04.5 camper shell

[desertryder]

Now that I have a new truck I am interested in a camper shell.

I want to know if any 6ft short bed shell will work or does it have to be made just for a Dodge?



I just found a 6ft cab over camper and it is about 4 inches too long for my truck.

It also is just too big for my needs so I will sell it and look for a tall camper shell so I can make up a little sleeping place in the back.



Thanks

 

[Scooby]

All the newer fiberglass shells are made to fit each specific brand/model of truck. The fits and finished are great and most reputable manufacturers will warranty the fiberglass for life. I had a SnugTop XV on my '01 and loved it. I suppose you could get an aluminum shell that is "generic", but now-a-days, even 6' beds are not a standard length anymore. And they (the aluminum shells) look ugly



Fiberglass brands to look at:

-SnugTop

-Leer

-ARE

-I'm sure there are others, but those come to mind first.



Good luck in your search

 

[evldsl]

Check my rig's gallery, I have a Leer 100xq shell.

 

[MRutledge]

After a close look at the snugtop, the ARE, and the leer, I have an ARE on order. It might be here next week.



I found all three tops were very close in quality. The Leer had some very nice interior options. I finally went with the shop that had the best reputation for customer service in my area.



I'll post pics when things get installed.



-Matt

 

[EnduroDriver]

I just had an ARE Z series installed on my short bed and the construction and fit are excellent. I had the remote keyless entry option installed so along with the Pop & Lock electronic tailgate lock I installed just a push of the button secures the entire truck. I'd like to install a dome light switch in the rear somewhere so the light comes on with the interior light and would trigger the factory alarm if necessary.



I've never had any other brand, this is actually my first pickup, but one of the things I've seen problems with other shell manufacturers is the rear door latch mechanisms seem to be exposed and subject to damage. I'd guess damage from load shifts and the like, I just remember seeing a few other guys in the pits with bungee cords or linkage dangling.



Lee



Green Hornet Racing

 

[MFalkinham]

On Saturday I had my ARE MPulse series cap installed. The fit and finish are quite good, and the price was very competitive with some other bargain brands. Overall I'm very pleased with the cap.

I wish I had the keyless entry option that Lee got with his Z-series, but it isn't available on their MPulse line; unfortunately, the swing-up side WinDoors that I need weren't available on the Z-series.

- Mike