? for shell/cap owners with dogs

Just a quick question for those of us who own a cap and have dogs ride in the back.

Im almost ready to purchase a new cap and I'm wondering if I should get the interior of the shell carpeted? Since i have two golden retrievers that tend to shed a lot, would the hair just stick to the carpet like crazy? Am I better off just going without even though I plan on sleeping/camping outta the shell?

Thanks for the help!

 

Snugtop XV with sliding windows AND SLIDING SCREENS - a must for the dogs. My Lab loves it back there, sticks his head out sometimes, lays down sometimes. His hair never really gets in the carpted headliner that I've noticed. Just leave the windows open for a day when you are done with him back there to let the dog stink get out.

 

The dogs wont be rubbing up against the shell walls so shedding shouldn't be a problem. Carpeted would be better insulation. Make sure you put something down in the bed (old or cheap carpet, bed mat or something) so they dont slide around! Do the DC come with a rear window slider? If the do you can put a bike inner tube between shell and cab and AC or heat the shell for the dogs.

 

That's a great idea with the sliding screens. I don't think the other major brands do that. I almost figured i'd have to remove the screens completely (which is probably a pain to install and reinstall all the time) or at the worst, cut and roll them out of the way. Good to know about the hair sticking to the carpet and thanks for the tip about Snugtops.

I definitely thought carpet would make for better insulation, especially with the cold winter season we have here in Ontario, Canada. I was a little concerned not having it carpeted for that very reason. I already have the OEM bed mat which is great in the summer time but during the winter months i plan to put old carpet on top the bed mat. The dogs should be fine with that. Excellent idea with the bike inner tube between the shell and the cab. I plan on trying that out!

 

I always get the shell with carpet. Just added this one to my 14 day new truck. I have 2 Labs that ride in the back.

 

the carpet is easy to clean... i wouldnt worry about it...

 

Your truck looks good with that shell. Were you worried about not getting the 50/50 slider? So far no issues with their hair getting stuck in the carpet?

That's good to know, thank you!

 

Just keep heat or AC on fresh air and it will flow thru the shell without any open windows. I just turn the fan on higher.

 

Leer has screen guards .. basically a heavy rubberized waffle pattern .. that installs over the stock screens. With open windows, they still get your dog air, but can take a beating, and are secure (you're dog won't be getting through them).

As for the carpeting .. the carpeting is like an insulation for the shell. I've been in both uncarpeted and carpeted fiberglass shells, and the difference in temp is definitely noticeable. It's worth it to get your shell carpeted.

 

In the summer i just plan on keeping the windows wide open without screens in and then in the winter i will probably try that trick. That or purchase a cheap 9-volt heater that i could run back there.

I thought about going that route with the heavy duty screens that Leer offers but i'm really thinking it would be more beneficial to just remove the screens altogether so that the dogs can just hang their heads out whenever they want. I just want make sure the screens can be reinstalled when i'm camping. Is that possible with Leer shells?

Thanks for the info on the difference between having carpet or not. I really think it'll make a big difference especially with the cold winters we have here.

 

no headliner ftw.

 

Not easily. They're held in place with rubber beading (like how a house screen is affixed to it's frame. So they can be replaced if ripped. But they're not meant to be removed on a regular basis. Now as for sliding screens, I don't know if Leer offers them or not.

You know another good thing to get for the pups is a Bedrug mat .. not the whole Bedrug system (which is like $300) but just the floor and tailgate portions. They're really tough, easy to clean, and since they are contoured to the ribs in the bed, it provides a flat cushiony surface. And the carpet provides grip. I've had one in the back of my truck for the last 1 1/2 years, and I haul the dog, I've hauled rock, and of course camping gear and groceries .. and it still looks good as new. Plus it's great to sleep on. And since you'll have a shell, there's no need to velcro it down to the bed, so it's easy to remove, and hose (it's all synthetic) or vacuum off.

 

I have a leer with carpet and the sliding windows. I love my top but the only thing you should be aware of with carpet is if you take your dogs swimming and they are still wet they will shake in your truck and get the carpet wet. Over time it does start to smell if you don't air it out after dogs get in. I also leave my sliding windows open for a day or so after hauling my dogs. Just my .02

 

Nice rig! Windoors FTW eh!

I was worried that the screens on these sliders would be set up as a house screen. That definitely doesn't make it easy to remove and install on a constant basis. I'm quite sure SnugTop is the only brand that offers a sliding screen window which i'd really prefer. I'm surprised the other brands haven't caught on to that and offer the same thing. Unfortunately, i don't think there is a dealer here in Ontario, Canada for Snugtops so i may have to cross the border into Michigan to purchase one there.

Thanks for the great info about the BedRug. I'll definitely make sure i pick one up. (just for the floor and tail gate though). I think that would work really well for my application and since they come out of the box easily plus they are easy to clean its really a no brainer for me. I'm assuming just the floor piece would be around $150?

I'm sure i'll have the same problem as you too. I bring my dogs to the lake usually once a week and i'm sure they'll be shaking around back there like crazy. I'll definitely heed your advice and leave the windows open for a day or so afterwards. (it helps that i have a garage for this to)