Tiny crack in shell

Hey guys,

I noticed a tiny crack on the front corner of my shell. I’m thinking it happened while vibrating my way down some washboard road.

I’m hoping yall can recommend a product to put between the shell and truck.

I dont have a way (or knowledge) to lift the shell myself I plan to go to the shell dealer who installed it and pay him to raise it up with his forklift and install the padding/foam or whatever yall recommend.

 

Bump

 

Just take it back to the dealer and ask what the deal is with the crack. Then go from there.

BUMP.

 

Hmmm it is still under warranty with ARE

 

Any other advice guys?

 

Are any of the clamps loose? It should have foam weather seal material between it and the bed and the dealer should have told you to recheck the clamps after a certain period of time as the foam compresses and the shell seats. they need to be checked periodically thereafter as well. It shouldn't actually be touching the bed though.

 

No clamps are loose but the foam could have just vibrated its way out. Thanks, yeah it looks like its resting on the bed but I’m not sure how to lift the cap- maybe i could ask some local members to help me out (i just moved so all my friends are back east) might have to take it into the shell dealer

Id also like to replace the foam he used with something better if anyone knows of product

 

I’ve seen this video before in how to remove your camper by yourself. if it’s under warranty I would personally have them do it. If you drop it somehow you risk completely messing up the camper shell. I need to remove mine because I just got quoted $700 for a guy to paint my hood and roof but he needs the shell off the truck.

https://youtu.be/tqPT0tw1OlE

 

If it's still under a warranty I would take it back and show them. If you're at fault somehow they will almost always take the cheapest route for them and then you can tell us here and we can go from there.

 

Thank for sharing that video, unfortunately I only have a parking lot at my apartment complex, no garage or yard...

 

Yep, talk to the dealer and see what they say.

The tops really aren't that heavy, more awkward than anything. I took the one off my last Tacoma by myself a couple of times and I used to remove the hard top on my FJ-40s by myself and they're definitely heavier and more awkward. I used the ramp off my trailer to walk the shell off my truck, just be careful lifting so you don't hurt your back.

 

This. I have taken mine off years ago but don't want to attempt it now with a bum shoulder. It's doable, but very awkward. No wind, go slow, and take your time. One wrong move, one gust, rolled ankle...anything, and your hurting and the topper is dropped. I see you live in NM. I've been to the SE corner a lot and the wind is plentiful there.

 

Carlsbad? One of the only areas I havent been to yet. I’ve mostly explored the north and western parts.

And I would try to lift this myself if I had a driveway but I think thats too much to do in the parking lot. I’ve already installed skid plates and sliders in this lot though haha. But i was mostly out of sight under the truck during those installs. I’ll take it to the shell dealer, hopefully he is helpful and doesnt tell me its user error or wear and tear...

 

Nothing to see there besides dirtnadoes.

 

It shifted over to the side, pretty normal. Those clamps aren't going to completely prevent it from moving around. Especially if you're driving up washboard roads and stuff.

Loosen the clamps and push it back so it's centered. When I had a Leer on my truck I was always adjusting it.

 

Well i went by the shell dealer today and he said he will, raise it, sand the damaged spot, apply touch up paint, then put down a nice rubber gasket. He used foam tape during the install. Good guy, he changed out my faulty windoor latch for free a few months back.