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Hauling Dogs in Hot Weather with an A.R.E. Cap - Best Ideas?...

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by JOHN911, May 18, 2016.

  1. May 18, 2016 at 9:06 PM
    #1
    JOHN911

    JOHN911 [OP] New Member

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    I just bought a new 2016 Crewmax, and ordered an A.R.E. Z series cap. My cab has a power rear window, and I was wondering if anyone knows of any special options or accessories that I should include before the cap is installed to allow me to get some cool air back there for the dogs on a hot summer day?
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  2. May 19, 2016 at 6:49 AM
    #2
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I have an A.R.E. topper. Forgot what series, but mine has the screened side windows that slide open to allow a good flow of air to keep my dog from overheating.
     
  3. May 19, 2016 at 7:17 AM
    #3
    JOHN911

    JOHN911 [OP] New Member

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    The top that I ordered has screened side windows, but they are vent windows that only open up a few inches.
     
  4. May 19, 2016 at 7:32 AM
    #4
    bj46-taco-tundra

    bj46-taco-tundra New Member

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    Make sure you add the slide front glass. With the design of my snugtop, there is almost an unintentional top scoop design around the bed light that forces air down and threw the front slide window and then exits at the rear through the screened slides.

    I even enjoy being able to have my dog pop his head into the cab when I drop my rear glass down and he pops his head in for a quick hello.
     
  5. May 19, 2016 at 7:53 AM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Mine came with a drop down front window too. My sliding side windows open up about 18".
     
  6. May 19, 2016 at 8:17 AM
    #6
    JOHN911

    JOHN911 [OP] New Member

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    I just changed my order to request the sliding tilt down from window. I've asked the installation shop if the sliding lock could be placed on the outside of the cap, so that I can open it from the back seat of my cab. Reason for this is because I will have a heavy double dog box that I will be leaving in my truck bed pretty much all of the time. It is heavy and cumbersome, and I would highly prefer to not have to move this out of the bed every time I want to open the sliding window. I'm also going to have a boot placed between the cap and the truck cab, to make sure that some of my cab air can circulate into the bed on very hot days. My installer will put some clear 3M tape around the area where the boot will rest against the paint to protect it.

    If there is anyone reading this that sees any potential problems with this plan, or has any suggestions to improve it, please let me know.
     
  7. May 19, 2016 at 8:19 AM
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    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Sounds like you are on the right track. The boot is a good idea too.
     
  8. May 19, 2016 at 8:20 AM
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    JOHN911

    JOHN911 [OP] New Member

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    Your sliding windows in your style of cap are much more functional for air flow than mine will be. That is why it is so important to me to have some air flow from the front of my cap circulating in. To be honest, the reason why I ordered the Z series cap is because I just like the looks of it. It is the closest thing that I have found to make the truck's final appearance look like an SUV, rather than a truck with a cap.
     
    driverdog likes this.
  9. May 19, 2016 at 8:26 AM
    #9
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I am impressed that you consider your dogs in the hot summer months.

    Depending on where your location, hot is a relative term. Here in Colorado Springs, I rarely see 90's, so it isn't a huge concern with my Softopper.

    However, when we go to hotter areas, I travel early when cooler. We also bring the no spill dog bowls, cold water and bring plenty of it. We have also used spray bottles to wet the coats of the dogs before travel. Dogs do not sweat, so they can overheat quickly.
     
  10. May 19, 2016 at 8:34 AM
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    JOHN911

    JOHN911 [OP] New Member

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    My dogs are a big part of my life, and the main reason I bought my Tundra. The dog box that they ride in have large fans mounted on them that provide plenty of air circulation. The cap I ordered will have three cigarette lighter receptacles, which is where the fans will plug in. I know that I oftentimes go overboard with the care of my dogs, but I always like to prepare for the worst since I travel all over North America with my dogs.

    Colorado Springs is absolutely beautiful. I visit there often, as my girlfriend lives there.
     
  11. May 19, 2016 at 9:50 AM
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    ColoradoTJ

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    Outstanding. I don't find that going overboard at all.
     
  12. May 19, 2016 at 3:25 PM
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    bj46-taco-tundra

    bj46-taco-tundra New Member

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    My front window opens latches on the outside so when I drop the tundras rear window I can access my snugtop canopy sliding window. I honestly leave that window open all the time to maximize airflow for the dog. Even in town I can see his fur blowing in the wind while he's inside the canopy. Love my snugtop.

    image.jpg My only issue is the noes prints on the tundra rear glass when I don't let him sneak his head in lol.
     
  13. May 19, 2016 at 3:27 PM
    #13
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Sounds like a solid plan to me.
     
  14. May 19, 2016 at 3:29 PM
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    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Not overboard, i have my large boxers ride with me in the cab. Full air conditioning and comfort for them.
     
  15. Jun 7, 2016 at 10:18 AM
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    JOHN911

    JOHN911 [OP] New Member

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  16. Jun 7, 2016 at 10:19 AM
    #16
    JOHN911

    JOHN911 [OP] New Member

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    Did your cap come with the latches on the outside of the front window, or did you have to have it built that way? I asked A.R.E. if they could install the window with the latch on the outside, but they told me that they could not.
     
  17. Jun 7, 2016 at 12:54 PM
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    Over the LINE

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    My ARE has the slider front window but there is no latch. It has a "handle" on both the inside and outside so it can be opened from either side. This is the same way my last ARE was set up. I guess they figure you don't need a lock if no one can reach it.

    I know lots of guys with dog boxes, trailers even, and lots with camper shells with crates in them but I think you are the first I have heard of with a camper shell that has a dog box in it. Can you just plumb some ducts to pull or force outside air through the dog box? Maybe a scoop vent on top ducted to the dog box fan intake? Maybe just duct it through the front window?

    I live in New Orleans so dogs in the camper top is not an option for me. I got remote start on my 2016 CM just so I can leave the AC running while I run in a fast food joint for some "to go". Traveling with them in the winter sure is easier.
     
  18. Jun 7, 2016 at 7:48 PM
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    Tracker

    Tracker New Member

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    I believe there is a rubber seal option to connect the topper to the cab. You could let the rear window down and maybe allow cab air to circulate into the bed? Look into it anyways.
     

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