Camper Shell?

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Pheasantphan

Member
Thinking about a camper shell for my truck. I have one on my work truck and carry lots of education supplies, literature, etc. that I have to keep safe and dry, but not sure if I want one on my personal truck.

I mainly deer hunt and duck hunt here in AR and use the bed of my truck quite a lot, but most of the stuff would be fine in a camper. Could not carry my 4 wheeler, but I do have a trailer.

I am concerned about my dogs in a camper shell. What do y'all think? I have very warm weather during dove season and I am sure it would be tough on my lab. What about up north, how does a camper shell work with your dogs in the winter? Do you feel comfortable with your dogs spending nights in the back of the truck in a kennel along with the camper shell while on trips?

I see lots of pros and a few cons, but just not sure. Be glad to hear any thoughts.

Thanks

Chuck
 
Yes I do, cold it helps big time. With plenty of dry bedding there fine. When it is warm I leave the windows open. I would worry more about heat then cold. As long as you get one with side doors so you can pop them open when parked and have screen windows on the sides for driving they are fine. But if you park in the heat with it closed you will lose your dog. I know a guy that did that. Not a good thing. Every one with a truck at training all summer has them and no trouble if kept open in the warmer days. You can get ones with sliders to the cab as well to let cold and warm air blow back there from the cab. With a boot in between.
 
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I really like having a topper on my trucks. It keeps everything dry and somewhat secure. If itâ??s hot like FCSpringer says you just open the window. But it really helps when cold. Here in MN I know the dogs like to be in out of the wind, rain and snow and in a warm bed after hunting and getting ice balls all over them. I started using straw for their bedding instead of old blankets and things like that. The straw is warm and does not hold the moisture.

One suggestion is to buy one that has metal or aluminum on the bed rails where it mounts to the truck. The ones with only fiberglass the bolts or clamps will loosen up from the vibration from the roads. I just purchased a new one for my new 07 Chevy in Aug. I went with a ARE brand. Seams to be a good quality one. The color match was perfect.:thumbsup:
 
I mounted a wireless thermometer in my topper with the reciever in the cab. This works great as you go down the road you know the dogs are comfortable. At night I park close to my hotel room and bring the reciever in with me......No more guessing. I am really amazed how warm my three dogs can keep the topper. With the windows closed and little to no wind the temperature rise is about 20 degrees over ambiant.
 
Thanks guys, probably gonna get one. Everyone is always willing to help here and I certainly appreciate that.

Like the wireless thermometer idea, never thought of that.

Chuck
 
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