Truck Cap Questions

[toddmakesamove]

Hi y'all and happy Friday. Thanks, for taking the time to come here. I've had to make modifications to my original plans of how I travel.

I cannot get my adult dogs to detune in time for us leaving. They compete to please me by guarding and I have to accept that they will most likely never detune together - especially - with me in close proximity. Therefore, for distractions while driving, my tinnitus from barking, and sanity I cannot keep them in the cab. Furthermore, they had a litter during Christmas, and I HAD to keep a girl. I was hoping for a medium dog, but I got an x-large female. She's only 5 months today and weighs 51lbs (ribs showing) and is 19.75 at the withers (I estimate her being 90+ year 3). My boy dog takes up the whole back seat of a Camary. My adult female is normal GSD size, but still at the tip top of standards. I was going to remove the passenger front seat and rear seats, so all 3 would have space.

My Truck: '22 3500 SRW Crew Cab Long Bed

1. I seem to keep coming to LEER Caps. The 100R or 100S are what I'm looking at.
2. Concerns
A. 100R Will the windows or their screen suffer damage from my dogs going HAM at basically anything? Will I be able to rinse it out with windows? (I will also ask the dealer but wanted y'all input before I call)
B. 100S Will this model be super-hot without the windows for air? Can I rinse it out?
C. Are LEER good Truck Caps?
3. Are there any other good brands to look at that will fit my truck? (Sung Top is too expensive, IMO)
4. For those that have these Truck Caps how hot, or cold does it get inside of the Cap?
5. Any advice or experiences are very helpful.
6. Does having a Truck Top damage or wear parts out on the truck?
7. What parts wear out on the Truck Cap?
8. Did you put better locks on your Truck Cap?
9. Do you rinse the inside out when dirty? How do you clean the inside if it gets dirty?
10. If I put a hoist to take the Truck Cap off in a garage - is this possible? If so, is this an arduous task?
11. Anyone have a contact for the brand your suggesting? Please PM that info if available.


I have dual alternators and I will use a fan back there. I will probably use an evaporative cooling system or something else. They are GSDs and can keep cool pretty easily. Any ideas of cooling the Truck Cap while driving?

Thanks again, y'all.

 

[crash68]

100R Will the windows or their screen suffer damage from my dogs going HAM at basically anything?

Ask the cap dealer about the pet proof screens that Leer offers. Be sure to get the opening front window for better ventilation of the cap/bed.

I've been real happy with my Leer 100XL, although due to the single handle design it's not good for containing pets as they can paw the latches open via the cables(someone on the forum has reported this).

 

[toddmakesamove]

@crash68 I went to speak with a representative while I was gone. He too suggested the pet proof screens and the removable window. He suggested that I get the removable window with the window slide since I have truck rear window slide.

LEER's offering free carpet right now on the 100Rs. Dealer stated that they're ruff fiberglass on the inside and will most likely cause slinters for dogs (should they jump up and mine will). With the 100R I get the windows and carpet for an extra $200, and it's $110 extra for the pet screens. I will have to put black-out on the windows, but the air circulation is/has to be what's best for the K9s. I was even fine with adding vents or etc. on the 100S, but time is something I have to consider. Moreover, adding vents or etc. on the 100S will cost more than $200 in the end. 100S is not for consideration anymore.

Looks like I'm favoring the 100R. Current waits are 4-6 weeks. $3360 out-the-door for removable window with slide, carpet, and pet screens.

Please, advise differently, or in concert with the LEER. I need all advice and/or experience.

 

[crash68]

Looks like I'm favoring the 100R. Current waits are 4-6 weeks. $3360 out-the-door for removable window with slide, carpet, and pet screens.

Ouch caps have become expensive, my 100XL with power lock and the removable sliding from window was less than half of that 8 yrs ago.

That 100R with the pet screens and front window open should provide plenty of ventilation for the dogs. Even closed up in the baking sun the back bed ony truck doesn't get all hot, although my truck and color matched cap is bright silver.

 

[ppine]

I used to have aluminum canopies on my trucks. Not fancy, but never had any issues with them.
My last fiberglass canopy was a local company. The windows leaked, the paint faded. But it stayed put and was good otherwise.
Now I have a Leer top. Slide windows are fine. Window opens in front as an extra. The closure of the canopy is not the best. I put it on a new Ram diesel. The tailgate was out of alignment from the factory. Got it fixed, but the canopy door is warped and hard to close. It took 4 months to get the canopy. It cost a lot, but it is doing okay.