Have a shell? Tell me about it.
 

I have a '17 F250 CCSB FX4 that I am considering a shell for. Don't want fancy. Just a simple shell that maintains the contours of the cab, simple tinted side windows (don't need to open) and rear window with a central latch. Needs to look appropriate on the truck so no cheap junk but price is an issue.

Something like this:


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...e1c8e14ee0.jpg


Show me what you got, what it is, what it cost and what you like/dislike about it.

Thanks.

That looks like an ARE Z series. That is actually ARE's top of the line shell.

That is what I am running on mine. I like mine a lot. I coupled mine with a bed rug on the interior, ARE owns bedrug, and the color of the carpet matches the carpet on the ceiling of my shell.

Unlocks with my keyfob, but keep your regular key for the shell handy as I have found on below freezing wet mornings the lock will freeze and need to be opened with a key.

Mine cost me close to 3 grand. Not really anything to dislike about it right now. It does what I want it to. Keep in mind if you tint to dark you won't be needing that rear view mirror anymore. No big deal, but mine is pretty much useless now because I went with 5 percent all the way around on mine.

I guess you can still technically haul/work with it, but for my trips to get lumber I take my old 04 to the lumber store.

My 97 Ranger had a Snugtop Rebel that held up very nice. I've seen a lot of nice looking fiberglass shells have cheap hardware, seals and rivets that fall apart. (I've seen this in ARE and LEER) See if there is a custom maker in your neck of the woods. I found one here in California that makes really nice stuff, and will build whatever you want.

Well, I got the image from the ARE website so yeah, its a Z series. I had an ARE on my previous truck. I chose one I thought would work well towing the trailer but its wasn't a very attractive model. I forget the model but this is it.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...2540c3ba4f.jpg


I have looked at shells online. Its hard to get a feel for fit, function, quality and value from looking at websites. And you never know when somebody has come across a good one that does what you want at a great price. So I thought I would as here.

I've owned several Jason toppers on my Ford trucks. Always Cab High, Frameless Glass with finished interiors. Their fit and finish, and overall appearance looks a step up from the standard ARE-Leer crowd.

Leer 100 XL

Carpeted interior, tip out front window, LED brake light, keyless entry, single rear lever, switched dome light and crank out side windows.

I believe I paid about $2700.

ARE Z Series and the Bedrug XL (bed floor and tailgate only) and the factory spray-in liner is a great setup.

Love the completely hardware free exterior on the rear door and the best hinges in the industry. I had the rails installed on the top @ the factory (to support the Yakima racks), but didn't get any racks (yet). The fold down front slider was a must (for cleaning). I also opted for the "trimless bottom edge" so the transition from cap to truck was much less noticeable. Got mine for $2,600 out the door.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...e427bdfdea.png

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...3a7b6e1262.png

Here's my F350 with the SnugTop Xtra Vision truck cap. :D

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...098c7dfbe2.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...813f688b7.jpegSnug top rebel sportsman package

I have had a Century and bed rug combo for 11 years. Love it and would do the same thing again.

Thats some might nice shells...but dang thats gotta hurt the wallet.

Mine was a few years ago but IIRC it was around 1400.00.

A good shell is definitely going to cost some money. I had an ARE Z-series on a precious truck and it was really nice. If I did not have a slide in truck camper I would get another one but just don't want the hassle of taking it off and on every time I want to load the camper.
You guys have some really good looking toppers on your trucks.

I've had few long beds over the years and never had a topper on one.

That is a serious storage compartment. Very nice!

Thanks! I really like the Xtra Vision on my truck. It's like the bat cave in there!

BTW - what part of Kansas are you from? My photo was taken when I was camping at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, KS.