All you guys that have the fiberglass caps on your trucks, will you please do me a favor??? I've been seriously thinking about putting one on my truck, but I want to be sure I'm going to like before I spend $1000+ for one. Can you post your likes/dislikes, pros/cons, etc. about it? Also, does anyone know where to find one used (LB, Driftwood)? Thanks for the help!
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Fiberglass Cab High Caps
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Well,, What do I like/dislike about my Camper...
With a Camper,, the pickup bed acts a bit like a big resonance box,, with a stock truck, the Camper will quiet the vehicle down (Less wind noise) If you have a straight pipe, the camper seems to amplify the "HUM" inside the cab.
This is comparing my "stock" Chevy 2500 LB to my BOMBed Cummins. The Chevy was quiet, the Dodge has a heavy Drone, of course, the Chevy actually had a MUFFLER and the tailpipe exit was alot farther back than right behind the QC doors.
I like my camper, besides the fact that my 3500 tears it up by it's tight rear suspension,,, the rivets in the fiberglass that hold the rear window on are starting to rattle out,, makeing the rear glass very loose. I have glued, with Epoxy, the frame back in, but only a couple of hundred miles later, the window is all ready starting to get loose again.
This camper was on my Chevy for 12,000 ROUGH miles. and now it is seeing the same roads (rough) but the rear-end is MUCH MUCH tighter (on my 3500) in all directions (Left, Right, Up, Down) than my Smooth Chevy my Chevy also had 285/75 tires aired down to ~30PSI)
I have side pop up windows on my Camper,, They are the BEST Idea EVER,, You can actually get to stuff in the very front of the bed of the truck without having to crawl inside the bed!
I like mine, but don't like mine. . It's a love hate kinda relationship.
It keeps things dry, and locked up. . I don't have to unload stuff that I don't want stolen, Like tents, chairs, etc.
I don't like 'cause,, Sometimes it looks just outright down Dorky!! SOMETIMES It looks cool, but sometimes I am thinking how much better my 3500 would look without it. I guess I need more power so I can stop thinking about how it LOOKS, and how fast it really is,, oh, wait, I allready have WAY more than enough power to slip my clutch..... guess i NEED a new clutch.
Overall for daily life I LOVE My camper. I have been saved MANY MANY Times when I need to carry something in the bed that won't fly away, or can't get wet. Example... Try to carry a large OPEN Box of Styrofoam "peanuts" in the bed at 75MPH for an hour and still have ALL The peanuts left in the box.
I don't know what Dodge F/G Camper tops are like,, as the one I have came straight off my 2000 Chevy 3/4 ton L/B. Fits OK, the color is ~close and different angles in the sun it matches perfect,, sometimes it's WAYY off.
My Camper is an ARE brand, it's alot better built than LEER.
ARE has a honeycomb type fiberglass epoxy roof,, and is actually "standable" I have been up on top of my truck @ 200Lbs and have walked around up there,, I heard some very slight cracking,, only slight, nothing that worried me.
See my truck page for pictures of my truck w/camper.
http://mbmp.rcwing.com/trucks.html Hope this helps, MerrickNJr
With a Camper,, the pickup bed acts a bit like a big resonance box,, with a stock truck, the Camper will quiet the vehicle down (Less wind noise) If you have a straight pipe, the camper seems to amplify the "HUM" inside the cab.
This is comparing my "stock" Chevy 2500 LB to my BOMBed Cummins. The Chevy was quiet, the Dodge has a heavy Drone, of course, the Chevy actually had a MUFFLER and the tailpipe exit was alot farther back than right behind the QC doors.
I like my camper, besides the fact that my 3500 tears it up by it's tight rear suspension,,, the rivets in the fiberglass that hold the rear window on are starting to rattle out,, makeing the rear glass very loose. I have glued, with Epoxy, the frame back in, but only a couple of hundred miles later, the window is all ready starting to get loose again.
This camper was on my Chevy for 12,000 ROUGH miles. and now it is seeing the same roads (rough) but the rear-end is MUCH MUCH tighter (on my 3500) in all directions (Left, Right, Up, Down) than my Smooth Chevy my Chevy also had 285/75 tires aired down to ~30PSI)
I have side pop up windows on my Camper,, They are the BEST Idea EVER,, You can actually get to stuff in the very front of the bed of the truck without having to crawl inside the bed!
I like mine, but don't like mine. . It's a love hate kinda relationship.
It keeps things dry, and locked up. . I don't have to unload stuff that I don't want stolen, Like tents, chairs, etc.
I don't like 'cause,, Sometimes it looks just outright down Dorky!! SOMETIMES It looks cool, but sometimes I am thinking how much better my 3500 would look without it. I guess I need more power so I can stop thinking about how it LOOKS, and how fast it really is,, oh, wait, I allready have WAY more than enough power to slip my clutch..... guess i NEED a new clutch.
Overall for daily life I LOVE My camper. I have been saved MANY MANY Times when I need to carry something in the bed that won't fly away, or can't get wet. Example... Try to carry a large OPEN Box of Styrofoam "peanuts" in the bed at 75MPH for an hour and still have ALL The peanuts left in the box.
I don't know what Dodge F/G Camper tops are like,, as the one I have came straight off my 2000 Chevy 3/4 ton L/B. Fits OK, the color is ~close and different angles in the sun it matches perfect,, sometimes it's WAYY off.
My Camper is an ARE brand, it's alot better built than LEER.
ARE has a honeycomb type fiberglass epoxy roof,, and is actually "standable" I have been up on top of my truck @ 200Lbs and have walked around up there,, I heard some very slight cracking,, only slight, nothing that worried me.
See my truck page for pictures of my truck w/camper.
http://mbmp.rcwing.com/trucks.html Hope this helps, MerrickNJr
Last edited by a moderator:
I couldn't live without my cap.
I find them to be a convienient way of keeping things relatively dry. As well as locked up. I find the cab high caps look the best because it gives a more streamlined look to the truck. It also adds a little additional weight to the rear end to keep it from riding to much like a rock. I have a bedrug in the bed and a carpet liner on my cap to keep the resonation of the exhaust from making to much noise. I did however, notice a little increase in sound.
Check my sig. My cap doesn't come out to clear but I'll zip you a pic of a side shot if you need it.
I find them to be a convienient way of keeping things relatively dry. As well as locked up. I find the cab high caps look the best because it gives a more streamlined look to the truck. It also adds a little additional weight to the rear end to keep it from riding to much like a rock. I have a bedrug in the bed and a carpet liner on my cap to keep the resonation of the exhaust from making to much noise. I did however, notice a little increase in sound.
Check my sig. My cap doesn't come out to clear but I'll zip you a pic of a side shot if you need it.
Cap
I'm reasearching this item right now. My dad and I both have CTD everything the same except 12v and 24v. He got a custom aluminum with a steel body. built to his needs. I can't argue with him it's a nice set up but it's way to tall for me. When we hunt he has to be careful of low branches on trees. I'm looking for a cab high with an "outdoors touch" (rack, gun safe, sleep setup) so far i'm torn between Leer and A. R. E. both nice setups.
I'm reasearching this item right now. My dad and I both have CTD everything the same except 12v and 24v. He got a custom aluminum with a steel body. built to his needs. I can't argue with him it's a nice set up but it's way to tall for me. When we hunt he has to be careful of low branches on trees. I'm looking for a cab high with an "outdoors touch" (rack, gun safe, sleep setup) so far i'm torn between Leer and A. R. E. both nice setups.
Leer
Had a leer. Total POS. Fell apart in 18 months. Corners behind cab all broke. Top ones broke back 5 ft along to edge of roof. They took it back and cast me a new one. At least they honored their warranty.
Have a snugtop now. Really like it. Uses rubber tubular gaskets to bed rail. Only one I found that didn't use double side tape (early 96). Look at some shells and you will see real differences in casting quality. You get what you pay for. The extra height is really nice for using as a hunting camp, quick tent, etc. The lower one is a little crowded heightwise. Look closely at the mounting systems. Some are real trash and the shell can slide around. Also, depending on what you carry, look at how it locks. Mine has the handle that snaps in making it a little more difficult to pull back open through the lock.
Had a leer. Total POS. Fell apart in 18 months. Corners behind cab all broke. Top ones broke back 5 ft along to edge of roof. They took it back and cast me a new one. At least they honored their warranty.
Have a snugtop now. Really like it. Uses rubber tubular gaskets to bed rail. Only one I found that didn't use double side tape (early 96). Look at some shells and you will see real differences in casting quality. You get what you pay for. The extra height is really nice for using as a hunting camp, quick tent, etc. The lower one is a little crowded heightwise. Look closely at the mounting systems. Some are real trash and the shell can slide around. Also, depending on what you carry, look at how it locks. Mine has the handle that snaps in making it a little more difficult to pull back open through the lock.
I have had them in the past and have not yet purchased one for my CTD. I agree that it is a love/hate relationship.
I wanted to cover the bed, but not lose the usability of it (read: hauling large items). So far I am very happy with my choice of the Truxedo.
I was originally looking for a cap for the truck to put on during the winter months and take off during the summer. And I will still buy one to use this way if the opportunity presented itself to me, and the price was right.
All in all it is a matter of the use of your truck. If I didn't have a need to keep the back available to haul larger items, I would put a cap on again.
My $. 02,
Ryan
I wanted to cover the bed, but not lose the usability of it (read: hauling large items). So far I am very happy with my choice of the Truxedo.
I was originally looking for a cap for the truck to put on during the winter months and take off during the summer. And I will still buy one to use this way if the opportunity presented itself to me, and the price was right.
All in all it is a matter of the use of your truck. If I didn't have a need to keep the back available to haul larger items, I would put a cap on again.
My $. 02,
Ryan
I have a Glasstite Raven cab high and I like it, good quality unit.
It has double locking handles, dark tinted glass on sides and back, gas props for rear door, sliding front window, headliner, domelight, lifetime warranty, and color matched to my truck.
Check their web site www.glasstite.com
It has double locking handles, dark tinted glass on sides and back, gas props for rear door, sliding front window, headliner, domelight, lifetime warranty, and color matched to my truck.
Check their web site www.glasstite.com
Was actually looking at Astro caps
I stopped and looked at a place that carries at least 5 different brands. I gave him my prrice range and needs, and he recommended Astro Caps. The one I was looking at is cab high, painted and clear-coated, sliding side and front windows, interior dome light, 3rd brake light, with doble locking T handles on the back door. It has a lifetime warranty on the structure and paint, 1 year on windows, doors, etc. It goes about $1K installed.
Any comments? Anyone actually have an Astro brand cap?
Thanks guys.
I stopped and looked at a place that carries at least 5 different brands. I gave him my prrice range and needs, and he recommended Astro Caps. The one I was looking at is cab high, painted and clear-coated, sliding side and front windows, interior dome light, 3rd brake light, with doble locking T handles on the back door. It has a lifetime warranty on the structure and paint, 1 year on windows, doors, etc. It goes about $1K installed.
Any comments? Anyone actually have an Astro brand cap?
Thanks guys.
I've had my cab high ARE on for about 40K miles, and love it. It does make the "hum" a little louder when the front windows aren't open, but the rear slidings are. I find that I like the wind coming in from the sliding rear better with the cap.
I bought it just to keep the weather out of the bed. It allows me to put whatever I want back there, with no worry of it getting wet. After 2 years, still leak-tight.
Mine was about $1100 and has the quarter slide open on the sides. What I like most is the windows are inset slightly. Meaning they don't stick out like most other caps. You'd have to see it I guess.
This is my second cap. Don't know who made the first, but the ARE is definately the best of the two.
I bought it just to keep the weather out of the bed. It allows me to put whatever I want back there, with no worry of it getting wet. After 2 years, still leak-tight.
Mine was about $1100 and has the quarter slide open on the sides. What I like most is the windows are inset slightly. Meaning they don't stick out like most other caps. You'd have to see it I guess.
This is my second cap. Don't know who made the first, but the ARE is definately the best of the two.
Love/Hate
If you get a cap or lid go with ARE. Top quality.
I had a cab high on the previous truck,sometimes they are great,sometimes they suck. I just got a truck,it has an open bed,I'm sure I'll be P. O. ed when I have to haul something in bad weather. All the reasons in the previos posts are the truth.
Rich Rozak
If you get a cap or lid go with ARE. Top quality.
I had a cab high on the previous truck,sometimes they are great,sometimes they suck. I just got a truck,it has an open bed,I'm sure I'll be P. O. ed when I have to haul something in bad weather. All the reasons in the previos posts are the truth.
Rich Rozak
TXRam, I have one you are welcome to try if you would like. It starts out cab high and goes up from there to a little higher in the back. It is red, and for a 8' bed. I only use it on hunting trips to Colorado, and will not be going this year.
E-mail me if you want to try it.
Big John
E-mail me if you want to try it.
Big John
Cap
TXRam --- Stick with an ARE, it is about the only national brand that will survive a 3/4 ton 4 X 4. Most of the others, Leer included will start to crack due to truck suspension stiffness. If you are looking at regional brands, look for one with aluminum bed mounting frames. Tell the dealer you plan to bolt the cap to the truck (wether you are or not) and if he sez' you can't do it with this one for whatever reason, pick another brand.
Good Luck,
Denny
TXRam --- Stick with an ARE, it is about the only national brand that will survive a 3/4 ton 4 X 4. Most of the others, Leer included will start to crack due to truck suspension stiffness. If you are looking at regional brands, look for one with aluminum bed mounting frames. Tell the dealer you plan to bolt the cap to the truck (wether you are or not) and if he sez' you can't do it with this one for whatever reason, pick another brand.
Good Luck,
Denny
Keep 'em coming!
Hey John, I might take you up on that offer - I'll send you an e-mail.
I was looking at the ARE myself, but the dealer that carries ARE also carries the Astro and that's what he recommended (maybe based on price, commission, etc. , I don't know).
Denny, The Astro does have an aluminum frame on the mounting surface - I was going to ask if that was good or bad.
Also the Astro has the "honeycomb" roof that someone else mentioned. I wish I could find someone that owned one. You guys have me leaning back towards the ARE. I'll ask the dealer about them again if I decide to purchase one. Thanks for the advice.
You guys are verifying my thoughts about the camper - I am pretty sure I'll like it most of the time, until I need to put something back there that won't fit with the shell on. How hard are they to take off and put back on?
Thanks for all the help guys!
Hey John, I might take you up on that offer - I'll send you an e-mail.
I was looking at the ARE myself, but the dealer that carries ARE also carries the Astro and that's what he recommended (maybe based on price, commission, etc. , I don't know).
Denny, The Astro does have an aluminum frame on the mounting surface - I was going to ask if that was good or bad.
Also the Astro has the "honeycomb" roof that someone else mentioned. I wish I could find someone that owned one. You guys have me leaning back towards the ARE. I'll ask the dealer about them again if I decide to purchase one. Thanks for the advice.
You guys are verifying my thoughts about the camper - I am pretty sure I'll like it most of the time, until I need to put something back there that won't fit with the shell on. How hard are they to take off and put back on?
Thanks for all the help guys!
Removability
One of the biggest reasons I went with the Snugtop was the type of seal they used between the truck rail and the cap. They used a multiple rubber gasket and an external mounting system vice drilling holes thru the rail. It generally takes 2 strong tall people to remove cap unless you come up with a way of suspending it from above. There was a post on here a few days ago, I think in the trailer section showing pictures on removal.
One of the biggest reasons I went with the Snugtop was the type of seal they used between the truck rail and the cap. They used a multiple rubber gasket and an external mounting system vice drilling holes thru the rail. It generally takes 2 strong tall people to remove cap unless you come up with a way of suspending it from above. There was a post on here a few days ago, I think in the trailer section showing pictures on removal.
One "con" that I don't think anyone has mentioned: the camper DOES limit rear visibility for backing, especially at night. If I could get by without one, I would; but, the ability to leave stuff locked up, and dry, is just too much of a "pro".
If you go with ARE and want a slider, be aware that they have two different styles of slider windows. One is wide enough for an average size person to squeeze through; the other is not.
If you go with ARE and want a slider, be aware that they have two different styles of slider windows. One is wide enough for an average size person to squeeze through; the other is not.
definitely a love-hate relation
I have a Range Rider for my RAM. It is an extended height model. Very good for taller stuff, but it is just too big most of the time. It came with the RAM. Personally I would have picked a cab high model. The RR is hanging in the granary as I type. The two happiest days with my topper (cap, canopy, shell, camper, whatever) are always the day I put it on and the day I take it off. I'm hanging on to it (literally) as the extended height units work well when pulling a travel trailer.
My favorite topper was a <a href=http:www.glasstite.com target=_blank>Raven</a> cab high on my S-10. Very stout and well built unit. Big Bob has one on his Ram (White Obsession). Really nice looking.
A former co-worker had a SnugTop on his Ram. It was metal sided and he said it was the only one that could take his punishment of hauling, trailering, and off roading.
I cannot fit into the garage here with the extended height topper. Being I have the 8' bed, I'm going to try a rail mount tool box and a rollup tonneau. I'm hoping that will give me adequate locked storage and weather protection.
My 2 reale (bits)
-John
I have a Range Rider for my RAM. It is an extended height model. Very good for taller stuff, but it is just too big most of the time. It came with the RAM. Personally I would have picked a cab high model. The RR is hanging in the granary as I type. The two happiest days with my topper (cap, canopy, shell, camper, whatever) are always the day I put it on and the day I take it off. I'm hanging on to it (literally) as the extended height units work well when pulling a travel trailer.
My favorite topper was a <a href=http:www.glasstite.com target=_blank>Raven</a> cab high on my S-10. Very stout and well built unit. Big Bob has one on his Ram (White Obsession). Really nice looking.
A former co-worker had a SnugTop on his Ram. It was metal sided and he said it was the only one that could take his punishment of hauling, trailering, and off roading.
I cannot fit into the garage here with the extended height topper. Being I have the 8' bed, I'm going to try a rail mount tool box and a rollup tonneau. I'm hoping that will give me adequate locked storage and weather protection.
My 2 reale (bits)
-John
I have a Century cab high and love it. Has the double front slide window to match the truck and double locking back window. Got the rear crank out windows and liner. Also got the Bedrug liner to match. Heavy rains here in Florida and nice and dry in the back. The full size side windows allow about the same visability as when I was capless. I also wired the light to my trailer wiring hot lead, installed a magnetic switch to the back window and light comes on when open. Also wired an aftermarket alarm and installed it above the spare tire. It is nice having a seperate alarm for the bed area and with a motion dector.
I bought a Jeraco cab-high cap for my 3500. www.jeraco.com
Honeycomb/ sandwich stucture, sliding full length side windows, dual rear cargo lights, LED center-mount brakelight.
I like the convenience, and security for cargo that a cap provides.
Using the clamp-down attatcments, it can be removed by two people in about 10 minuites.
Honeycomb/ sandwich stucture, sliding full length side windows, dual rear cargo lights, LED center-mount brakelight.
I like the convenience, and security for cargo that a cap provides.
Using the clamp-down attatcments, it can be removed by two people in about 10 minuites.
here is mine,
I oped not to get the boot for the reason in the pic. when crossed up on going off-road, it would bind the shell.
I like this shell and had it painted to match from the manufacturer.
I used the same hard rail saver sealer described in a post above and if I had to take the shell off, it will come off cleanly since it is attached to the shell itself. also did a tailgate gasket kit to keep out water.
Hope this helps
Eric
I oped not to get the boot for the reason in the pic. when crossed up on going off-road, it would bind the shell.
I like this shell and had it painted to match from the manufacturer.
I used the same hard rail saver sealer described in a post above and if I had to take the shell off, it will come off cleanly since it is attached to the shell itself. also did a tailgate gasket kit to keep out water.
Hope this helps
Eric
Snug Top
Well I love my Snug Top the Top matches the lines of the truck perfectly!! The construction is top notch! It uses J hooks to anchor it's self down and can easy be removed buy two guys and If you truck is as tall as mine you need to tall guys!!
I would say take your time and look at all the shells and them pick the one you like!!
I couldn't be happier with mine!!
Happy hunting!!
Well I love my Snug Top the Top matches the lines of the truck perfectly!! The construction is top notch! It uses J hooks to anchor it's self down and can easy be removed buy two guys and If you truck is as tall as mine you need to tall guys!!
I would say take your time and look at all the shells and them pick the one you like!!
I couldn't be happier with mine!!
Happy hunting!!
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