Truck shell...

I have an 05' double cab longbed, and I want to put a shell on it. Any advice on Brand or Style that looks like the shell belongs?

Thanks

 

Welcome

SnugTop's & Leer look good just make sure it's body color matched and it will look good

 

ARE "Z" series is what I went with and I like it. Paint matched perfectly.




I liked the rear door hidden hinge system and the door handle and locking system seem beefy and engineered well. So I went with the "Z" series. What ever you buy, inspect it carefully before the dealer installs it on your truck. For the money you want it to be perfect.

 

In my opinion the SnugTop SuperSport matches these trucks perfectly...

 

I've got the A.R.E. MX something. It doesnt look the coolest but it does fit the truck great, colormatched, and most importanly it's functionl for me.

This topper has the opening side windows, super handy. I recommend you get those on whatever topper you choose.

 

I've got a "Jason" brand shell, and although it's not as cool as ^^^ with the opening side windows, I can say that it's tough as S**T! It actually flipped off the back of my truck a few weeks ago while wheelin'... Flew about 6 feet through the air, landing on it's lid, on a bunch of rocks. The thing was scratched up pretty good, but did NOT break! I was amazed. Fixed it up at the shop, and she's good to go again.

 

No matter what brand you select get the windows to fold down especially the one that butts up to the cab. I didn't think much of it when I got my ARE, which I love except when it comes time to clean the window against the cab.

 

I got the V series with the Yakima racks, sliding rear window and LED dome light. Paint is perfect, and i really like how it looks on my truck. I was gonna get the tilt-up side windows but I've red where guys had problems with leaks.

 

i have an ARE Z cap as well..lots of $$$ but in the end im sure it will be worth it..ARE customer service is also top notch..

 

I like my taller shell. Didn't at first, but now I wouldn't have anything else.

RZ Rob

 

I have to vote against ARE. I got the MX and sent the first one back. All of the metal trim looked like it had been cut by a 10 year old with hedge shears and then installed by the same kid who was a virgin with the pneumatic driver. There was fiberglass everywhere in the headliner - like they'd cut the windows after installing the carpet. The headliner wasn't even attached to the shell in several large patches. The rear door leaked, the front bed seal leaked, the 3rd brake light filled with water. This was a truly amateur effort. When I arrived at the dealer to have the 2nd attempt installed I had to tell them to send it back and refund my money. I gave that shell a C+ but they cut me a deal that I couldn't refuse. If I had to do it all over again I'd go with Jason - seemed like a quality at a reasonable price.

Definately get the folding front window. If you can justify the extra bucks, the openable side windows are really nice. They may not be a standard option, but the good dealers can make it happen. Skip the factory lights - most of them are worthless. Get some LEDs from Oznium.com and install them yourself - it's not hard.

 

^ Nice first post.

 

I'm most familiar with Leer and Snugtop by name and reputation. I don't think you can miss with either. I'd find a canopy company and go inspect the different brands and styles yourself and see what you like.

I bought my truck used with a snugtop already. My only regret is that it is key operated only, I'd really prefer a lockable pushbutton type opener. Make sure to pick one with a latching style that will work best for your use.

 

I've got a used ARE CX series with the Yakima rack. When I was looking, the guy at the local topper dealer said sometimes the lesser known brands, like Jason and Century, are a better deal for the buyer in terms of warranty and features. I'd also heard a few reports of problems with Leers, but was still open to considering them. I like the Snugtops, but couldn't find any in my area. If you're going for a new one be ready to drop some coin if you get the side windoors and drop down/sliding front glass. I wish mine had those, but probably couldn't have afforded them on a new one anyways.

 

Thanks for all the input, I have more to think about now.

 

Another vote for SnugTop. After comparing the SnugTop and Leer at the dealer, the SnugTop's quality won me over. Here's my Rebel:

 

Have i ever told you that i love your truck?

 

i have the snug top super sport looks awesome and 2 word KEYLESS ENTRY tied in with passenger side door

 

leer 100 XQ

 

Thanks, man.