Thinking about finding a camper shell for my blue 83' f150. A couple of questions for you, where can I find one? And, is it a good idea? I'm wondering if it's worth the hunt and price. And color matching... Maybe a white shell with my blue truck?

Thanks all.

 

Long or short wheel base? Good idea if you want a covered cargo area; may hurt gas mileage. White will go with any color.

 

Used car dealers are a good place to find one. The trucks sell better without them, so they take them off and lay them out back. Just take a measuring tape.

 

I don't think there was a lot of variation in bed or shell sizes before the late '90s, so about any shell from any make of truck will likely work pretty well (as long as long- or short-bed is correct).

I've had toppers on all 5 of my trucks, so obviously I'm a fan. I've also learned a lot about what I like and don't like.

My first topper (on an '85 F-250 RCLB) was aluminum and I only had it on the truck during hunting season (to keep my gear and the dog covered, I'm a grouse hunter). Aluminum was cheap and light, but loud inside (not bad for me, but I don't think my dog appreciated it). Ventilation (for the dog on hot days) wasn't great. And access into it wasn't good (more on that later).

My next one (on a '95 F-150 SCSB) was fiberglass with a headliner and sliding side windows. This topper was MUCH quieter. All of my toppers since have been 'glass with a headliner. The sliding side windows were great for ventilation, but access still was poor.


My third ('08 F-250 CCSB) had a sliding window on the passenger side and a "windoor" on the driver's side that swung out so you could reach in from the side. That made access a lot better at some cost to ventilation.


Fourth ('02 F-350 CCSB) had swing-out "windoors" on both sides, with small sliding windows. Better access yet, and about the same ventilation as the third.


Current one ('97 F-250 CCSB) has "windoors" with pretty big sliders on both sides. I really like this one.

For color I like to match the color of the top of the bed. Although the aluminum topper was closer to the color of the stripe down the side of the truck. I've never been a fan of a contrasting color, or even a white topper on a non-white truck. But that's just personal preference.


I really like being able to put stuff in the back without having to worry about it blowing out or getting wet. My truck has been our family vacation vehicle and there's no way I could leave luggage in the back of an open truck. And although it wouldn't be hard to break into a topper, stuff is a lot more secure from casual thieves.

Mileage probably won't change much, if any. You're adding a little weight (maybe 300 lbs for 'glass, less for aluminum), but generally you reduce drag compared to an empty bed with a tailgate. I don't think the net change has been noticeable on any of my trucks.