why is it that all of the camper shells with the cool features look crappy?

I'm in the market for a camper shell but I'm getting seriously frustrated that the ones with all the cool features (namely sliding or opening side windows - windoors on the ARE) look so bad compared to the ones that don't have any features (such as the snugtop xtr or sport). I've spent time scouring the pics of all the camper shell threads on here and still can't make up my mind. It's the age-old debate of form vs. function I guess. I still have 2 months to decide...just want it in time for winter! What do you guys think? Go with an ARE CX series or a LEER 100XR or go with something more sleek like a Snugtop Sport but without as much function?

 

I have the ARE (CX?) with windoors that I got off craigslist...

Now that I have experienced windoors, I would never buy a cap without them. They make it Sooooooo much easier to get to stuff in the bed. I would also recommend the windoors with sliding screened windows. Much nicer for camping in it or having a pup riding around back there.

 

My brother is gonna get a shell for his Taco. I'm just not into them. I associate camper shells with the elderly for some reason.

 

I think the leer looks good, not sure what you mean by looks, its a camper shell.


http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...7C369DC2E8DE4F4BF8EAF097C5E8&selectedIndex=33

 

I know...I guess the ones with larger side windows are sleeker and seem to follow the curves of the truck better. For example:



vs.

 

I like the red one a lot better than the silver one.

Have you considered going w/ a soft top? Out here in Cali our Winters aren't too bad, I imagine it is similar in Arizona.

 

Even the looks? Not just for function?

 

ARE with screened sliding windows. Best. Top. Ever.

 

I think the red one looks better, not just function.

 

I don't like how the tops of the bedrail show under the camper shell, I wonder if ARE has a version that can cover the bedrail but still has the windoors (that would be the only reason I would get an ARE vs. snugtop)

I haven't considered a soft top as I want this for security as well as for dry storage purposes during camping, etc. Also, I like the looks of a hardtop more

 

Your truck looks nice! How easy is it to remove and replace the screens? Also, when it's open, approx how wide would you say it is to have access to the bed for grabbing something?

 

take a look at the SnugTop Rebel it is a nice looking shell that comes standard with screened sliding windows

 

+1 for the SnugTop Rebel. Sleek with the features I want. I ordered one about 4 weeks ago and can't wait for it to come in.

 

Mind me asking how much you paid for it?

 

Mine looks crappy??
SnugTop Rebel FTMFW!!!!!

 

I didn't realize that snugtop offered something with opening side windows!

It doesn't look crappy, I just like the look of the larger side windows which aren't available if the windows open.

I'm kinda liking the look of the Snugtop XV with the sliding windows but not liking the price with all the features I would want I hear it's probably close to $3k

 

Why do they not looks slick etc?o althought they don't look horrible, the old adage goes, function before fashion applies to most things in my opinion, if its looks amazing its probably crap, if it looks not so amazing its probably great.

 

By the way...definitely like the looks of the Snugtop rebel with vented windoors over ARE's version of the same thing. Probably a lot more pricey though

 

Is yours a longbed?

 

My shell was $2,200.