Truck shell/topper options

[PGoble]

Thanks everyone for the ideas and opinions. If you have any pics, please post them. thanks, Pete

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by DFrank

Buying Yakimas or similiar set ups is a waste of time and money IMHO.

I like the Yakima setup that came on my Leer Browning Edition. The top is beefed up, obviously not as strong as a steel top, but more than enough to walk around on, and I bet there would be no problem carrying a small aluminum boat up there, or anything up to about 500lbs or so. If I needed to put something heavier than that up there, I'd just build a rack over the shell. I think the metal caps are just too ugly for a daily driver. Now, if it was a work truck only, that's a different story...

 

[fishjack1]

I have had a camper shell on my truck since I bought it new in 1996. It was a requirement for work and I was not happy - "did not want a paw-paw camper shell on my new Dodge truck". I have since "tried" to take it off but every time I take it off I end up putting it back on my truck because I miss it so much. Very convenient for dry storage, security and even looks - plus it adds a little weight to the rear and makes the truck ride better with it on.



The manufacture of my topper was Executive - well they went out of business because of crappy paint . I would say about 85% of the Executive toppers pealed. I am about to replace mine and I am considering a "Jason Top". I have a couple of friends that have them and they love them. They are quite a bit less $$ than a LEER or ARE. Might want to see if there is a Jason dealer in your area and take a look at one. The web site is not very fancy but it works - http://www.jasoncaps.com/



Good luck...

 

[grabinov]

I have a Carrboy on my new 04 SWB and had one on my 95 LWB. I had good luck over the yeas with the original, so I went out and got another one. They seem to be hard to come by (few dealers), but are worth looking for I think. The paint matches really well, and the fit is very good at the cab. They also come with a "built in" rear rubber spoiler. I am not much for "wings" but the carryboy one really makes the shell look nice. The CHMSL is integrated into it, and it is cab high. It does alot to make the short bed look less stubby on the back of the long quad cab...

 

[Briman]

PGoble, I bought a Glass Tite and over all it's an OK top. It fits the truck well at the front and sides. The window hardware is heavier than what was on my Leer. I got the flip down slider window, windoors on both sides, bulb seal, and gutter clips. The top comes with an LED brake light. The paint is a close match to factory. I have struggled to find a top worth a d**n. This one is not perfect but it's a heck of a lot better the the Leer I had. I used to buy Triglass tops out of GA but they quit making them.

 

[d90boy]

I've had SnugTop XVs on my last two trucks and think they're excellent units. The one I have now has the fold down front window, screens on the side windows and interior light. The LED brake light looks great too. Nice thing about the 3G trucks is the brake light and turn signals are on separate bulbs. With the 2G trucks, wiring the 3rd brake light in meant when you used the left blinker the brake light flashed. I've always thought the SnugTop was the best looking shell out there and matches the trucks the best. Only downside I see is price and getting mine took a while.

 

[PGoble]

Do any manufacturers make a shell with flush side windows (no frames) that open for access?

 

[Cliffman]

That's what I'm looking for myself...

 

[Newf Limo]

I have the ARE and love it. Check out the pic's in my readers rigs gallery. Talk about a PERFECT paint match! The Walk thru door has been a great feature. Put a BEDRUG in and you will be quite pleased.

 

[Newf Limo]

Pics

this will save you a step.

 

[RAMINSPEED]

My Raider Shell. Best I found for the money.

#ad

 

[RankRam]

My Raider Shell. Best I found for the money.

#ad

Here you go Don.

#ad

 

[RKerner]

Opening side winnders

P Goble, check my gallery, this one has opening side windows but the latchhandles are kinda obtrusive. I got it for a deal so I'm ok with it as it functions well. New Vision is the place I purchased it. They seem to be able to put any window combination you might want - I need replace my front slider with the fold down to clean the cab slider windows better.

New Vision Toppers

 

[JEvers]

Glasstite Outfitter

I'm not sure that I'd buy another Glasstite. I've had a few minor problems and have had a tough time getting replacement parts. I expect it's more a dealer problem than a manufacturer problem but I've been waiting for a door latch hasp for two months now.



#ad

 

[DGFoster]

I have had CoverMaster Tops on my last 3 trucks and have had no trouble at all and they are cheaper than others I have priced.

 

[DGFoster]

Another view. .

 

[Cliffman]

this will save you a step.

Will the side window open far enough to retrieve something in the bed?

 

[RWatson]

Like so many out there, I have had many toppers through the years from the old Aluminum, Glass Tite, Snug Top and when I bought my 2K CTD, I decided to try Leer. I have been very pleased with the color match, the durability, and the cost was reasonable, or at least in comparision with Glass Tite and Snug Top. You can see pic's in my reader's rig.



Good Luck



For those that tow and have to remove your cap, I found this some years back http://www.topcaplift.com/index.htm and it has been one of the best buys I have ever made. I can remove my cap by myself in about 15 minutes when I need to pick-up the 5th wheel.

 

[swaite]

When I put a topper on my 1st Gen '93, I noticed a couple of MPG imrpovement. Has anyone noticed similar on the 04. 5's?

 

[thejeepdude]

When I put a topper on my 1st Gen '93, I noticed a couple of MPG imrpovement. Has anyone noticed similar on the 04. 5's?

When I put a topper on my '99 2nd gen I didn't notice any improvement at all really... it stayed just about the same, maaayybe a tenth or two improvement. I wouldn't invest in a cap just for the MPG improvement, although some people claim to get 1MPG or so.