Compression Boot on Camper Shell; yes or no?

[JoeDiesel]

I will be getting my Ram in about five more weeks. The first purchase will be a top of the line ARE, cab high camper shell. My question is, "Should I get the optional compression/dust boot or not"? I have read, in a related post, that the boot can rub the paint, from around the window, off over time. ARE reps insist that, with proper maintenence, the boot will last as long as the shell without any problems. Any input by fellow Rammers with experience on this topic will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[EricBu12]

No!

Dont get the boot. Esspecially if you plan on going off road. The twisting will really rub it. Even like driveways and normal driving, It can rub over a period of time.

I just did a dual sliding window. Slider on the truck and slider on the shell. There is a new window for the shells that flops in so you can clean both windows on the outside.

 

[Todd G]

On dusty roads, the boot WILL rub off the paint in well under a year. I know.

 

[pathaymond]

Trust me when I say DONT BOOT IT! you will not gain anything but frustration and heartache.

 

[JCockrell]

Depends

I got the boot, but I only use it when I am traveling with my dogs in hot weather. I open the rear slider and mount a squirrel cage fan in the gap. The boot helps keep the fan from sliding, along with bunjee cords. Yeah, it rubs the paint, but until I can get a rear air setup..... :{

Definately get the "flop in" window that EricBu12 mentioned, if only for ease of cleaning

 

[JoeDiesel]

Thanks for all the great information! The verdict is NO! for the boot and YES! for the tilt down window. Thanks again.

 

[bighammer]

My Tri-Glas cap on my 94 has a soft rubber gasket on the front of it. There is a rubber self-stick interlocking gasket that goes on the truck. The only rubbing is gasket to gasket.



I've really liked having it so I can keep the slider open to keep it cooler and not have to worry about rain. Only one window to clean is nice too. I want to find something like it for my new truck, but Tri-Glas is no longer making caps.



I just got an extra gasket (for on the truck) because I plan to sell the cap.