Post by: quadrafire on May 16, 2016, 09:28:41 PM
Some cool u tubes but know this site rocks :tup:
Just picked up a 2014 F150 short bed and will be adding a canopy.
I've had a topper on my last 2 rigs but woul like some new ideas
Thanks :hello:
Post by: Bango skank on May 16, 2016, 09:37:47 PM
Post by: quadrafire on May 16, 2016, 09:42:55 PM
Post by: Bango skank on May 16, 2016, 09:48:13 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 16, 2016, 09:51:08 PM
Post by: quadrafire on May 16, 2016, 09:56:41 PM
So here is another topic toppers ...... LEER , ARE, SNUG etc. any comments???
Post by: pd on May 16, 2016, 09:59:20 PM
1. Make sure your canopy is water-tight. A simple garden hose will work. Stay inside and let your kids spray the canopy. The rubber gaskets around the windows get old, the bolts get loose, etc. Check the seals frequently (rain in the canopy sucks during hunting season.)
2. Bed Rug is your friend. Troll CraigsList for used, which is often as good as new. Better than memory foam.
3. Cut a 5/8" sheet of plywood, about 2 1/2 feet wide and the length of your sidewalls. This doubles your carrying capacity (not really, but it seems that way). Stain it, to prevent mold growth. This shelf is a great place to put your dirty boots at night time. If you have a short box, cut the shelf shallow. I have a 6.5' bed, so mine works fine at 2.5' deep. YMMV.
4. Keep a small (12" x 18") sheet of plywood on your shelf. I use this as a cooking board/cutting board. I use a Jet Boil or other small gas stove directly on this plywood sheet. Others will hate this idea, but it works for me.
Post by: jackelope on May 16, 2016, 10:00:34 PM
Post by: quadrafire on May 16, 2016, 10:02:55 PM
Here are some ideas and tips for you.
1. Make sure your canopy is water-tight. A simple garden hose will work. Stay inside and let your kids spray the canopy. The rubber gaskets around the windows get old, the bolts get loose, etc. Check the seals frequently (rain in the canopy sucks during hunting season.)
2. Bed Rug is your friend. Troll CraigsList for used, which is often as good as new. Better than memory foam.
3. Cut a 5/8" sheet of plywood, about 2 1/2 feet wide and the length of your sidewalls. This doubles your carrying capacity (not really, but it seems that way). Stain it, to prevent mold growth. This shelf is a great place to put your dirty boots at night time. If you have a short box, cut the shelf shallow. I have a 6.5' bed, so mine works fine at 2.5' deep. YMMV.
4. Keep a small (12" x 18") sheet of plywood on your shelf. I use this as a cooking board/cutting board. I use a Jet Boil or other small gas stove directly on this plywood sheet. Others will hate this idea, but it works for me.
Could you post some pics ? Having trouble picturing it
Post by: pd on May 16, 2016, 10:03:59 PM
Could you post some pics ? Having trouble picturing it
Sure. Tomorrow.
Post by: quadrafire on May 16, 2016, 10:07:24 PM
Lol. That will work fine as I'm about to hit the rack :tup:Could you post some pics ? Having trouble picturing it
Sure. Tomorrow.
Post by: Bango skank on May 16, 2016, 10:19:48 PM
Here are some ideas and tips for you.
2. Bed Rug is your friend. Troll CraigsList for used, which is often as good as new. Better than memory foam.
I want to say i looked at the bed rug thing, but maybe im thinking of something else. Isnt that a bit more permanent? I like the memory foam cause if i kill something i can just yank it out, roll it up and stuff it behing my truck seats, then throw a blood dripping carcass in the bed of the truck and scrub the blood out when i get home, then put my memory foam back in.
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on May 16, 2016, 10:20:55 PM
A cargo rack. Makes hauling longer items possible , and antlers carry much better up top than trying to fit them around your gear under the canopy.
Sliding window front window. If your pickup has a slider, this is very convenient for storing things inside the truck and having access without having to get out of the canopy. Sidenote: mine is also removable and in 4 years i have never used it. Wouldnt spend the money again on that option.
Cargo net in ceiling. Mine came with it as an option, but it looks like an easy upgrade. This thing sees a ton of use. Everything from storing loose items during travel to hanging clothes and lights while camped.
Tool grip its/mounts. Makes it nice for keeping snow shovel or axe handy and from sliding around in the bed. Generally i stow them along the bed rails.
Post by: Bango skank on May 16, 2016, 10:27:24 PM
Cargo net in ceiling. Mine came with it as an option, but it looks like an easy upgrade. This thing sees a ton of use. Everything from storing loose items during travel to hanging clothes and lights while camped.
That sounds awesome, ill have to look into that! Glad i looked at this thread, thanks.
Post by: KFhunter on May 16, 2016, 10:58:50 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.g-usatruck.com%2FpublishImages%2FJeraco-Window-Options%7E%7Eelement64.jpg&hash=e3edf3b0592955036f9ce836f7d51177f8f2e91c)
Post by: Bango skank on May 16, 2016, 11:07:51 PM
Mine has full length windows running down a long each side that lift straight up. I can mount shotgun racks or fishing pole holders right inside the windows or just leave them open so I can reach the whole length of the bed through them without crawling inside.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.g-usatruck.com%2FpublishImages%2FJeraco-Window-Options%7E%7Eelement64.jpg&hash=e3edf3b0592955036f9ce836f7d51177f8f2e91c)
No screens? I like the screens so i can nap with some airflow in the summer and not have skeeters and whatnot swarming me.
Post by: whacker1 on May 17, 2016, 03:20:12 AM
Post by: grundy53 on May 17, 2016, 04:57:39 AM
Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk
Post by: luckyman on May 17, 2016, 05:46:09 AM
Post by: Miles on May 17, 2016, 06:53:46 AM
Post by: Gamblin Guy on May 17, 2016, 07:23:36 AM
Post by: jackelope on May 17, 2016, 08:03:02 AM
I've got a Leer fiberglass canopy and can't say that I've ever felt like my truck was hauling a load? It doesn't squat and there's certainly no loss of power. Maybe small 4 bangers or v6's have this issue?Quad bought a v6 but it's got a couple turbo's so he'll be alright.
Post by: quadrafire on May 17, 2016, 08:38:18 AM
Had a fiberglass one on my previous F150 with the 5.4 V8. 13-14 MPG, but no lack of power.
In my mind the aerodynamic advantage of the shell over the open bed would make the wt issue a non-factor???
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on May 17, 2016, 09:01:11 AM
Post by: pd on May 17, 2016, 11:08:34 AM
I want to say i looked at the bed rug thing, but maybe im thinking of something else. Isnt that a bit more permanent? I like the memory foam cause if i kill something i can just yank it out, roll it up and stuff it behing my truck seats, then throw a blood dripping carcass in the bed of the truck and scrub the blood out when i get home, then put my memory foam back in.
I am on my second Bed Rug (I had the first for 10 years, then sold that truck). Best upgrade I have ever made. These things just don't hold dirt--spray out anything with just a garden hose, blood included. The literature says (I have not tried it) that you can even carry motorbikes and such, spill gasoline on the carpet, and that will also wash out.
The Bed Rug can be removed, as there are only zippers and Velcro holding it in place. I don't remove mine, rather I put a piece of 5/8" plywood on the floor if I am going to carry something heavy like firewood.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 17, 2016, 01:50:32 PM
Hadn't really thought about the weight issue and effect on MPG. Guess I'll find out.Fuel economy will suffer with a canopy. I get 2-3 mpg better without it. But still keep it on all the time as the benefits outweigh the negative to me. I also have a be drug and absolutely love it but I remove it from sept to December. Blood comes out easily enough but alfalfa is a real chore to get out of it.
Had a fiberglass one on my previous F150 with the 5.4 V8. 13-14 MPG, but no lack of power.
In my mind the aerodynamic advantage of the shell over the open bed would make the wt issue a non-factor???
Post by: follow maggie on May 17, 2016, 06:55:18 PM
Post by: thinkingman on May 18, 2016, 09:36:17 AM
I'd build an elevated platform for the bed. There are notches in the walls of,the bed that will fit 2x6's. Plywood on top of the 2x6 base. Lift it up a little so you have some storage space underneath your bed. Then put the memory foam on top of that.Same for my Tacoma.
2x8s, 3/4" plywood covered with indoor/outdoor plywood.
I bought bins that fit perfectly under the platform for storage.
Tie paracord to the bins so when they slide forward, you can still reach them.
This isn't the most comfortable sleeping arrangement but it is practical.
BTW, 5' Toyota beds are NOT ideal.
Post by: quadrafire on May 18, 2016, 10:52:49 AM
I'd build an elevated platform for the bed. There are notches in the walls of,the bed that will fit 2x6's. Plywood on top of the 2x6 base. Lift it up a little so you have some storage space underneath your bed. Then put the memory foam on top of that.Same for my Tacoma.
2x8s, 3/4" plywood covered with indoor/outdoor plywood.
I bought bins that fit perfectly under the platform for storage.
Tie paracord to the bins so when they slide forward, you can still reach them.
This isn't the most comfortable sleeping arrangement but it is practical.
BTW, 5' Toyota beds are NOT ideal.
LOL. I'll bet
The 5 1/2 on the ford I have to sleep diagonal, but at least it keeps the weather out and the critter off .
I like the paracord idea.
Post by: whacker1 on May 18, 2016, 05:43:15 PM
Post by: grundy53 on May 18, 2016, 06:30:16 PM
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Post by: Ridgeratt on May 18, 2016, 06:32:58 PM
Another suggestion is get the carpet installed on the inside it cut's down on the condensation.
Post by: baker5150 on May 18, 2016, 06:42:12 PM
I recommend the 2 latch system on each side of the door instead of one in the middle
My GSP learned that pulling on the cable would pop the hatch. Smart little bugger.
Post by: quadrafire on May 19, 2016, 07:39:53 AM
I'm leaning toward the Leer. Looked at them yesterday. Now trying to decide b/w the 100XR which is roof height, and the 180 which is about 4 in above cab height. Carpet will be in there for sure Ridgeratt, and I'll probably go with at least the roof mounts for possible future needs.
Just gotta sell one of the kids to make it happen :yike:
Post by: thinkingman on May 20, 2016, 07:48:04 AM
That's funny Baker.My next Leer will be the 180.
I'm leaning toward the Leer. Looked at them yesterday. Now trying to decide b/w the 100XR which is roof height, and the 180 which is about 4 in above cab height. Carpet will be in there for sure Ridgeratt, and I'll probably go with at least the roof mounts for possible future needs.
Just gotta sell one of the kids to make it happen :yike:
the extra height is very desirable, unless you use parking garages.
Drive into a parking garage and check your clearance.
My truck needs to be able to do that.
Post by: thinkingman on May 20, 2016, 07:58:51 AM
This thread needs some pictures!This guy really spent some time on this bed...https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ryans-dclb-build.430550/#post-12411875 (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ryans-dclb-build.430550/#post-12411875)
Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk
Post by: pd on May 20, 2016, 07:45:41 PM
Could you post some pics ? Having trouble picturing it
Sorry, Quadrafire. It took a few days.
As I said earlier, I use a simple piece of plywood, bolted into the rails. I can pack a lot of gear up there, and save the space below for sleeping. In very bad weather I can even use a small gas stove inside the canopy (mindful of ventilation needs). The plywood sheet on the floor is only there for heavy loads, when hunting season comes, it goes out.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F1232oef.jpg&hash=10208291de5720ea6c0307210530e1acbce65d7e)
Post by: Ridgeratt on May 20, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on May 20, 2016, 08:31:53 PM
Post by: Sliverslinger on May 20, 2016, 08:48:12 PM
Post by: whacker1 on May 23, 2016, 12:46:10 PM
I love my leer and the locking mechanism is wired into the truck locks, so my FOB locks and unlocks not only all of the doors, the tailgate and canopy lock as well. I'm going to use some of these ideas though to put together a little shelving system.
tell us more: is this a Leer function or some other aftermarket company?
Post by: follow maggie on May 25, 2016, 09:37:52 AM
Post by: PolarBear on May 25, 2016, 09:49:27 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 25, 2016, 01:10:54 PM
I don't have pics but my Brother in Law has a canopy that is set up perfectly for him and my sister to camp in. The back replaces the tail gate and has a camper style door on it. On the driver's side the window has been replaced by a tool/storage box. The roof has a solar/dc powered reversible vent/fresh air fan. Across the front is a queen sized bed on a platform with drawers underneath. On the roof and along the sides are lockable storage. He has a lighting kit that looks like the inside of a limo. :chuckle: It's a pretty cool set up.When does it go from canopy to camper? :chuckle:
Post by: rosscrazyelk on May 28, 2016, 07:19:30 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 28, 2016, 07:25:55 PM
Post by: Bofire on May 29, 2016, 09:37:16 AM
Carl
Post by: Stickerbush on May 29, 2016, 12:13:48 PM
Great job
Post by: rosscrazyelk on May 30, 2016, 07:32:45 AM
Post by: quadrafire on May 31, 2016, 07:49:52 AM
I have a short bed so wouldn't work so well for me. Wish I was shorter :chuckle:
Post by: quadrafire on August 23, 2016, 07:15:49 PM
Comparing to the SnugTop thread so far I'm happy. Like I said I'll update with negatives if needed.
Post by: Russ McDonald on August 23, 2016, 08:05:22 PM
Well I went with the Leer with roof rack rails factory installed. Added the bed rug which I LOVE after having one in my last rig. There is also a headliner and the beefed up window coverings on the side and drop down slider at the front.fixed it for you so I didn't have to turn my computer to look at it.
Comparing to the SnugTop thread so far I'm happy. Like I said I'll update with negatives if needed.
Post by: quadrafire on August 23, 2016, 08:06:44 PM
Post by: Fishstiq on August 23, 2016, 08:55:08 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1117.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk596%2Fphishstiq%2FHunting%2520board%2FIMG_20160823_141540_zpsyzvpqtpd.jpg&hash=9f5ccb6514e764e0a48724abfa4c9d60a8e3f4db) (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/phishstiq/media/Hunting%20board/IMG_20160823_141540_zpsyzvpqtpd.jpg.html)
Post by: Curly on August 24, 2016, 05:07:42 AM
Here are some pics off google.
Post by: Orion on August 24, 2016, 06:48:24 AM