camper shell and dogs

I'm going to put a camper shell on my truck. I'm thinking about getting a boot on it so that I can open both windows and let the cool air from inside the truck into the back to help keep my dog cool. Has anyone tried this? How did it work for you? If not, any other suggestions on keeping your dog cool in the back when you are driving?

 

I always keep my dog in the back in his crate. I soak a towel for him to lay on when it's really hot. I see you are in the Mojave desert, that's going to be a challenge to keep the pets cool I imagine. Hopefully you get some good responses.

 

A boot will let some cool air get back there, but not as much as you would think. The camper top should have screens, keep open to help move the air. An auxiliary fan in back is also a good idea. It’s tough to keep it cool back there if it is really hot outside. Most people keep them up front for this reason. Remove your boot when not in use, they can rub the paint .

 

Most of the time he rides in the back seat with it folded down. I do this when we go hunting. We are taking a long family trip this summer up to Montana. My 12 yo daughter would be more comfortable if he didn't share the back seat with her, so I'm trying to figure something out.

 

I’m dealing with the same issue. I’m doing a number of mods to make this work. I’ve installed a forward opening roof vent (mill supply) https://www.millsupply.com/hingeless-aluminum-2-way-vent-v648al.php?p=8621.

I also am covering all the windows in the topper with reflective insulation.

I am running a metal dog create in the box that I have installed a large fan on the front to push air thru it

Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze - 12 Volt Fan

https://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-V...+crate+fan&dpPl=1&dpID=51Iii2SvjlL&ref=plSrch.

When it’s really hot I will put a bag of block ice in with the dogs to aid in cooling and so they can lick it. I also spray the dogs down with a mister to keep them damp.

I monitor the temp in the box area with a remote temp gauge I have mounted in the cab so I always know how hot it is.

$24 AcuRite 02043 Digital Thermometer with Indoor/Outdoor Temperature,Black

https://www.amazon.com/AcuRite-Digi...=8-25&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=AcuRite

I run the topper side windows open, and check on the dogs often when traveling.

 

Nice job, happy puppy.

 

Yeah, as others said, even with a boot, not enough of the cool air comes from the passenger compartment through the back window. Get a canopy with windows that fully open and monitor those temps. Even with my canopy windows open, the temps climb in back. I'd love ti build some kind of swamp cooler back there.

 

Drove 10 years with just a gasket and no windows at all (removed cab window and no cap front window) with zero issues. I put fabric drape in its place

 

I’ve been thinking about a swamp cooler as well. There are a bunch a great examples on YouTube, not sure how effective they are though.

Love your setup BTW

 

you could just open the rear windows

 

After a period of monitoring temps in my topper area, I agree it helps to have them open, but not enough on their own to safely transport dogs when it’s hot

 

leave them at home on the couch in the AC?

 

I made a template for the window. My mother in law is sewing up a few styles using some different materials for me. Hoping I can get it to spring into place and hold securely. Then using a fan to draw the air in from the cab. Having a white shell helps keep temps cooler too.

It does help, even with the plastic template taped together But it's really only for the rare instance I have to move all 4 of my dogs in an emergency.

 

Thats a big mother fan!

 

My suggestion is to put a rack or something over the top of the shell.
The air gap in between the rack and the shell will help keep it cooler inside.
Consider putting solar panels up there with a battery insde, you're set to put an inverter to run fans or whatever. ..

 

Looks like the front off of a P-51.

 

For $15 or so from lowes it wedged in there nicely. It's big but it gets hot here in socal. And it's only in there with the dogs.

 

http://www.ryobi.com.au/products/details/18v-one-misting-fan

Try one of these. It sits on top of a 5 gal. bucket.
A buddy of mine has one a swears by it. Takes it to the beach. The run time is great.

 

I'm an idiot, I've got a couple of those in my shed. I've only used them a few times. Gonna try it.

 

Sorry folks, I tend to be a little stupid about my best friend, but I find a way to keep him in the cab with me. That way he's as cool as I am in the summer and as warm as I am when we come out of the duck swamps in the coldest part of winter. He deserves that much, right?