Having sold truck accessories in the past, I prefer the Roll n Lock.
Steve
We use one of those at work, they are nice for concealing/locking gear in the back.
I've debated the camper shell idea.
One would be nice for security and weather protection reasons.
I haven't done it because I occasionally put a kayak or other larger item in the bed.
Dave
Yep, I've always had one on every truck. I like the look and it keeps things covered and from blowing around. On any given day the bed has about 200-400 lbs of construction crap in it. If I recall correctly, the MPG I got prior to the cap (also running the bed empty) was about the same as with.
When we go on trips, the bed is chocked full, so it's nice to have the semi-secure and weather secure-ish enclosure.
It's nice just to be able to toss stuff in there and go. I once saw a lawn mower fly out of the back of a truck bed on the freeway. I couldn't believe it -- it just caught some air and then hit the pavement going 65 mph.
My topper is a Snug Top cab-hi. I've had two trucks with that top. They make the nicest styling...but they don't do a great job of color matching. I had them repaint it twice before I would accept it, and it is still off color.
The best mod back there is a 12volt cig lighter plug that I can plug a halogen spot into or a 12volt fan ( I sleep back there on rare occasions ).
We have a hard shell tonneau cover on our truck bed that lifts up from the back and locks...we love it because we can haul all our camping stuff and still secure it...
I haven't noticed a significant decrease in fuel mileage. Our fiberglass topper starts just above the cab roof, and angles up slightly toward the back. It is about 4 feet tall inside, from floor of bed to peak of roof at the rear. This angle helps get the air flowing over the front of the trailer. Any fuel cost not towing would be negated by fuel savings towing.
I get nearly 17 not towing, air off, etc, and 12 towing, air off, etc. The topper weighs about 150 pounds.
I have a SnugTop hard tonneau painted to match. Water proof and very easy to remove. I have a bunch of HD containers with various stuff that I put in depending on the destination and needs. I use the same system in my Jeep for off-roading.
Also gives you the opportunity to say, "Sorry honey, that thing just won't fit under the tonneau".
There is no reason to hesitate. Get a camper shell. It sure helps in storing the BQ and spare for it. It is also a great place to put your tools and spare for the AS. I know that any one can break in put no locks ever detered a crook only honest people respect locks.
Regards from Russell in hot and sunny Tucson Az.
Right now we are towing with a Tahoe and a Suburban. When it's time to replace the Tahoe we are going with a PU crewcab with a matching topper. I would like to be able to bring extra gas for the gen and stuff like that which I refuse to put in the back of the Tahoe. Three things I feel are needed to make a topper work well for us; Must have flip-up side windows to gain access to items packed towards the cab, strong roof for a rack, and good power outlets.
__________________ J. Rick Cipot Sandi Gould NEUNew England Unit Airstream Life Magazine WBCCI #3411 AIR #17099
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