Cap dilemma

[Royk]

First let me say I've never owned a cap, so I know little about them.



I haul stuff often. Stuff that may be dumped by a front loader. I haul very tall loads of hay. This is why I don't have a cap.



But now I have a reason for wanting one. Every year we pull our boat to the coast of Maine for two weeks of vacation. We've always taken the wifes truck (currently a suburban) but this year I'd like to take "The Beast" (my wifes name for my truck). I'm starting to lose faith in the suburban. But two adults, a 4 year old kid, a Doberman, toys, luggage and all the other stuff we need just won't fit in a QC. We tried fitting the boy and the dog together in the backseat once before and will not be doing it again. The dog is too big to be in the cab. So in order for me to take my truck, I'd need a cap.



Is there such a thing as a cap that isn't real heavy so it can be put on and taken off easily? Also not real expensive? I can't see spending big $$$ for a cap thats probably going to sit on blocks in the yard for 90% of the year.



Let the suggestions flow!



-Roy

 

[RacerBiggie]

Just an idea that worked for me was checking autobody and bump shops. One near me happened to have one and asked for $100 plus $250 to paint it to match the truck. It had a small crack in the back corner but for the price I couldn't complain. It is cab high and doesn't weigh much at all, 100#'s max.

 

[Fuzzy Bear]

Check the local want ads. I found a used fiberglass cap in good condition for $500 (didn't want to bicker with the older retired gentleman). It fit fine, mathced the color right and saved me $$$$ over a new one. I do enjoy the extra dry, secure storage area. As for the weight, not difficult for me and the guy I bought it from to set it on the rails. Easy to take off the four clamps when I need to.

 

[wyosteve]

Might also try and find an aluminum one. Light enough so 1 person can remove/install and usually pretty cheap. Bought my last one for $100.

 

[BK]

I agree with wyosteve. I have a fiberglass cap and it would really take 4 guys to get it off. . heavy as heck... and you dont want to crack it... so one at each corner. I've seen crank systems, for taking them off. Attach the system to the rafters in your garage. Pull in, slip the flat bands under the bottom lip of the cap and crank it up just enough to drive out from under it.



The alum caps are SSOOOOO much lighter and cheaper.



But something I think is in between the two price wise and much easier to take on and off is a soft top. It's water proof... just not lockable for real. I tried to find a link for it... but couldnt.

 

[VicR]

convertible topper

These are kind of pricey, but I always though they were an interesting idea. Not very lockable though.







http://www.can-back.com/site/index.htm



-Vic

 

[Bill H]

Check out a place that sells caps about renting one when you need it. The place where I got mine does that. Just a thought.

 

[BK]

Yup, Vic got the link...

those are the soft tops I was thinking of.....



I thought maybe the price was a bit lower than a new fiberglass top... but much more than the tin caps...

tin tops are about 250 - 400 new around here(size/options)... the glass caps start at about $1200 and easily go up with options.



The cap was the 3rd addition I got for the Ram. The 1st was the front Warn hitch,,, second was to throw away the POS stock rear hitch for a Reese Titan... (didnt think I'd be buying and then throwing away a hitch - THANKS A LOT DC)



I just can't own a pickup without a cap. Way to usefull for me.

If I can't have a p/u with a cap... then it has to be a van.



Bob

 

[JohnE]

If you want room for a kid and a big dog in an extended cab you have to go Ford. They have a split seat in the rear.



I have a big fiberglass topper that hangs in the shed. It is great for hauling regular things , but not good for visibility and the tall things.



I went to a rail mounted tool box and an Access soft tonneau cover. I really like the versatility of the soft cover for quickly rolling it out of the way to haul tall or bulky items. I can haul tools and even a cooler in the locking tool box and easily get to them.



Put the dog in a kennel in the back and make frequent stops. You'll need the breaks for (from) the 4 YO anyway.



MHO



-John

 

[bighammer]

A second truck. One with, one without.

 

[MChaney]

check out www.rolltop.com . this is the pace edwards retractable cover which i believe is the cheapest. 2 others are roll-n-lock and retrax. they get better and more expensive in that order.

 

[BK]

I like bighammer's solution... ...

Now if I can just talk my wife into it... .

 

[RBSOB]

Cap

Roy, check your local classifieds, do you get "PaperShop" in your part of Pa. ? I use a cap like you will, on only when I need it, so I've never purchased a new one, even for a new truck. You can usually find a nice used one since the dealers really don't offer any increased trade in value for a cap. If you don't find one in time for your trip, put the dobie in a "crate" and your stuff in large Tupperwares out back and leave that GM at home! Have a great vacation in Maine and don't worry about getting stuff wet, it's been pretty dry up here in New England! Jim G.

 

[Deezul1]

If buying used make sure and measure front and rear widths unless it was on a Dodge. I believe the rear is 1. 5 inches narrower than the front and a cap off of a Ford or Chev wont fit right.

 

[Royk]

Wow, Thanks for all the replies. After posting that message the other day I had to buzz down to Milton PA where both Leer and Jeraco have cap factories. Stopped at Jeraco's factory store since Leer's was closed. Explained my story to the salesman and he suggested I look for a used one. He said I could probably find one for $50-$100. He gave me directions to one place who sells new and used caps. He also mentioned about renting one, but the closest place he knew that rented them was a bit of a haul.



Vacation isn't till Sept 7, so I'll look for used for now.



-Roy

 

[WOT]

Three years ago I was in the same boat... 2 dogs just can't ride in the back with the kids. I tend to always have junk in the back and didn't want to have a cap to take off. Here's is what I ended up with. They went out of business shortly after I got it, but I think they still sell them in Canada. I can take it completely off in about 15 minutes by myself.

 

[WOT]

And with it open (I thought I could put all pictures in one post )

 

[WOT]

And finally the back...



I really wish I could figure out how to put more than one picture on the post!

 

[Royk]

That looks interesting. Unfortunately I can find anything on the web about it. If anyone knows if they are still for sale anywhere, let me know.



-Roy

 

[FMcClaren]

RoyK

I can,t tell you were to get a cap. But i have

a heavy one and take it on and off all the time.

I got a old 2 wheel trailer and built ranks up

the same height as the truck,Hook the trailer to

the truck hitch and put small PVC pipe under cap

and roll it on or off. I leave the cap on the trailer all

the time and clamp it down.

Hope you get your problem worked out.

Frank GLTDR