camper shell clamp alternatives
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camper shell clamp alternatives
just got a good deal (free) on a camper shell that i need to get tonight. looks to be in good shape (needs front glass).
anyway, i was going to just run to home depot and get some of these
think they'll do the job? would they be good enough to leave on permanently? anything else at home depot that you'd suggest? i don't think a standard C clamp would do it...won't it need a lip to get under the rail of the truck bed, and over the lip of the shell (if there is one).
EDIT: and in case the image doesn't work in the future, it's a "Irwin 4in Handi Clamp". like c cheap vice grips with a deep mouth
anyway, i was going to just run to home depot and get some of these
think they'll do the job? would they be good enough to leave on permanently? anything else at home depot that you'd suggest? i don't think a standard C clamp would do it...won't it need a lip to get under the rail of the truck bed, and over the lip of the shell (if there is one).
EDIT: and in case the image doesn't work in the future, it's a "Irwin 4in Handi Clamp". like c cheap vice grips with a deep mouth
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From: Des Plaines, Illinois
The PO of my 90 just drilled thru the top and bed sides and put in some bolts and washers.
My 93 has metal clamps with a bolt on the edge to tighten specifically for the application.
I'd say you can use C-clamps or similar but unless they're lockable, you might have to check them for tightness every so often if you're going to use them permanantly.
EDIT: Those Irwin's are plastic. I don't know that I'd trust them with this kind of load.
My 93 has metal clamps with a bolt on the edge to tighten specifically for the application.
I'd say you can use C-clamps or similar but unless they're lockable, you might have to check them for tightness every so often if you're going to use them permanantly.
EDIT: Those Irwin's are plastic. I don't know that I'd trust them with this kind of load.
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Agreed, don't trust plastic clamps. Also I'd make sure whatever you use has some sort of locking mechanism on the hold down. My shell has built on bolts with V shapes at the bottom which hook underneath the bed rails. You hook the V under the bed rail then tighten down the nut at the top of the threaded bolt. There is a SECOND nut on top of that nut to lock the first nut in place. This mechanism stays tight indefinitely.
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From: Arizona
Camper shell clamps designed for this are cheap. Usually you can find a bunch for cheap on craigslist or ebay. I was looking for a shell for my dads truck and everytime I found a bunch of the clamps selling for really cheap.
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again, i need something in like 4 hours...at least just to get it home (highway involved).
i can get the C clamps, but don't i have 2 lips to deal with (the bed and the camper shell). regular C clamps have a fairly flat end and won't work with that, right?
i can get the C clamps, but don't i have 2 lips to deal with (the bed and the camper shell). regular C clamps have a fairly flat end and won't work with that, right?
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From: Sand Lake, MI
What kind of camper are you talking about? A slide in that sits on the floor or a shell that sits on the top of the bed rails?
If it just a shell that sits on the top of the bed rails get 4 to 6 3" c clamps and use them to clamp the top rail of the bed to the flat flange on the shell. Never seen one that didn't have it, most put 2" wide self adhesive foam strip 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick on the bottom of the shell flange to seal it from air leaks and protect the trucks paint. Stick the foam to the shell, not the truck.
If its a slide in camper you need the stake pocket brackets and turn buckles to hold it down. They also make brackets that hook under the truck frame rail and use turn buckles and short sections of chain to hold it down/in.
And no I agree either way them plastic clamps won't do. You be better off with cheap ratchet straps all the way around the truck and cap, one at the front and one at the rear. I'd used that method to bring both types of campers/caps home (slowly).
If it just a shell that sits on the top of the bed rails get 4 to 6 3" c clamps and use them to clamp the top rail of the bed to the flat flange on the shell. Never seen one that didn't have it, most put 2" wide self adhesive foam strip 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick on the bottom of the shell flange to seal it from air leaks and protect the trucks paint. Stick the foam to the shell, not the truck.
If its a slide in camper you need the stake pocket brackets and turn buckles to hold it down. They also make brackets that hook under the truck frame rail and use turn buckles and short sections of chain to hold it down/in.
And no I agree either way them plastic clamps won't do. You be better off with cheap ratchet straps all the way around the truck and cap, one at the front and one at the rear. I'd used that method to bring both types of campers/caps home (slowly).
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i guess the c-clamps will do the trick. i just thought the camper shell would have a lip on it similar to the truck bed and it wouldn't meet the clamp well.
...and yes, it's a topper/camper shell....not the big slide-in camper
...and yes, it's a topper/camper shell....not the big slide-in camper
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From: Sand Lake, MI
Ok yea I think I know what your concern is. Yea the topper's lip won't be as tall as the flange on the box that hangs down so put the clamps on with the thumb screw hanging down and it will work fine. If you have to, and I doubt you will, put a small block of 1x wood in the clamp with the cap to take up space so the load is on the clamp right. (Bring em with ya to be on the safe side)
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From: Sand Lake, MI
Originally Posted by Skandocious
I don't believe that my Snugtop camper shell has a lip on the top side but don't quote me on that.
I've never been a fan of caps, bought them to use for long trips and then sold them once they where no longer needed. To hard on the knees and makes a truck look like a "old fart" ride!
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Originally Posted by Skandocious
I don't believe that my Snugtop camper shell has a lip on the top side
...and if they don't, it's all chris's fault
EDIT: and yea, i'm not in love with the look either, but i love the option of having one...and for free - can't go wrong
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
LOL. That's fine, I'll accept full responsibility 
And yeah I didn't LOVE the way my truck looked with the shell, but having that and the carpet kit back there is awesome for the snow season when I go snowboarding with my buddies. Keeps all of our gear out of the weather, allows me to LOCK the gear inside, and creates more storage space by adding an extra 'shelf' of room to store 5 sets of suitcases, snowboards, boots, gloves, goggles, etc. Along with food, poker chips, video games (of course) and whatever else we bring up to the cabin to stay entertained. Am I making anyone jealous yet?
And yeah I didn't LOVE the way my truck looked with the shell, but having that and the carpet kit back there is awesome for the snow season when I go snowboarding with my buddies. Keeps all of our gear out of the weather, allows me to LOCK the gear inside, and creates more storage space by adding an extra 'shelf' of room to store 5 sets of suitcases, snowboards, boots, gloves, goggles, etc. Along with food, poker chips, video games (of course) and whatever else we bring up to the cabin to stay entertained. Am I making anyone jealous yet?
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From: Central PA
I love my cap . wish it was a little newer . I can load kids in with out unloading 20 tool boxes/bags.( Keeps my ladder dry to . )
I got my eye on a cap that looks like normal Cap (not a contractors cap ) but side windows Good luck
I got my eye on a cap that looks like normal Cap (not a contractors cap ) but side windows Good luck
Last edited by lostin90s; Nov 27, 2007 at 04:37 PM.
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...got it home safely. i'll post some pics in a day or two (in the sunlight). it's dirty as hell with the front window broken out. good news: it's white, so it matches. it looks super-redneck.
4" c-clamps worked pretty well. seemed like the one came a little loose, but not too bad. the small head of the clamp seemed to dig into the fiberglass a little more than i would have liked, but as mentioned above, a little wood solve that. i'm sure over the next week or so i'll figure out some clamps (or get the right ones), clean it up and post some pics.
...very excited about my steal
4" c-clamps worked pretty well. seemed like the one came a little loose, but not too bad. the small head of the clamp seemed to dig into the fiberglass a little more than i would have liked, but as mentioned above, a little wood solve that. i'm sure over the next week or so i'll figure out some clamps (or get the right ones), clean it up and post some pics.
...very excited about my steal