Lesson learned, shoulda asked...
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Indiana
Lesson learned, shoulda asked...
So my neighbor had a topper in his yard that he took off his truck to install ladder racks. It was just the topper I've been looking for- cab-high with no side windows. So I asked about it, he made me a great deal on it, and I bought it.
But...
I didn't verify anything. I just assumed that since the 99-03(?) F-150 shared the same tailgate as the 99-up Super Duty, the bed rail dimensions were the same. NOPE! Neither is the cab height. I am now the proud owner of a topper that is shorter than the cab, narrower at the front of the box and almost right at the back of the box. Oh, and it has the F-150 contour at the front.
Still, I got a screaming deal on it, and despite looking goofy on the truck, it is doing the job of keeping lumber dry at the moment. So now the quandry is- do I attempt to trade it for the same style that fits my truck, or do I consider adding an F-150 to the family?
But...
I didn't verify anything. I just assumed that since the 99-03(?) F-150 shared the same tailgate as the 99-up Super Duty, the bed rail dimensions were the same. NOPE! Neither is the cab height. I am now the proud owner of a topper that is shorter than the cab, narrower at the front of the box and almost right at the back of the box. Oh, and it has the F-150 contour at the front.
Still, I got a screaming deal on it, and despite looking goofy on the truck, it is doing the job of keeping lumber dry at the moment. So now the quandry is- do I attempt to trade it for the same style that fits my truck, or do I consider adding an F-150 to the family?
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From: Indiana
Wife has the truck at the moment, if she gets home before it gets dark, I'll snap a few pics. But yeah, it is THAT noticeable.
The wife has been wanting to get rid of the Aveo and get a truck anyway. I've been trying to push a Ranger on her for the MPG's (she drives a lot) but she wants a full-size. And now with this topper in our presence, she seems to be winning points to her side of the argument...
Meanwhile, I STILL can't find a windowless cab-high that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...
The wife has been wanting to get rid of the Aveo and get a truck anyway. I've been trying to push a Ranger on her for the MPG's (she drives a lot) but she wants a full-size. And now with this topper in our presence, she seems to be winning points to her side of the argument...
Meanwhile, I STILL can't find a windowless cab-high that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,237
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used toppers are tough items to get a handle on. I have one on an f-350 that came off a dodge but bought for a chevy. kinda like the used tire market...they all have less than 50 miles.
they all leak
don't lock correctly
always come in the color you don't need
etc, etc
they all leak
don't lock correctly
always come in the color you don't need
etc, etc
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Indiana
Here's a shot showing how narrow the F-150 topper is at the front of the Super Duty...
This one shows the topper's front shape that blends with the odd shape around an F-150's rear cab, as compared to the more traditional shape of the Super Duty. It also shows how much shorter an F-150's roof is as compared to the Super Duty...
A view from the roof- again, the F-150's oddball shape is obvious. This shape carries down to the front-bottom of the topper, and leaves a gap for rain to get into the bed...
And the final shot, from the rear- the only place where the fit is close (though the topper is still a bit narrow)...
This one shows the topper's front shape that blends with the odd shape around an F-150's rear cab, as compared to the more traditional shape of the Super Duty. It also shows how much shorter an F-150's roof is as compared to the Super Duty...
A view from the roof- again, the F-150's oddball shape is obvious. This shape carries down to the front-bottom of the topper, and leaves a gap for rain to get into the bed...
And the final shot, from the rear- the only place where the fit is close (though the topper is still a bit narrow)...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
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From: MA
I was sort of under a similar impression about the bed size based on the tail gates, but after I replaced my home-brew back rack with a brand new one and offered the old to a friend with an '03 F150, I discovered just how different the bed dimensions actually are.
I'd say try to sell the one you've got now and either buy new (warranty, peace of mind, condition, etc) or try to find a good deal on a great condition used model. It's like a replacement convertible roof, you don't want to cheap out on it because if you do, it'll leak and ruin your day.
I'd say try to sell the one you've got now and either buy new (warranty, peace of mind, condition, etc) or try to find a good deal on a great condition used model. It's like a replacement convertible roof, you don't want to cheap out on it because if you do, it'll leak and ruin your day.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
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From: Rogersville, TN
I have seen much worse, but I would look at selling it or trying to trade for one that is a better fit. There are a couple around here that are short bed toppers on long bed trucks and other configurations that are much more noticeable than yours 
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From: Indiana
I think, as ugly as it is, I'm just gonna run with it for right now- it is doing the job of keeping dog food and animals dry (and if I buy building supplies, I don't have to unload in a hurry due to weather).
My wife and I are starting out on a new adventure in small scale (personal) farming and she's about to open a no-kill animal shelter (kinda funny- on the same property as I'm raising meat animals, haha).
Like I mentioned before, I was trying to talk her into a Ranger, but an F150 would probably be a better fit. Then she could have this topper and plaster her logo on it. If we go that route, I may just flatbed my Super- then I won't have to deal with the rotted bed supports!
My wife and I are starting out on a new adventure in small scale (personal) farming and she's about to open a no-kill animal shelter (kinda funny- on the same property as I'm raising meat animals, haha).
Like I mentioned before, I was trying to talk her into a Ranger, but an F150 would probably be a better fit. Then she could have this topper and plaster her logo on it. If we go that route, I may just flatbed my Super- then I won't have to deal with the rotted bed supports!
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