This Small Company CHANGED The Truck Topper Game - Here's Why It's So Much Better! 

This is a neat concept. But, for the price the inside should definetly come finished out with insulation and carpeting similar to the inside of a carpeted Snugtop. The condensation in that thing could get ridiculous depending on air temp, location etc.

These overlanding truck toppers are always cool. The problem with them is that they cost as much as a really nice, used tow-behind camper but have 1/4th of the practicality.

As someone who has camped in toppers for years and doesn’t really have the payload capacity for a true slide in camper this is awesome! The pricing honestly isn’t bad considering the low volume they are building them in and the likely durability over time compared to a typical rv style camper or trailer. Not for everyone but I like what I see.

I picked up my Moonlander back in April. Due to health issues, only have taken one trip so far for two nights in June. First night, I used my Mr Heater off and on throughout the night and noticed some condensation on the panels and windows. 2nd night, I used my diesel heater and it was awesome. No condensation at all. Made a plywood insert to fit the window with the screen slid open and attached the hose for the heater. If you use dry heat, condensation is virtually no issue. Topper is solidly built, fan works great, solar panels are perfect size for my application as I used a 12v fridge in addition to the fan and heater. I put a vent cover on so I can leave my vent open without rain intrusion. The lighting option wasn't yet available when I ordered. It would have been nice to get. I use my Travel Trailer as a Base Camp and plan to use the Moonlander as 2-3 day Adventure Excursions. I can't say enough about the build quality of this topper. I has the appearance and feel of it lasting for years with few problems of significance.

I love the founder attitude of letting the employees put things where its best for them and always looking to improve, that is how you make your business successful.

Nice setup. Some suggestions that will improve things: A) insulation would help. Styrofoam panels glued to the bare aluminum then cover with headliner material. B) add LED light bars on side and back for area lighting. Hook them up via a relay to light up when reversing. C) use a 120 VAC inverter running off your truck 12 volt system to charge your batteries when you are running your motor. D) I run the MaxAir fan in reverse. Mosquitoes often follow your scent escaping through small holes when the fan is pressurizing the space. Run the fan in reverse creates negative pressure. When driving in dirt run the fan to pressurize the space. It sucks relatively clean air in the top and pushes out any small holes keeping the dust out. E) add small switched LED marker lights to help find your rig in the darkness, believe me this helps when nature calls.

I like your dog. He was very patient and polite the whole video. What a good boy!

Fantastic topper! Great company! I love that you guys are always striving to make things better and more efficient. That’s the portrait of success. Keep up the good work.

Love these type of reviews. I'm in the market for a 2500 RAM and in the market for a camper style bed cap. Perfect timing!

Every black anodized aluminum part I've owned turned purple from the sun in a year. For the price point I would prefer powder coating. Bed liner would be another option. I'm also aware black and grey get all the likes on The Gram but white would be the go to color anywhere it's hot. Overall I like it, especially as a starting point of a home build interior build.

Thanks for sharing this. The people who built the topper for my current truck are out of business so I'm looking at options for when my new truck arrives. Walking on it show me strength that I know we will be looking for because we will be adding a 12-volt dometic ac on the top. Gotta keep the dogs comfortable when they are riding in back.

I checked in with Luke last week about getting one of these and took a tour of his shop. Then I saw you driving this one Saturday while I was headed to Red Rocks. Thanks for the video!

Nice! Made in the USA! I like the fan and solar set up. Not my style, but glad you're happy with it!

Might be the most useful piece of content TFL has released.

I love these Moodlanders. Really want to get one for my Tundra. That fully removable pass-through window in so sweet. The other advantages of this are #1 security being hard sided, #2 way less wind noise as compared to a soft sided pop-up, and #3 these appear to be very weatherproof.

I’ve read through a few of these comments and I feel that some people are missing the point of the Moonlander. Full disclosure, I am a Radica customer and I have a Moonlander on my Nissan Frontier and my truck has a five foot bed. There are several great things I can speak about regarding the Moonlander, but the fact that you can make it your own with what options you choose or how you decide to build it out are among the reasons for choosing this over more complicated campers with moving parts and fabric walls. I sure as heck didn’t spend $11k on my Moonlander, due to the options I chose. I spoke with Luke personally, regarding Alex’s build, and they threw everything at that build to show off all their different options. Of course that’s going to increase the cost. That being said…it is for sure an investment. Not in the fact that it will make you money, but for those of us who like to camp often, want an easy camp setup, but would still like to use our pickups as actual trucks when not camping, the Moonlander is the choice for many of us. People often like to talk about buying things that are built in America, but don’t want to pay “built in America” prices. For me, it was worth it.

Love how it’s American Made and the shape; also like the generally lean approach of their manufacturing. I would never ever have any shelter in the color black uninsulated; it would only be helpful in the sun during winter, otherwise likely miserable. Looks fantastic and great for some folks who like truck camping without any tow behind.

Really nice set up. 11k is a lot though. I’d by a runaway camper for less than half the price, take the wheels and axles off, then slide it into the bed of my truck. They even come with A/C😅😅

Love this build, keep the updates coming.

I am quite impressed with this concept (and local made) and that it’s not priced as much as the truck itself! I haul my fat and mountain bikes around daily and this would still work. I have a short bed Tacoma so would need to see more in that size up close, spacious on a full size though!

I was super fortunate to have purchased an all-aluminum Tradesman shortly before they called it quits. The thing is a total dream. Like many others have already noted here, the insulation with carpeted finish layer is key ... not just for warmth, but also for general aesthetics. Although some people have the skills to DIY it, most don't. Hopefully, they'll consider adding that option as they get more established.

Cool! Would be pretty sweet application for a decked system below or a home built drawer configuration to be able to organize things under the bed, get to them, etc. 🤙

I’m putting my order in very soon. Have been stoked about this company for a while now. Luke has always answered all my questions and is just a great guy all around. Purchasing one of these, at least for me, isn’t about Radica being less expensive, because I can afford a fully-kitted Alu-Cab or other option. They’re an American company that is doing things the right way. Started in a garage and is all about the customer’s satisfaction, employee care, and building bomb diggity kazoomskie products that waggle the wiggle. You can quote me on that. 🤘🏼🤣👍🏼

im planning on ordering one of these in a few months. its half the cost of a bare bones gfc camper, and i can sleep horizontal, while leaving the bottom half for my drawers/ camp gear. Right now even a used offroad teardrop will cost you close to 13k, and any alucab or slide in camper will be well over 15k. for the price these are pretty solid

Been looking for something similar and you make this video... Awesome man 👍👍

I think that they have a great idea. I am going to look into getting one for my hunting truck. I think that coolers could fit under the bed for room. Great video,and thanks for sharing it.

One mod I would do for your goal zero is tap into the 12V feed on your trailer 7-way to charge the battery pack while you drive. If there is a 12V input on your battery pack. It’s not much current but it’s at least something aside from the solar.

Hell yeah! Glad to see y’all do more of the camping I was hoping for! The camper looks extremely functional but it is an eye soar compared the the GFC. Even pricing is similar. Either way I loved the set up and content! Can’t wait to see more.

Nice camper topper! My only suggestion is to add some type of insulation, especially in the roof. It looks you have plenty of room to add block foam insulation or the like. You'd probably burn your hand off if you touched the roof in the summer in the south!

I would rather the overhang in the back than the sides. Given I am 6' tall and my Ram's bed is 6'-4", I could technically sleep in the bed lengthwise. Thus, if there was any extra overhang it would be preferable they would design that at the rear of the truck. On tight trails the overhang on the sides is no bueno.

Nice Overview - Awesome Topper - Love It.

Thank you good timing this is a great idea good for them I will follow them and you this is awesome

BAD ASS! I love the bed configuration

I put a deposit down on a moonlander last week. Keep in mind truck campers & toppers are NOT a “one size fits everyone’s needs”. What drew me to Moonlander: 1. Hard shell, no tent. It’ll always be a better sleep. 2. Sleeping sideways = more space for gear 3. Removing the bed panel to haul 4x8 sheets, motorcycles, truck stuff 4. Lightweight 5. DIY compatible - I didn’t want insulation, sinks, cabinets etc… I’ll add that stuff in my own style, when / if I needed it. 6. It’s unique amongst a sea of GFC/Leers/FWC’s 7. Price: starts at 6k For the right consumer, Moonlander can’t be beat imo. There’s other options out there if you don’t fit their niche, that’s the beauty of trucks!

Saw these last year at Overland Expo in Loveland! Not a lot of videos on them. Just wish I had a truck to put one on!

That side window with the bug screen and shade is sweet.

👏👏 LOVE YOUR VIDEOS ALEX 👏👏..... HAVE A BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY EVERYBODY ✌️

Nice, clean & simple design. The only thing I would add to your setup is a folding awning.

Picked my Long Bed model up in April. Used a diesel heater, feeding the hose into the slide window with the screen slid over. Made a plate that fits into the window to attach the hose. Far better than the Mr Heater, which I tried the night before. With the diesel unit, no condensation on the windows and aluminum siding. Run that on low all night, no problem unlike using Mr Heater. The Buddy heater is not safe for use while sleeping.

I have an aluminum canopy on my pickup. On a hot day open the screened side windows for cross ventilation. For cold nights once it is heated up you can run Mr. Heater on the pilot flame as it is a small area to heat plus you build up heat in your sleeping bag.

That is basically an oven or freezer depending on where you go with it.

wow , awsome company , I'm impressed , would love to be on that team.

Love the idea hate the price. It's reaching that price point where for a few dollars more you could get something with much more amenities.

Quite nice! You can insulate it to prevent it from getting too hot or cold, better than a tent!

Great concept having the bed removable so it turns into a normal topper you can use when it’s in work mode

Dude they start a 5k? WOW!!! Tent toppers start at 10k that's awesome, thx for lettering all of us know, if and when I get my next truck I'm checking this out.

Of course there is a trade off with this vs a camper topper or a slide in. I have a tacoma short bed so payload weight is a clear issue with slide ins weighing considerably more than this style or a topper camper. As for those they are convenient with plenty of head room and a sepereate sleeping space but you are also sacrificing space on your roof if you happen to have a rack. Taking into account that you can stack the bed plates to create more space/natural bench in a loft system makes it overall very versatile not to mention base price is 3-4k less than a topper camper and even more than a slide in.

Have been thinking about a cap with a bed and viola, here it is ! Looks sweet price isn’t bad considering how expensive some other options are.

Nice topper, and smart mods, Alex. More Frank in future videos, please!

I’ll be watching your videos! I might just go get one. Thank you for sharing

Hey, nice idea and it looks nice from the outside. For sure pretty lightweight. But it looks actually not finished from the inside. There will be condensation from the inside beside thatching looks very rough. Some insulation will avoid condensation and keeps heat by cold outside. Some felt or other finish fabric will make it cosy and not feel sleeping in a can. 😉

Frank is one of the best parts of this video 😊

I was going to order two of them until the Eagles cap. 😎😜 Nice rig!

Sick truck and sick company. Love it. Now throw some sliders on that truck 💪

Fantastic !!! I want one for my M1102 aluminum military trailer to tow behind my M923A2 or Hummer H1. Nice Design. Simple. Effective.

Very nice set up!

I’d love to have one of these it looks so amazing and would definitely come in handy

I race and would love to have something this efficient. But I have and 8ft bed and optioned out the way I'd want it's close to toy hauler/cargo trailer money. Such a great idea.

That's an awesome looking camper top. Truck looks really good too. Edit: Frank is looking awesome as well ! Dogs and camping, it's the best.

Nice video. Good job.

It does look pretty cool inside! My only issue is the width. I wouldn’t want to take away one of my truck’s (Tacoma) primary advantages: trail maneuverability.

Regardless of what you may think about the topper, this was a good review and he was honest about the price. Hopefully a 1 or 2 year review will be done. I’ve got an old slide in I love and a just as old topper. Plus a small travel trailer (for my wife, who needs a shower and toilet). This is very intriguing for the backwoods exploration that my other platforms don’t provide. Buy now and wait, wait and prices go up, or find a used one that fits my truck. Decisions, decisions….

Alex! This thing is so cool!

It's a good concept and looks to be well built. I don't think it would work so well for those of us out east because of the width. Most of the trails I've been on are a challenge for a full size truck and some are a squeeze even in a Wrangler.

One thing that would be really useful is a leg system that enables you to set legs and drive away from it. This would be super useful where people like to go wheeling and leaving the camper behind at the camp site would be great.

Need the bed slider and then that’s a complete and easy set up. Very nice.

Wow that's awesome! I can put tailgate down and load up kayak in back!!!! Best design for truck camper shell

Yes, offer them with upgrade options like soundproofing to keep pets from fireworks noises. Insulation, double insulation, diesel heater set ups, 5 cameras motion activated with wireless monitors in the truck cab and the camper.

Great video. You put in some really cool additions to make it more homey. Just an FYI that Frank is an exceptionally well behaved dog.

I really like this. It’s way cheaper than the alu-cab and you don’t have to worry about a pop up tent. This is quite brilliant

Really cool i like this more solid then a tent

Great video!

Great review, Ty for sharing it, I subscribed I like the simplicity of the review, the flow of the video & Frankie Doggie. 🤙🏼. Say hi to Frank!!

For short box double cab trucks I’d like to see a topper that is just the width of the cab and box like all the others but utilizes a simple slide out portion on one side to allow sleeping across like the Moonlander. Using the slide out portion for your feet would not be too taxing on the structure’s strength. Most toppers suffer from dust and water issues from the tailgate area. Sometimes a rubber gasket can work or a couple of foam pool noodles but another solution could be to design a simple lightweight waterproof membrane that attaches to the inside of the truck box and effectively creates a complete closure for the topper when the tailgate is shut and the topper door is shut.

11k for that is absolutely insane.

Such a great little camper that is actually affordable!! I was wondering how it is for dust intrusion through the tailgate and door?

This looks super cool but dosnt look very insulated at all lol. I live in montana… and camp in the winter. I feel like I’d freeze in that

Nice review the extras makes it pricey, overall looks practical.

This is perfect for my type of camping

I love the idea and execution of this product. The only negative I see is with the size of that giant remote control for the fan. You may need a second truck to carry it so your not overloaded. Topper 2 lbs., Fan remote 340 lbs. Lol.

good vid, looks good functional simple

Take that baby down to Arizona in the summer. You'll have your own mobile hot box or sweat lodge. It'll be RADICA!

It be nice if it came down into the bed like every other bed camper though, Give you more useable space, you can stand up in it, cook in it, bathroom, etc.

Saw one of these in person in Nebraska the other day. Kind of a cool design and concept. Pricey but now a days a leer topper is over 2k. Light weight which is nice but also if doing some winter camping may want to add some insulation to it. Wondered how HOT it would get being black for summer camping. May need to come up with a way for a portable AC even if you need to camp in a 'commercial' campsite that has access to electrical hook ups. The drop out window behind the cab of the truck looks like the exact same style leer is using.

This is absolute everything I’ve been looking for… my only problem which is a HUGE problem.. my ram boxes. I’m Wondering if they can fab one that will work with it.

Basically all I need to build one is the materials it's a super simple design and process

Excellent!

Fly Eagles Fly!! 🦅 Nice camera $$ thanks for the video

Black aluminum looks really cool. But maybe performs like a solar oven?

Definitely need some kind of insulation through out that area but this is a number one choice for me

What’s the dimensions of the window you have on the driver’s side? I really like your setup. I’ve watched your video a few times. I’m debating on Moonlander & Go fast Camper.

Just starting to look into these. What are other brands that are making truck camper shells similar to this?

Alex, how hot does the roof get without insulation?

Rad setup. Could use the decked system too. Nice

i see a big design improvement for th moonlander is drop the bed platform about 6 - 8" ( by suspending it on '5' shaped clips) to significantly increase usable cabin headroom .

Great to see real American made quality products. The price is right I'm going to order one for my dodge ram 2500.

That would be torture out here in Arizona, it would have to be insulated and a nice dometic roof top ac unit installed.

Too damn funny. I don’t own a truck yet but am planning a shirt bed and was designing a top just like this but this time he is ahead since I started coming up w/ this in the past few months

What about the winter months. How would you heat this?

Not bad. The design seems better suited for the full size or HD pickup trucks. I could see where it would be tight on a mid-size short bed.