Camper Shell 101
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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Camper Shell 101
We are contemplating installing a camper shell on our 2008 F250. I have several questions:
-How do they affect mileage?
-What manufacturers are recommended? Who can match the paint code?
-Any tips or recommendations when making this purchase?
D.
-How do they affect mileage?
-What manufacturers are recommended? Who can match the paint code?
-Any tips or recommendations when making this purchase?
D.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 104
From: Southern KS
There are several good brands out there. Paint matching seems to be much better these days especially on a newer truck. I have been using Century. It has never caused any problems.
I would advise to stay away from Leer brands. I have had very bad luck with their high priced crap. I had stress cracks in mine and they wouldn't stand behind it. Plus the latching mechanism was pure junk. I took it to the dump and threw it off my truck.
It should actually help mileage some.
I would advise to stay away from Leer brands. I have had very bad luck with their high priced crap. I had stress cracks in mine and they wouldn't stand behind it. Plus the latching mechanism was pure junk. I took it to the dump and threw it off my truck.
It should actually help mileage some.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 251
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Originally Posted by super 6.8
There are several good brands out there. Paint matching seems to be much better these days especially on a newer truck. I have been using Century. It has never caused any problems.
I would advise to stay away from Leer brands. I have had very bad luck with their high priced crap. I had stress cracks in mine and they wouldn't stand behind it. Plus the latching mechanism was pure junk. I took it to the dump and threw it off my truck.
It should actually help mileage some.
I would advise to stay away from Leer brands. I have had very bad luck with their high priced crap. I had stress cracks in mine and they wouldn't stand behind it. Plus the latching mechanism was pure junk. I took it to the dump and threw it off my truck.
It should actually help mileage some.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 104
From: Southern KS
I have the Century Royal. This is what it looks like on an F150.
http://www.centurycaps.com/
Notice the dual handle latching. That is what I have. IMO that is the only way to go. It is secure and they never need adjusting. I had bad luck with the SUV style center handle.
One of the options I got was a carpeted interior on the topper. It matches the bed rug that I have and makes for a clean look. I wired the topper light to an upfitter switch. The bed rug is a good bedliner option. I have hauled firewood, gravel and other crap. It cleans up like new with a shop vac.
I don't think I have permission to post pictures.
http://www.centurycaps.com/
Notice the dual handle latching. That is what I have. IMO that is the only way to go. It is secure and they never need adjusting. I had bad luck with the SUV style center handle.
One of the options I got was a carpeted interior on the topper. It matches the bed rug that I have and makes for a clean look. I wired the topper light to an upfitter switch. The bed rug is a good bedliner option. I have hauled firewood, gravel and other crap. It cleans up like new with a shop vac.
I don't think I have permission to post pictures.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 164
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From: Idaho
I have an A.R.E. My dad has one, my brother has one and my father in law has one. All of us love them and none of us have had any problems. Great shell. Color match is awesome on all rigs. Be sure when comparing to other brands that you are in fact comparing apples to apples.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
I had an A.R.E. on my old F150. I loved it. It always worked perfectly, fit tightly at the sides and front. It sealed really well at the rear/tailgate. I had one with a 2 handle window like super 6.8's cap. The color match was perfect - it was bright red. No cracks or paint fade, I had the cap for 3 years before the truck was totaled. It had a nice gray carpeted interior also. Really nice. Highly recommended.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 473
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From: Flagstaff, AZ
I went with the Leer Browning Special Edition, I havent had any problems with it. I chose it because it has a lockable gun case mounted in the ceiling. Pics in my gallery.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 363
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From: Raleigh, NC
I have an ARE and love it. No problems and it has been on the truck for 4years now. The paint is a perfect match and I have even used the paint they provided for touch up on the truck. You will notice it sits back a hair to far.... hit a tree while 4wheeling and no damage to the shell just need to line it back up......lol
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 168
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i am about to order a new topper. around here (wi) everybody i talk to has good things to say about leer? seems like leer, century, glasstight and raven are popular locally - no a.r.e. dealer close but i do see them now and then. no snugtops around here. anybody else have problems with their leer? i like the looks of the new 100xq model for my new 08 cc 4x4. hmm.
ts
ts
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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Originally Posted by Green Ford
I have an ARE and love it. No problems and it has been on the truck for 4years now. The paint is a perfect match and I have even used the paint they provided for touch up on the truck. You will notice it sits back a hair to far.... hit a tree while 4wheeling and no damage to the shell just need to line it back up......lol
Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 473
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From: Flagstaff, AZ
Yeah Green Ford.. that is one sharp looking rig. I usually don't care for the trucks with huge lift kits and the pocket flares but yours really looks awesome! One of the best looking trucks I've seen on this forum.
Oh.. when choosing a topper.. get one that covers up the ugly factory bed rails. I hated the look of them because they were all faded, my topper covers them up nicely.
Oh.. when choosing a topper.. get one that covers up the ugly factory bed rails. I hated the look of them because they were all faded, my topper covers them up nicely.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 88
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From: MI
Top
I have an A.R.E also but on a 97 truck. From the pictures of the green truck it looks like they have improved their quality on the top. It looks like it fits better than my 97. I would think that gas mileage would improve with a top because of all the air just flying over instead of in the bed and back up against the cab. A couple of things I did was got rid of their alumnimum clamps and bolted it right through the bed rails, the clamps bent and all came loose. I also have a lift system in my barn so I just back the truck in and able to raise it right off the truck by myself.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
I had a Leer on my last truck and I was very happy with it. When I started hanging out here at FTE I was suprised to hear folks had problems with them. Personally I loved the slam-latch rear door. Leer is so large that they may have multiple fab locations and that could explain a lot.
What is available to you may vary by region. ARE's are also very nice around here.
Bill
What is available to you may vary by region. ARE's are also very nice around here.
Bill
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 7
From: WV
Mine was on the truck when I bought it. Its made by Ridge Runner Industries in Fairmont, WV. Its been great so far and the paint is matched really well.
http://www.ridgerunnerinc.com/ridge_runner_tops.htm
http://www.ridgerunnerinc.com/ridge_runner_tops.htm