To cap, or not to Cap, that is the question

[chrisb]

Get the 122 and a good utility trailer. Then you can do anything you want with it.

[Aglifter]

A) Don't get tinted windows in it -- by the time you have tinted rear glass plus tinted windows in a cap, you can't see behind you at night.

B) Be prepared to take it on and off quite a bit -- for camping, I wouldn't really want one higher than the cab.

C) The high rise ones do help w. mileage, esp. when pulling a "box" utility trailer -- unless you're trying to get somewhere really rugged, I second the trailer idea. If you are going some place that rugged, your trucks, probably, already too large, but if you're taking it, I really don't think a "high" cab will make it.

[Fivetoes]

I have nothing to add about the cap, but do not get a ribbed bedliner with it. You will have to climb up to the front of the bed to retrieve something and the ribbed liner is pretty rough on the knees.

[cu74]

I've got a sprayed in liner. I'm investing in cargo keepers, trust me.

Before you go spending your money on cargo keepers, take another look at the bed. My little F-150 has a vertical "slot" on either side about two feet in from the tailgate. Drop a length of 2X12 in the slots and you have the poor man's cargo keeper. Dodge may have that nifty little feature ...

[ButchS1066]

I like having a cap for when I need it, but 90% of the time mine is sitting on blocks behind the shop.

[Lokidude]

Personally, I have no desire to cap a truck again, however, I'm the only member of my family of that opinion. Having done numerous caps, I'll say go no less than the mid-rise, and a big guy like you might benefit from the tall one.

[Netpackrat]

I've had a canopy on pretty much every truck I have ever owned, and wouldn't want one any other way. My '73 pickup is on its third, having rattled to pieces two others (both aluminum). Current one is a Brahma fiberglass unit like the high rise one Chris posted, that I picked up used a few years ago. Never liked that style before, but this one was convenient and I've grown to enjoy having the extra height inside. My truck gets 10-11mpg loaded, unloaded, uphill, downhill, independent of wind direction, so I can't speak to any possible fuel economy difference between the types.

[blackeagle603]

Get yourself over to the coast for a visit with Mike, Tom and me. Hey, any excuse to get down to Hodads for to try their a single bacon cheese and o'rings, no?

While you're passing through El Cajon get yourself a custom Callen Camper spec'd out and ordered. Nothing like having an insulated steel frame structure. Just in case you want pump a/c or heat into or perhaps rest your rig upside down on the camper -- a Callen will support your truck.

link

[SeekHer]

I thought that when hauling it is better to have a cap on because the wind stream gets into the bed and hits the tailgate and therefore you use more fuel--why they have those mesh nets for rear gates or gates with louvers in them...

The higher up the cap extends above the cab roof also increases wind drag and lowers fuel economy...

My in-laws travel with an Alaskan (pop up) Camper shell that is just above the cab when travelling and cranks to a 6'8" when they stop for the night or rest stops for meals...

There are a number of companies that use that concept--methods differ--on straight caps and I agree, that if possible, get an insulated one...

Alaskan.net
Four Wheel
Hallmark
Northstar
Outfitter Mfg.
Panther
Phoenix
Pine Mountain

Granted these are camper shells but you can get them without anything but the shell...Gives you the best of both worlds--height and economy...

I have found these to be the best storage bins for vehicles and I know of at least 5 copycats...

Truck Vault

I've got a single riser with a futon mattress on top and use that for a overnight camper or for an afternoon snooze between pushing bush for deer...This is an old Dodge club cab with full length box...They used to make a club cab storage locker deal that used (or not) the rear seats which I didn't bother ordering...

In this day and age, with the economy as screwed as it is, most companies will customize (to an extent) to get your business...

[Ben Rumson]

My truck gets 10-11mpg loaded, unloaded, uphill, downhill, independent of wind direction, so I can't speak to any possible fuel economy difference between the types.

I don't think the extra height really makes a difference on a torqued up diesel. Unless you're going to start hauling freight coast to coast, I wouldn't worry about it.