Camper Shell Question / Opinion

this

yeah,i got my new jason topper for $1153 otd,spending 2k plus for all the bells and whistles....well,not for me

 

No, the hi-line models are not for everyone.

I've had my share of cheap aluminum caps, wood frame, even Alu framed.
I've also been around poorly designed Fiberglas caps with monster, heavy, doors. Warts, they were.

One thing I never wanted again was double Tee handles.

This time I wanted the cap to be an extension of the vehicle and not just a cover.
For that you pay a premium and it's definitely not for everyone, especially after throwing down the big wad for the vehicle in the first place.

It's a pleasure to use and look at though. I enjoy it every day and would do it the same way, again.

 

x2. Love my Softopper.

 

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/pts/2771173030.html

 

Uses a "front boot".....no front glass?

 

Everyone wanted one back in the day, no window, but the boot can leak, and where it comes in contact with the truck it rubs the paint off to the point of becoming a rust issue over time.

 

No thanks.

 

Me to these things are amazing. I've found you either love em or hate em. Not much in-between.

 

Pics as I said I would. The rear zips on both sides and a full piece of velcro on the bottom inside.

Rolled up and clipped.

The inside. Sorry about the mess slept in there over the weekend.

Built strong and can take a beating.

All buttoned up ready for rain snow wind cold whatever.

Halfway folded up.


And fold down completely. In a matter of 30 seconds with my phone in hand.

 

Yep, first hand experience, paint wore off to bare metal. Didn't rust as long as the top was on. Won't ever get a boot again.

Also everyone I ever knew who stored stuff in the bed and parked outside had the rear windows busted. Thieves just yank on the bottom middle of the door, pops the locks and breaks the glass all in one motion.

 

I had a boot on my first shell...horrible, squeaks like no other on a dirt road. Took it back next day, avoid the boot! Then hawked craigslist for 3 months and bought a used Leer 100XR for 700 or 800, I forget. If you decide to go new consider getting windoors on one side.

I'd say the best feature of the soft shells is you can pull 'em off or put them down really easy. Especially if your gonna be hauling dirtbikes. Two options...Bestop or Softopper. Plus if your balling on a budget they are a lot cheaper than a fiberglass shell.

 

I was in the same boat as you were last year. I went with the Camper Shell and love it. I will never own a truck without one anymore. I keep my boat, fly rods, camping gear, etc. in there and just lock it up. It has nice tinted windows.

Anyone can break into a camper shell if they wanted to though. It only takes a rock. Luckily I live in Montana, so I'm not too worried.


Edit: Buy used! Craigslist everyday. You'll find one. Got mine for $250

 

As a general rule, I never left anything overnight in the bed/shell area even though it can lock up. Like your car/truck, if you leave anything inside worth stealing, they will break the window to get in-its probably easier to get into the shell.

 

True but it's a little hard to put a boat in my dorm room

 

If you don't mind my asking, why? I was thinking that would be a good thing. I'm still debating to shell or not to shell.

Thanks

 

I just ordered a leer hard shell xq. The soft top don't seem very secure and not as nice. But if money is ur number one concern then go for soft top. U can always upgrade.

 

I got a ARE while I was working in VT. It has the carpeted liner, vented windoors, and a TrakRak contractor grade roof rack. Came with an interior light but my cell phone is brighter. Got it for $1,000 delivered. Been looking in my area (CT) for six months and found very few. My truck is black and the top is dark blue. Haven't decided whether to paint or not yet.