Need some advice on truck toppers (caps)
 

Well I am really wanting a truck topper. The only thing that has held me back on getting one is the odd shape of the dodge cab. I have seen alot of toppers that just don't look right on the dodge truck. The cab is rounded. And the rounded shape makes for a difficult tranistion to a flat topper. The toppers that seem to look the best are the height of the cab at its highest point.

I would love to hear what you guys think is the best topper. Any pictures would be super!

Thanks for the help. :)

When I was looking for a canopy, it need to meet a couple of criteria's. First it could only be cab high to fit in the garage. Next, it had to have the side "Construction Windows" that are hinged on the top, so you can open the entire window for access to the bed. I have a combination 60 gallon fuel tank & tool box that needs to be filled in the bed of the truck. And finally, it had to have a minimum of 36" clearance height between the bed and the canopy back door when open.

I had a Raven on the White Obsession but wasn't happy with the quality. I chose a Raider this time and I'm very happy with it. Here is a side picture of my truck.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...926_resize.jpg

Take a look at the ARE Z series. See my gallery.

Ya don't need a topper, you WANT a topper[laugh]
Try a Fold-A-Cover, they are just great and fold up nice and neat and still allow you to have one whale of a trunk that locks the bed shut. If yo pull a 5VR they fold up out of the way so you don't have to remove them when towing and this is great because when you get where you are going you can fold it backdown and lock the bed shut.
DC sells them and you can get them at http://www.fold-a-cover.com/:cool:

I'd like to find a canvas folding topper for the rig, all I have found are for short beds. I often have equipment in the back that can't get wet, but I don't want to remove a heavy fiberglass topper everytime I hook up the GN. Plus my ATV won't fit through the opening on the fiberglass units, but the canvas tops will fold over the atv after is has been loaded (atleast on the SB's that it showed). It would be nice to keep the snow off and out of view from people when traveling.

I went with the Leer because I prefer the look of the frameless windows.

Question:

Will C.monoxide build up in the bed with a topper? I've put considerable thought into getting a topper so I could put my Lab in the back on trips but I don't want him exposed to any harmful gas.

I can't imagine it would, some of the ones i've seen seal pretty good. Maybe consider a topper with sliding glass on the sides, with ventilation it should deffinetly be alright.

I can't remember if it was on this board or on TDR, but someone tested this and found that Carbon Monoxide did build to unacceptable levels. The solution they came up with was to change the exhaust from side to rear exhaust.

I had cab high Leer toppers on my last two trucks, good products, a little pricey(the good stuff always is),no complaints. The Snugtops look really cool as well, but it can be hard to find a dealer and they aren't cheap.

Here is the one I have on mine. Leer 100XQ Browning Edition.


https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...89DSC00939.JPG



I have really enjoyed the camper shell. If I didn’t have an 18’ utility trailer I wouldn’t have bought one. It is really nice being able to lock whatever you have in the bed and no one can see it.

There is only one problem with this camper shell. The cost! I paid almost $2600 for mine with the Yakima Roof Rack and the Browning Edition. In my opinion it is the best looking camper shell for our trucks. I haven’t seen any others I like on the ram.


Here are some larger pictures:

Camper Shell #1

Camper Shell #2


Britt




:)

As to Carbon Mon. gas, I hear sealing the gaps around the tailgate is the key. Several aftermarket catalogs offer seal of different types. It's also a concern for me, I want to hook up the BullyDog programmer, bump up the idle, and run the AC while I sleep back there. I don't like to get up early to go fishing so I leave the night before. I like the air to cut down on the humidity by the ocean.

Leer 100XQ for me! I've had mine for almost a year and have not had a single issue. You're right about the cab of the Dodge, the roundedness of the cab looks real weird with a square shell. That's why I chose the Leer.

No regrets.

Chad

Britt,

I was looking closely at your pictures. Did you put rail caps on the bed rails before installing your cap? If so, why did you go this route and did you have any fitment problems?

Thx

yes. i did this to the 03 also. when i took the campershell off of the 03 and put it on the 05 there were no scratches at all on the bedrails. i'm afraid that the camper shell on straight paint would at least crease the paint. when i sell this truck there will be no scratches on the bed rails.

as far as fitment goes. no problems. doesn't leak a drop. you will have to buy bed rails that are smooth though.


britt




:)