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Functional Bed Rack/Topper Suggestions

RoryC

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I am looking for a rack or topper that can meet a few criteria for keeping the bed functional for work and fun. The perfect one may not exist, but I will take close enough. I have seen a bunch of great ones, but I have not seen once that integrates or is built to work with a roof rack.

  • I can put my dog in it and not worry about him jumping out, not get cooked in the summer (ventilation), suffer frostbite/hypothermia in the winter (protection)
  • Carry 4x8 pieces of plywood
  • Integrates with a roof rack and has the same height for topping longer ladders, kayaks, pipe/conduit etc
  • Has a way to close off either being solid or with a fabric to camp in. Won't be mounting a tent.
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RoryC

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Wildtop might be a good option. https://www.wild-top.com/
I don’t think that would solve the dog problem. I saw this on my FB feed and it’s pretty darn close. I would need the Smart Cap with the little windows and the rack system is not aesthetically pleasing. It would work if it had better styling.

Also, I realize that is not a Gladiator in the picture. The internet has made me defensive ?

Jeep Gladiator Functional Bed Rack/Topper Suggestions IMG_6501
 

jc1986

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I don’t think that would solve the dog problem. I saw this on my FB feed and it’s pretty darn close. I would need the Smart Cap with the little windows and the rack system is not aesthetically pleasing. It would work if it had better styling.

Also, I realize that is not a Gladiator in the picture. The internet has made me defensive ?

IMG_6501.jpeg
That’s fair.
i think those might be Molle mounting points and not windows. That would be cool though.
 

D57

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Softopper and the rack they sell with it? The softopper has sides that roll up easily that exposes the frame… keeps dogs in but pretty much open air with shade on top.

Jeep Gladiator Functional Bed Rack/Topper Suggestions IMG_7328
 

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RoryC

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That’s definitely a different view. That could work.
 
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There's a few bed racks out there that are Softopper compatible besides the Datin Fab listed on the Softopper site. I literally just ordered my softopper about 2hrs ago...waiting to get it installed so I can take measurements and order my @KB Voodoo CXR 4 pack rack with the TMAP bars.

and Softopper makes a doggy window kit to cut out so they can stick their head through the rear window...
 

JRobes

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Doesn't a typical hard topper like the A.R.E. CX work for your needs? Can have sliding side windows for ventilation, can order with tracks and crossbars on top that match up well enough to cab mounted crossbars, and can still slide in a 4x8 ft sheet from the back. If you order the flip up side windows it'll help with reaching into the bedsides near the front of the bed.

I went with the A.R.E. with top cross bars, flip up side windows, carpeted inside, and full bedrug and love it, wouldn't do anything different.

Jeep Gladiator Functional Bed Rack/Topper Suggestions Capture.PNG
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