Ordered a Leer topper and have a question....

[foolkiller]

is it common practice to use clamps to attach the topper to the truck from the installer??



i don't want holes drilled on the bed rails.



i really let the dealer have in the bargaining process and don't want to call back and ask cause he's sure to see it as a chance to say, "oh, the clamps are extra. " in an effort to increase profits.



i'm going to let it ride if bed clamps are what to expect.



thanks, j

 

[chazj]

I've had a few camper shells over the years. My current one is a Snugtop with "J hooks". I've always taken the extra step to bolt the shell to the truck. I've seen too many shells that have blown off trucks over the past 30 years.



I like the feeling of shaking the camper shell and have the whole truck move as one unit. I also check (and re-tighten if necessary) at least twice a year.

 

[Regcabguy]

Shells,Toppers etc.

My friend's first time offroad with his Ford and Snugtop resulted in a shattered side sliding window due to torsional twist I guess. I've seen countless fiberglass shells,however, in Baja and don't recall any problems along that line. My popup is probably a year away from liquidation. I'll probably replace it with an ARE,Leer or Gemtop metal shell. I'd love to go with Caravan Campers but lot's o' dough. :{

 

[BigPapa]

j,



In answer to your question, yes, I would assume that they will use clamps to attach your topper. Past few friends and relatives I know that have bought one got clamps and I would also assume they are part of the "package".



That said, I'm with chazj, mines bolted on. If you decide to bolt on, drill the holes, remove the topper and make sure you remove all metal shavings, then bolt her down. I use a 1/4" neoprene gasket material that's 3 1/2" wide. I get it at the local industrial "rubber and gasket" place. None of that cheesy topper gasket stuff from AutoZone.



Scott

 

[foolkiller]

thanks guys.....



i may just have to face drilling holes in her and bolt it down anyway. they're such pristine bed rails though.



j

 

[Camelracer]

I've had caps on 2 trucks and both were held on with clamps. Hauling 2 kayaks through Baja has never loosened a clamp or damaged the camper. The cost of the clamps was included with the camper purchase.

 

[FLynes]

I've had two Leer shells, one on my '05 (used bolts that bolted the clamps without drilling my bed rail) and one on my '01 (same setup as the '05)... . never had a problem with either.

 

[EricBu12]

I had a Leer, They used what they called "J" Clamps. . A sealer is attached to the shell itself. I went off-road and such and it does well.

 

[RCorbeil]

I use flat J hooks where the bolt pass through the Fibreglass base on the Leer and hook on the under side lip of the bed rail.

Ron

 

[MAleshire]

I've never bolted down a canopy or topper to the bed rails. I've used 3 J-clamps on each side, and periodically checked the tightness of the clamps. If you bought the topper "installed" then specify use of the clamps. The clamps should be included in the installation, but if you're worried about holes being drill be sure to specify use of clamps. If there is an extra charge for the clamps then shop around and supply your own clamps for the installation.



Skip

 

[JoeCanuck]

My brother has a leer... it's clamped on and works slick as goose poo.

 

[OWeigel]

Caps blowing of has nothing to do with the clamps IMO. Its the installer that is the issue... .

My installer put a neoprengasket/sealer between and I have two J-clamps at each side, and the first time I removed it, it was hard to remove after I removed the clamps. . so hard that I think I could go like 160 mph without clamps without the cap blowing off:-laf



And as soon as the cap goes on for a couple of weeks its kind of glues to the bed... not as the first time but you get the point.



Go with the clamps and torque them correct, and you should be ready to go. No holes in the bed and you need 5-10 min to remove the cap with the assistance from a friend.

 

[FLynes]

Yeah, they put the neoprene on mine too... . it was a PITA to remove, because I had a TOFF spray-in liner, and the neoprene decided it wanted to stick to the liner... ... God I miss my Dodge!!!!!!!

 

[Allnew2Me]

The Leer shell on my CTD uses the large aluminum clamps that kind of stick out more than I like, but using them or drilling holes is the only option. Now the Leer shell on my Dakota is a better, higher line shell with the one piece rear glass window, removeable front window, and has the J-hooks that attach to the shell where the shell is formed to accept them. they don't intrude on the interior at all. The less expensive shells don't have the more custom install methods.