Camper shells - advice needed
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth, TX
Camper shells - advice needed
Howdy everyone -
I've been looking at camper shells lately and am wondering what everyone is running out there. I've looked at several different companies, but each one has about 10 different models so it's hard to get a good comparison.
What brand/model are you guys running? What are your likes/dislikes? Would you get the same one again? How easy it is to take on/off?
I'll probably end up going somewhere in the middle as far as price; I don't want/need a top of the line model, but I want something better than the base. I plan on keeping it on most of the time, but will be removing it for some occasions.
FYI, this will be going on a 2006 F250 shortbed. Post some pictures up if you have some.
Thanks!
I've been looking at camper shells lately and am wondering what everyone is running out there. I've looked at several different companies, but each one has about 10 different models so it's hard to get a good comparison.
What brand/model are you guys running? What are your likes/dislikes? Would you get the same one again? How easy it is to take on/off?
I'll probably end up going somewhere in the middle as far as price; I don't want/need a top of the line model, but I want something better than the base. I plan on keeping it on most of the time, but will be removing it for some occasions.
FYI, this will be going on a 2006 F250 shortbed. Post some pictures up if you have some.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth, TX
That's exactly the kind of advise I'm looking for. I've never had one, so I don't know what options I'll use and which ones I won't. I do know that I don't need a rack on top, as I won't be hauling any bikes or anything up there. I also don't want one that opens on the sides; I only need the rear flip up window. I've looked at a lot of Leer models online, as well as SnugTop and A.R.E. I couldn't tell you the difference between them though, other than some models costing more than others.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
Likes: 229
From: Gulf Coast, FL
I'd surf Craigslist and see what you can find. If you were out in VA there's one that matches your color and bed size.
I for one want a roof rack(just in case), carpeted interior (looks better, sound decrease??), pop out rear windows (for venting/pets). Leer 100XQ is my favorite style. Interior lights can be added easily using a series of bait well lights mounted in the bed.
I for one want a roof rack(just in case), carpeted interior (looks better, sound decrease??), pop out rear windows (for venting/pets). Leer 100XQ is my favorite style. Interior lights can be added easily using a series of bait well lights mounted in the bed.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Kind of hard to know how you intend to use it. I have had several. My current cap is on my service truck and is an ARE. I bought it used, it has roof racks, and it has served me well for about 7 years. The only thing I have had to do is replace the pneumatics that hold the side lids up, an essential for me since I have to get tools and equipment out of it. I haven't had any problems with any brand I have owned so none stand out as better or worse.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: Pocatello, Idaho
I'm not sure on the brand of my shell. I bought it used and their is no tag on it. But anyways the one thing I knew I wanted when I bought it was I wanted the taller one. It has been so nice to load up things and pile it high. Also when towing my cargo trailer it is about even with the top of the shell. As for removing it 2-3 people can lift it off. Depends on the people.
One thing that made me mad was when I bought it I got it from a dealer. He didn't tell me for $300 more than I paid, I could have bought a new one colored matched to my truck. I was quoted $450 to have it painted. So it stays white.
Only photo I have that shows my shell. Truck looks small next to my work truck.
One thing that made me mad was when I bought it I got it from a dealer. He didn't tell me for $300 more than I paid, I could have bought a new one colored matched to my truck. I was quoted $450 to have it painted. So it stays white.
Only photo I have that shows my shell. Truck looks small next to my work truck.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I'm not sure on the brand of my shell. I bought it used and their is no tag on it. But anyways the one thing I knew I wanted when I bought it was I wanted the taller one. It has been so nice to load up things and pile it high. Also when towing my cargo trailer it is about even with the top of the shell. As for removing it 2-3 people can lift it off. Depends on the people.
One thing that made me mad was when I bought it I got it from a dealer. He didn't tell me for $300 more than I paid, I could have bought a new one colored matched to my truck. I was quoted $450 to have it painted. So it stays white.
Only photo I have that shows my shell. Truck looks small next to my work truck.
One thing that made me mad was when I bought it I got it from a dealer. He didn't tell me for $300 more than I paid, I could have bought a new one colored matched to my truck. I was quoted $450 to have it painted. So it stays white.
Only photo I have that shows my shell. Truck looks small next to my work truck.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful BC
I dont have a cap, but my Dad has a color matched Leer (I think its a 100xL) but it fits great. It has pop out back windows, carpet interior with dome light, a drop down front window (handy to wash back can window) and it sits over the bed rail for a nice snug fit.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 2
From: SW ON, Canada
I have a color matched LEER cap that came with my used truck. Sliding tinted window front and sides with screens to keep the bugs out. Also has a cargo light inside at the back end ... very handy. Came with an exterior high mount 3rd brake light. It's level with the top of the truck cab ... and if i was ordering one new, I'd be inclined to get one that's a little higher ... i.e. level with the truck cab at the front and then contoured up towards the rear. Like stated above, it really depends what you are going to use it for. ~ Bugjr ~
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, OR
Got a color matched Unicover Safari on mine. Carpeted headliner. And a "carpet kit" in the bed. It all came with the truck when we bought it. Have no idea how much it costs or weights. Never taken it off. We really like it. Great for hauling the boys guitars, amps and pedal boards every Wednesday and Sunday.
Had it packed pretty tight when we bought our house last month.
Had it packed pretty tight when we bought our house last month.
New User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I had a Leer and an ARE at one point. The Leer was heavier duty. I like the rear glass that is somewhat recessed. I think Leer is one of the better quality ones. Otherwise when you shop, keep warranty in mind also. Lock mechanisms go bad.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,616
Likes: 4,697
From: Itinerant
Howdy everyone -
I've been looking at camper shells lately and am wondering what everyone is running out there. I've looked at several different companies, but each one has about 10 different models so it's hard to get a good comparison.
What brand/model are you guys running? What are your likes/dislikes? Would you get the same one again? How easy it is to take on/off?
I'll probably end up going somewhere in the middle as far as price; I don't want/need a top of the line model, but I want something better than the base. I plan on keeping it on most of the time, but will be removing it for some occasions.
FYI, this will be going on a 2006 F250 shortbed. Post some pictures up if you have some.
Thanks!
I've been looking at camper shells lately and am wondering what everyone is running out there. I've looked at several different companies, but each one has about 10 different models so it's hard to get a good comparison.
What brand/model are you guys running? What are your likes/dislikes? Would you get the same one again? How easy it is to take on/off?
I'll probably end up going somewhere in the middle as far as price; I don't want/need a top of the line model, but I want something better than the base. I plan on keeping it on most of the time, but will be removing it for some occasions.
FYI, this will be going on a 2006 F250 shortbed. Post some pictures up if you have some.
Thanks!
The style of the cap comes down to what you want it for, a low style (even with the cab) is good for keeping things dry and not going to carry tall items. The higher profiles are good if you going to haul a 4 wheeler around or help move furniture. Caps aren't cheap but if taken care of they'll last forever and I'm sure resale would be a 1/3 to 1/2 the price of new if you find the right person looking.
I have these 2 styles on my trucks 100r (below) with the Thule racks on top that can be taken off when not needed. I have not taken this cap off so can't say if it's heavy.
Leer 122, this was on my '05' but will be putting on the '08' when not pulling the 5th wheel. The cap is on the heavier side two fairly strong people can move it off the truck but three makes it easier mainly because of the bulkiness of the cap.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
I used to get so much condensation on the inside of this fiberglass cap on my 2000 that it would drip on me inside. It sucked... Cap was white, had a cheap Earl Scheib paint job done to it, just wanted it close, didn't need to be perfect.
Oh, and I had one of these to install/remove after years of doing it manually (would crawl under the cap and lift it up, balancing on my back, bleh..)
http://www.topcaplift.com/
Oh, and I had one of these to install/remove after years of doing it manually (would crawl under the cap and lift it up, balancing on my back, bleh..)
http://www.topcaplift.com/
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
not sure what mine is, but it leaks like a siv.. looks like a leer, every leer I had was primo, next shell I have will be a leer again.. and with a roof rack.. really would like someway to haul long pieces, ladders, lumber, etc..