I have been debating getting a shell for the truck. Who has one? What style, brand, etc...? Do you like it? What don't you like about it? If you were to buy another one, what brand would you consider? Also, what did you pay for yours?


I looked at a Leer shell today, model 100XQ I think. They wanted about $1600+ installed - seems kind of steep.

ARE made mine. I like it. Going to do a permanent bolt install because the clamps piss me off though.


http://www.skynet-mk2.com/photos/Trizuck%20001.jpg

When I still had my previous truck, I was looking for a truck cap. I got lucky, & found a used, six month old fiberglass cap that was even the exact same color as my truck for $400 installed. You might want to try an internet search for used truck caps, shells, camper tops, etc (too bad there's so many different names for them). I was even looking on eBay for them, but most of them were a looooong way from home. Since you're debating the purchase, a good used shell might save you some money, but finding the right one could be pretty time-consuming. Even if you have to get it repainted to match your truck, it might be worth it.

My Century cap is a nice cap, nothing fancy, but I've had no problems with it. It sure makes transporting a muddy dog alot easier. I agree with SpoolinTurbo, though. The clamps are a pain. I'm always afraid they'll break or slip off, & I'll see the cap go flying off the truck.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif

I'm happy with mine, A.R.E. Z. Paid close to $1600. More than I wanted to spend but the installer is a local guy (walkin' distance from the house) that was more than willing to listen and answer any/all my questions.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/186_Truck_After.jpg

I've got a Century Ultra that I put on about 2 weeks after I bought the truck in Oct. of '01. Been giving me good service. Had it off for a month or so last November and put it back on with bolt-downs that came with my new Slide Systems toolbox and rail covers. Although I wasn't a fan of the clamps, either, they held tight for over 2 years and some 50,000 miles of travel.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/825_DCP04415.JPGEdited by: Idle_Chatter

My top shifted when I moved from georgia to anchorage AK... Permanent mounting will be the way to go for me.

I bought an Astro 1600 (mid rise). I had a Glasstite before this one (also mid rise). I would have gone with Glasstite again, but it would have been at least $400 more than the Astro for the same options. The Astro was one of the cheapest shells I could find (around $1200), but through a very wet June (over 10 inches of rain) it has remained dry inside. I got mine carpeted and when combined with a BedRug, it makes a very snug sleeping area for overnight.

Greetings!


I bought an ARE Impulse Wedge. A little tall in back, but it works well for me!


Shrubber

ARE makes good stuff im got an ARE hard tonneau for about 900 i think cant remember forsure cause i got grille gaurd and grille insert at the same time but i know it was between 900 and 1000

ARE Z series for me with all the options including the interior carpet (makes it nice and quiet and tint windows, etc.) was $1400 installed. ARE has really nice closing hardware (automotive quality) that doesn't loosen up with time and rattle loose and I have not had any problem with leaks.

Here's the Leer I have. After having it a while I'm not really impressed with the quality - but it does the job. Doesn't leak though and only spent about 1200 bucks. The clamps really stink - one is bent and the topper moves around on rough roads. Had an ARE on prior truck and was really pleased with it. Just more than I was willing to spend this time.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/4FB_Resize_of_topper.JPG

I just bought a 2 year old loaded Raider Nomad II and in very good shape for $625. It's got all the options, carpet head liner, 12V lights, tinted frameless windows, upgraded hook locks, LED tail light, and so on. It's pewter and does not look too bad on my white truck for what I need it for, but I'll eventually paint it.


http://www.raider.ca/images/nomad.jpg


One thing I learned while looking around that everyone looking needs to be aware of... the Crew Cabs take a different shell than all other trucks. It fits only '01 and up *Crew Cabs*. Not extended, and not standard. The front angle is different as is the height. I had 2 different dealers try to sell me a cap for the regular/extended cabs swearing it would work when it will be pretty obvious looking at it mounted...

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/92C_truck2.JPG


Snug Top. Interior lights. Third brake light. My third truck. My third Snug Top.

Shrubber,


While shopping for a topper I was looking for the "wedge" from Jason and either Leer or ARE but both had discontinued those models. Too bad because I liked the idea of the larger opening in the back and the slope from the rear of the cab. Got a picture of yours for us to see?

Greetings, Marc!


I will try and post one soon. Got to find the camera!


Shrubber

anyone got a high rise on their truck? I'm looking at getting a shell but would like one that goes just over the height of the cab. Also want flip out side windows. Do you think I should put bed rail caps on before the shell?


cmc

No cap on my 2500HD, but I have one on my other truck, a Raider Nomad, the model before the one pictured above. Over 10 years old now, very happy with it.

I have a Leer 100R. It's a basic shell, though I ordered the carpet option. I've had no problems with it and it's dry as a bone regardless of weather. Well, the clamps did loosen up enough recently that pounding down from Donner Summit the other day the shell shifted about 1/2". That was easily fixed and I suspect it was an installation/maintanence issue, not a quality issue. By the way, there is some indication that the shells manufactured at Leer's Woodland facility are a bit better than those made at other plants.

TC

Also have a Leer 100R - no side windows. It is one year old and is perfect after being bounced all over Mexico on my 02. As the Leer was not a "perfect fit" back in 02, I got conned into buying an ARE (same type - no windows) by my dealer. Defected the first one out after my first 20,000 mile Central America trip as it cracked, and rear window would not fit correctly. After 6 months of waiting for a new one, ran it about 6 months and demanded my money back due to devloping bubbles, cracks, and very poor workmanship. Bought the Leer. I have been running Leers off road in mexico since the late 80's without any problems. Most of those units are still around on other trucks, still shiny, no cracks, etc. None of my units have had side windows which may help structurally.

I have a Century Ultra with lift side windows and they are very handy. Just raise the window and reach in the bed of your truck with ease. I paid $ 895 plus $ 150 for the lift windows plus tax for a total of $ 1118.15.


On my previous truck I had a highrise; it was nice but I like this one better with the side windows raising.

I've got a Leer 122 raised roof I use for camping, it ran me $1200 IIRC, but it's not worth $20 in my book The windows leaked within the first six months. My dealer would have replaced the stick-on foam gaskets, but what's the point? I had my neighbor, who's a grass man, seal it up right, he also replaced the rubber on the fixed windows since it was already separating. when I cleaned it up for a trip to Vermont last week, I noticed it's cracking around the third tail light and where the raised roof meets the regular roof level. What a piece of crap! I'l never buy another Leer.

Ox