Best topper available is???

[BLACKRAM]

I am getting ready to move to the Pacific Northwest (rains ALL of the time). So I need a topper for my SB Quad-cab.



Choices are narrowed down to Century Royal or the Snug-top. Any opinions on quality of above, or a better choice? Anybody know where to get a good deal?

 

[John]

I have a Glasstite Vision II canopy which I think is the highest quality unit on the market, and looks awesome on a LWB Ram. That said, the reason I responded is that I noticed you have a SWB Ram and were considering a Snug-Top canopy. The most awesome canopy for a SWB Ram is Snug-Top's Top Gun model! That bad boy is so awesome looking it hurts! And, like all Snug-Top canopies, it is extremely well made.



Top Gun..... radical, spendy and worth every penny!

 

[Ted Constantine]

I have a Leer and it does the job. I think it is Snug Top that has an Off-Road option that reinforces the top. I wish I had known about it three years ago when I bought my top.

 

[EricBu12]

Best top?

I have a Leer 100XL

here is the pic, I also got a thing called a rail saver. that is a seal that sticks onto the bottom of the shell and has a door like seal with 3 ribs on it. if you want to take the shell off, then there is no tape to deal with.

 

[Adam_Dodgezilla]

Snug- Top

I have a Snug-Top Sport and I really Like it, And the Dogs LOVE it!!!

 

[Shovelhead]

Topper

Mine's a Jeraco.

looks good, and the price is right.



www.jeraco.com

 

[Double 6]

I have a Glasstite Raven Cab-Hi on my shortbed, quality unit, with lifetime warranty www.glasstite.com

 

[DRR-24V]

Front Window On The Shell

2000NEY,

Unless you are never going to remove the shell, make sure you get one with a front window, not any that use a boot or sealing lip between the shell and the rear of the cab. All of them will remove the paint at the rear of the cab in no time. You can have a plexiglass window put in and sealed usually at no extra charge. JMO. Stockland is a quality brand.

 

[cullyguy]

I travel 5 states (E. Washington,Idaho,Montana,Wyoming & Utah) I spent 6 months shopping. quality to quality there is about $ 50 + - in prices across this region. I chose to go local due to service issues (hopefully never) I chose a Raven made by glasstite. I got a tool window on the left and a drop down window in the front (between the cab & canopy) The drop down windows are real nice, as you can get inside the canopy & drop down the window, clean it & the truck window. Careful on the choices of side windows on some of the more sportier canopies if you go off-road much. Most all of the dealers said that the window hinges would not hold up well to off road use ( side windows w/ kick outs) I chose the clamp mount, but may switch over to bolts, as i do get some shift, ever though things are tight w/ 3 clamps per side on a short box. Where in the PNW are you headed?

 

[TBarrett]

Shell type

I have an 01 q-cab short box and just purchased a Raider Vagabond camper shell. Came with slider, carpet, neopreme seal kit, light, and wired for just over $1100. 00. Has a lift time warrenty on paint, fiberglass cracking, and structure. Raider is a West Coast shell. Got it from Truck Stop in Carson City, Nevada. It was made in Canada and is color matched.

 

[BLACKRAM]

[Where in the PNW are you headed? [/B]

Seattle or Portland, I am not sure just yet. My company said to pick one.

 

[24V-DSL]

You won't need your boost gauge in Seattle

Bumper to bumper most of the time.....



Coming back from Bill K's took me almost 2 hrs. to get from north Seattle to Tacoma..... never saw a wreck.

 

[Ken B]

2000ney,



I went with a Raider Vegabond like TBarrett. I travel WA and OR extensively for my job and I have never (knock on wood) had a problem with leaking, etc. (almost 2 years). I think the Raider is a good value. With that said, if I was in the market again, I would look at a few other brands as well... the ones mentioned in other replys. Although I like the Raider Vegabond very much, I would like a more streamlined look... the Vegabond style has a slight "hump" in the top... nothing to severe, but not as streamlined as others. That's my 2 cents, hope it helps, good luck!



I live in Seattle, but Portland reminds me a lot of what Seattle used to be like... and that's a good thing. I know all too well what 24V-DSL is talking about! Think about the tax issue as well. OR has a state income tax, but no sales tax... WA is the oposite. Oh ya, and make sure you have a good Gore-Tex jacket. . you'll be good to go!



Again, good luck, I think you'll enjoy it out here! -Kenwww.raider. ca

 

[JohnE]

2000ney;



First off, in the Pacific NorthWET, you have to call it a canopy and not a topper. Took me many years to stop calling it a topper. Now, that I live where one calls it a topper, I find myself calling it a canopy... go figure?



John has a great looking Glasstite on his Ram.



<strike>Bib</strike> Oops, <big>BIG</font> Bob has a cab high Raven on his Ram that looks great, too.



A former coworker (PNW) has a Snug-Top on his Ram. He said it was the only one that would take his frame torture abuse.



I had a Raven cab height for my S-10. It is a great match.



I have a Range Rider extended height for my Ram and will never recommend that brand to anyone. It currently hangs in a shed and only be used when towing a travel trailer. I ordered an Access tonneau cover to keep things dry.



Lots of options



-John

 

[Scooby]

I did a ton of searching and bought a Snug-Top XV. (they made a new mold last year so you have a perfect fit and the newer style frame-less back window and LED third brake light). I would opt for the sliding window up front and stay away from the rubber boot connecting the shell (topper) to the cab... . anyone worth their salt will know that on trucks like ours, it'll rub off the paint - even if they try to sell you the clear sticker cab-protector... . it'll yellow, crack and then rub through!



email me if you'd like a photo... .

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Leer

Had a Leer. didn't like offroading. Self destructed from behind the cab on upper corners 5 ft back both sides in 2 yrs. They stood by it though and gave me a new one. Claimed it was roof flex (cab height cap). The higher ones tend to be stronger since the top flat span is smaller. Have a Snugtop now. 3x the shell.

 

[FDziurda]

Best Camper Shell

I have a custom made, all steel, unit that has double (ambulance style) rear doors (tailgate is removed). Made by Caravan Campers in Reno, Nevada.



They are a tad bit "spendy" but there's nothing else like them and people come from all over the country to purchase them. They weigh approx 600 lbs and cost around $3,000 (with all options). If interested, drop me an email and will provide you with more info. The 600# weight makes your truck ride like a "caddy". Most people that install these, don't remove them, although you can, if you have a overhead chain hoist.



They are VERY popular in Northern Nevada.



Frank Dz

 

[Loren]

2000ney,



If you are still in Ohio, especially if you are near Cincinnati, you should talk to the people at Swiss Caps. They are located in Patriot, Indiana, about an hour from Cincinnati.



They build both fiberglass and aluminum caps, and will make one to your specifications, including matching your truck's paint color. They normally sell through dealers, but you can order one directly from the factory as well. Shipping is a big expense on caps, and picking one up at the factory yields a nice savings.



Their phone number is 812-594-2214 or 800-232-2258. I am really happy with both of mine. They look great.



Loren