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Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve #12679393 03/19/18 02:20 PM
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tx_basser Online Content OP
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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.

Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12679419 03/19/18 02:35 PM
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yandeltx Online Content
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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.

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12679422 03/19/18 02:37 PM
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beartrap Offline
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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...

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12679423 03/19/18 02:37 PM
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thanks... you just expanded on my fear on this, as I do the same if on a shallow ramp.

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12679427 03/19/18 02:38 PM
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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.

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12679697 03/19/18 04:55 PM
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bradnitro175 Online Content
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It helps when your small enough to crawl through the sliding window.


Originally Posted by Trickster
BIG FAT BASS LIVES MATTER


Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12679791 03/19/18 05:41 PM
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mstring Offline
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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.

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12679814 03/19/18 05:50 PM
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bronco71 Online Content
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Or get a Minn Kota auto store/deploy trolling motor


1987 Nitro MX185/Mercury Black Max 150
1999 Triton TX21/225 Mercury Optimax
Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12680098 03/19/18 08:32 PM
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I keep a pair of rubber boots in my trk when the water is too cold for crocs

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12680261 03/19/18 10:08 PM
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clove Offline
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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.

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12680331 03/19/18 11:02 PM
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Ian Fellenbaum Offline
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I have a topper and fish solo a lot, I havent had to get my feet wet once.


STORAGE CONTAINERS TO GO
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Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12680530 03/20/18 01:14 AM
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No issues with my ARE when solo.

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12680535 03/20/18 01:15 AM
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kevine80 Offline
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bak flip bed cover for me ----luv it !

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12680607 03/20/18 02:02 AM
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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

Re: Truck Topper Launch/Retrieve [Re: tx_basser] #12681462 03/20/18 07:02 PM
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skeeter75 Offline
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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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