Purchasing cmaper shell: advice
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Santa Clara, CA
Purchasing cmaper shell: advice
Just got a 05 F350 KR (copper) Crew Cab SB: would anybody reccomend a good place to get a shell (fiberglass, byt not really sure about brand)? Around the SouthBay?
....or if you are selling a copper one.....
thanks
....or if you are selling a copper one.....
thanks
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 907
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From: Citrus Heights, CA
Leer makes really nice toppers for ford trucks, but would you really want to put up the cash for a new one? As Karl said, "keep an eye on craigslist.org" for awhile before you pull the trigger.
You do know that you lose some gas mileage once you put the topper on, right? The aerodynamics get all screwed up and you will be hauling around an extra several hundred pounds all the time. If you need a topper for security, that's all good. If your just trying to turn it into a big SUV, you may wish to reconsider.
You do know that you lose some gas mileage once you put the topper on, right? The aerodynamics get all screwed up and you will be hauling around an extra several hundred pounds all the time. If you need a topper for security, that's all good. If your just trying to turn it into a big SUV, you may wish to reconsider.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,084
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From: Fresno, CA.
You do know that you lose some gas mileage once you put the topper on, right? The aerodynamics get all screwed up and you will be hauling around an extra several hundred pounds all the time. If you need a topper for security, that's all good. If your just trying to turn it into a big SUV, you may wish to reconsider.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
If you get a glass topper, they weigh about a 100 pounds, at least my old
Stockland does, on my 81 F150 short bed. The metal skinned ones do weigh
a few hundred pounds.
As for the gas mileage, it should actually improve with a shell.
Without a shell, you get more air turbulence as the air flows over the top of the
cab and down into the bed.
IF you have to get a 'new' topper, I think there are a few places on El Camino Real, aka route 82.
I think there's a place near the Cow Palace.
Camper Shells
Like Karl posted, maybe wait until you find a used one.
Hope this helps.
Stockland does, on my 81 F150 short bed. The metal skinned ones do weigh
a few hundred pounds.
As for the gas mileage, it should actually improve with a shell.
Without a shell, you get more air turbulence as the air flows over the top of the
cab and down into the bed.
IF you have to get a 'new' topper, I think there are a few places on El Camino Real, aka route 82.
I think there's a place near the Cow Palace.
Camper Shells
Like Karl posted, maybe wait until you find a used one.
Hope this helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Most of them nowadays are made of fiberglass. They weigh, at most, 100 lbs. I've removed and installed them by myself on longbed pickups.
I would definitely go along with the craigslist recommendation. If you're patient, you can save a boatload of cash. If you do want a new topper, there's a place in Redwood City off the Whipple Ave exit on the 101 that sells toppers. Sorry, no name, but just keep going straight off the exit onto Veterans Blvd. and it's on the right.
There's a smaller one in Mountain View on El Camino almost into Palo Alto. Can't remember the name of that one either, but it's not hard to find. It's maybe 3 to 4 miles of Castro St.
And yeah, they will actually help with mileage.
Posting Guru
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From: Vallejo, CA
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Post Fiend
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From: Bonita Springs FL
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Beale AFB, CA
I know this post is old but I have not been on in awhile. Did you find what you were looking for?
I know from my expierance that a good company that produces good cappers is A.R.E. But I do not know if you guys have them in Cali. My mom used to work at a plant back in Ohio when I was a kid. I know they have a plant in Pheonix.
I prefer to get a tonneau cover over a capper. I know u sacriface a little room but I think it should still help with mileage, plus they are lighter so you would not be carrying around the extra weight. But on the flip side the extra weight helps in the snow...learned that growing up in Ohio.
I used to shovel snow into the bed of my truck for weight and then in the spring it would melt and I did not have to pull anything back out. Plus it made snowball fights in June possiable!
But I really do not know. Maybe keep an eye on Ebay too, sometimes u can still find deals there as well.
I know from my expierance that a good company that produces good cappers is A.R.E. But I do not know if you guys have them in Cali. My mom used to work at a plant back in Ohio when I was a kid. I know they have a plant in Pheonix.
I prefer to get a tonneau cover over a capper. I know u sacriface a little room but I think it should still help with mileage, plus they are lighter so you would not be carrying around the extra weight. But on the flip side the extra weight helps in the snow...learned that growing up in Ohio.
I used to shovel snow into the bed of my truck for weight and then in the spring it would melt and I did not have to pull anything back out. Plus it made snowball fights in June possiable!But I really do not know. Maybe keep an eye on Ebay too, sometimes u can still find deals there as well.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 42,085
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ca.
I have a Snug-Top that I'm very happy with. There are a few different models to choose from, here's a link: Snugtop - Fiberglass Truck Cap & Tonneau Top Covers, Camper Shells Tops, Customized Truck Toppers, Pick Up Truck Canopy
Here's a list of Bay Area dealers:
Snugtop - Fiberglass Truck Cap & Tonneau Top Covers, Camper Shells Tops, Customized Truck Toppers, Pick Up Truck Canopy
Here's a list of Bay Area dealers:
Snugtop - Fiberglass Truck Cap & Tonneau Top Covers, Camper Shells Tops, Customized Truck Toppers, Pick Up Truck Canopy
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
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