R1T topper shell by Wakeshield

[CBRacerX]

I think they gave this a lot of thought and it does appear to be range optimized which is nice. But I'm unsure of this attachment hardware. It's probably strong enough using a cut down u-bolt but I would like to see a more robust approach.

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[ElectricMike]

I saw this topper at their facility in Woodland Park on July 31. This is easily the most thoughtful, well-designed, and robust a topper available for the R1T today. Aerodynamic is an understatement -- this may actually increase range! It's a topper that can easily be removed and re-attached by 2 people in well under 2 minutes: take it off and haul anything. Attachment to the crossbar mounts is secure. Bed camera shows contents fine. Rear window allows ventilation and the hauling of long cargo. Third rear brake light maintains safety. Contents are secure. Easy access to R1T buttons for gear tunnel, tailgate, and power tonneau. I figure that I could have a boxy camper that, as I see it, detracts from the style of the R1T and definitely loses some range -- or the Wakeshield that, in my view, enhances the look while losing zero range. I'm from Colorado Springs so the trip to Woodland Park is nothing. Even if I were much farther away, I'd be reluctant to settle for anything else. I have no financial interest in this company nor have I received any compensation for this post. I simply believe that this is a great product.

 

[mkhuffman]

I saw this topper at their facility in Woodland Park on July 31. This is easily the most thoughtful, well-designed, and robust a topper available for the R1T today. Aerodynamic is an understatement -- this may actually increase range! It's a topper that can easily be removed and re-attached by 2 people in well under 2 minutes: take it off and haul anything. Attachment to the crossbar mounts is secure. Bed camera shows contents fine. Rear window allows ventilation and the hauling of long cargo. Third rear brake light maintains safety. Contents are secure. Easy access to R1T buttons for gear tunnel, tailgate, and power tonneau. I figure that I could have a boxy camper that, as I see it, detracts from the style of the R1T and definitely loses some range -- or the Wakeshield that, in my view, enhances the look while losing zero range. I'm from Colorado Springs so the trip to Woodland Park is nothing. Even if I were much farther away, I'd be reluctant to settle for anything else. I have no financial interest in this company nor have I received any compensation for this post. I simply believe that this is a great product.

Put one on your T and share your experience here!

 

[mkhuffman]

I follow Wakeshield on X, and they just posted the results of their highway test: 5% increase in highway efficiency! This is great news.

 

[HyperionMark]

I'm a buyer at a lower price. That or build some solar into the top of it for camping purposes.

 

[josh0]

If the efficiency numbers hold up, I will strongly consider getting one of these. We drive our R1T back and forth between Maryland and New Mexico, and even a small efficiency gain can make a difference over that 2000 mile drive. It’s one of the reasons I’m conflicted about switching away from road tires, even though I’d otherwise much prefer to have something a little more aggressive and with a 3PMS rating (I have, and love, the Yokohama Geolandar GO-15s on my Cherokee). A 5% efficiency gain from an aerodynamic shell like this definitely changes the math on taking a hit from the tires I’d rather have, especially since it’s easy to install and remove, so I could use It only for the longer drives.

 

[CBRacerX]

Curious how weather proof this topper is. Is there a rubber gasket used that keeps rain out of the bed?

 

[Yossarian]

Not thrilled with the looks but I would live with that if the cost was more reasonable. The value proposition at $5k isn't really there.

 

[mkhuffman]

If the efficiency numbers hold up, I will strongly consider getting one of these. We drive our R1T back and forth between Maryland and New Mexico, and even a small efficiency gain can make a difference over that 2000 mile drive. It’s one of the reasons I’m conflicted about switching away from road tires, even though I’d otherwise much prefer to have something a little more aggressive and with a 3PMS rating (I have, and love, the Yokohama Geolandar GO-15s on my Cherokee). A 5% efficiency gain from an aerodynamic shell like this definitely changes the math on taking a hit from the tires I’d rather have, especially since it’s easy to install and remove, so I could use It only for the longer drives.

I am with you.

As a future R1 buyer, I have fluctuated between the S and the T. I have never owned a pickup truck, so it is a big step for me to consider a T. However, range is very, very important to me. I absolutely hate public charging. If I can get 5% more and have decent covered storage at the same time, I will spend $5k for it. (The same reason I am willing to pay for the max pack.)

One question I have: could I manage to fit my road bike inside the bed with the topper on, fully covered? I know, the bed is very short, and shorter than my bike. But if I turn the front wheel sideways, and angle the bike diagonally, will it fit?

I did a triathlon yesterday and put my bike inside my Mach-e. If I used my bike rack on the back, I would have needed two charging stops instead of one. I hate public charging, and I did not want to stop to charge at 6 AM in morning on the way to the race site. So being able to put the bike inside the R1 is important to me. Sure, the R1S will easily do that, but I kind of want my first pickup truck.

The issue is I live in VA, and they are only offering local sales. Maybe when I get my Tri-Max, shipping will be available. If not, I have been thinking about breaking in my T with a cross-country road trip, with some truck bed camping on the way. That would be epic. So much can change between now and then, but it is an idea I am considering.

 

[davisdog]

Has anybody figured out the viability of having dogs back there, I know they say they do and have photos, but it looks like the only ventilation is having the back hatch tilted open (so my dogs can jump out?), I've got an F150 with a traditional topper on it with Vented/screened windows that work perfect.

Having a R1T instead with good range, and a topper I can easily take on/off would be a good replacement.

As far as charging, yeah I rented a Mach E once from Hertz, had no idea how to charge that thing other than crappy Public chargers while away from home. We have 2 Teslas (F150 and 2 Tesla = Carbon neutral , supercharging is so easy on the road

 

[Wakeshield]

Thanks for the thread and interest in Wakeshield!

 

[josh0]

We just wanted to let everyone know that we have a substantial discount code going on right now! Thanks for the thread and interest in Wakeshield!

View attachment 110035

How limited time is this discount code? I’m interested, but was putting off the decision until I’m back in New Mexico and would be able to pick it up in December…

 

[Wakeshield]

How limited time is this discount code? I’m interested, but was putting off the decision until I’m back in New Mexico and would be able to pick it up in December…

Hello Josh,

This discount code will now be running through the end of this year!
Thank you for your interest in Wakeshield!

 

[josh0]

Hello Josh,

This discount code will now be running through the end of this year!
Thank you for your interest in Wakeshield!

Awesome, thanks!

 

[Wakeshield]

Has anybody figured out the viability of having dogs back there, I know they say they do and have photos, but it looks like the only ventilation is having the back hatch tilted open (so my dogs can jump out?), I've got an F150 with a traditional topper on it with Vented/screened windows that work perfect.

Having a R1T instead with good range, and a topper I can easily take on/off would be a good replacement.

As far as charging, yeah I rented a Mach E once from Hertz, had no idea how to charge that thing other than crappy Public chargers while away from home. We have 2 Teslas (F150 and 2 Tesla = Carbon neutral , supercharging is so easy on the road

The topper is not air-tight and can be driven closed or open, more specifically it can be driven closed with the window open. See customer pic with doggos in back!

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