Truck cap and getting air back there for dogs?

[draxus]

Has anyone had any luck with one of those inflatable boots that go between the back window and the cap? Does it keep enough cabin air back there? Trying to think of a fan would blow enough cabin air.... maybe redirect an air vent to the bed? Anyone tackle this?

Sponsored

 

[dcmdon]

Someone a couple of months back used adhesive backed sponge weatherstripping to seal between the Jeep window and the cap.

I've been trying to come up with ways to keep my dog comfortable back there.

I'm now kicking myself for not getting the rear bed 110v receptacle since a simple electric blanket would have solved my winter problems.

 

[draxus]

Someone a couple of months back used adhesive backed sponge weatherstripping to seal between the Jeep window and the cap.

I've been trying to come up with ways to keep my dog comfortable back there.

I'm now kicking myself for not getting the rear bed 110v receptacle since a simple electric blanket would have solved my winter problems.

great idea with the blanket... maybe you can add the outlet?

 

[Kevin_D]

I'm now kicking myself for not getting the rear bed 110v receptacle since a simple electric blanket would have solved my winter problems.

The 400W inverter won’t run an electric blanket, unless inverters have improved greatly in the last few years. I experimented a while back, wanting to use an electric blanket in my RV, and even a 2kW inverter wouldn’t cut it.

I do, however, have a 12V electric throw. Not as big or as warm as a blanket, but it keeps my better half toasty riding in the passenger seat.

Kevin

 

[869 KPH]

My latest dream is to use the Tazer to enable the cargo camera input and then set it to a camera in the pups crate back there so I don't worry about her so much.

 

[dcmdon]

My latest dream is to use the Tazer to enable the cargo camera input and then set it to a camera in the pups crate back there so I don't worry about her so much.

I understand the desire to watch the dog. But if you have a crate trained dog and a good crate, then there really isn't much to worry about.

It wouldn't be much fun for me because all he does is curl up into a ball and go to sleep when he's riding in the crate.

If he hears me turn onto a dirt road he loses his shit because he thinks he's going hunting or hiking. But that's a happy melt down. and frankly I'll be happy to not have to listen to it. ha.

Also, my guy is really good at pooping on command so he rarely has to get into the crate for a long ride without having gone within the previous couple of hours. And our trips aren't that long. 3 hrs at the max.

 

[BirdDog]

I am a member of NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Assoc) and almost everyone has a bed cap on their truck. I would say A.R.E. and Leer are the most common. I looked at the RSI smart cap but saw some instances where they leaked since they are multiple pieces so I ordered the A.R.E. which I am having installed next week. I ordered the front sliding window and the Outdoorsman side windows that both open out and have a sliding window for air circulation. I know at least one guy who has used the inflatable sealer between the cab and the top and he claims it works well. I think most people just open the rear cab sliding window and the front sliding window of the cap along with the side sliding windows and they have no problem with excess heat while moving. I would also recommend getting the liner on the cap for insulation. Some of the guys have fans that attach to their dog kennels but most use something like the Dewalt fans (https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-Jobsi...ocphy=9008162&hvtargid=pla-1456978980178&th=1). The funny thing is that I am originally from FL and I never saw anyone with a fan for their dog until I moved to VA. The over heating risk is real. There was an instance last year at one of the NAVHDA tests where someone placed two dogs in one kennel (first mistake) and left the kennel in the shade but failed to check back and when the sun moved both dogs died. Very tragic. I will post a pic of my set up once it is installed.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Unless it’s WAY below zero and a very long drive, can I ask why this is a concern? My dogs go outside to play and lay in snowbanks by choice for hours. It’s their happiest place ever. They mourn winter wen the snow melts. They have fit costs to keep them warm. Ours both do great under the topper. Are the dogs in question hairless. just having fun, but genuinely asking. Why do dogs need heaters for reasonably short car rides?

 

[PlayfulBird]

With us it is the other way around. Sub zeros no problems, but I am trying to find a way to cool the car without letting it run to keep the AC going(people getting on my case because of legality in Germany and also about damaging the vehicle ?!?)

 

[WILDHOBO]

With us it is the other way around. Sub zeros no problems, but I am trying to find a way to cool the car without letting it run to keep the AC going(people getting on my case because of legality in Germany and also about damaging the vehickle ?!?)

For warmer temps I have a screen that replaces the back window of the topper. We use it for longer drives when we have the dogs in the summer.

 

[BirdDog]

I agree, the main concern is heat not cold especially if you have more than one dog. They give off a lot of body heat.

 

[FinnYyatt]

I am a member of NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Assoc) and almost everyone has a bed cap on their truck. I would say A.R.E. and Leer are the most common. I looked at the RSI smart cap but saw some instances where they leaked since they are multiple pieces so I ordered the A.R.E. which I am having installed next week. I ordered the front sliding window and the Outdoorsman side windows that both open out and have a sliding window for air circulation. I know at least one guy who has used the inflatable sealer between the cab and the top and he claims it works well. I think most people just open the rear cab sliding window and the front sliding window of the cap along with the side sliding windows and they have no problem with excess heat while moving. I would also recommend getting the liner on the cap for insulation. Some of the guys have fans that attach to their dog kennels but most use something like the Dewalt fans (https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-Jobsi...ocphy=9008162&hvtargid=pla-1456978980178&th=1). The funny thing is that I am originally from FL and I never saw anyone with a fan for their dog until I moved to VA. The over heating risk is real. There was an instance last year at one of the NAVHDA tests where someone placed two dogs in one kennel (first mistake) and left the kennel in the shade but failed to check back and when the sun moved both dogs died. Very tragic. I will post a pic of my set up once it is installed.

what was the result of this? How do you like the cap? I was thinking of putting an icy breeze back there and run the hoses to their Ruffland. They also have ryobi fans.
Pics?

 

[BirdDog]

Works great. The side windows and back window all lift up for when you are parked. I have a Ryobi fan with an extra battery that I use. The side windows also slide open for when you are driving. You can also open the rear sliding window on the Jeep and the front sliding window on the bed cap to get AC to the back. You can buy an inflatable gasket that you put between the back glass of the truck and the bed cap so you don’t lose airflow.

 

[BirdDog]

What we do for our dogs

 

[yfarm]

https://breezerwindows.com/camper-shell-window/
I live in deep south Texas with bird dogs. Keep thinking about a topper and completely removing the rear window of the glad and front of the topper to air condition the bed. This system seems to be engineered to provide a flexible seal.

Sponsored