I installed my MilesRunner inflatable topper this weekend.
First note - do not follow any printed instructions included in the packaging if they say to attach the rails to the truck bed first.
Can’t be done that way.
Go to their website and download their most recent instructions PDF and watch the video.
You basically build this by having the topper upside down, use the included pump to add about 10 psi to the top and cab / front section, and 0.5 psi to the sides. This allow the top to hold the rails as you install them. Follow the instructions to install
The front rail, then the side rails. Fold the plastic lip into the rails and then…
Turn the topper over and lift it onto the bed.
I was able to do this by myself. I put the topper on sideways, then pushed and pulled it into the right orientation. once in place, use the 4 included clamps to clamp it in place. Note - slide the rear clamp into the rails first. Once the front clamps are in place, you cannot get the rear clamps into the rail.
Inflated all sides to 10-12 psi.
Then monkey around with the rear window rail and flaps.
All in all, a good setup.
I drove around, hitting speeds up to 60 mph for a mile or two. Stable. The rear view is, of course, a bit reduced. I’m gonna roll up the screened window and see if that helps with clarity out the back. PS. It does!
Did I mention there are two rear windows? Screened and clear plastic. Either can be rolled up independently of the other.
Take time to learn how to unhook the rear window section, so you can roll it up - bar and windows together - to get access to the back easily. The MilesRunner site has good video on this too.
The Installation Revolution:
Why a Clamp Rail System Beats Tie-Downs
The mounting system is the foundation of a topper's performance. A loose topper is a safety hazard at speed and a failure point on rough terrain.
Clamp Rail System
Lightweight Durability
The Ultimate Answer on Sealing:
Integrated Seal vs. "Rain Skirt"
Sealing, especially against dust and mud, is the lifeline of overlanding life. Your gear needs a dry, clean environment.
- The Industry Shortcut & Its Flaw ("The Rain Skirt")
Many first-generation inflatable truck caps have inherent design flaws at the tailgate and sidewall interfaces. A common solution is a "rain skirt"—a separate piece of material that drapes between the topper and tailgate to manage water. This is a passive, clumsy, and limited fix. Water can still seep through gaps, and it does nothing to stop dust and fine dirt—a critical failure for overlanding. - The MilesRunner Engineering Answer: Compression Seal Rail
Our sealing isn't an afterthought; it's designed in synergy with our mounting system. Integrated into the aluminum rail is a high-density, weather-resistant silicone or EPDM gasket.
- How It Works: When you close your tailgate, it actively compresses this gasket, creating a consistent, uniform, full-perimeter pressure seal.
- The Core Advantage: This mechanical compression seal provides security akin to a hard truck topper. It effectively blocks water and, crucially, seals out dust and mud, a feat the "rain skirt" cannot accomplish. For travelers crossing deserts or dusty Baja trails, this is a non-negotiable feature.
- Absolute Security.
The mechanical lock of the clamps provides peace of mind that tie-downs cannot, eliminating worries about movement at highway speeds or on off-road trails. - Even Force Distribution.
The rail turns a few fixed "points" into a secure "line," distributing pressure evenly and preventing wear or tear on the topper material from localized stress. - Installation Ease.
Once the rail system is installed, inflating, deflating, and removing the topper itself is incredibly fast, with no need to readjust multiple cumbersome straps. - The Weakness of Tradition: Reliance on Tie-Downs
Most soft toppers and other inflatable truck bed covers use nylon straps and plastic buckles to secure the material directly to the bed rails. This is a passive fixation method. Straps can stretch, wear, and loosen under constant vibration, causing the topper to shift against the truck. This is the primary cause of leaks and instability. - The MilesRunner Solution: Integrated Rails & Hardened Steel Clamps
Our system features a continuous aluminum rail that is integrated into the topper's structure. This rail is locked onto your truck's bed rails using multiple high-strength, anti-corrosion hardened steel clamps.
A Design Philosophy Forged for Overlanding
Overlanding isn't just driving; it's about comfort and reliability in harsh environments. Every detail of the MilesRunner is designed for this purpose:
- Lightweight & Compact Storage: Deflated, the topper packs into a single bag, freeing up crucial bed space for recovery gear and other equipment—something a hard topper can never do.
- Rapid Deployment: After a long day on the trail, you can inflate a secure, dry shelter in minutes, without wrestling with a complex hard shell or soft top frame.
- Total Protection: Our goal isn't just rain resistance; it's to create a truly habitable environment, sealed against wind, rain, dust, and mud to protect your sleep system and valuable cargo.
