Topper while towing

We are looking into a Forest river ibex 19qbs . I’m thinking about a topper for everyday usage. My questions is how much is it in your way with a travel trailer when backing etc...
Also does a topper help block the frontage area and help with mileage at all? This looks to be the perfect little camper for just me and the wife.


https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/ibex/19QBS/5410

 

For the first part of question, it doesn't' bother me. But I've towed since 1977, a lot. Second part yes, maybe. I towed my T@b 320 Boondock a couple thousand miles through the Smokies last year. I did it without my topper because it was on order. A couple weeks later after receiving my topper I made another almost identical trip. With the topper I picked up about 2.5 mpg. I have a ARE MX which is a "mid highrise". whether a cab high helps I cant say.

 

A camper shell will make no difference as far as visual while towing. To back up you need to use your side mirrors. The shell does not block your vision. To see what behind your trailer again you use your side mirrors. Bottom line the shell is not in your way at all.
The shell may or may not help gas mileage. It depends on many factors'. I think any improvement in mpg if any will be minimal. A shell adds weight to your truck which may cause a small reduction in mpg.
No matter what, you are going to get crappy mileage while towing so getting a shell really won’t make much difference.
I’ve always had a shell on my trucks and tow a boat and a trailer. While towing either my boat or trailer I just don’t notice that the shell is there.
Just get your shell, tow the trailer and have fun.

 

If you are concerned about visibility, you might want to consider a tonneau cover. I have a three piece hard cover which folds up for accessibility and keeps things dry and secure in the bed. I had a topper on a previous truck and it is much easier to access things with the cover. A covers also less weight.

 

Think about a soft topper. I have had caps on all my trucks. This soft topper has way more advantages than disadvantages.

 

I agree with others that it doesn't cause much of an issue as you primarily use your mirrors when reversing; I do find that when you are wanting to put the trailer in a specific location (like returning to its parking spot at home), it could be hardly to be able to see out the back window to see the angle the trailer is from the truck, but this is easily overcome by tipping your head out the window too.

I doubt it helps with mileage; negligible at best as the trailer is a big wind block; I didn't notice any change in mileage when I first put on my canopy.