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Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
#12679393
03/19/18 02:20 PM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,544
tx_basser
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,544 |
Just picked up a nice used (2015) F150 and always wanted a nice Topper to keep things in bed locked up instead of moving them to back seat, etc. Just curious how much of a PITA they are for boat launching/retrieving when fishing solo.
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12679419
03/19/18 02:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 153
yandeltx
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 153 |
I have a Toyota Tundra with ARE hard shell topper that works great for keeping things dry. However, I won't own another one due to the fact that I fish alone most of the time and it really gets in the way when trying to get in and out of the boat while launching. The hinge on the topper is directly over the rear wheels of the truck so there is not way to step onto the tire and into the back of the pickup. This really makes it a challenge in the colder months when you are trying to avoid getting your feet wet.
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12679422
03/19/18 02:37 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,108
beartrap
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,108 |
had a topper(Roll N lOCK) for years and the convenience of having a lockable bed far outweighs what little inconvenience there is launching/loading by yourself...I've got an anchor rein with a brass clip on front of my bass boat and my duck boat....unhook tie downs/winch strap and fasten brass clip to my winch stand...back down the ramp and let boat float off the trailer while anchor rein feeds out rope....pull forward enough to where I don't have to get my feet wet unhooking clip from winch stand then pull boat to one side or the other of trailer and either beach it or ties off to whatever is available...loading I just boat up against winch stand,climb down and wade around end of truck in summer(crocs drain water good) or carry pair of cheap muck boots to slip on in winter... actually an anchor rein is one of best things you can put on a boat.....gives you a length of rope long enough (25 ft) to reach a long distance up on the bank to tie off or enough rope to tie off both front and rear cleat to a dock....always ready for use and never tangled up...
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12679423
03/19/18 02:37 PM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,544
tx_basser
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,544 |
thanks... you just expanded on my fear on this, as I do the same if on a shallow ramp.
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12679427
03/19/18 02:38 PM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 15,474
K.D.
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 15,474 |
If you wanna keep your feet dry they are a pain. I just bought a z-launch cable for these flat ramps around me. It was either that or carry a pair of rain boots to use getting in and out of the boat.
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12679697
03/19/18 04:55 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7,661
bradnitro175
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7,661 |
It helps when your small enough to crawl through the sliding window.
BIG FAT BASS LIVES MATTER
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12679791
03/19/18 05:41 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,896
mstring
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,896 |
Beartrap has it down. I've been doing it that way for years. Especially when I drove full size vans. Just inspect the rope occasionally to make sure it's in good shape and doesn't break on you.
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12679814
03/19/18 05:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,778
bronco71
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,778 |
Or get a Minn Kota auto store/deploy trolling motor
1987 Nitro MX185/Mercury Black Max 150 1999 Triton TX21/225 Mercury Optimax
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12680098
03/19/18 08:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 203
TEXASJIGSTER
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 203 |
I keep a pair of rubber boots in my trk when the water is too cold for crocs
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12680261
03/19/18 10:08 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 606
clove
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 606 |
Just got a cover called a BackFlip. It is in three sections and folds forward from the tail gate. When loading or unloading on a shallow ramp, I just fold the cover back past the rear wheels and it is just like not having a cover. Never had a toper before because they seemed to get in the way more than they were worth. This one is awesome and easy to remove if you need a full bed for hauling.
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12680331
03/19/18 11:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 509
Ian Fellenbaum
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 509 |
I have a topper and fish solo a lot, I havent had to get my feet wet once.
STORAGE CONTAINERS TO GO Sales-Rentals-Rent to Own 9036300977
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12680530
03/20/18 01:14 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 572
WCGunns
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 572 |
No issues with my ARE when solo.
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12680535
03/20/18 01:15 AM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 786
kevine80
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 786 |
bak flip bed cover for me ----luv it !
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12680607
03/20/18 02:02 AM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 15,474
K.D.
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 15,474 |
I guess my thinking of a topper is different. Mine is more of a camper type than a flat tonneau cover. I cant climb on it, nor can I open it or fold it back. If the ramp is flat like at Grapevine you cant get to the tongue of the trailer without getting wet.
Oh... and there aint no way this guy is gonna fit thru the back window
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve
[Re: tx_basser]
#12681462
03/20/18 07:02 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 371
skeeter75
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 371 |
The best roll back is ReTrax Pro bed cover easy to work with and your stuff will not get wet.
PB: 14.22 Ivie
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