2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bedrail dimensions for using a topper off a Ford or Chevy

[CTD12V]

Does anybody know how the bedrail dimensions compare between 2nd Gen Longbed Rams and later-model Fords (Super Duty style - after '98. 5) and Chevys (after '88)? I am looking for a used topper for my '98 Longbed 2500, and it is hard to find a high-rise topper for a longbed Dodge. They seem to be a lot more common for Fords, hence my question about bedrail dimensions.



Is anybody using a non-Dodge topper on their Ram, and if so, how badly off is the fit? I know Ford kept a square box up until they changed to the Super Duty style, but I think the newer trucks have a taper in the bed like Dodge, but I'm not sure how much. I don't know how the Chevy dimensions compare.



Thanks for any info.



CTD12V

 

[CTD12V]

Shoot, nobody else is redneck enough to run a topper on their Dodge that wasn't made for it?

 

[sheamc]

I wouldn't call it redneck, I simply needed a dry place to sleep on a camping trip. I used a top from a mid-90s Ford. The square box type. Fit badly, but with clamps stayed where I needed it. I would say it will work but the fit at the back looks awful. Try real hard to get the right one before you try this route.



Shea

 

[CTD12V]

I hear ya. My situation exactly. I have an OLD Winnabago right now that's about ready to fall apart (and it looks awful). That's why I was wanting to know if the toppers for the newer Fords and Chevies fit a little closer to the Dodge dimensions.

 

[VicR]

I bought a used leer shell for my truck several years back. Its a dodge shell, but the guy I got it from was running it on a chevy shortbed. It fit, but the lines didn't match up and it didn't quite look right. But on the other hand, if you can get it for the right price...

 

[CTD12V]

Thanks Vic, that's good to know. I don't keep my topper on the truck all the time anyways, so it doesn't matter if it doesn't look beautiful. I just need a topper that doesn't hang off the bedrail by three inches on each side. Anybody else got any input?

 

[RLHannink]

We went on a trip up north over new years, and my cousin used a shell from a 98 Super Duty longbed on his 97 lonbged Dodge. The rails matched okay, just the front of the shell was about 3" taller and about 1-2" wider above the rails than the Dodge cab. Looked a little funny at first (we convoyed, I was driving my 97), but after a while we got used to the look. I'll dig around for a digital picture of it. It looked okay from the back.

 

[CTD12V]

Pictures would be great. This is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Thanks!

 

[Mhannink]

We went on a trip up north over new years, and my cousin used a shell from a 98 Super Duty longbed on his 97 lonbged Dodge. The rails matched okay, just the front of the shell was about 3" taller and about 1-2" wider above the rails than the Dodge cab. Looked a little funny at first (we convoyed, I was driving my 97), but after a while we got used to the look. I'll dig around for a digital picture of it. It looked okay from the back.

well im the cousin rlhannink is talking about however i am having trouble posting pics. to add to what my cousin said the fit was ok. there is a gap in the front between the bed and the cab. we didnt have any real problem with water getting in and believe me it was wet outside. we did shove pipe insulation but it ended up falling out and water still didnt get in so i dont think it would be a problem.

 

[CTD12V]

MHannink, do you mean that the topper was too short or too long for the bed?

 

[The patriot]

I had a cap from a ford on mine a few years back.

It fit OK, not great. IIRC it was one of the boxy fords, late 80's early 90's.

Didnt line up perfect, but with 3 clamps on each side it wasnt going anywhere.

I have a long bed.

HTH.

Eric

 

[CTD12V]

Is/has anyone used a topper for a 3rd Gen longbed on their 2nd Gen? I was looking at a topper for a 3rd gen today and the dimensions are close, but it looks like there is a lot more curve in the front of the topper to match the new body style, versus a much straighter line on the 2nd gen. Also it looks like it is about an inch longer. Any thoughts?

 

[Flying_gage]

I bought a short bed topper off a 1994 Chevy that was bought new with that truck. It fit really good on my 98 shortbed Dodge. No one ever said anything...



That same topper is now on a 2004 Duramax. Hope this helps. Maybe there is continuity between the long and short bed trucks

 

[CTD12V]

The shortbeds must be closer than the long beds, at least according to my measurements of the longbeds. Thanks for the info, though.



CTD12V