Looking for special truck top

[NevadaBadBoy]

I've been scouring the net for a particular shell. I've seen some shells that have eye bolts or a similar device welded or bolted through the front and rear of the roof so that the removal and re-attachment to the cargo bed can be done via simple hoisting mechanism. I've been happy with the GemTop Outfitter model, and Leer is another major manufacturer of truck tops. However, nowhere on their sites is there a factory option called easy lift, Eye Bolt, etc. I get the feeling that all of these eye bolts are installed after the purchase, by the new owner.



Can someone please shed some light on this mystery and mention a manufacturer that installs these metal loops from the factory, along with the reinforcements of the roof top. I prefer the shell to be metal, covering the fiberglass. It needs to be of heavy design that can handle the stress of 4x4 trails.



Thanks,





NVBadBoy

 

[AMink]

NVBADBOY,

You may have seen some Caravan Camper shells that don't have racks. Their stock shells have eyebolts at front and rear to facilitate removal and installation. They're in Reno and make a great product. There are lots of them in various configurations in Northern Nevada. With racks, the shells can withstand over 2000# of weight, thus squashing your suspension :-laf



http://www.caravancamper.com/

 

[67guzzler]

Man! That flash intro on that site takes so long I bailed before the page loaded. That needs a "skip intro" button bad!

 

[NevadaBadBoy]

AMink,

Thanks for the link. That is exactly what I've been seeing around town. Their prices are also reasonable. I paid over $3000 for a GemTop outfitter only 9 months ago. I wish I had known that I was getting a new truck... now I have to donate the 'old' shell.



I'm scheduled to go to Reno by the end of this week. Will definitely check out their showroom and place an order.



Thanks again.





NVBadBoy

 

[AMink]

Well, it's not really a showroom, but Dale and Wally will set you up. Dickerson Road is off 2nd street, west of Keystone. They usually have a 2-3 month back log, but the shell is worth the wait. I would suggest that you get the two door setup if you tow a trailer. A single door sometimes won't clear the tongue jack.

 

[NevadaBadBoy]

I went to place my order this afternoon and found out that the shell wouldn't be ready until January, 2006. I was all bummed out. This is a little too long of a waiting period. I'm moving to Elko and need the shell before November and the winter weather kicks in. So, I went to Gem Top and ordered another Outfitter and a lift kit for the garage. It'll be here in less than 30 days or less. I was hoping I could get the Caravan model, but time was of the essence.



NVBadBoy

 

[AMink]

Before you drop cash for the gemtop, you may want to look in the Big Nickel and some of the other local papers. They do come up for sale sometimes. If not, good luck with the Gemtop!

 

[NevadaBadBoy]

Too late to back out. I already shelled out the cash for the GemTop. I've had one before and I was very satisfied with the fit and looks. It'll have the correct color code to match the truck.



Should the need for a heavy duty shell come up, I'll know where to go ahead of time.





NVBB

 

[abdiver]

3 1/2 month wait

I went to place my order this afternoon and found out that the shell wouldn't be ready until January, 2006. I was all bummed out. This is a little too long of a waiting period. I'm moving to Elko and need the shell before November and the winter weather kicks in. So, I went to Gem Top and ordered another Outfitter and a lift kit for the garage. It'll be here in less than 30 days or less. I was hoping I could get the Caravan model, but time was of the essence.



NVBadBoy

Thanks to AMink and Sarj for answering lots of questions for me. I finally placed my order for my Caravan Now I Just 3 months and one week to go.



Wally has retired



Bill

 

[AMink]

Wally has retired

OH NO! It's the end of an era :{ He's been there forever.

 

[abdiver]

I enjoyed talking to Wally he said he was going to retire just never said when I assume it was with in the last couple months.



Bill