Truck Topper?

[bcbender]

So, After having this truck 4months, I miss having my top like I did on the 04. I had (still have) an ARE "Z" series on the old truck, nice top, but pricey. Thinking about buying something else since I take it off most of the time due to the 5er and gooseneck. Any brands to stay away from? Was looking at Leer, Century, and ARE of course.

 

[John Jensen]

I have aLeer on each of my trucks. Been satisfied with the product and the service.

 

[elephantrider]

have you looked into a softopper? can have it down in less than two minutes.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

You can do a custom home built for cheap...
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[TRAMPLINEMAN]

You can do a custom home built for cheap...
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With the cost of plywood right now, the fiberglass is probably cheaper!!

 

[Wiredawg]

Haven't seen one in a while, but I've seen 6ft toppers on 8ft beds as 8ft toppers on ~6ft beds... I guess they couldn't pass up a deal. Does make for a custom look though.

I'm a topper guy and like Leer... had them on my 96, 2000, 2002, and 2003. My wife doesn't care for them so couldn't talk her into installing one on her 2019 Ram 1500, so installed a roll top cover.

Let us know what you get and please post pics.

Cheers, Ron

 

[AH64ID]

I also have a soft topper. I like it because it goes off and on easy, and takes minimal space to store. I only use it 4-5 weeks a year.

 

[Cummins12V98]

You can do a custom home built for cheap...
#ad

With the price of plywood now maybe "Less Expensive" would be the terminology.

 

[bcbender]

I also have a soft topper. I like it because it goes off and on easy, and takes minimal space to store. I only use it 4-5 weeks a year.

Does it leak? make noise going down the road? I would use my topper more often if it wasn't a PITA to take down, But I do have it on a winch rack and have to move a boat, mower, etc to get to it then lower it on the truck (yes I know woe's me)

Right now I was looking at the Truxedo as something I could use "while Rving" and could still flip up to get to my 60gal tank.. Otherwise I would just buy another hard side shell.

https://truxedo.com/deuce/2020/ram/3500

 

[AH64ID]

It doesn't leak, thou I don't live in a very wet area.

The only time it's been noisy is when I left the front and rear window out on a road trip and had 30-40 mph cross winds, otherwise it's not an issue.

It's perfect for how we use it, but it's not for everyone.

 

[elephantrider]

I've been through all kinds of crazy weather with mine. never leaks, just sits back there snug and does the job.

 

[MRoberts]

I also have the ARE Z Series, very nice and very expensive. If I was shopping for a new one, I would buy a Snugtop Rebel and add the Sportsmans Package. That adds reinforcing and allows a 500# load to be carried on the roof, using a rack.

 

[River_Final]

I also have a Leer topper and love it, but recently got a Retrax tonneau cover because of the fifth wheel. Highly recommend.

 

[bcbender]

but recently got a Retrax tonneau cover because of the fifth wheel.

Looked at those, really liked em and would be the choice but with the AUX tank in its a no go loosing nearly 1'x1' of bed space for the canister; and then the cost which is right there with getting a full top. Now I am back to a topper because I think the clearance may be too tight in a 90deg turn with the tracks... I've read elsewhere that those who have the Goosebox like I do have had clearance issues with the rails / tracks that mount inside the bed. Going to go back to the candy store and measure the rail width on the mini models and then load up the 5er and check, I know it'll be close which may kill the Truxedo..

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have been happy with my Jason. I got the optional reinforced roof in case I might want to put something on top of it, and the fold down front window to facilitate cleaning.

 

[sarj]

Caravan out of Reno.

I'm on my second since the 2004 truck was hit on the back end while parked a couple years ago. All steel with a solid frame. Optional roof racks can carry a serious load. Not cheap, built one at a time painted to match, and ordered exactly how you want it. It might be more than you want to spend, but nothing comes close if you want something serious and value the quality.

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[bcbender]

So decided to pull my topper from my 04 to wash and take pictures to list for sale and it doesn't look half bad. I think I will just use it for now and see if I really want to drop $2500--$3500 on a top that fits just a little better . Most of the time it just hangs in my shop since anyway I have two gooseneck trailers.....

Side note I decided to get a soft tonneau cover to keep things from Costco etc dry when just running around but hence the next dilema. Due to the Goosebox clearance, I cannot use any of the covers that mount inside the bed rail as most are 3" and I only have 2.25" when turning at a hard angle, I think I will go with the Truxedo that mounts on top of the rail but it's about 1.5" on top, I did not see any clearance issues on a drive yesterday but thought Id ask you all if going from 7.5~8" to 6~7" is really going to cause other issues... No other options I see....

https://truxedo.com/truxport/2020/ram/3500#

 

[AH64ID]

I have ~9” of clearance and often get within an inch of touching, but I do a lot of backroad camping which require more articulation.

 

[MRoberts]

Caravan out of Reno.

I'm on my second since the 2004 truck was hit on the back end while parked a couple years ago. All steel with a solid frame. Optional roof racks can carry a serious load. Not cheap, built one at a time painted to match, and ordered exactly how you want it. It might be more than you want to spend, but nothing comes close if you want something serious and value the quality.

#ad

Wow! Anyone want to buy my ARE? I would buy this in a heartbeat, well if they look as good in person as they do on their site. Very cool!

 

[bcbender]

I have ~9” of clearance and often get within an inch of touching, but I do a lot of backroad camping which require more articulation.

I'll have to hook up and check again, I think I had about 7 or so.. I have the B&W turnover and Goosebox so may be a little lower with that setup.. I never had any issues with my 04 but this truck is slightly taller. I think if I can stay more than 6" I should be OK as my 44' trailer doesn't go our back very often but more is always better. I was looking today at the B&W extended ball that is +1/5" so may do that as well but need to get her out again and see where I am at, I think +1.5 would be nose up on the 5er and I am already almost 14' tall..... But certainly better than folding the bedrail over.......