Colorado owner here. I’ve ran Alucab canopy and canopy camper. They have mounting system that bolts the “topper” into the side of the bed. Mounting through the hole you see on the bedside. This puts the stress on the actual bed and not the rails. You are basically peeling the top of the bed side off. Check out how Alucab does theirs. Much better mounting solution.
This is interesting. I remember seeing TFL, a few weeks ago maybe, talking about how Ford was saying that for their Rangers they had to add something to the bed for rigidity when putting on a camper.
Thanks for watching! It sounds like the Ford can only hold 75lbs (I think that was the number) on the bed rails without adding a part that costs a couple hundred dollars. Seems dumb that they didn't just have it come with it and tack on that money to the cost since most people would probably want it.
I had the same problem of water intrusion in the corners. My M1 is on a 3rd gen Tacoma. I made an appointment and they took care of the problem just as you described. Tune is great with customer care. They genuinely want to get the custom back out on the road and exploring. I’m envious of your Mexico adventures.
Thanks for sharing! They definitely have great customer care and want us to be happy. We were just out in some heavy rains and are happy to report no leaks now. Seems like we should be good to go. We highly recommend a Mexico adventure. We're heading down (flying) soon and hope to drive down again towards the end of the year if we can figure out the new dog import situation.
Thanks for blazing the path on this. It's unfortunate that Chevy cheaped out on the truck bed design, hopefully the aftermarket will come up with a solution. Apparently Ford Ranger requires an additional Ford part to strengthen the bed if you intend to put more than 100lbs on the bed rails. All of these manufacturers will do anything to save a buck!
Thanks for watching! It's not the path we want to be blazing but there is no going back. Seems like all manufacturers are cheaping out which is a bummer. I feel good about the fix that Tune and hope we have smooth sailing from here on out.
I just bought a ZR2 and am planning to get a topper as well, so this video is really helpful! I just took a look at this area of the bed and the way the sides of the bed are stamped, I don't think it was possible for GM to form a top rail at that section. The Tune M1 also has a much longer overhang than other toppers which adds increased cantilever stress to that area. I think the best option would be to find a way to use the stake pocket so that all the stress isn't on the weakest part of the rail.
Thanks for watching! Using the stake pocket seems like a good idea. The fix they did for us is holding strong so far. The Tune definitely has the disadvantage when it comes to the cantilever and weight for this style of camper. The space inside made up for that for our use and we're hoping the bed holds up from here on out.
I started watching your channel because I was thinking of getting a ZR2, and maybe putting a similar camper/topper on the back. When I saw your video at Tune and you commented about the bed issue, I decided to add some bed stiffeners to my build idea. Victory 4x4 makes some that are relatively inexpensive. You might want to check them out. I'm hoping they would prevent this issue for me. (I have no affiliation with them, just thought this might be helpful.)
Thanks for watching and sharing! I've been looking at a few of their products for the truck. I think stiffeners will help but I'm not sure if it will prevent the bed rail problem. The weak part seems to be the top of the rail itself and I'm guessing it could use its own reinforcements. I will most likely add the bed stiffeners for an extra good feeling.
Great info, thx. I haven't been thru a huge downpour yet in AZ, got mine the day before you though so... maybe I also didn't get the waterproof version, as I was told. Sorry to hear about your bed though, glad I put the stiffeners on my Tacoma!
Thanks for watching! Check your seams. They will definitely be shiny if they were done. If not, reach out and have them send you the sealer kit unless you'll be in town and can have them do it. Hopefully the bed stiffeners help on the Tacoma.
Well… I have the two wheel drive 6’ Colorado ( unfortunately I know already the TUNE M1 is likely worth more than my 2015 Colo… sadly. I’ll be watching and see what happens… ( do you think air suspension add on would have prevented it? ) with just vibrations even??
Thanks for watching! Airbags may have helped a bit but I feel like they would have pushed out the inevitable. The truck bed on these new ones just seems weak. I'm still thinking about adding an expedition leaf pack to eliminate the sag and bring it more back to a stock stance. The fix Tune did seems like it should hold strong.
Ford just released a statement that the current gen Ranger is not rated to carry over 88 pounds on rhe bed rails, to do so you have to buy a seperate bracket that the already expensive truck doesnt come with. I hope my first gen Tundra can handle the Tune when i get one, we will see. I saw a video of a second gen tundra with a project M camper and it broke his bed as well.
Thanks for sharing! We just read about the Ranger. It's kind of stupid that the manufacturers don't factor in this type of use since it is so popular right now. 1st gen sounds much stronger (don't make them like they used to) so hopefully you won't have issues.
Wow. I have a Yakima Overhaul Rack I use to carry a 75 lb kayak - just a standard Hobie. Rack+kayak maybe 125 lbs? Ford is saying the Ranger can't carry that without additional support? That is INSANE.
Dang this makes me a bit hesitant as I was looking at the Tune. I have a bison and just looked at my bed, I see what you are saying where the double ply metal turns into single towards the tailgate
Thanks for watching! To be fair, I think it's a truck thing and not necessarily the Tune. If I could start over, I'd have a fab shop address that weak spot and then put the Tune (or whatever) on. Someone will come up with a solution for the added strength and peace of mind. Tune may have something in the works also but I'd say a fab shop is the current answer.
Thanks for the update on Colorado bed issue. I have a Tune M1 on order for my 2022 Bison. It seems to have the same build where the rail goes from double to single ply metal. Given that I’m looking at options to stiffen that area prior to M1 install. I couldn’t find any videos by @Downtimelost on this subject. Do you have direct link to said video?
Thanks for watching! Downtime Lost broke his also. He had a roof top tent on so his was much lighter. He is also harder on his than we are. I don't think he has addressed it yet. He just took the tent off as of now.
Thanks for watching! Dust can get in but we haven't found it to be a problem. The worst was after we did about 20-30 miles of washboard roads in Baja at 40-55mph. We didn't do any of the windows on the camper so I can't speak to that. The metal side panels aren't insulated so they heat up in the sun. The tent windows let tons of air through so it hasn't been a problem while we're camping.
Wow that's a bummer.. I have a 2nd gen ZR2 with an OVRLND topper and have done plenty of off-roading with it since picking it up in May. No issues with the bed so far, I wonder if anyone has had similar issues with the 2nd gen? I also have the 6ft bed which Chevy stopped making for the new gen so maybe that helps, who knows... hope your issues are behind you now!
Thanks for watching! I would assume that someone would have come across the issue in the 2nd gen by now so I'm hoping you're in the clear. We feel that the reinforcements that they did are pretty strong so hopefully it will be good to go. We just got back from a trip and things seem solid so far.
I wonder if this will be an issue with utility caps? My company has two of these with caps(Leer aluminum w/side toolboxes), mine just has a soft tonneau at the moment.
Thanks for watching! I would definitely keep an eye on them. I'm guessing they aren't being taken offroad so it might not be a problem. Let us know if you do see issues.
Hey Greg, Jess (and Lupe!). Just got our Tune M1 installed on the 5th. Also running a ZR2, though ours is Gen 2 (2019). How are you finding the drive quality with the Tune? We're partway through our journey back to Canada and I'm noticing the camper bounces around like crazy at highway speeds even in light wind (12-15 KM/h). Wondering if this is unique to us.
Congratulations on your purchase! We find that ours handles pretty perfect so far. My only complaint is the rear end sag that we get (worse when fully loaded for a long trip). I wanted to keep the ZR2 suspension stock but have been thinking about swapping for an expedition leaf pack to hopefully eliminate the sag and keep the stock feeling. I'd probably add some sumo spring bump stops at the same time since we liked their products on our previous vans. Keep us posted on any changes or new findings you have.
I hate to see that with the bed. I was hoping the new gen trucks were made to handle these types of rigs. My 2022 Canyon states in the manual that you cannot use them.
Thanks for watching! I agree. You would think they would have planned for them since this type of setup is pretty popular these days. I believe the manual states no slide in campers......this style is technically a topper so it shouldn't be a problem.....right?
A lot of folks talk about adding bed stiffeners to the Toyota so they might not be too far ahead either. I think they all suck. The Ford Ranger can only hold 75lbs (I think that was the #) on their rails without buying an extra part.
It didn’t take a scientist to figure out this would happen. If you look at the bed rails, it was obvious it would happen. One reason why this truck dropped out of my top 3 potential purchases.
Thanks for watching! I was hoping the engineers at Chevy (and others) would have thought about making it stronger from the start. This type of travel is very popular right now and some folks will shy away because of it. Others will probably just beef it up and continue getting out there. What are your potential choices at this point?
Nice "Fort Collins" t-shirt, my old stomping grounds. That background looks familiar if it's where I think it is. I know the Downtime Lost channel has had this problem also, only more severe, but then he beats on it pretty hard. I noticed on my ZR2 the top rails seemed kind of flimsy, but as I never intend to put a camper on it never thought it'd be an issue. I don't think it will be, but it's now a concern. So, I think I'll look and see if Chevy has a solution to this issue. Seems like it may almost be a recall issue for them, which would be pretty expensive. Chevy isn't the only one with this issue though, as Ford specifically makes a bracket kit for this. I can only imagine the Tacoma with it's plastic bed would perhaps have even worse issues. Best of luck getting all that fixed, and nice vid as always!
Thanks for watching! We lived in Fort Collins for many years. I think Chevy has something in the manual (haven't looked too hard) about slide in campers. I don't think they addressed topper style products though. I doubt they'll recall them but they might do something like Ford did with an aftermarket reinforcement. It feels like all the manufacturers dropped the ball on this recently since this style of travel is very popular right now.
@@DrifterJourney Yeah, it definitely isn't as sturdy as the old full size or even older mid-sized bed rails for sure. You could bend them if you really hit them hard, but they never cracked. I think this new style of camper, especially with people who more seriously offroad "(more shock loading), took them all by surprise. Before, the old simple "toppers" were light and that, combined with the more sturdy rails, meant there was no issue. I was thinking about designing and building my own camper (I do Mechanical Design for a living if you remember my e-mail address) but I was going to have all the weight/load be on the bottom of the bed itself, with zero weight on the rails. There is this this sign material that is a sandwch of ABS plastic (I think) in the center and has a thin skin of aluminum on both sides. I was going to have a framework of thin wall square aluminum tubing welded up, and attach the skin via self-tapping screws or rivets (with silicone sealant underneath the joints), and then put a layer of boat fiberglass over that as extra waterproofing. My friend actually built an entire small tow-behind camper of this stuff but without the fiberglass coating, I kinda stole his idea. I would basically put it in/take it out with something like a forklift, and then secure it to the tiedown points. But, I kinda decided against doing that since I'm not really a camper, I like my hotel rooms. Best of luck with getting it fixed!
@@DrifterJourney Also, I blame the camper manufacturers as well, if not MORE so. If you're designing such a product, you NEED to investigate the load bearing capabilities of the host vehicle. Period. You can't just design something that physically FITS, and say that's good enough. We know there is no issue with cracking UNTIL you add that weight and, worse, the heightened CG and increased "moment" (lever, from the weight being up high). So, they should have looked at that, and provided the stiffening braces as needed, or simply did what I was going to do and run the load to the bed floor, not the rails.
Thanks! That sounds like a good solution for the handy folks. We thought about building something for a minute but decided we wanted to get out right away. A truck camper felt a little more complex to me than building a van too.
I hear you there. I wonder if any of this style of camper brands do that type of testing. It sounds expensive but would be beneficial. Tune is looking at making some various bed strengthening products in the future which would be good.
Colorado owner here. I’ve ran Alucab canopy and canopy camper. They have mounting system that bolts the “topper” into the side of the bed. Mounting through the hole you see on the bedside. This puts the stress on the actual bed and not the rails. You are basically peeling the top of the bed side off. Check out how Alucab does theirs. Much better mounting solution.
Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely check out their mount system. We're always looking for ways to make sure it won't fall apart on us.
I’m Happy they could help out and fix it befor it was to late!
Definitely! Now we just keep our fingers crossed that it holds up.
This is interesting. I remember seeing TFL, a few weeks ago maybe, talking about how Ford was saying that for their Rangers they had to add something to the bed for rigidity when putting on a camper.
Thanks for watching! It sounds like the Ford can only hold 75lbs (I think that was the number) on the bed rails without adding a part that costs a couple hundred dollars. Seems dumb that they didn't just have it come with it and tack on that money to the cost since most people would probably want it.
I had the same problem of water intrusion in the corners. My M1 is on a 3rd gen Tacoma. I made an appointment and they took care of the problem just as you described. Tune is great with customer care. They genuinely want to get the custom back out on the road and exploring. I’m envious of your Mexico adventures.
Thanks for sharing! They definitely have great customer care and want us to be happy. We were just out in some heavy rains and are happy to report no leaks now. Seems like we should be good to go. We highly recommend a Mexico adventure. We're heading down (flying) soon and hope to drive down again towards the end of the year if we can figure out the new dog import situation.
Thanks for blazing the path on this. It's unfortunate that Chevy cheaped out on the truck bed design, hopefully the aftermarket will come up with a solution. Apparently Ford Ranger requires an additional Ford part to strengthen the bed if you intend to put more than 100lbs on the bed rails. All of these manufacturers will do anything to save a buck!
Thanks for watching! It's not the path we want to be blazing but there is no going back. Seems like all manufacturers are cheaping out which is a bummer. I feel good about the fix that Tune and hope we have smooth sailing from here on out.
I just bought a ZR2 and am planning to get a topper as well, so this video is really helpful! I just took a look at this area of the bed and the way the sides of the bed are stamped, I don't think it was possible for GM to form a top rail at that section. The Tune M1 also has a much longer overhang than other toppers which adds increased cantilever stress to that area. I think the best option would be to find a way to use the stake pocket so that all the stress isn't on the weakest part of the rail.
Thanks for watching! Using the stake pocket seems like a good idea. The fix they did for us is holding strong so far. The Tune definitely has the disadvantage when it comes to the cantilever and weight for this style of camper. The space inside made up for that for our use and we're hoping the bed holds up from here on out.
I don’t have any skin in the game or a horse in the race but it sounds like Tune has remarkable customer service.
It's true, their customer service is definitely world class. 👍👌
I started watching your channel because I was thinking of getting a ZR2, and maybe putting a similar camper/topper on the back. When I saw your video at Tune and you commented about the bed issue, I decided to add some bed stiffeners to my build idea. Victory 4x4 makes some that are relatively inexpensive. You might want to check them out. I'm hoping they would prevent this issue for me. (I have no affiliation with them, just thought this might be helpful.)
Thanks for watching and sharing! I've been looking at a few of their products for the truck. I think stiffeners will help but I'm not sure if it will prevent the bed rail problem. The weak part seems to be the top of the rail itself and I'm guessing it could use its own reinforcements. I will most likely add the bed stiffeners for an extra good feeling.
very interesting, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching! We're curious to see how it holds up.
Great info, thx. I haven't been thru a huge downpour yet in AZ, got mine the day before you though so... maybe I also didn't get the waterproof version, as I was told. Sorry to hear about your bed though, glad I put the stiffeners on my Tacoma!
Thanks for watching! Check your seams. They will definitely be shiny if they were done. If not, reach out and have them send you the sealer kit unless you'll be in town and can have them do it. Hopefully the bed stiffeners help on the Tacoma.
Well… I have the two wheel drive 6’ Colorado ( unfortunately I know already the TUNE M1 is likely worth more than my 2015 Colo… sadly. I’ll be watching and see what happens… ( do you think air suspension add on would have prevented it? ) with just vibrations even??
Thanks for watching! Airbags may have helped a bit but I feel like they would have pushed out the inevitable. The truck bed on these new ones just seems weak. I'm still thinking about adding an expedition leaf pack to eliminate the sag and bring it more back to a stock stance. The fix Tune did seems like it should hold strong.
Ford just released a statement that the current gen Ranger is not rated to carry over 88 pounds on rhe bed rails, to do so you have to buy a seperate bracket that the already expensive truck doesnt come with.
I hope my first gen Tundra can handle the Tune when i get one, we will see. I saw a video of a second gen tundra with a project M camper and it broke his bed as well.
Thanks for sharing! We just read about the Ranger. It's kind of stupid that the manufacturers don't factor in this type of use since it is so popular right now. 1st gen sounds much stronger (don't make them like they used to) so hopefully you won't have issues.
Wow. I have a Yakima Overhaul Rack I use to carry a 75 lb kayak - just a standard Hobie. Rack+kayak maybe 125 lbs? Ford is saying the Ranger can't carry that without additional support? That is INSANE.
It's totally ridiculous. Buy a truck that can't do truck things? Seems a little off to me.
Dang this makes me a bit hesitant as I was looking at the Tune. I have a bison and just looked at my bed, I see what you are saying where the double ply metal turns into single towards the tailgate
Thanks for watching! To be fair, I think it's a truck thing and not necessarily the Tune. If I could start over, I'd have a fab shop address that weak spot and then put the Tune (or whatever) on. Someone will come up with a solution for the added strength and peace of mind. Tune may have something in the works also but I'd say a fab shop is the current answer.
Thanks for the update on Colorado bed issue. I have a Tune M1 on order for my 2022 Bison. It seems to have the same build where the rail goes from double to single ply metal. Given that I’m looking at options to stiffen that area prior to M1 install. I couldn’t find any videos by @Downtimelost on this subject. Do you have direct link to said video?
Thanks for watching! Downtime Lost broke his also. He had a roof top tent on so his was much lighter. He is also harder on his than we are. I don't think he has addressed it yet. He just took the tent off as of now.
Any issues with dust intrusion? Also, how is the heat/cold transfer through the windows?
Thanks for watching! Dust can get in but we haven't found it to be a problem. The worst was after we did about 20-30 miles of washboard roads in Baja at 40-55mph. We didn't do any of the windows on the camper so I can't speak to that. The metal side panels aren't insulated so they heat up in the sun. The tent windows let tons of air through so it hasn't been a problem while we're camping.
Wow that's a bummer.. I have a 2nd gen ZR2 with an OVRLND topper and have done plenty of off-roading with it since picking it up in May. No issues with the bed so far, I wonder if anyone has had similar issues with the 2nd gen? I also have the 6ft bed which Chevy stopped making for the new gen so maybe that helps, who knows... hope your issues are behind you now!
Thanks for watching! I would assume that someone would have come across the issue in the 2nd gen by now so I'm hoping you're in the clear. We feel that the reinforcements that they did are pretty strong so hopefully it will be good to go. We just got back from a trip and things seem solid so far.
I wonder if this will be an issue with utility caps? My company has two of these with caps(Leer aluminum w/side toolboxes), mine just has a soft tonneau at the moment.
Thanks for watching! I would definitely keep an eye on them. I'm guessing they aren't being taken offroad so it might not be a problem. Let us know if you do see issues.
Hey Greg, Jess (and Lupe!). Just got our Tune M1 installed on the 5th. Also running a ZR2, though ours is Gen 2 (2019). How are you finding the drive quality with the Tune? We're partway through our journey back to Canada and I'm noticing the camper bounces around like crazy at highway speeds even in light wind (12-15 KM/h). Wondering if this is unique to us.
Congratulations on your purchase! We find that ours handles pretty perfect so far. My only complaint is the rear end sag that we get (worse when fully loaded for a long trip). I wanted to keep the ZR2 suspension stock but have been thinking about swapping for an expedition leaf pack to hopefully eliminate the sag and keep the stock feeling. I'd probably add some sumo spring bump stops at the same time since we liked their products on our previous vans. Keep us posted on any changes or new findings you have.
I hate to see that with the bed. I was hoping the new gen trucks were made to handle these types of rigs. My 2022 Canyon states in the manual that you cannot use them.
Thanks for watching! I agree. You would think they would have planned for them since this type of setup is pretty popular these days. I believe the manual states no slide in campers......this style is technically a topper so it shouldn't be a problem.....right?
@@DrifterJourney you would think so. It’s frustrating to see Toyotas with the plastic bed being able to pull this off but GM can’t get it done.
A lot of folks talk about adding bed stiffeners to the Toyota so they might not be too far ahead either. I think they all suck. The Ford Ranger can only hold 75lbs (I think that was the #) on their rails without buying an extra part.
It didn’t take a scientist to figure out this would happen. If you look at the bed rails, it was obvious it would happen. One reason why this truck dropped out of my top 3 potential purchases.
Thanks for watching! I was hoping the engineers at Chevy (and others) would have thought about making it stronger from the start. This type of travel is very popular right now and some folks will shy away because of it. Others will probably just beef it up and continue getting out there. What are your potential choices at this point?
Ford says 88 lbs. is the most you can put the bed bed above the rails without a front reinforcement.
That's stupid low! Crazy how weak they're making these trucks nowadays.
Nice "Fort Collins" t-shirt, my old stomping grounds. That background looks familiar if it's where I think it is. I know the Downtime Lost channel has had this problem also, only more severe, but then he beats on it pretty hard. I noticed on my ZR2 the top rails seemed kind of flimsy, but as I never intend to put a camper on it never thought it'd be an issue. I don't think it will be, but it's now a concern. So, I think I'll look and see if Chevy has a solution to this issue. Seems like it may almost be a recall issue for them, which would be pretty expensive. Chevy isn't the only one with this issue though, as Ford specifically makes a bracket kit for this. I can only imagine the Tacoma with it's plastic bed would perhaps have even worse issues. Best of luck getting all that fixed, and nice vid as always!
Thanks for watching! We lived in Fort Collins for many years. I think Chevy has something in the manual (haven't looked too hard) about slide in campers. I don't think they addressed topper style products though. I doubt they'll recall them but they might do something like Ford did with an aftermarket reinforcement. It feels like all the manufacturers dropped the ball on this recently since this style of travel is very popular right now.
@@DrifterJourney Yeah, it definitely isn't as sturdy as the old full size or even older mid-sized bed rails for sure. You could bend them if you really hit them hard, but they never cracked. I think this new style of camper, especially with people who more seriously offroad "(more shock loading), took them all by surprise. Before, the old simple "toppers" were light and that, combined with the more sturdy rails, meant there was no issue. I was thinking about designing and building my own camper (I do Mechanical Design for a living if you remember my e-mail address) but I was going to have all the weight/load be on the bottom of the bed itself, with zero weight on the rails. There is this this sign material that is a sandwch of ABS plastic (I think) in the center and has a thin skin of aluminum on both sides. I was going to have a framework of thin wall square aluminum tubing welded up, and attach the skin via self-tapping screws or rivets (with silicone sealant underneath the joints), and then put a layer of boat fiberglass over that as extra waterproofing. My friend actually built an entire small tow-behind camper of this stuff but without the fiberglass coating, I kinda stole his idea. I would basically put it in/take it out with something like a forklift, and then secure it to the tiedown points. But, I kinda decided against doing that since I'm not really a camper, I like my hotel rooms. Best of luck with getting it fixed!
@@DrifterJourney Also, I blame the camper manufacturers as well, if not MORE so. If you're designing such a product, you NEED to investigate the load bearing capabilities of the host vehicle. Period. You can't just design something that physically FITS, and say that's good enough. We know there is no issue with cracking UNTIL you add that weight and, worse, the heightened CG and increased "moment" (lever, from the weight being up high). So, they should have looked at that, and provided the stiffening braces as needed, or simply did what I was going to do and run the load to the bed floor, not the rails.
Thanks! That sounds like a good solution for the handy folks. We thought about building something for a minute but decided we wanted to get out right away. A truck camper felt a little more complex to me than building a van too.
I hear you there. I wonder if any of this style of camper brands do that type of testing. It sounds expensive but would be beneficial. Tune is looking at making some various bed strengthening products in the future which would be good.