Hi all. I need some help. I just bought a new '16 f250 CC and I need a camper shell. I'm not sure what the length of the bed is, but I do know it's less than 8'. I believe it's about 6' or 6.5'.
Anyway, I looked at the new ones and about fell over at the prices. So I've started looking at used ones. The question I have here is, what past years/models of shells will fit my truck? Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated in my quest to save a few bucks. Thanks, Jim.

 

my 16 Platinum is a 6.5' and I just bought a Leer 122 for it

 

AZ. Thanks for your reply. That's sure a beautiful truck! I think my bed is also a 6.5' like yours. As I see it, 2011 - 2016, 6.5' beds can't be totally unique. There's got to be other year/model shells out there that will fit our trucks. I can't believe Ford made the '11 - '16 6.5' bed totally unique where no other shells will fit. Does anyone have any idea which other year/model shells will fit our trucks? Thanks, Jim.

 

when I had a few Leer, ARE tops for my f-250's and f-350's, there were in fact specfic top years to match specific turck years. you can call the OEM of the top with the top serial number and they will tell you what year truck and model it will be for.

there are if/ands also. for example, a Leer or ARE top for a 2007 and erlier will not fit a 2008 and later truck due to either the step handle or the bulge hump for it where it would go....HOWEVER...the model tops that are full walk in door are more forgiving becuase the bed door is removed and the step handle hump issue is no longer a problem.

Clist is full of BS and uncertainties....I once bought a top that the seller said was for a ford....but I found out the prior owner had it on a dodge....but it was actually made for a chevy. These tops may fit from side to side and front to back....but the cabin curvature and bed surfaces wont mesh. get the SN and call the manufacture.

once you find a top, use the clamps to figure out where it best seats....then with the clamps installed....bolt it in with large washers on both ends of the nuts and bolts....no matter what you do with the clamps...they always get loose.

if you want security....get one of those flat metal tops that you can drive an RTV on...thats what I have and once I lock it up....your not getting into it.

the camper tops can be opened with a plastic butter knife.

prices when new are high and all the cool accesories will bump up the price.

A lot of tops on clist dont sell becuase of the color. I had a red leer 122 that I was not able to sell for months at any price. I saw someone with a red 2004 f-250 driving drivng down the road and I stopped him and asked him if he wanted a top for free. He drove to my house and I helped him mount it up. it was a perfect color match. off he went happy as can be.

 

Tops are fairly specific to years ranges and brand, the bed length is part of it but also the shape of the rear of the cab and as mentioned, whether you have the old man step on the tailgate. This topper has several of the add ons including the removable front slider window and interior carpet, painted to match she was south of the $2500 mark so no, new is not cheap and used are definitely a smokin deal if you can find them but remember to look into the cost of a repaint. The wife and I have very specific reasons for wanting this model and since it is not a common unit in our area, we decided to just buy new.
A friend recently bought an ARE for his Dodge, happened to find one off a truck like his and it was in perfect condition but the wrong color, after a paint match, new hardware, new lock and weather strip he paid south of the 3/4 the price of new but it looks great, he just spent a lot of time looking. Before you drop any cash on a used one, set it on the truck and make absolute sure it fits right.
Good luck on your search.

 

That's not totally accurate and this is probably on of those ifs or ands. I can speak for Leer because I have one. I have a 99-2007 Leer top on my 2012. It isn't perfect, but functions just fine and 90% of people could never tell it wasn't made for my model year. Here are a couple of pics to show the difference. I got a quote from my local Leer dealer to replace the back glass for $500 to the correct 2011-up glass...I passed. I would at least search for something between 99-16...ideally 11-16 and calling the manufacturer with the part number is the best idea.

Here is the 2011-up back glass.


Here is the 99-07 back glass with the rubber flap trimmed.

 

I am looking to sell my shell for a headache rack/rails. Just throwing that out there, hopefully it falls on the correct ears......

 

You could also switch tailgates to match whichever cap you find.

 

Thanks all for your input. 89LX, looking at your setup, I'd leave it alone too. It looks fine to me. If I could get that close for pretty cheap, I'd sure do it. AZ, take care of that rig; she's beautiful! I'll just take my time and keep looking around. I'm sure something in the '11-'16 arena will pop up eventually. Take care all, Jim.