Topper for 8' bed, any recommendations??

[Cryotek]

I'm thinking of putting a topper on my truck but don't have a clue of what are good name brands or how much they cost.



I would like one with side windows since I have dogs.



Any recommendations and input is encouraged.



Thanks and Merry Christmas

 

[Punkineater]

I have been researching this to death over the last few months. My 94 had a Leer and I really liked it. However, I have been talking to several people who own the new Leers and they hate them. Problems with seals and latches. I have decided on the Snugtop for this truck. Everyone I have talked to loves them.

 

[JCarroll]

I have a Leer on mine and it was a great investment. It cost about 1800. 00 and has no leaks,remote latch on tailgate. Perfect color match with truck.

 

[KD7GYJ]

Had a Leer, nice topper, will buy another when I have a few extra $$$ in my pocket. It is suppose to be top quality, don't foget to get the pivoting window so you can clean both windows, the back of the cab and the front of the topper.

 

[EEdmondson]

SnugTop... . Had one on my 91 F250 and now on my 04. 5 CTD. I have the Xtra Vision model and the windoor option that allows the side windows to open from outside (top hinge). Also wheel to wheel nerf bars to allow me to reach inside.

 

[rotts4u]

I have an ARE now and after owning two leers with some minor problems I am happier with my latest ARE. Smooth SUV styled windows, carpeted liner etc etc.



I love it and and paint match was perfect.



Don

 

[BStoecker]

I bought an Astro for mine this summer. Color matches perfectly. I have heard that some people have had trouble with them though. Mine seems to be doing fine so far. I paid just about $1400 for mine. They have one level higher that was about $1800 as well.

 

[coobie]

I bought an Astro for mine this summer. Color matches perfectly. I have heard that some people have had trouble with them though. Mine seems to be doing fine so far. I paid just about $1400 for mine. They have one level higher that was about $1800 as well.

Another vote for Astro caps. I have had mine about 1 year,paint matches no flaws. coobie Oo.

 

[AMink]

I have a Caravan. It is all steel. I had mine made 6" over cab with 3 racks, so I can carry a boat (or lumber or whatever). The shell weighs about 500 lbs for an 8'. They can hold 2000lbs, not that I would put that much up there! You lose the tailgate and have two swinging doors. Very convenient with a trailer on. I use mine to sleep in while hunting, so it has two lights, a work light, and racks on both sides. I've had it for almost 12 years. Absolutely worth the money, about $2000 in 1993. I've heard they've gone up:{ since then, but what hasn't. They are definately not easy on, easy off, unless you have about 5 friends to help you. Six is better, then you can supervise. They are custom made in Reno, to your specs including color. I have seen them with one door, two doors, tailgate lifts, 12" over, roof height, windows, no windows, etc.

www.caravancamper.com

 

[BDuffy]

I have an a. r. e. on my 03 and it has the rear door option which cost about 2,300 and this has been a real quality product and worth the cost.

 

[rotts4u]

Here is a pic of my ARE o the truck





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[JWChessell]

I have a Leer. I also ordered a Yakima roof-rack (two bars) for the top of the shell at the same time. If you do it that way Leer installs the rack and the shell warranty remains intact. The rack is rated at 250 to 300 lbs, but as the dealer said: "Some people have put a lot more up there. " I've probably had 400 on mine. The rack seems to have had little effect on mileage, as I consistently get 18. 5 to 20. 5 mpg on long trips. Once the Yakima rack is installed, there are many other compatible Yakima products that will fit and lock (with a key) in place.

 

[RSByrd]

I have to give my vote to snugtop. I have an extra-vision on my DRW and love it, sliding side windows with screens and the front window folds down for easy cleaning of both the shell glass and the rear window of the cab. no leaks, no issuses. High quality construction and the headliner is almost a dead match for the charcoal color of a bedrug. My 2 cents.

 

[opiefire]

I have an ARE 8' with picture window in the front. The fold down window in the front is a nice option because it allows you to clean your truck back window, and the back side of the topper window without removing the topper. I would also recommend looking at tops with only one handle to open the topper. It allows you to open the back window with only one hand if your hands are full. I wished I would have ordered the remote lock on the back window though. I paid 1800. 00 for mine and the color match is perfect! The ARE warranty is really good too. Good luck.

 

[WhiteSheep]

Glasstite

I have a short bed with a Glasstite, carpet kit, light kit and sliding front window to the cab. My truck is white and the Glasstite matches perfectly. I have been in several driving rain storms with only minor leakage around the tailgate to rear window interface at the edges. No big deal.



I had the RV dealer through bolt the shell to the bed. No rattles or leaks between the bed and top at all. BTW, I had a spray in bed liner installed before the cap was installed. I had the spray shop spray over the top of the bed rails. I am sure this helps with the weather seal.



This makes my Dodge a true all weather transport. Like a big SUV. In fact, this is so much like a HUGE XJ, I have thought about replacing the Dodge emblem with a Jeep's.

 

[Wayne M.]

My vote is for Jeraco. I have one on my shortbed and the quality and paint match is fantastic and the blend-in/ looks are great. I was turned on to the brand here, so I found a dealer to see and I was hooked. The model is a Supreme. The runner up was an ARE, but they're way more expensive.