toppers?

[jeffnvegas]

any opinions on which are the best toppers/shells for a dodge shortbed?? always had long beds, so don't really know what is available for shortbeds. what is considered top of the line these days and what kind of features are offered. also what kind of prices should i expect?

 

[brn2fsh]

Hello,



About 4 years ago, I bought an ARE Brand topper for my truck and I love it. There are many options available with toppers these days. Be sure to get one with a flip down front window. This makes cleaning the rear cab window and front topper window very easy. I paid about $1400 for the topper and it was worth it.



I also had the topper painted to exactly match the color of my truck. I removed my fuel door (door over the "gas cap") and the ARE dealer sent my fuel door to the ARE factory so that they could color match it there when they painted the topper. When I got the topper, the color was a perfect match.

 

[LRobison]

I'll 2nd brn2fsh... I had an A. R. E. topper Z series install 3 weeks ago on my Mega-cab. It is great quality and it's carpeted on the inside of the shell, really helps with noise reduction.

 

[CStraface]

Should have stuck with the longbed

 

[OL RATLR]

I'll 2nd brn2fsh... I had an A. R. E. topper Z series install 3 weeks ago on my Mega-cab. It is great quality and it's carpeted on the inside of the shell, really helps with noise reduction.

A. R. E Looks real good.

 

[RankRam]

Another vote for the A. R. E. Z Series, I have pics in my gallery too.

 

[AMink]

Check out this thread. I really like the Caravan shells. They are expensive, but if you are going to carry anything on top or want something that will last for 20 years or more, this is THE shell. As soon as I can scrape the $$$ together, I'll be getting one for my 06.

 

[Jaysyl]

A. R. E, is what I have. I love it. I have the walk-in door. I got it from Hitchin post campers on Las Vegas Blvd N.

 

[JVantreese]

I have had Century cappers on my last two pickups. I like the side windows that flip up for access to the inside. I have a piece of plywood I used to make a shelve over my aux tank and the side windows make this a functional storage area. They also have two wood strips moulded in the top to make a secure mounting area for the cargo bars of your choice. The fiberglass finish is a perfect match in color and the rear window has two locking handles rather then a single center handle. I have found this capper to be a high quality unit that will last as long as your truck will.

 

[sarj]

It depends what your looking for, but for functionality, nothing will beat a Caravan. All steel, double doors, double light inside, exterior rear lights, optional racks, installed with matching exterior paint. They even welded in some special tabs I asked for before they painted the inside. It's not for someone that wants the 'sled' look.

 

[JVantreese]

It depends what your looking for, but for functionality, nothing will beat a Caravan. All steel, double doors, double light inside, exterior rear lights, optional racks, installed with matching exterior paint. They even welded in some special tabs I asked for before they painted the inside. It's not for someone that wants the 'sled' look.

I agree that the Caravan is a super setup for a utilitarian type capper. It would be a good unit for a service truck or work truck.



Has anyone seen an air diverter that would be used to keep the rear window clean? Back in the 70s I ran across a pair of short cupped air foils that were made to mount on the rear sides of your capper or station wagon type vehicle. I had a 72 Scout that I mounted these on and it did a pretty good job of keeping the dust off the rear window. I have been looking for some that might work on my capper but have not been successful.

 

[Whiskey]

A. R. E.

I've had mine 7 years,no problems execellent qualityOo.



whiskey

 

[pullya]

I've had two Snug Top shells. I have been happy with both. They seem to fit well and the color always was a perfect match for the truck. I also like the fold down front window. The price is about 1200-1400.

Jay