Does anyone out there haul their ATV in a PU that has a topper on it? I measured the rear opening on my topper and my 1986 Bayou 300 won't fit. It is too tall. I'm driving a 1994 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with extended cab. I'd like to know if anyone has found a topper with a high enough back opening to fit their ATV in it.

 

Did you try loosening the clamps and rotating the handlebars?

Tree Farmer

 

What about deflating the tires some and re-inflating them when you get where your going.

Rude Dog

 

Tree Farmer & Rude Dog--Thanks for the input, but the opening on the back of my topper is 32.5" tall from the bed to the bottom of the hinged door when it is open. The ATV measures 42.5" from the floor to the top of the handlebars. Turning the handlebars won't help and I don't think I can gain 10 inches by deflating the tires. I thought maybe I could back it in, but the top of the rear rack is 37.5" tall--still almost half a foot too tall.

I have seen hauling racks that fit into the receiver hitch for the back of the pickup, but I think they are priced around $550 to $600. I don't even have a receiver hitch (yet), so to go that route would probably cost me well in excess of $700. I do have a nice trailer I use to haul my golf cart but I don't like the idea of hauling a trailer around in the badlands, down prairie trails, or in deep snow in the winter.

The topper protects my gear and keeps valuables somewhat protected when you leave the vehicle to ride, hunt, or whatever. I guess I really need a topper that has a high enough opening to give me at least 42" of vertical opening.

 

I mentioned a similar requirement to the boys at the shop; they showed me an advertisement for a "camper top" hinged along one side of the bed; the thing folds open, equipment (e.g., ATV) is loaded, then the top is folded back down again on the bed side and fastened.

This rig provides lots of protection and additional security from theft and pilfering.

I don't have the reference now, but some camper or 4X4 truck lots might have the contact and literature.

If you come across it first, share the info; I may get one of these outfits myself! Then, again, it might not be too hard to rig up one on your own, with some hinges and latches and so on, with a basic, lightweight bed cap.

Tree Farmer

 

Thanks Tree Farmer. I'll do some research for a hinged-type topper. I wonder how water-tight the fit would be on such a topper? I suppose if the area that meets the truck bed sides and front has a thick gasket and the clamps side and hinged sides fit tight enough it would keep out the elements. I sometimes put a plush carpet in the back of my pickup when go camping and wouldn't want it to get wet. If I find out anything, I'll post it here.

 

My dad has a Brahma Canopy (topper?) on his F250 that is just barely tall enough for our atc 250es (Big Red) to slide under. It isnt tall enough for our 4x4 though. It has a heightened rear end, and looks good, styled for the pickup. Have you looked at maybe trading yours in? There are some high clearance canopies that look terrible, but his Brahma is nicely sculpted. It is a number of years old though, and it's on his '88 Ford. I bet if you shopped around you could find somthing, and maybe you could just get some El Cheapo brand that doesnt look trashy to throw on the pickup when you cant pull the trailer. Good Luck.

 

I've got a VersaCap on my pickup. It's a tonneau cover not a topper but it opens up so that I can drive my atv in the back. Check it out at www.snowbear.com.

 

Did you try compressing the suspension all the way down? With tie downs or rope.

 

I've seen extra high toppers that would work, more money though.

Have you considered a trailer? Most hardware stores can set you up with a 1000 lbs trailer that will haul a ATV nicely. You will find it much easier to load/unload (Just unhook and tilt the bed up) Figur anouther $10 for a ball, and $20 to get light hook ups and your set.

Of course your better off going all out with the expensive trailer, but this will work just fine.

You don't say what else you are doing, obviously if your hauling a trailer already this won't work, but otherwise I think it is a preferable solution and cheaper.