Looking into purchasing a topper for my truck. I looked through a few old threads, but didn’t see much about transporting kennels/dogs in the back. Any brands/models that people like for this purpose? Any other “must have” features or things to look out for?
I bought a used aluminum one a few years ago because I take mine off during the summer since I use the pickup bed for other uses and the kennels get plenty of air circulation during the warm times when the topper is off. the biggest issue I’ve come across is trying to keep it “air tight”, I’ve sealed the tailgate best I could but it still gets dusty. air vents/windows with screens is needed for ventilation, also having the side windows being able to open up is a must IMO. I had a truck with a topper that did not have windows that opened, that was a PITA to move and grab stuff in the back, might as well of had a SUV at that point.
They have some pretty good canvas ones no that would be protective and easily removed.
If removing often go Aluminum.
If you want it dry make sure the topper is not just a sit on the bed rails but it wraps past.
J hooks are better that those junky clamps.
I added backer plates and 4 boat bow eyes to the top of my fiberglass topper and use a block and tackle to remove it, its fairly easy but another person or machine sure helps.
Personally I wouldn’t go without a topper on a truck, and always stays on. The one I have now is higher so it’s nice.
I’m more concerned about keeping stuff in the back out of the weather elements then dust
But that’s just me.
I’ve always had toppers. Transporting dogs is fine in cold weather if you have good kennel matting and cover the kennel for warmth. If it’s hot they are no go. Lots of dusty roads is awful. I would cover the kennel with a blanket or at least a sheet but would rather put my dog in the cab with me.
I’ve hauled my dogs to SD in January in the back of the truck with a topper and used the mud river kennel jackets. You don’t want them zipped up all the way or they will get to hot and build up a lot of condensation. I also wouldn’t be afraid to haul them without a topper in the same kennels. They stay really warm in there.
It was so cold one day out there when I let my vizla out she got down out of the truck and said no way and went right back in her kennel.
Give some serious thought how much you like crawling around on your hands and knees. I dislike a topper for this reason alone. Sure, it can seem like a good idea to keep the elements off. But as mentioned it will get too hot in there during the summer. Invest in some weather proof containers for your bed instead.
I transport my dogs in the bed of my truck all winter with the mud river crate covers. They are warm and toasty every time I let them out.
The side windows that flip up and have sliders in them are about the only requirement for me. A slider in front window is nice for more airflow but not really necessary.
I also like the Dee Zee bed mats. They’re really heavy duty rubber. Saves your knees and stuff won’t slide around easily on them.
The side windows that flip up and have sliders in them are about the only requirement for me. A slider in front window is nice for more airflow but not really necessary.
100%! Definitely need ventilation for the dogs especially early on in the season. I have the radco branded topper but its actually made by Leer, but has a Radco sticker on it and its considerably cheaper. Very nice topper. I do have the front slider but unfortunately when I ordered my truck during covid the package wasnt available or was discontinued after I ordered it so I dont have a sliding back window on my truck which sucks. A front window that tips in is nice for cleaning, but so far I havent had any issues.
Give some serious thought how much you like crawling around on your hands and knees. I dislike a topper for this reason alone. Sure, it can seem like a good idea to keep the elements off. But as mentioned it will get too hot in there during the summer. Invest in some weather proof containers for your bed instead.
I transport my dogs in the bed of my truck all winter with the mud river crate covers. They are warm and toasty every time I let them out.
I’m with you on this one.
The other disadvantage to a topper if that it limits what you can haul from a height perspective. Unless you like moving it off and on constantly. No thanks, I’ll stick with the tonneau cover.
I’m personally not really worried about my dog (lab) getting cold. I’m way more paranoid about her getting too warm.
I do have the front slider but unfortunately when I ordered my truck during covid the package wasnt available or was discontinued after I ordered it so I dont have a sliding back window on my truck which sucks.
My truck didn’t have one either and I just paid out of pocket for a mobile glass repair place to come replace it and it was only $458 but that was in 2018. Even if your truck doesn’t have one I still think it helps with airflow to open it on the topper, usually I just do that and don’t even use the truck one much.
My truck didn’t have one either and I just paid out of pocket for a mobile glass repair place to come replace it and it was only $458 but that was in 2018.
Reef thanks! That’s not bad at all. Does that happen to have the heated glass too for defrosting? Im guessing not. TBH I think I will just ride this out and order a new one in a couple years and make sure I can get everything I wanted initially.
Reef thanks! That’s not bad at all. Does that happen to have the heated glass too for defrosting? Im guessing not.
No, nothing fancy, no heater and manual slider. Mine didn’t have defroster before either so I didn’t check on that.
OK, but I think that is a good deal regardless!
Thanks everyone, appreciate the advice. Young kids & car seats will be taking up the backseat most of the time, otherwise the dog would ideally ride in the cab.
I don’t see myself needing to take it on/off very often if ever, so probably looking to go the fiberglass route.
I’ve been looking into kennels & covers. I’ll make sure to check out the mud river brand.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>lindyrig79 wrote:</div>
Give some serious thought how much you like crawling around on your hands and knees. I dislike a topper for this reason alone. Sure, it can seem like a good idea to keep the elements off. But as mentioned it will get too hot in there during the summer. Invest in some weather proof containers for your bed instead.I transport my dogs in the bed of my truck all winter with the mud river crate covers. They are warm and toasty every time I let them out.
I’m with you on this one.
The other disadvantage to a topper if that it limits what you can haul from a height perspective. Unless you like moving it off and on constantly. No thanks, I’ll stick with the tonneau cover.
I’m personally not really worried about my dog (lab) getting cold. I’m way more paranoid about her getting too warm.
^This.
They’re a dog, not a newborn.
I don’t think heat is an issue with a fiberglass topper. I had to bring my last dog to work in the spring, and leave him in truck, to get through the puppy phase and had a little bluetooth temp monitor to keep an eye on things. You have 70mph wind blowing past the windows while you’re driving so it’s not going to get much above ambient. And when you stop to eat or do something being in the back under a topper is a lot cooler than in the cab.
Two interesting facts about toppers. Especially fiberglass.
1. Your gas mileage will decrease.
2. The weight helps with traction on the rear wheels significantly in the
winter.
I have always had a topper on my trucks and transported dogs. Two must haves for me is sliding vented side windows that flip up. I am also partial to ARE Toppers because their locks are the best. Every other topper their locks fail with Mn winters.
1. Your gas mileage will decrease.
Not in my experience. Many claims that the topper actually increased their milage.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>suzuki wrote:</div>
1. Your gas mileage will decrease.Not in my experience. Many claims that the topper actually increased their milage.
I dont see how that is possible. More weight and more surface area for the wind to grab. I always lose 1-2 mpg when I install toppers.
why buy a truck if your worried about gas mileage?????? 
i never did understand that??????/
I dont see how that is possible. More weight and more surface area for the wind to grab. I always lose 1-2 mpg when I install toppers.
If that’s the case, then why do SUVs get better gas mileage than a similar truck? Example, a 1500 Sierra with a 6.2L will get worse gas mileage than a heavier Tahoe or Tahoe XL with a 6.2L? A SUV is more aerodynamic than a truck. A truck with a topper will be more aerodynamic than without. Unless you’re “topper” is a pickup camper. And weight, no. Do you also lose 2 mpg when 3 people are riding in your truck with you?
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>suzuki wrote:</div>
I dont see how that is possible. More weight and more surface area for the wind to grab. I always lose 1-2 mpg when I install toppers.
If that’s the case, then why do SUVs get better gas mileage than a similar truck? Example, a 1500 Sierra with a 6.2L will get worse gas mileage than a heavier Tahoe or Tahoe XL with a 6.2L? A SUV is more aerodynamic than a truck. A truck with a topper will be more aerodynamic than without. Unless you’re “topper” is a pickup camper. And weight, no. Do you also lose 2 mpg when 3 people are riding in your truck with you?
I stand by my assertion. I will politely disagree with you and Glen.
So I checked out the aerodynamics of truck toppers online, and found that AI is a dumbass. Ai recommends tonneau covers, cab height truck toppers, looking at your front bumper, and washing the cab as ways to increase efficiency. I just wanted one of those swirly colored water images.
I stand by my assertion. I will politely disagree with you and Glen.
[/quote]why Suzuki are you disagreeing with me?
i dont understand??
all i’m saying if i was so concerned about gas mileage i wouldnt be driving a truck?????
my truck gets 14 t0 18 MPG depending. with a topper thats higher then the cab.
my wifes car, the one i drove as a Union Thug gets about 26.
for what i do…..i need a truck!!!!!! with a topper!! 
Two interesting facts about toppers. Especially fiberglass.
1. Your gas mileage will decrease.
2. The weight helps with traction on the rear wheels significantly in the
winter.
I can confirm both of these.. 2500HD 6.0L gas w/ARE topper; definitely weighs more and affected MPG by 1/2 to 3/4 MPG. Had to take topper off at one point & send in for repairs and confirmed the difference.
I have an ARE topper with crank out side “wing” windows. While I don’t have a center slider, I wish I did for a little better ventilation in the summer; temps under my topper, with both wing windows open run about 10 degrees higher than ambient (I think a lot of it is radiated from exhaust through the bed) when running down the highway pulling our 35′ bumper pull camper.
I stand by my assertion. I will politely disagree with you and Glen.
why Suzuki are you disagreeing with me?
i dont understand??
all i’m saying if i was so concerned about gas mileage i wouldnt be driving a truck?????
my truck gets 14 t0 18 MPG depending. with a topper thats higher then the cab.
my wifes car, the one i drove as a Union Thug gets about 26.
for what i do…..i need a truck!!!!!! with a topper!!
[/quote]
I threw you under the bus too for implying that I cared about the mileage. I never said that. 
no harm……i get thrown under da bus alot!!!!!
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
