Cap or not to Cap?

I had a pick up and cap before getting the Excursion. One of the things that concerned me about a suv was hauling things, then I realized that I hadnt taken the shell off my pickup in 8 years.

I built a rack to store the cap when I did take it off. I used 4 4x4s as corner post, just wider than my truck and just shorter than the cap. I attached a 2x4 between each side post. I could back the truck between the "rack", lift one end of the cap and slide a 2x4 between the cap and rack. Then move to the other end of the cap. I used the same clamps to attach the cap to the bed or the rack, then ran a wood screw in each support 2x4 into the racks 2x4. It worked great and I could do it by myself in about 15 minutes.

I kept a rake in the bed to be able to reach items that roll to the front of the bed. I also made a couple thin L brackets which I would put between the top of the bed and bottom of the cap. Worked great for holding a few fishing rods. Another great upgrade was to install a short LED light strip above the lift gate.

mkirsch wrote:
Caps are only as permanent as the availability of four strong backs to lift it off, or your creativity in hoisting it off mechanically.

I can think of a LOT of things to haul that are too tall for a cap, but would not be dumped in by a wheel loader:

1. Refrigerator or other kitchen appliance.
2. Tractor tires.
3. Riding lawn mower.
4. Motorcycle.
5. Fence panels.

A utility trailer is another thing to store, maintain, license... especially if you don't have the space.

Yup I agree, but those things listed fit quite nicely in a dump /utility trailer with built in ramps and lower to the ground than the bed of a pickup. I tow lots and also carry lots inside my cap including a place to sleep if on a trip without my travel trailer. out of the weather,and blacked out windows so contents are a lot safer than just sitting in the open pickup bed. Plus with a trailer you don't worry as much sitting under a wheel loader waiting for the load to drop into or almost into the bed of the pickup.

Campfire Time wrote:

Mr.Beebo wrote:
No change in gas mileage using the shell.

Thanks for sharing that. I too wondered about any additional aerodynamic benefit. I don't think too many have any good way to compare. Most either always had the cap or they didn't. I didn't have the cap more than 2 weeks and we hadn't yet towed with it at the time.

I have spoken with some folks who did think mpgs should improve as they believed it helps divert the airflow around the sides of the camper. The truth of the matter is that there is still that 5' or so gap between the rear of the truck and the front of the camper. Wind turbulence still collects there. I hand calculate my mileage at every fuel stop and it hasn't gone up or down a bit since installing the topper.

Caps are only as permanent as the availability of four strong backs to lift it off, or your creativity in hoisting it off mechanically.

I can think of a LOT of things to haul that are too tall for a cap, but would not be dumped in by a wheel loader:

1. Refrigerator or other kitchen appliance.
2. Tractor tires.
3. Riding lawn mower.
4. Motorcycle.
5. Fence panels.

A utility trailer is another thing to store, maintain, license... especially if you don't have the space.

Before going to a truck camper, I towed a bumper pull toy hauler. The truck bed was always covered with a construction grade canopy to hold extra or dirty items I did not want to carry in the toy hauler. Mine used full length barn doors in back and side doors with windows on both sides. This allowed easy access to most of the bed without having to climb in. I had a choice of going with fiberglass or steel, but opted for .040 aluminum which gave it strength but was light enough for me install and remove myself. I don't think they still offer .040 skin (now .035) since they were bought by Leer. http://www.centurycaps.com/?d=23&dt=58

Lots of cap users chiming in. Is it that RV.net has more members with caps? Or are the non-cap owners just not responding? In campgrounds I see it split about 50/50. Just an observation.

Mr.Beebo wrote:
No change in gas mileage using the shell.

Thanks for sharing that. I too wondered about any additional aerodynamic benefit. I don't think too many have any good way to compare. Most either always had the cap or they didn't. I didn't have the cap more than 2 weeks and we hadn't yet towed with it at the time.

I had a tool box on my 2500 when I first bought it. That lasted about a week. Even though I am 6'2, with the height of the bed the truck box was about useless.
I have the ARE shell, with rear vented windows. Use the shell for gear and our two dogs. No change in gas mileage using the shell.

Just read your short bed or long bed post, 3500- no need to worry about payload unless you have a super heavy 28' trailer! And take cords of wood! Lol

Do you have access to a utility trailer to haul larger items when needed?

What truck did you get, and what is the aprox tw of the trailer? As 1oldtruck mentioned, caps eat up payload. A 1500 truck w/ aprox 1500 lbs of payload and a heavier trailer can easily put you over the gvwr, and push the limits of the ra! Weight adds up very quickly as a lot of us have learned.

We had this exact situation with our '10- 1500 Silverado 4x4: 1550 lbs payload, 920 lbs tw, cab high cap, spray in bed liner, mud flaps, step bars, WeatherTech floor mats, 4 bikes in the bed, with my wife and twin 10yo boys, we were over the gvrw by up to 200lbs!

For us though a cap just seems to work better which is part of the reason we now have a 2500HD. We have a utility trailer to haul larger items when needed. And more room when heading to the cabin that is in the bush up in Ont. It's boat or snowmobile across the lake, so everything is packed in rubbermaid tubs for a dry adventure across the lake!

Good luck deciding!

I'm a cap kinda guy.
I have a bed slide that slides out the back to get to stuff (I use storage tubs).
The cap is my trunk.
Pat