Only way to keep the height down on a hard side is to go with a non basement TC. I think the NorthStar sidewalls sit below 11 foot mounted on a stock truck. Adding AC will put you just over 11 foot loaded on the truck. Think the AC is 9 inches high. Can't remember the height of the Cirrus/basement model but if I remember correctly you will be sitting around or over 12.5 feet. Northern Lite you will be sitting around the same 12/13 feet
I have the truck you are looking at but the 2017 model. Stock truck from the bottom of the truck bed floor to the ground on level ground is just under 39 inches with no load in the truck bed. That Should give you a ballpark where you will be sitting at by adding in the camper height then add 39 inches.
