Hdwindjammer

I'll add my 2 cents in here. Since I am at the older end of the spectrum (66) I would have to say it's a matter of preference and what YOU use your truck for. I used to have the solid cap mostly for security purposes. I could lock things in and didn't have to be worried if they would still be their when I got back...lol Plus, for camping it was better to sleep in the bed, covered, if their was a chance of RAIN or SNOW... Then I started to use my truck bed to carry loads of materials (construction) easier excess with the TOP off, for unloading. And back in the day... we didn't have anything but a Hard Top. The soft tonneau covers were not that popular... On my 2013 F-150, I have a tool box, with an Access soft cover...

Ftruck150

Yep, that's exactly why I bought a used 10ft trailer off craigslist for $500.
A cheap used trailer is a great investment. No worries of scratches or dents, nice low load height + a ramp. Don't know what I did without it

Ole Man Dan

When I was young, I spent lots of nights in the bed of my J-10 Jeep truck.
The Camper Hull kept me and my hunting and fishing stuff dry.

Sometimes it was handy to park by a Trout stream and be on the water at first light. Good nights sleep too. I'd throw an old single mattress in the back and pile my gear beside it.
(Those were the pre-camper days...)

Now that I'm a 'Seasoned Citizen' I don't have a topper, but I have a couple of campers. Got used to the comforts of home.

Ole Man Dan

The Topper secret is to cut the tines off a garden rake, flatten the arms into a 'T' configuration. Leave it in your truck. Grasp items and slide them to you. (I've got bad knees)
I even have one in the thru storage space under my RV. still works.

joe mcmillan

That's the ticket. I have a handle from a tree limb pruner in the back of my truck. The handle is the same length as the truck bed. The saw is gone but the hook (that was used for cutting the small branches is still there).
I don't have a topper but do have a tonneau cover. I can push items to the front of the bed and or pull them to the back without climbing inside or opening the tonneau cover.

depami

They sell things specifically for that.

I just use a garden rake as is. Sometimes the tines are helpful.

joe mcmillan

I didn't spend any extra money for this as the cutter had been lost. I like this better than a rake because it is lightweight, clean and smooth. It can ride to one side of the bed or on top of the cargo and wont damage anything.
Many different ways to do this tho. Just a matter of having something that stays with the truck.

Fissues

I use a Bedslide for us old folks.

moend

Well, i had a topper on one my old trucks and it was really handy beside it was not practical for taller items and it hurt my back trying to get something all the way at the other end ( it was on an S-10). I don't think it an old folks thing but they use to be more popular back then and more affordable. Now with tunuea covers being way cheaper and they serve the same purpose they became more popular. I don't have either on my truck. I only have a tool box and if we buy grocery we put it in the cap and leave the beer, pop and other cold items in the bed. The only one thing will makes wanna topper is camping they are really fun
Good luck


Moe

Wannafbody

I'm considering a Snugtop for my Chevy work truck. I'm semi old at 45.