You like your truck camper shell for Hunting?

fishslap

WKR
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
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1,002
Location
Longmont, CO
I’ll never not have a topper/camper shell. No need to worry about gear being in the open, seems like I can stack things higher without worrying about securing everything, and I can sleep back there and stay mobile. I also do a lot of ice fishing so it’s nice to have my sled and rod holders all setup ready to go and not worry about things getting stolen. I also have the Yakima bars for my fly rod holder, kayak, or storage rack. I use a bed rug in the back also.
 

packer58

WKR
Joined
May 28, 2013
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1,002
Security, weather protection and a part time hotel ...........what's not to like. Iv'e never had a pickup without one. I splurged a little on my last one and did the keyless deal and it locks with my key fob with the rest of the truck.
 

ODB

WKR
Joined
Mar 24, 2016
Messages
4,008
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N.F.D.
I like my toppers for sure - spent many, many days in them.

I’m thinking about a decked system to go along with it…but selling the liner, getting it sprayed, then putting in the decked sounds like a real pain in the ass…0
 

chanson_roland

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 27, 2018
Messages
118
Location
Virginia
Put an ARE MX and Decked system on my Ram 1500 last summer. Can't believe I waited so long to do this. Totally improves the utility of the truck, esp. the ability to car camp.
 
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Joined
Jan 26, 2017
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1,226
Location
WA State
Love my canopy for the same reasons others have shared here. Mostly dry storage, place to sleep if needed, gear and other stuff out of sight/locked up, keeps the cooler out of the sun, etc. I won't ever not have one for my truck. You can set up a winching system in your garage for easier on and off as well like some I know. Dirt bike goes on a hitch carrier on the back receiver.
 

Jcvr

FNG
Joined
Feb 27, 2024
Messages
17
Once I got a topper, I'll never have a truck without one. A rack system on top of it is very handy for carrying long stuff like ladders, lumber, etc. Having a way to remove it and put back on easily is pretty invaluable too.
 

Delta21

FNG
Joined
Oct 8, 2021
Messages
97
I hated the idea, forever. Always said that it stopped a truck from being a truck, until a week's worth of clothing & camping gear got drenched in a 9 hour torrential downpour on a drive to Florida. I was wet the day I arrived & so freaking miserable, I went home. No way of drying anything at 90+% humidity.

I picked up a $75 Facebook special for my old truck & immediately swore is never not have one.

I ordered one for my new truck on the drive home from the Ford dealer.

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That OBS though!
 

travism38

FNG
Joined
Sep 27, 2022
Messages
21
Location
Ky
Are yall using a matress with your decked system? Iv seen people with folding matresses and was looking for input
 
Joined
Feb 2, 2023
Messages
304
Location
Wyoming
I'm a softopper guy. Just got to make sure you have a locking tailgate.

Get the solid panel if you don't want lookyloos
 
Joined
Aug 5, 2024
Messages
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Location
Montana
Side sliding windows are nice, especially if you’ve got a dog. The biggest feature I’d change with mine is the height. I have a can height shell and it just doesn’t leave a lot of room for moving around. Go taller and you’ll be happy.
 

Justin Crossley

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
7,528
Location
Buckley, WA
My favorite canopy that I've ever used is the Smartcap. It has full opening side door/windows, plus small sliding vent windows in the doors. It's stainless steel so you can use magnetic lights inside. The anti-dust vent system works really well and you don't get cracks in the rear corners like on all the fiberglass caps I've used.

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I have to use this tent to make it long enough to sleep in and it's low inside with the Decked drawers but I'm not camping in it. Just climbing in to get some sleep.

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The Born Outdoors Badger Bed is perfect for this.

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Stalker69

WKR
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
1,801
I wouldn't have a truck without one. You can always remove it, when needed. But it so convenient keeping everything covered.
 

Voyageur

WKR
Joined
Feb 12, 2020
Messages
1,054
My favorite canopy that I've ever used is the Smartcap. It has full opening side door/windows, plus small sliding vent windows in the doors. It's stainless steel so you can use magnetic lights inside. The anti-dust vent system works really well and you don't get cracks in the rear corners like on all the fiberglass caps I've used.

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I have to use this tent to make it long enough to sleep in and it's low inside with the Decked drawers but I'm not camping in it. Just climbing in to get some sleep.

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The Born Outdoors Badger Bed is perfect for this.

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@Justin Crossley any idea what your topper weighs? Thanks.
 
Joined
Feb 2, 2023
Messages
304
Location
Wyoming
@CobraChicken I've been interested in the soft toppers, but always wondered about rain protection and longevity. Can you comment on either of those points?
Thanks.
Yeah. I had one on my 21 ranger for two years. It stood up to 80mph winds, rain, snow, etc. Gets a tiny bit dusty but I think all toppers do at some point in the inside.

I live in wyo and if installed properly my gear was never wet. I really got it for breathability and dogs in the back. It saw tons of highway use
 
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
3,545
Location
Washington
The windoors on the leer are super handy.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Aug 6, 2024
Messages
63
Won't own a truck without one.

Hot this time of year for dog, but a fan on the kennel and windows on the side do wonders. Come November thru January when we are chasing ducks from ND to AR, he'll appreciate the lack of wind.

I appreciate it for keeping gear dry and from dirt accumulation on thousands of miles of dirt roads.
 
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