A couple of comments:
I have a 2004 Northstar TC700 popup camper that I've had for about 4 years. It is actually made for the smaller trucks, but I adapted it for use on my F150 as it was in very good condition and I was able to purchase it for a very good price.
Regarding the first few cranks being hard, I generally press my back up against the ceiling and lift the first few inches. This allows it to crank effortlessly all the way up. That technique might be useful should you add an AC unit up top.
As for using AC, I must say that the reason I enjoy camping in this type of camper is laying in bed at night, high in the air, with the 360 degrees of screening that surrounding me. Just like sleeping outdoors. (Now, I will qualify this comment by stating that we do not camp for extended periods of time, and generally choose to camp in good weather.)
