Show me your shell!

I'm going to get an ARE MX in the next few weeks.

My current topper (circa1992) has the standard half sliders with screens. These are nice for camping (80 nights my first year) unless it's raining or snowing. The bug screen is life saving for 4 months of the year.

I'm debating the the sleek and aerodynamic crank out windows with screens.
They don't open as far, but better when driving with them open.

I'm also considering the tilt open side window with or with out the vented screen opening (smaller screen than the standard slider window). This will have more ventilation than anything when not raining, snowing, or buggy (mostly desert camping).

Anyone have experience with these options and have a strong opinion?

 

ARE Z-Series on my Rugged Trail.

 

I have a question for all the shell owners. Having never owned a shell; I am considering purchasing a new leer or snug top soon. My main concern is about leaking. I live in the Pacific NW where it rains ALOT.

Has anyone had leakage issues with newer model shells, or is it pretty much a non-issue?

 

My Snug top does alright for keeping the weather out. The only time I get water inside the shell is when going threw this very high pressure brush free car wash over on the mainland. The water gets in around the bottom corners of the hatch, just a little bit nothing that causes any grief. Also I think installation has a great deal to do with weather proofing. My canopy having a rack on top which looks to be holding up great, they used more of a poly-pro-seal style of adhesive/caulk instead of silicone so there is less likelihood of residual dirt working it's way in over time.


Ploof

 

If you get it install professionally they will use some seal gunk in the corners or a weather strip. Sometimes I get water in the corner of the windows where they open if I'm crazy with the wand at the car wash.

 

Mine doesn't leak .

The main problem area is at the cab end where the truck's bed top steps down , use thicker gasket here or at the very least two layers of thinner gasket .

The only time I get water inside is if I am washing the truck and spray water upwards under the cap side overlap .

 

I had problems when I first got mine. I ended up getting a moldable gasket for the front and had to cut the rear rubber seal to fit better and I have taken it through the car wash 3 times and the "do it yourself" car wash once with no leaks.

 

Thanks for the replies. I did not want to have to deal with water getting in my gear, or on me in my sleep! Now onto picking out a shell... decisions decisions

 

Picked up this shell for $550 on Craigslist. 2009 ARE CX with carpet interior, flip down, locking windows and yakima roof rack! I love it.

 

Here's my shell, an AT FlipPac:

 

Epic setup...

 

Wow! That is a great deal. Good find for sure!

Tacodoc, I love your truck. I actually have your build saved in my favorites, but I'm not stalking you, promise...

Here's mine, I picked it up this last Friday, Snugtop Rebel, carpet headliner, and vented windoors. Woot!!
Question for you snugtop guys. The latch on the rear glass turns counterclockwise to open, but it turns just over 90* before it engages, or starts to actually pull the cables to unlatch it. Does this sound right? It just seems odd to me.

 

on my SnugTop, I insert the key and turn only key 90 degrees. then my lock pops out. I then turn the lock handle 90 degrees to left to open.

I then turn handle 90 degrees to right and then push in lock which is actually the handle. then i cover with rubber boot

Tricky thing on mine. If when turning the handle the 90 degrees to the right, you turn it too fast, the handle does not lock, and i have to re-turn to left and then again to right, bUT SLOWLY...lol

 

On this part, when I turn my handle the 90* it will stay there. And I have to turn it an additional 45ish* to get it to open, if that makes sense. I can try to get some pictures.

 

Found a Leer 100XQ for $800 but to bad it's not white.

 

I have the same setup as OZ-





And here's my tent from last summer. This is the reason I went with the 100RCC and the Dewalt rack. I've had it on my truck at the house to check for fit, but not on the road yet (and no pics). Gearing up for prospecting season!

 

If I can find a nice used shell in my area I'm going with the same setup.

 

im ordering this on monday i got a good deal at sportsman show with a bunch of free upgrades....i want the wilderness package though

 

The commercial version ?