Toppers or Shells

[FF1381]

I am looking for a good shell for my truck, and am not quiet sure what is a good brand, i like the ones that i see that conform to the truck more than the ones that are square, does any one have any info

thanks in advance guys


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2001 3/4 ton driftwood 24 valve HO 6 speed; straight piped, silencer ring out
BodyGuard front end replacement. Alpine CD player, Kenwood 750 watt amp, 2 10"
JL subwoofers custom truck box behind the seat.
Jason

 

[RichB59]

I had a Raven Magnum 8' top put on mine. It's OK but the side windows leaked and I had to take it back. I put a Leer on my 92 Dakota and I think it's better quality I've had it for 9 years and it still looks good.
LOL Rich

 

[JGK]

I was talking shells with a friend of mine just a few days ago. He mentioned that when it came time to go shop for one, ask the dealers if they have any "blems" for sale. They usually won't volunteer that they do. But you can save hundreds for a minor blemmish. He saved a couple hundred on his because the carpet had a minor tear in the corner.

JGK

 

[Jim Guidry]

I have a Vista topper, that came with my truck, (bought used). It's OK, but not nearly as high quality as my Raven I had on my last pickup. I never had any leaks with mine. And no unsightly seam at the bottom edge to attract dirt and wax. I'd look hard at Raven. I sure miss mine.

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'96 Regular Cab, 118k, SLT 2WD auto 3. 54, Vista topper, Pillar-mounted Autometer Boost/Pyro, transmission temp and oil pressure guages under dash, starwheel spun

 

[Switca]

I had a hard tonnau cover from ARE on my Ranger. Worked real good for 95% of the stuff I carried, but those 5% that did not fit were a pain.

I got one of their CX caps on the Ram. It looks good and keeps the weather out.
http://www.4are.com/

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Gregor Switca
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96 2500 4x4 auto SLT.
99. 5 VW Jetta TDI
Nothing but diesel in my driveway.

 

[Scooby]

I recently bought a SnugTop XV and it looks great! I did a lot of searching and this fits very well. A new mold was recently made for these shells and thus the frameless rear window and LED third brakelight are now available for the 8ft. bed. I do have a photo or two if you'd like me to email them to you.



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'01 2500 SLT+, QC, LWB, 4X4, 3. 54s, AT, SPA guages, Alpha Liner,DTT VB, SnugTop XV shell with BedRug, Grovers, Roadmasters... every option but running lights!

'98 DUCATI ST2 "Bombed" 944CC with Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Exhaust, F. I. M. Chip, K&N and "modified" air box.

 

[Pete Peterson]

A. R. E. are very good quality tops. Holdup very well. Pete

 

[Deezul1]

Beware if looking at a used one, if I am correct our Rams have beds that are narrower at the rear than the front and caps off of other trucks wont fit

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96 SLT Laramie CC 5spd, 3. 54, no muff, no cat, 5"turn down tip
. Member NRA/USPSA

 

[Sandmann]

Here's my ARE cap with rear door.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=589847&a=4308659&p=19257269
Ron

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2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto Cummins, 3. 54,Quad cab,Short Bed,Camel Leather, White Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group,A. R. E cap with rear door, New 30' Cedar creek 5th on its way.

[This message has been edited by Sandmann (edited 02-07-2001). ]

 

[Sean Flanagan]

I have a Snug Top and really like it. I have had myself and one other guy standing on top of it loading windsurfing gear. Rock sold construction.

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98. 5 2500 QC LB 4x4 5spd, white. BFG 285x75x16
Cummins 24v w/ TST PowerMAX w/EGT and Boost gauges on A-Pillar. VanAaken CPC. K&N In the factory air box. Stock Injectors, Stock Exhaust (Geno's Muffler Eliminator). Re-routed breather stink tube, 2WD-low kit, SnugTop, JJ Stainless Running boards, Tow Hooks, Bushwacker Street Flares, and a Cup Smoothie.
83,000 miles (1/10/01)

 

[Mactruck]

I have a Century cap. This is my second and have liked them alot.
I have heard alot of good things about A. R. E. though. Thought about getting one but the dealewr is like 60 miles from my house.


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Kevin MacGranor
2001. 5 D2500 QC SLT 4X4,Auto 295/75r16 BFG AT's, Century Cap, Bedrug. , Alpine Head & Amps w/ Boston Acoustic speakers & JL Audio Stealthbox center cushion Sub.

 

[RobG]

I had a SnugTop on my '96 and really liked it. There were a few minor quality issues with it, but it seemed much better than all the others I looked at -- Vista, Raven, Leer, etc.

Downside is I took a bath on it when I sold it.

Rob

 

[John]

I've been very pleased with my Glasstite Vision II canopy. Unlike the Raven (brand) canopies produced by Glasstite, the Glasstite series have no options... EVERYTHING is included as standard equipment! #ad
The only choices you have are exterior color, color of the felt liner (they offered black so it was a no brainer for me) and front window treatment (or not... no charge for any of four different choices here).

The futuristic/aerodynamic design of the Vision II is taller than cab high and has very deep tinted, very large recessed windows, including the backglass (which is NOW inset in a fiberglass frame). The backglass assembly is mounted on patented runners which allow it to slide up and onto the top of the canopy for easy loading and unloading of cargo... such as ATVs etc. This feature alone is VERY useful... the only thing that could be better would be the full back door type arrangement (which requires tailgate removal... and parting with my tailgate is NOT an option #ad
).

I have also found Snug-Top to produce very high quality canopies. Ditto Carryboy canopies as well.

 

[Blue Goat]

I purchased the Glasstite 2000 last December. They are nice tops but are typically higher in price than others. My high top(higher than cab) had approx. 43. 5 inces of clearance for a 4-wheeler. My Honda 300 4-trax requires 42. 5". The top has rounded lines and is also available in a cab high. Their web site is www.glasstite.com.

 

[Shleets]

Snug top. No question.

 

[FF1381]

thanks guys for all the help, i have been looking and think i am going to go with A. R. E i like the looks not to mention the closeness of the dealership... lol

Also those of you that have the toppers, did you remove the rear window or just get sliding rear windows?

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2001 3/4 ton driftwood 24 valve HO 6 speed; straight piped, silencer ring out
BodyGuard front end replacement. Alpine CD player, Kenwood 750 watt amp, 2 10"
JL subwoofers custom truck box behind the seat.
Jason

[This message has been edited by FF1381 (edited 02-09-2001). ]

 

[Switca]

Kept all the glass cuz:

1) Better for the airflow.
2) I paid for them!