I am planning to order a new F-350SD SWR truck in about 2 weeks. I am in the process of rigging it now and trying to determine what I need to go with. The big items I plan to install are Dee Zee black tread boards a Rhino Liner,a Reese fifth wheel /goose hitch and a fiber glass topper( brand yet to be determined).

I am sure I will have many questions but for now only one really sticks out. Do I have to remove the factory installed bed rail caps to properly install my topper? I would prefer to have the topper sitting firmly on the metal bed rails. But, I have heard stories about the bed rails being wavy and uneven under the rail caps.

Also, what brand of topper did you guys who use one go with and why.

I need for it to be pretty rugged. I will need to take it on and off as needed so it won't be a permanent install. I am guessing 3-4 times a year.

Thanks !!

 

My Snugtop shell was installed over the bed rail caps. I preferred this brand because the shell wraps over the bed rails, resulting in a more water-tight install and a cleaner look.

-V10gunner

'00 SD F250 Super Cab XLT, 4X2, 142"WB, 6.8L V10, 4R100, 4.30LS, Camper Package, Dark Toreador Red over Silver, Line-X, Husky mud flaps, Snugtop Xtra Vision Cab-high shell, Banks Stinger and Transcommand on order

 

ARE makes a pretty neat "Z" series cap that gives a finished look to the bed, ie. clean lines, cab high/level and a slight wrap over the bed rails. You don't want to remove the bed rail caps to mount a cap...they're unfinished underneath!
Bert

 

...they're unfinished underneath!

Huh? unfinished...please explain.

 

unfinished underneath meaning that inside the top is a rough white or black painted finish. and i have a question, how are you gonna use a 5th wheel or gooseneck with a top???


-nathan

 

To add on to what redranger said, Ford did a great thing by giving us bed rail covers, but they didn't give us a clean, painted area underneath. Just a bunch of tack welds and fasteners that hold the cap on.
Bert

 

 

redranger1

"I will need to take it on and off as needed so it won't be a permanent install. I am guessing 3-4 times a year."

Thanks for your input.

 

Uncle,

Be careful with the fiberglass covers as they can easily chip if mishandled while installing/removing. If you bounce one of the bed rail wrap-over corners on concrete, it will likely crack.

Take a look a one of the plastic caps... They can be painted just like the fiberglass ones, but they are tough plastic and a lot more rugged. I have had 2 different Brahma tops with no problems.

However, this spring when it thaws I'm getting a Leer fiberglass topper for my F250 Crew Cab.

Edmo