Questions about shells?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Questions about shells?
I am looking at SDs for lowing a toy hauler a couple times a month. However, this will also be my daily driver. I have about a 50mile each way commute (all highway). A few questions about shells:
1.) Do they improve milage at all?
2.) How big of a pain are they to remove if you need the extra bed access?
Thanks.
1.) Do they improve milage at all?
2.) How big of a pain are they to remove if you need the extra bed access?
Thanks.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Seattle , WA
I would say a cab high shell would not hurt the mpg, but not sure it would improve it. I have had both cab high and one that was 16 inch higher, and the mileage was no different.
I have a plastic canopy on my SD set up so I can remove it on short notice. I use canopy clamps for holding it down. Just make sure you get a light canopy so you don't need a forklift each time.
I have a plastic canopy on my SD set up so I can remove it on short notice. I use canopy clamps for holding it down. Just make sure you get a light canopy so you don't need a forklift each time.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Taxachusetts
I have a Sport Master soft tonneau cover that I like. No improvement in MPG but it does keep things in the back dry. I unsnaps to roll up or it is hinged 3/4 of the way back and I can lift it up to get at those things that rolled back out of reach.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 51
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From: McHenry, Il
Had shell on last three. All with clamps. Is for sure two man job (to reduce risk of scrathing). I struggle with this as would like the open bed to move big stuff, but have 3 dogs and that is the best traveling plave for them. Have toyed with idea of buliding some kind of winch/tripod thing, but ..... anyone done that?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 208
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From: Under a rock in PA
Build 2 frames out of 2x4's that is about 2" higher then your bed. Lift the shell up and put 3" blocks on top of the rail, slide 3 pieces of 2" steel tubing in and drive away.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
Originally Posted by phil350
... Have toyed with idea of buliding some kind of winch/tripod thing, but ..... anyone done that?
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 42
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I have had great luck with my Leer topper. I would strongly discourage the purchase of a tonneau cover. Your storage space will dwindle to about nothing with a tonneau cover. There are products available that affix to the ceiling of any garage that hoists the topper out of the way with the use of hoists. To get the idea try, www.hoistr.com.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: MN
I have an A.R.E. shell, The weight sure makes for a better ride! It also levels the truck out. Best mileage (highway) with 21mpg, Best without (highway) 18mpg. I believe it does help. But an airgate would help mileage too. My shell takes 2 people to remove safely. I too have been looking to make a rack to back under & remove it by myself.
Dennis
Dennis