out of slapping extrusion together dont you think theyd be building them that way? They know that it will rattle apart, so they dont as theyd have to recall. Four wheel project m is the way to go if you want wider. They have the history behind the product. People have 40 year old Four Wheels still on the road. Topo is also very nice and if I hadn’t discovered Ovrlnd, Id go with them. Oru is interesting but i feel their hard sided top is nearly useless as it has canvas tons of places. Quality also wasnt that solid. Ovrlnd is like a Four Wheel but lighter and tighter for off roading and seeing the craftsmanship of Ovrlnd is crazy. Anyway my two cents having seen them all in person recently.
Agreed. Love my PM
