Hey all,

I just purchased a 2011 F150 KR (white platinum) with 5.5 ft bed and am in the market for a truck cap. The truck cap will be used mainly for hauling around my dogs, but also for storing luggage, tailgating supplies, and other various things that need to be locked up. (I used to drive a 07 Edge that I still have access to for these things, but it's a pain to go get it every time)

I have read several pages of topics in this forum and have gained a much greater understanding of truck caps and all the options that go with them. I think I have narrowed the cap down to an A.R.E. (I have heard good things about Leer as well, but many threads on here seem to favor A.R.E. caps). I apologize if my question has been answered in some form or the other before, and I appreciate all your replies and helpful suggestions.

Anyway, I was hoping to get some suggestions from those of you who have caps (ARE or not) on what options and styles may be best for the above uses. I really like the looks of the A.R.E. Z series, but having an opening windoor on at least one side seems like it would be handy for me (and the dogs), however you cannot get this option on a Z series. The CX series allows for this option but in my opinion doesn't look as streamlined as the Z series.

Also, for any of you that carry dogs in the back of truck with the cap, do you have any suggestions for keeping them cool/warm back there. I have seen the boot option and am worried about it tearing up the paint as others have alluded to.

I know this is a very loaded post but thanks for any help you can give. I'm going to go to the local line-x store this week to see options (they sell leer and A.R.E. caps)

Thanks!

 

I just bought the Ranch fiberglas tonneau and had it painted to match my limited edition Tuxedo black, looks sharp..~$900...

 

That's a really good price. I'll have to check them out. I was just looking at what the dealers had around here. Maybe they sell Ranch.

Ever carrying dogs back there?

 

As far as the dog(s) I open the side windows on my cap if it's warm out, and I will open the slider to cab and cap if really warm out and it's worked well pulling cooler air through. Most of my trips with the dog are usually on the short side. I put a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet on the bed floor, cut to fit which works perfect for traction for the dog. They sell it by the foot on carpet rolls at HD or the big box home improvement stores and it's cheap. My dog loves winter and pants even in freezing temps so don't worry so much about the colder weather. I just leave the windows shut of course.

 

wolverine08, Sounds good I'll have to check it out. Most of our trips with the dogs will be on the short side as well. We live about 2 miles from the dog park, 15 minutes or so to the vet. I was mainly worried about how much cool air would get back there with the front window on the cap down, but sounds like that may not be a problem unless its really hot and we are going a long way. I have labs and they love the cold and snow too, so the winter I guess will be fine for them too.

Thanks for the info

 

If it's that hot out, I'm not going riding or hiking so the dog stays home as well. I did have him out the last couple weeks when temps were in the mid eighties, no problems, and like I said the a/c on in the cab with the rear sliders opened it really wasn't too bad back there. It can get really hot really fast with the cap closed off parked, so let it cool off a bit when loading up to go or coming back. I keep a cold jug of H2O back there as well and an old rubbermaid container for the dog. The carpet works like a charm, it is ribbed, and not the pile, heavy nylon stuff you usually see. I've had that carpet going on 3 trucks now and it wears super good.