Camper shells

[Mr.Goat]

Mine is made by Century of Indiana and is the High "C" model. Bought this particular cap because it has a reinforced roof that you can walk around on. It also has a flat raised roof. I needed these features as I carry kayaks and canoes alot.

Other features are: sliding windows in the front and sides. And it was colour matched to the truck. I also installed removable roof racks for the boats. The roof and the racks are sprayed with Line-X. So far it's been an excellant cap and set up. Pete

 

[JWChessell]

Glasstite, CarryBoy, Raider, Vision

Does anyone have either a Glasstite, CarryBoy, Raider or Vision shell on their truck? Can you give a report on your experience with your particular shell?

 

[illflem]

I've had a Raider for 7 years, I'd buy one again. 'Nuff said?

 

[joreilley]

Re: Reason for window in the front of the shell?

Originally posted by JWChessell

I'm trying to decide what I want and don't want in the new shell for my '03.



If the truck already has a sliding rear window in the rear of the cab, what is the reason to have another window in the front of the camper shell, as long as there is a boot sealing the front of the shell to the rear outside wall of the cab?



If the front of the shell has any window at all, then it makes sense to having a sliding window and to be able to fold it down for cleaning of both windows.



BUT -- why have a front window in the shell AT ALL, if there's already a sliding rear window in the truck itself?



All explanations gratefully accepted.

If I'm interpreting your question correctly, I believe the answer is "it's because the cap actually isn't touching the cab of the truck. " If you look at the newer caps, there's a gap between the truck and the cap of approximately the same distance as between your truck bed and the truck cab (e. g. a solid couple of inches). The cap and cab are not sealed together, therefore the sliding window on the cap allows access from truck with a sliding window.



I guess the old school caps did touch the cab. This caused problems with paint rubbing off the truck. Thus, you are now paying extra for a sliding door cap instead of a new paint job. A substantial savings!





Jude

 

[Double 6]

I have a Glasstite Raven Cab-High, color matched, dark tinted glass on sides and back, black aluminum window framing, dual locking handles on rear door, 3rd brake light, interior light, I got the headliner installed as a option. I have had it for 2½ years and no problems, it is a quality unit with lifetime warranty. Plus it just looks sharp.

Good Luck in your choosing.

DBL 6



Check out the website www.glasstite.com

 

[BigPapa]

I ran a Leer with a boot for over 5 years on a GMC and I never had a problen with the paint or leaks. I would pull it back and keep it clean and when I waxed the truck I'd wax it good. If your having trouble with the paint, I'd say the real problem is dirt between the boot and cab.

 

[joreilley]

I should have been clearer in my note above: the cab paint problem is not something I've experienced. It's just the rationale that they give you for why the newer caps have a gap and a split window option. I'm sure that TDR readers are exactly the kind of conscientious folks that didn't have the paint problem in the first place!



Meanwhile, I'm still trying to buy a cap myself!



Jude

 

[JWChessell]

More camper shell questions

Dear Hey_Jude:



Thank you very much for the reply concerning the reason for the boot. Your explanation was what I eventually figured out AFTER I posted the question, and it was nice of you to confirm that conclusion.



So, for you and everyone else, on to the next question:



Does anyone have a YAKIMA roof-of-shell carrying rack, or rack "system"? (I love it when manufacturers call two or more parts a "system"... )



I'm looking at the "Permanent Landing Pads" mounted in/on sliding "tracks" which are mounted permanently to the roof (pg. 11 of the current Leer brochure). The dealer -- All American Truck Canopies, Inc. , of Redmond, Oregon -- told me that this "system" -- if I order it -- will be installed at the Leer factory when Leer builds the shell to match my '03 truck, and that the Yakima roof rack apparatus is compatible with the Leer warranty -- and because Leer will install it, they (Leer) warrant that their own warranty on the shell is still good.



What can you TDR members tell me about YAKIMA roof racks, and what can you tell me about LEER and the Leer warranty?



Thanks.



JWCHESSELL

 

[joreilley]

Canopy Roof Capacities

Related to the question of racks and canopies, does anybody have any experience with canopy roof carrying capacity? I recently looked at a CarryBoy www.carryboy.com rack at a dealer. I believe it had a 200 lb. carrying capacity. Is that typical for fiberglass canopies? It seemed light to me.



Anybody have any general experience with CarryBoy canopies?



Like JWChessell, I'll probably be going to with a rack on top.



Jude

 

[bighammer]

My cap ont he old truck has an interlocking gasket. (not really what I'd call a boot, but same idea) One part on the cap interlocks with a strip that is stuck on the truck. Never any laeaks, and any rubbing is between the two parts and not on the truck. It's been really nice to have. Easy to clean the windows (no double layer) and good visibility.



I'm looking to get something similar for the 03 but I haven't found anything yet that I like. I need to get rid of the old one too. (anybody interested in a taller than cab-high black glass topper, PM me)

 

[drag racer]

Glasstite

I have a Glasstite Hi-Rise and am very happy with the quality. Would definitely buy it again...