Perfect hunting SUV

Just purchased my new hunting rig last week. I bought a new 2014 Z71 double cab with all the bells and whistles. I will add a 2 inch leveling kit ( I don't like the 3 1/2 inch difference between the front and the rear of the truck) and add some bigger tires later down the road. I got the truck bed rhino lined. I will put neophren camo seat covers on it to keep it clean. I have ordered a Jason fiberglass topper with the sportsman side window ( a small 50/50 slider window and a larger flip out easy access window) this will aid in air flow for the dogs and allow for easy access from the side for supplies behind the dog crates. I also got a full drop down window up front of the shell again for air flow and ease of window cleaning for both the shell window and the truck cab window. I also got the topper carpeted for a finished look, LED strip lights with switches that will light up the back end for early morning duck hunts and a carpeted gun shelve for storing guns and other things inside the shell when taking breaks or traveling from spot to spot. I also will have rails but on the top of the shell for adding a basket for storing of other things on hunting and camping trips. Would like to have gotten something with better gas mileage ( 16/23) but I pull a boat and a 29 foot camping trailer so a truck is a must. This should be a great rig for me and the wife. I used the kids inheritance to buy this thing so please don't tell them.
 
Labman500 said:
Just purchased my new hunting rig last week. I bought a new 2014 Z71 double cab with all the bells and whistles. I will add a 2 inch leveling kit ( I don't like the 3 1/2 inch difference between the front and the rear of the truck) and add some bigger tires later down the road. I got the truck bed rhino lined. I will put neophren camo seat covers on it to keep it clean. I have ordered a Jason fiberglass topper with the sportsman side window ( a small 50/50 slider window and a larger flip out easy access window) this will aid in air flow for the dogs and allow for easy access from the side for supplies behind the dog crates. I also got a full drop down window up front of the shell again for air flow and ease of window cleaning for both the shell window and the truck cab window. I also got the topper carpeted for a finished look, LED strip lights with switches that will light up the back end for early morning duck hunts and a carpeted gun shelve for storing guns and other things inside the shell when taking breaks or traveling from spot to spot. I also will have rails but on the top of the shell for adding a basket for storing of other things on hunting and camping trips. Would like to have gotten something with better gas mileage ( 16/23) but I pull a boat and a 29 foot camping trailer so a truck is a must. This should be a great rig for me and the wife. I used the kids inheritance to buy this thing so please don't tell them.
Click to expand...
Any picture?
 
tanner10, wasn't familiar with the unicap cover but did look at the website you provided. Lots of similar options that the Jason cap offered,. I like the sportsman package windows that the Jason offered that I didn't see on ARE or Lear ( the double side window, one small slider and then the bigger side access window. This will allow me to have ventilation for the dogs as well as access to the front of the cap from the side) I also liked the idea of the carpeted gun shelve. I is removeable and not only can I use it for gun storage but it can be used for storage of day bags and such. I put my dog crates in the back of the truck so the space behind them is hard to get to. The side access window will allow me to use that space better by making it more accessiable. I really liked the LED bar lights across the back. Not sure ARE or lear offered these Items. Lots of other options that Jason offered that I opted out on. Plus the Jason dealer I went through is just 20 miles from my home town and they are made here in Indiana in Elkhart.
 
Labman500

Thanks for your prompt response. I live in the south suburbs of Chicago so Elkart is not to far away for me. Take some pics and let me know how you like it once you have it on and get a chance to inspect everything.

I would like to learn from your experience so let me know things you would have changed.
 
Tanner10, I have had my topper on for about a week now and I can now tell you I really like it and the options that I chose. First the paint color was a perfect match to my truck. The LED bar light I got is really nice. I didn't realize it till I got it but it automatically comes on when I open the back door, it really lights up the bed area of the truck. This will be really nice on some early morning duck hunts or camping trips when I need to get in the back end at night. I like the carpeted inside, just gives it a nice finished look. The sportsman window package is what I really like, I can access the small slider window from standing along side the tailgate instead of jumping up on the tail gate and reaching back to open the sliders up. Also the easy access flip out window is great. It will allow me to reach in behind the dog crates and gain access to the space behind those crates, I really like this. As mentioned I also got the carpeted gun tray. This is kind of neat. It sets on the top rails of the bottom on the shell and is removable if not needed. I can see using it for setting day bags, guns and other small items that is needed for the day in the field. It is made of fiberglass and I have a small concern about its strength if to much weight is layed upon it. But if you just put your guns on it , it will be just fine. I could have made one out of 2xs and plywood and painted or carpeted it myself and that would have been just fine. But for 63 bucks I think it will be worth it. I also went with the full hinged front picture window. This can be opened and closed by reaching in the side access window from both sides and unlocking the latches. THis makes it easy to clean both sides of the window not to mention I am able to clean the back of the truck cab window. I think this window can be opened and allowed to lay on the gun tray when traveling which will allow for great ventilation on hot days when the dogs are in the back. I do wish I would have gotten the 12v plug tray but in. Didn't think I would have used this when I first ordered the topper but after more thinking I realize this would have been nice to have. I could hook up a spot light when launching a boat in the morning, used to charge dog collars or even hook up those camper fans to help move air on hot days when the dogs are in the crates. I will end buying one and hook it up myself. I really think it looks very sporty on the truck. Will be glade to send pictures but not sure I know how to put them on this site. Will be glade to text them to you if you feel comfy in PMing me your Phone number. Or, you can go to Jasons web site and see most things I got and read about it. Hope this helps you in your selection. Let me know what you do, Take care
 
Finally found a vehicle and bought same - 2004 Denali, 89K miles. Much improved ride compared to my 96 Suburban; lots of bells and whistles to go wrong!

I only drive about 5K miles a year so gas mileage is a moot point.

Have had the Suburban since 2000; great truck, lots of room and power to haul. Not sure what it's worth, but plan to sell whenever spring comes!
 
I'm not bragging. :confused::eek:
I put on well over 10,000 miles last Fall on hunting trips alone. Not to mention a trip to the FT Peck fishing in June and a 7 state trip to pick up a pup. :eek:

When I'm good I'm good but when I'm bad I'm REALLY bad. :cheers:

And I'm ready to do it all over again, Maybe even another extra trip. :)
 
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