Truck shell/topper options

[PGoble]

I am looking to purchase a shell/topper for my 2003 CTD. I have looked at the Leer, Raider, ARE, Snugtop, and Glasstite websites. Having a hard time picking one. I like the look of the flush glass on the sides (no frames showing), but am open to any ideas. Anyone have any suggestions or pics?

Thanks,



Pete

 

[guava]

My preferences of these are the Snugtop and the ARE. (Century or Centurion) is another one with good looks.

I like the Snugtop the best for its standard clean lines and windows like you decribe. It has a unique fit around the rails that looks good and matches color all the way around. I've both sides of the fit issue with snugtop.

I went with the ARE, mostly because they offered a better looking Hi-Rise and the full walk through door.

If I was going for just clean looks, I'd probably order in a snugtop and not accept it till the fit was perfect.

 

[FJfonda]

Have a Century....

On my'99. Would not buy another. After lots of comparisons, and screening for local dealer availability I will be purchasing an A. R. E this time.

 

[XcumminsX]

Anyone have pics of there toppers. I like toppers had one on my old ferd. I wouldnt mind one on this truck





Nick

 

[jackcaptjr]

Snug Top. Have owned several and the one on my 04 is the best ever. Rear hatch closes like a door with a regular latch, no bars and rods. Got the rubber boot and believe it or not no leaks. Partly because of the new flat roof light on the rear of the truck cab. The side rail fit is surperb with no visible lines.

 

[RonWeiss]

Go with the ARE, good quality and good paint matching... .



Ron W.

 

[JRG]

This is a Visioneer by Fast Tops. 877/434-2374.



JRG

 

[JRG]

Here is the other side with the window cranked out. It is carpeted inside with a slider and a slam latch, about $1200.

Hope this helps.



JRG

 

[JRG]

Those pics look like crap, sorry



JRG

 

[XcumminsX]

JRG nice truck. Did your mpg go up at all? aerodynamics look pretty good.



Looks nice but id like something where the windows on the cab are even with my windows on the truck. Id like it so people have to look twice to see if its a cap or part of the truck. You know what i mean?



Nick

 

[JRG]

Don't know 'bout MPG, the top went on right away.



Aerodynamicly I like it because it doesn't rise above the cab AT ALL.

As far as the window height, the window is even with the back door. Taller windows than the others I have seen.





JRG

 

[FJfonda]

JRG,



Looks nice... . word of caution on those hinges as they look the same as the ones that are on my Century. I did have 2 break and actually stock one in the toolbox.



XcumminsX,



My Century is pretty much the same cap shape -wise and reduced my MPG by 0. 5. I take it on and off often and each time the result is the same.



jackcaptjr,



Based on your comments on the boot I may have to take a 2nd look at Snugtop

 

[SWendell]

wouldn't buy another Century either...

I've had a Century on my CTD since 1998 and while it looks good, I've had lots of leaking from the windows. I have pulled the window out twice to reseal it which is not so simple because it looks like someone cut the window opening out with a hatchet (a dull hatchet). Also... . window trim fell off, Aluminum locking track for hatch wore through on one side(cant lock that side), front sliding window latch broke.

See pic in my gallery, but dont buy one! (unless you want mine:-laf )

 

[nickleinonen]

i have a raider nomad on my truck. pic's are in the link in my sig

 

[jjames]

Leer

I have a LEER on my 01' for the last 3 years and I have not been very happy with it. Have had to replace latch parts often and have had poor dealer backup. I will get a different brand for my 04'.

 

[jjames]

Leer

I have a LEER on my 01' for the last 3 years and I have not been very happy with it. Have had to replace latch parts often and have had poor dealer backup. I will get a different brand for my 04'.

 

[DFrank]

Ive been very happy w/ my ARE cab high version. It has contractor side windoors that allow me to reach stuff without climbing all the way in (wheel to wheel nerf bars help). This is my second ARE and have had next to no problems. My first one had a leaky side window that could only be fixed with silicone.



The Snugtop looks like a great option. Locally they were much cheaper, but really were not very compatabile with my lumber Rack. I've seen one installation where they notched the bottom edge of the Snugtop to go around the rack feet. Looked OK, but seemed a little hacked up.



Dave

 

[Glen]

I use a steel Gemtop. I carry a boat on the canopy. My other aluminum and plastic tops both cracked and broke under the weight.

 

[DBrena]

ARE or SnugTop

I have the ARE MX with the fiberglass walk-in door on my current truck. It is a good canopy. My new 2004. 5 will have the SnugTop XV with the fold down front window. The SnugTop latches can be operated and locked from inside if you ever sleep in your shell.

 

[DFrank]

You definitely need a bomber metal rack that fits down to the rails to carry much weight.



I can carry well over a ton of lumber on my rack or a dozen kayaks, before i have to get creative.



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



AS the last post said an alluminum shell can carry much more weight on top than a glass one.