Are you a truck mechanic, or you own a truck, but you find it hard to always reach check the engine of your truck because of the height? I’m pleased to let you know that that problem will soon be solved if only you can read through this guide. This guide is aimed at showing the best topside creepers.
What Is Topside Creeper?
Since you must access some of the engine components of high trucks, RVs and other big vehicles from the top, you need to add to your height so that you do not strain your back or muscles too much. Unlike a regular creeper, which comprises of a board on wheels on which you can roll under a vehicle for repair, the topside one has a ladder and a small resting place on top.
It is designed to be foldable. That way, when you are done using it, you can fold it and put it in storage easily, leaving a small footprint.
Here are a few benefits that you can look forward to with an over of the engine creeper:
- It adds a touch of professionalism and sophistication to your garage
- Makes work move faster to the joy and satisfaction of your customers
- It is foldable so it doesn’t leave a big footprint
- Most of them require minimal to zero care
- You can reach high vehicles easily without straining at all
- Height adjustment will allow you to set the height you require depending on the type of vehicle under repair
TOPSIDE CREEPERS BUYER’S GUIDE
Stability
This is one of the most important things to consider because it is about safety, which is also given in a welding table.
The last thing that you want your creeper to do is a wobbly-dance-giggly-gig when you are on top. When you adjust the height fully, the center of gravity shifts. This poses a danger of wobbling and toppling over.
Thus, check whether the creeper for the top that you want to buy is sturdily built to support your kind of weight. The quality of the casters. Casters are very important for mobility, like a cordless grass shear. They ought to be stable and be designed to lock up once you settle into a certain position. Many models come with at least two of the casters locking up.
Also, look for models with four casters. The more they are the easier navigation around the garage floor will be. The casters should also be able to swing any way for making easier turns.
Support and comfort
When you are working on a high truck’s engine with your over the engine creeper, you do not want to hurt your back from the strain. You should be as comfortable as possible.
To use it, you will climb the ladder and then bend over with your chest being supported by the deck. If it is well-built, you can rest easily on the creeper without experiencing any cramps or strains on your limbs. With a big body frame, you might want a bigger deck and vice versa.
If you can find one with a padded deck, get it. The padding is comfortable on your chest, like holding a leaf blower and you can work on the engine for a long time from one posture.
Customizable height
Assuming you have other guys working in the garage with you, you want an over the engine creeper that has adjustable height. That way, the tall and the short people can use it, without the need for buying more of these tools.
Luckily, customizable height for these tools is a standard feature. You just need to check the adjustment range and needless to say, the bigger the better.
With lots of height, you will find it comfortable to work even on the biggest vehicles easily. A standard height range should start at 48 inches going upwards.
Weight capacity
Other than the creeper being rugged enough for the work environment that is a bit demanding like using a concrete mixer, the creeper must be strong enough to support your weight. Different creepers will have varying weight capacities but the best thing is to select the one made of quality materials, like that found in a staple gun.
Heavy-gauge steel will be the best material since it will be able to hold your weight and also withstand the test of time.
Padding and cushioning
Topside creepers are meant to support you very comfortable as you repair your car. Comfort is one thing that you cannot compromise when choosing the topside creepers.
This will be the case, especially for professionals now that they will be using the creeper for a considerable amount of time. To guarantee this, you ought to purchase models that have a padded and cushioned deck since that is the place you will be spending most of your time.
Maneuverability
Navigating and moving your creeper is yet another thing you need to consider when choosing these products. The mounted creepers will be a bit tedious to move around.
To guarantee simple maneuverability, you need to choose those models that come with swivel casters or wheels at their base. Generally, a high number of casters at the base will make the movement even easier.
Durable construction
The most important consideration by far is the construction. The first thing to check here is the weight rating. If it is rated for 150 lbs, do not use it if you are heavier than that. You also have to ensure that the construction is of sound quality.
The weld should be sound, the metal should have rust-resistant finishing and the paintwork should be superb. This can be hard to ascertain when you are buying online, but you can always check reviews left by other buyers, or check the product description.
BEST TOPSIDE CREEPERS
NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
Traxion 3-700 ProGear | I-shape wheelbase delivers better positioning
Adjustable height of up to 75 inches 140 inches of engine compartment accessibility Upholstered covers facilitate convenient deck replacement |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Traxion 3-100 Foldable Topside Creeper | The ergonomic design makes you more product for a longer duration
Rolls into the right place with multiple adjustment points Locking casters for security and leverage The padded deck is comfortable and easy to clean Height adjusts from 48″ to 64″ |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
ATD Tools 8116F Foldable | The deck is padded and covered with heavy vinyl for comfort and durability
Folds for easy storage Height Adjustable from 48″ to 64″ Shipping dimensions: 52″ x 24″ x 7″ Working Load Limit: 400 lbs |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Omega 91000 Black 40″ Foldable Z | Polyurethane is used for making all the six caster wheels. Also, it is safe to use on oil.
Requires no tools for switching positions. Headrest and seat are beautifully padded |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Whiteside Over Engine Creeper | Top adjusts from 43-1/4 inch to 57-3/4 inch
Padded top for comfort while working Wheels allow for easy maneuvering around the car Load rating of 300 pounds |
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REL Stapleton REL 1-00020 | 3 lean-in angle adjustments
Locking casters Powder-coat finish |
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Traxion 3-750 Progear Topside Tool-Tray | Easy crank ratchet for height adjustments allows for smooth movements in height from 42 inches to 72 1/2 inches
Large tool tray has a weight capacity of 110 pounds Large 3″ casters make it easy to move your topside tool tray into position 2 locking casters keep your tool tray securely in place when in-use |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Roadstar MOTOOS Rolling Creeper with 300 lbs. Capacity | Supports up to 300 lbs. weight capacity
Oil-resistant vinyl-covered seat It comes with swivel casters for a smooth operation Comes with an in-built tray for your tools |
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Pro-Lift C-2036D 36″ Z-Creeper Seat | Seating position can be changed with a convenient retractable pin.
Impressive 300 pounds of weight capacity for flexible use. |
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9TRADING Foldable Topside Creeper for Shop and Garage | It has been made with heavy-gauge steel material
Equipped with 4 caster wheels for simple maneuvering The technician will reach up to 40% area around the vehicle It cuts the engine repair time |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Traxion 3-700 ProGear
ProGear Topside Creeper has a fully padded frame with replaceable, padded upholstery cover. The cover is secured using Velcro, so it is removable for cleaning or replacement. The upholstered cover slides over a sling instead of a hard plywood deck. This improves comfort, reduces weight, and makes replacing the deck much easier. The new ProGear Topside Creeper has an I-Base design that allows more flexible positioning around the vehicle. It allows the technician to reach 40 percent more area around the front of most vehicles and equipment. From automotive tools that make the mechanic more safe and productive to truck accessories that improve accessibility, engineered products will continue to support the needs of their customers.
PROWS | CONS |
Foldable and adjustable to varying heights | It is quite heavy to lift |
Excellently durable and flexible. | |
Offers convenient access from the ground | |
Comfortable top |
Traxion 3-100 Foldable Topside Creeper
The Folding Topside Creeper allows Safe and productive access to the engine compartment. The Topside Creeper over the engine workstation helps the auto technician increase productivity and safety while working form the top side of the engine compartment. Mounted atop the ladder section is a padded deck for the mechanic to rest upon while reaching into the engine compartment. Four casters slide easily around the shop. Two of them lock once the unit is properly positioned giving the user plenty of leverage.
PROS | CONS |
Locking pins keep it secure at one place | Vinyl cover is quite susceptible to get torn or poked |
Durable and stable | |
Can be adjusted to varying heights to cater to various works | |
Easily folds to compact size |
ATD Tools 8116F Foldable
This creeper is engineered using heavy-duty gauge steel with a powder coating finish to prevent scratches as well as other impact damages.
Offering the ease of adjustable height, it lets you extend from 44 inches to a height of 64 inches. It holds a weight holding capacity of 400 LBS and comes with a padded deck in durable vinyl.
PROS | CONS |
Excellent weight holding capacity | It is slightly expensive compared to other options. |
Offers firm stability | |
The cushioned or padded deck offers great comfort | |
Easy to fold | |
Can be stored in small, compact space |
Omega 91000 Black 40″ Foldable Z
Transformable mechanic creeper and chair which can be quickly switched to a Z pattern for obtaining premium support during sitting and working, the Omega 9100 is highly-reliable as well as an efficient creeper. The overall built of 40” steel frame improves the durability for long years of service and even makes this safe for weights up to 450 lbs.
PROS | CONS |
Folds easily to let you store it conveniently | It is not possible to adjust the height of this creeper. |
Flexible positioning | |
Solid frame construction | |
Easy to assemble by just pulling off the pin | |
Comfortable and thick seating |
Whiteside Over Engine Creeper
This model has gone a mile ahead to stand out of the crowd by the use of a special design. It looks stylish because it lacks the rectangular shape that other models come with.
It has a wide base that keeps it stable. At the same time, it has wheels so that you can move it easily around the garage. The material used is heavy gauge steel for durability. It has then been powder coated to make it rust-resistant.
The height is adjustable, but not as much as we have seen in the other models because it has a range of 43 ¼ inches to 57 ¾ inches.
PROS | CONS |
Nice padding on the deck | It is a bit heavy at 70 pounds |
Very stylish design, different from other models | The anti-skid tape might come off during use |
The wide base offers good stability | |
High weight rating |
REL Stapleton REL 1-00020
If you are not heavy, the REL Stapleton model is a good investment. It has many good things going for it and we will look at some of its features here. The first one is the nicely padded deck with the vinyl cover. It is firm, comfortable, and supportive. You can work on it for a long time without feeling too fatigued.
The heavy-gauge steel construction is nice and the powder finishing enhances its durability in a big way. It is scratch and corrosion-resistant. Its height adjustment range is between 48 inches and 65 inches. This is enough to allow you to access the engine of your SUV or pickup truck.
PROS | CONS |
The height adjustment is quite good | A bit heavy to move around when it is folded at 70 pounds |
Nice looking and stylish design | The weight rating is a bit low |
The wide base gives it a lot of stability | |
The price is good even with all the features that we have seen | |
It folds down to a small and manageable size |
Traxion 3-750 Progear Topside Tool-Tray
The Perfect Companion to the amazing ProGear Topside Creeper is the ProGear Topside Tool Tray. Glide in place on 4″ casters and then easily adjust altitude with ratchet crank. Get your tools and parts, even laptop right where you need it.
PROS | CONS |
Wheels lock to keep you safe while you work | This is not a creeper, so it cannot support you. It is an over the top tool tray |
You can hold a lot of tools on this tray as it has a high weight rating of 110 pounds | It comes at a high price |
It looks very professional and it keeps your tools within easy reach | |
Smaller dimensions and weight makes it easy to maneuver | |
Good quality build for working on your truck or SUV |
Roadstar MOTOOS Rolling Creeper with 300 lbs. Capacity
This is a U-shaped roller seat that comes 4 swivel castors making it very smooth to operate. You will also appreciate that its oil-resistant seat has been covered with vinyl. It is there obvious that cleaning the seating area will be hassle-free. The manufacturer has also integrated the creeper with a tray underneath that you will use to keep your tools and the small parts very close.
Other than its ease of maneuverability, this accessory has been made with quality materials allowing it to support a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. the topside creeper, therefore, proves to be very effective for your shop, garage, the warehouse as well as the DIY workspace.
PROS | CONS |
Durable | none |
Lightweight | |
Sturdy |
Pro-Lift C-2036D 36″ Z-Creeper Seat
The mechanic creeper seat that can meet your requirements of sitting upright or lying flat while you need to access the hard to reach areas, it comes with all the convenience you would want in your creeper. When you are busy in the maintenance works, the cushioned seats that are a thickly padded target at delivering comfort and the creeper even comes with a vinyl padded headrest for added comfort. Also, the caster wheels will help you in an easy movement without having to add extra efforts.
PROS | CONS |
It supports up to 300 pounds of weight capacity | none |
Easy to convert from creeper to seat | |
Vinyl padded seat & headrest |
9TRADING Foldable Topside Creeper for Shop and Garage
Do you often work over-the-engine of vehicles, and suspend your body like superman? This topside creeper from 9TRADING might be foldable, but its heavy-gauge steel can support 300-pound loads. So, you can assume comfortable positions and expect its stable base to keep you safe for long hours during work. Also, two of this creeper’s four casters are lockable and easy to adjust.
We used its angled step ladder settings in a small workshop, and there was space for everyone to walk around. I would recommend this creeper model for anyone that needs safety and convenience.
PROS | CONS |
Its flexible design helps to reduce downtime during work and can boost your craftsmanship | The cost might not be affordable for many beginner mechanics and auto-technicians. |
The deck’s vinyl cover can is easy to clean with soapy water and a soft towel | |
With an adjustable height feature of between 48 to 66 inches, you can work on engine compartment of big trucks |
CONCLUSION
Selecting the most ideal topside creeper from the many options available today can be a daunting task. All the same, every mechanic will require an adjustable creeper seat to simplify their tasks and also reduce fatigue. The foldable options will give you the convenience you need during storage and transportation.
Above, we have made a compilation of the best topside creepers from the leading brands. It is, therefore, our hope that you will easily locate the best creeper for your needs. If you are yet unsure of what to choose, it is good to go through the buyer’s guide section enlisted above