Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, mechanic, or somebody who just likes to work on their own cars, something that you’ll absolutely need is a topside creeper, which is especially the case if you’re working on larger vehicles such as jeeps, SUV’s, and trucks.
Innovative topside creepers are made to easily access the engine base and other hard-to-reach areas, making automotive servicing more convenient and safer.
With adjustable heights, padded platforms, and sturdy constructions, topside creepers help eliminate the need for you to lean over a vehicle, therefore allowing you to work more comfortably and efficiently. As you’ll see further below, one of the best topside creepers comes to us from the VEVOR brand name.
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What Is a Topside Creeper?
For those of you who don’t know, a topside creeper is a very specialized piece of equipment that is designed for use in automotive workshops. To be specific, it’s designed for mechanics to work on hard-to-reach or high parts of vehicles, especially when it comes to engine bays of larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks.
Topside creepers generally come with an adjustable height to allow for work on different sizes of vehicles, as well as a cushioned platform for great comfort.
Unlike regular creepers that are designed to slide underneath vehicles, topside creepers provide elevated access to vehicles, making it much easier to work on taller vehicles. Most topside creepers also come complete with swivel casters to make them more maneuverable, as well as a durable metal frame for safety.
How to Choose a Topside Creeper
Choosing a topside creeper is not all that difficult, although there are a few very important features that you need to pay attention to when making a choice.
Durability and Weight Capacity
One of the most important factors to pay attention to when choosing a topside creeper is how durable it is. A good topside creeper should be made out of either aluminum or heavy-duty steel of at least 2mm in thickness. This helps ensure that you can easily climb the unit without wobbling. Furthermore, a good topside creeper should also be able to hold at least 300 lbs of weight.
Adjustability
The next thing to consider with topside creepers is that they should be height-adjustable. You should be able to adjust a topside creeper by at least 20 inches, thus allowing you to accommodate different sizes of vehicles. The more adjustment levels and adjustment angles there are, the more versatile the topside creeper in question is.
Overall Mobility
Generally speaking, you want a topside creeper to come with casters or wheels for easy mobility. This means that you can easily move the unit around your workshop without much trouble. However, on that note, the wheels should also be able to lock into place so that they don’t move, therefore ensuring that the top side creeper doesn’t move around while you’re on it.
Comfort
The next thing that you need to pay attention to when choosing a topside creeper is a padded platform. You need to have a padded platform to reduce fatigue. Without a platted platform, you’re going to end up fatigued and in pain, especially when working on tasks that require a long time to complete.
Topside Creeper Reviews – Top 5
Now that you know exactly what to look out for when choosing a topside creeper, let’s take a look at the top five models on the market right now.
VEVOR Topside Creeper
The VEVOR Automotive Top Creeper is a great choice for both home and professional mechanics. With a height range of 42.5 to 64.8 inches, this creeper accommodates a variety of vehicle sizes, from smaller cars to large trucks and SUVs.
The nine-stage height adjustment and three tilt angle options ensure that you can position it precisely for optimal access to the engine bay.
Recommended For Your Project
The VEVOR creeper is constructed from 3mm thick heavy-duty steel, allowing it to support up to 400 lbs with ease. Its H-shaped base adds stability, while reinforced bolts prevent any wobbling during use.
A 2-inch thick cushioned platform measuring 12.4 by 18 inches provides excellent comfort. The addition of a tool pouch allows users to keep essential items within reach, improving efficiency.
This creeper is also designed for mobility, featuring four swivel casters, two of which are lockable. Moreover, the foldable design makes storage simple and convenient. The VEVOR creeper’s thoughtful construction, combined with its reasonable price point, makes it a top pick for mechanics seeking reliability and comfort.
Pros
- Wide height range for various vehicles.
- Strong steel construction supports up to 400 lbs.
- Comfortable 2-inch cushioned platform.
- Lockable swivel casters for easy movement and stability.
- Includes a tool pouch for convenience.
- Foldable design for compact storage.
Cons
- Cushion size may feel narrow for some users.
- Assembly can take some time.
Costway Foldable Topside Automotive Engine Creeper
This model offers a height adjustment range of 45 to 66 inches, making it suitable for a wide variety of vehicles, including jeeps, vans, and trucks. Its 3-level adjustable angles further enhance accessibility, allowing you to tailor the setup to your specific needs.
Built from heavy-duty metal, this creeper has a weight capacity of 400 lbs, ensuring stability and durability even under heavy use. Its H-shaped base and triangular support structure provide additional reinforcement, making it a reliable choice for demanding tasks. The padded platform, which measures 18 by 17.5 inches, offers sufficient space and comfort for extended use.
It features four swivel casters, two of which include brakes for added safety. This makes it easy to position the creeper and secure it in place during use. The foldable design is a highlight, as it allows for compact storage when not in use.
Pros
- Adjustable height and angle for flexibility.
- Durable frame with a 400-lb weight capacity.
- Soft padded deck for comfort during use.
- Swivel casters ensure easy positioning.
- Folds for easy storage.
Cons
- Cushioning may be insufficient for long sessions.
- Fewer additional features like a tool tray.
MAXMASS Foldable Topside Automotive Engine Creeper
With a height range of 45 to 66 inches, this creeper is able to accommodate many vehicle sizes, ensuring you can access even the most challenging parts of the engine bay. Its three adjustable angles make it just that much more versatile.
Constructed from heavy-duty metal, the MAXMASS creeper features a weight capacity of 400 lbs, making it a reliable choice for demanding jobs. Its H-shaped base and triangular support structure provide stability and minimize the risk of wobbling or tipping. The padded platform, measuring 18 by 17.5 inches, offers a comfortable working surface.
It also comes with four swiveling casters, and two of the casters include locking mechanisms, ensuring that the creeper stays securely in place during use. When not in use, the creeper’s foldable design allows for easy storage, making it a great choice for those with limited space.
Pros
- Versatile height and angle adjustments.
- Heavy-duty frame supports up to 400 lbs.
- Includes a tool pouch for quick access.
- Foldable design saves storage space.
- Anti-slip platform for safety.
Cons
- Padding quality could be better.
- Slightly heavier than other models.
Traxion Economy Topside Creeper
With an adjustable height range that fits a variety of vehicle sizes, this creeper is well-suited for casual users and professionals alike. Its simple design makes it easy to use, while its sturdy steel construction guarantees long-lasting performance.
This creeper can support up to 400 lbs, making it suitable for most mechanics and their tools. Its padded deck, although slightly less plush than premium models, provides adequate comfort for short to medium-length tasks.
The four swivel casters make maneuvering the creeper effortless, and the locking mechanism on two casters ensures stability during use. Also, the foldable design allows for compact storage, which is a significant advantage for those with smaller workspaces.
While the Traxion creeper doesn’t include advanced features like tool pouches or multiple angle adjustments, its reliable performance and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for those who need a basic, no-frills solution.
Pros
- Affordable and budget-friendly.
- Adjustable height for different vehicles.
- Durable steel frame supports 400 lbs.
- Folds for compact storage.
- Simple and easy to use.
Cons
- Lacks additional features like a tool pouch.
- Less comfort for extended use.
Elevator Over-The-Top Topside Truck Creeper
The Elevator Over-The-Top Creeper is a heavy-duty option designed for professional mechanics and those working on larger trucks or commercial vehicles. This creeper features a height range of 44 to 75 inches.
Unlike traditional topside creepers, this model supports the user’s entire body, allowing for a fully reclined position that reduces strain and fatigue.
Built from steel, the Elevator creeper can support up to 350 lbs, making it stable during demanding tasks. Its large casters provide smooth movement, while built-in brakes keep the creeper securely in place when needed.
The padded platform, complete with foam shin supports, improves comfort during extended use. An optional tool tray is available, adding convenience for those who need easy access to their equipment.
The louvered platform provides extra grip, while rubber bumpers protect the vehicle’s finish. Though pricier than other models, the Elevator Over-The-Top Creeper offers unmatched comfort and functionality, making it a worthwhile investment for serious mechanics.
Pros
- Extended height range for large vehicles.
- Full-body support reduces strain during repairs.
- Durable construction with a 350-lb capacity.
- Safety lock prevents unexpected movement.
- Optional tool tray for added convenience.
Cons
- High price may deter casual users.
- Slightly lower weight capacity than other models.
- Fixed platform angle limits customization.
FAQs
Let’s quickly answer some of your questions about topside creepers.
Do I have to assemble my topside creeper?
Yes, most topside creepers do require some minimal assembly when they arrive, although instructions are usually provided and quite clear.
Can I use a topside creeper on a lifted truck?
Most topside creepers can accommodate lifted trucks, but you do need to check for the height rated on the topside creeper in question to ensure that it can be raised up high enough to accommodate the truck in question.
How do I store a topside creeper?
To store topside creepers, it’s always best to get a model that can fold in half, therefore allowing you to easily fit it in tight spaces.
What’s the average weight capacity of a typical topside creeper?
The vast majority of topside creepers would be able to support at least 300 lbs.
The Best Topside Creepers in the Business
As you can see, there are plenty of topside creepers out there that should be suitable for a wide variety of purposes.
As long as you pay attention to the main factors and considerations that we discussed today, and weigh those against the products that we reviewed, then you should have no problems choosing the best topside creeper for your needs.
With that being said, remember that VEVOR is always a prime option to consider as far as creepers and other automotive products are concerned.
