Self install a camper shell?

I am eyeing a camper shell from a private seller. Can I self install a camper shell myself on the spot if I decided to buy or should I bring a trailer to haul the camper shell and install it at home?
It is possible to install it on my own?

I’ve searched but I could not find a video of someone installing the camper shell on their own. It is always a shop installing the camper shell.

Do I have to remove hardware that secures the OEM tonneau cover or can I leave it on then install the camper shell on top and clamp the camper shell on the rail? I am. It sure if that is that simple?

Is there a video where a solo person installing the camper on their own?

 

I install mine by myself all the time. You’ll just need help getting it up there. I don’t think you’ll be able to install with a tonneau cover though. That will need to removed first.

 

Tonneau cover has to come off. The two can't occupy the same space.

It will take at least 1 other person besides yourself to install, unless you're The Hulk. Assuming it's fiberglass, you're looking at probably 2-300#. Seller may be willing to help mount it...talk to them. Make sure you're getting the mounting hardware (usually 4 clamps).

 

You should just be able to remove your tonneau cover then clamp down. You might want to consider putting down some weather stripping and get the seller to help you set the cap in place. Clamp down and off you go.

 

Concur with talking the seller into assisting the install. If not, bring a buddy who is willing to lift things for a beer. If not that, then you'll need a trailer and a way to pulley hoist it at home.

I would not recommend attempting to hulk it yourself. Your future back will thank you.

 

Thanks I’m aware that the tonneau cover has to come off. How about the fasteners where the tonneau cover clamps? Do those have to come off too? I am not sure but it is made by Leer, I am assuming it is fiber glass

 

Did you lift the camper shell yourself to install it?

 

Doing it solo is a good way to damage the shell, damage your bedsides, and/or damage your lower back.

 

The Leer topper weighs about 200lbs or less. Also you might want to add weatherstripping 1 inch by 1/4 of an inch because these are not waterproof and theyre not advertised as such.Of course remove the tonneau and components. why on earth would you just leave tonneau on and throw the camper on top? if you dont have anyone to help you then like you suggested haul back home until someone can help you.

 

I was not planning to keep the tonneau cover, I was talking about the components where the tonneau clamps if I can keep it on the truck and setup the camper shell

 

Yes, even the mounts for the tonneau will have to come off. Leer cap will be fiberglass.

I can move mine around on the bed, but it would take at least 1 other person to take it off.

 

nope , those clamps are not strong enough for the weight of the camper shell.You"ll need to know the weight of the camper shell first so you can buy clamps that are strong enough

 

Seller should include the clamps.

 

you can find the clamps at home depot if your in a time crunch. Ask the seller if the clamps come included

 

Okay thanks. So there is really not much to it but I may need help lifting the camper shell to line it up on the bed so I can clamp it down. I am not sure what weather stripping to use. Is this going to work?

 

hold on ill give u a suggestion.let me pull it up

 

That would work. Assuming, again, most installers put weatherstrip on the bottom of the rails when installed. Pre-installed unit should already have some on it.

 

I will ask but it looks like it is included.

 

and



you can find the 3m weatherstrip adhesive at walmart or autozone locally just google it. It may not be needed since the strip has adhesive but i would add the 3m for extra measures

 

No. Had a helper lift it on the first time. Once it’s on the side rails you can position it yourself from inside the bed. I have a small hoist in the garage now for the lifting part.