Best topper/camper shell features

I have the snugtop rebel over all I really like the cap just wish I got the windoors with it

 

side opening windows (windoors) . totally worth the extra cash. and carpeted is looks better the fiberglass.and one knob in rear window instead of two. or ever the low profile knob without all the aluminum trim. then maybe it wont have the gap hole in the corners by the tailgate. put your own lights in it the one that come with them suck. i bought my topper from craigslist .it had regular windows and was a pain to get to the front off the bed. so i bought the side windoors later they were 800.00 for the pair but totally worth it love them. this is the gap hole.

 

As someone stated, I've also never has an issue with moisture. I always keep a window open a little when sleeping back there. The carpet and adhesive are both marine grade, so in 6 years with this current cap, I've never experienced any issues with mold.

 

Also prevents any potential fiberglass splinters & adds a bit of sound deadening as well.

 

I bought a used, beat up no name 50 dollar light aluminum topper. Sealed it, built out a back bed a la Steph Davis and spent last summer driving around the country, and slept in all sorts of conditions. Moisture isn't an issue if you keep the little front window cracked.
Definitely the two best things are:
1) Having the ability to open all four sides of topper, which all have a single handle and a single key (minus the sliding front window). Fold up side and back windows are amazing. This was great when it was warm out, as well as being secure when I was in cities or away from the truck for a while hiking.
2) A roof rack of some kind. I put some removable plywood panels up there and slept in nice conditions, and have used it a countless number of times to move wood, inflatable boats, beds, etc.

Bad things: being a single sheet of aluminum, there was no sound deadening. If I wasn't such a dirtbag, getting something with at least some marine fabric and sound deadening would be great for rain/ noisy neighbors.

 

Just ordered an ARE CX + sliding windoors + rack rails. Should be here in next couple of weeks. Hope I like it!

 

Thanks, guys!

 

Way to resurrect an old thread!

Recently I found out about another important feature: the compression boot (might be ARE specific). It is the piece of rubber that seals the space between the cab and the cap. I ordered it with mine, to keep the dirt out from the space in between, but they forgot to send it. Last time we had a snowstorm, all that snow got in there and was not easy to clean out. It would have been really handy to keep the rear window clear, so I will be re-ordering that when I have a chance.

 

How much that go for? I have gotten a few quotes from local dealers for both ARE and Lear. just want to see how they are price Wise

 

I don't have one but I have seen posts saying that they rub the paint.

 

I have heard that too, but I don't care. Scratches would only be superficial and not visible either, but at least it would keep the dirt and snow out.

 

Around $2k with options. I have looked for months to find a used one on Craigslist and nothing. Had to buy new

 

great for covering your stuff

 

Something like this?



I put the grabby Velcro on the frame itself, and the fuzzy Velcro is sewn to the fabric. Otherwise the grabby Velcro will destroy the netting over time (I know, it was doing that already before I made the change).

 

Yes, something like that. Do you have any more pictures? Does the grabby velcro stick to the shell carpet? What netting are you talking about?

 

You're in good company! From where did you order?

 

I ordered a Century (same as leer, made in the same factory, shipped on a leer truck, $400 cheaper) and it came with the boot. The biggest issue I've noticed is the gap on both sides of the tailgates, need to find a better way to seal that area.

 

what do you mean by "both sides of the tailgates"? Got a picture of it?

 

I see, that would be a little annoying. Maybe there is some weatherstripping that's missing? I would go back to the dealer with that. Or maybe that's the reason why they called it a Century, and not a Leer? Save $400 and buy your own weatherstripping.