Best topper for camping

I'm planning on getting a topper for my DCLB and I'd like to be able to camp in it as well. So I have a few questions for more experienced truck campers.

1. Is the extra headroom really worth it? I think the topper being taller than the cab looks a little weird. Can I do without the extra headspace? I'm 5'11".

2. Are there any models available with rooftop vents or sunroofs? Would be awesome to get extra airflow and see the stars.

3. What window style is the best for ventilation? What about during rain?

4. Are there any other features I haven't mentioned that would be ideal for camping in a topper?

Thanks!

 

I have a leer 180R. It has the little rise as you can see in my photo there. The extra headroom is great if you are going to put your platform over the wheel wells. Over the wheel wells is a must if you plan to sleep 2 people. That equates to a queen size mattress. Some people call this coffin sleeping. With the extra headroom it's pretty nice. You can get away without the extra rise if it's only solo trips and you build up storage over the wheel wells and you sleep on the bed floor. That's about a single/twin sized mattress. Either way the extra inches are really nice for me and I'm 5'10.

I don't have rooftop vents or a sun roof and I'm not sure those exists but if you sleep with your head by the tailgate you can see the stars. Other nice things to have are windoors. These flip up so you can access the inside of your truck bed without having to crawl inside. I only got one side with them and I wish I had them on both sides. I am in the process of making a mesh that will velcro to the cab (make sure to get the carpet inside the cap so you can velcro things and run wires) so I can keep the windoor open and keep the bugs out. Leer makes a windoor with a slider on it which is the most expensive option but it could be super nice. My right side has a screen slider for ventilation and my front window by the cab opens as well. I can get a nice through draft keeping those open.

 

I have an ARE CX topper on a short bed actually and I sleep in it all of the time. Since I only sleep in it and don't hang in there, I am okay with the lack of head room, but every now and then I do wish I had a couple of extra inches.

Other than that, the things I think are pretty good are:

1: Windows with screens so you can have them open in buggy areas.
2: A window that opens in the front so you can access your cab during the middle of the night. This is also good for rain since rain has a hard time getting in through the gap between topper and truck.
3: Some sort of light source. Right now I have a battery powered light, but I am flirting with the idea of putting in an LED strip.

I know you have a long bed, but for anyone looking at this thread with a short bed like me, I put a platform in over the wheel wells and fit a thin full sized memory foam mattress in the back with the last ~16" chopped off. This fits me (6'0") perfectly lying diagonally. I built a little extension and tent as well that fits the last 16" of mattress if I want to fit two people.

 

I've got a DCSB and I really enjoy the extra headroom with my Leer 180 mid rise.

Windoors weren't available when I bought it, but I would get them now. The sliders work fine though.

I would recommend a cargo net stretched across the ceiling...it's great for hanging & storing things.

And definitely get the carpeted lining & removable front slider window.

 

thread jack, sorry!

can you give me some details on the extension and tent setup you use? I have a DCSB and sleep alone in it fine on a platform with foam, but with the girlfriend we still have to set up a tent and in some spots I like, it's really not ideal. I'd love some info on your setup.

How did you attach your cargo net? I've been too nervous to drill into my Leer, but I'd love to know how you did yours.

 

The extension is a wooden platform with a little tent. Here is a picture of the extension without the tent. I sewed the tent myself haha it basically attaches to the extension and connects to the inside of the topper to keep rain out. If you want a picture of the tent let me know and I can try and take one later.

 

I have Yakima plates (artificial rain gutters) attached to my cap. I used the bolts to attach clips that hold the net in place.

You can get rack rails installed at the factory with most cap companies. Racks are great...but if you don't want one now, you'd be in a position to install on later.

 

Here's what it looks like from the inside. I bought the knobs (they attach to the bolts holding those landing pads to my cap) to hold the corner of the net. It's not as even as those with the full tracks that run the full length of the cap, but it works very well. Those hooks are great for hanging lots of things.

 

My girlfriend and I camp in mine. I just throw a regular twin mattress and sleeping bags back there. I'm 5'9" and she is way short, so it works for us, but I could see 2 people having trouble, especially if they were 6'+ and chubby.

As far as the taller models of toppers, you might consider one if a) you plan on putting a thick mattress back there or b) you have a tall spine. I know that sounds funny, but a lot of tall people are only taller because of their femurs, which wouldn't be much of an issue while sitting upright.

In most of the topper threads, almost everyone says to get the "windoors" that open from the outside and allow easy bed access. No friggin' way I'd want those for camping. I have sliders on each side with screens, which is excellent for allowing as much fresh air as you want inside at night, while keeping all the bugs out.

Edited: looking at the post above mine, I wish I would have gotten whatever option it is that has those nubs on the ceiling. I'd like to put a cargo net up there, but I have nothing to anchor it to, and don't like thinking about drilling into the ceiling and potentially compromising the rainproof roof!

 

One other thing you can do if you put an aftermarket rail system on the truck is use longer bolts on the inside of the truck and use the thin galvanized angle iron you can find at hardware stores with a bunch of holes in it and attach it from one bolt to another with and extra nut.

I have a Leer topper for my short bed that I will camp in when I'm in CO hunting. I'm 5 11 and have to sleep at an angle in the truck using a thermarest pad and a sleeping bag. I open the front window and will also crack the side windows and I still get a good amount of condensation build up in it. With the picture above with the carpeted ceiling the condensation might not be as noticeable. I do have to remove all the coolers and tubs out of the truck when I sleep in the back. It is simple easy and quick which is nice after a long day hiking in the mountains.

 

Same here!