Show me your shell!

Looking to buy a Leer or Snugtop in SoCal and would appreciate if yall could give some suggestions on a good business to deal with. Thank you

 

Bought this ARE CX series just prior to winter. So far no leaks from rain/snow.

 

I really like the look of the ARE CX. It looks killer on your truck.

 

I second that. Looks nice

 

Just scored a deal on this LEER not sure if I want to colormatch it yet or just leave it as is

 

Looks sick black!

 

Did this for someone tonight.

 

Is that a kit you made or one of the other guys' selling kits on here ?

 

It is a kit I make. Mostly just to local members. Could start shipping internationally if the need arose.

It is the Prop Switch, and 55" on either side of the long bed topper. Couple drops of superglue every foot to guarantee adhesion. Marine grade heat shrink tubing, braided loom, 18 gauge wire, and soldered connections including the splices.

 

My cap has a carpeted headliner

 

I have an ARE, picked it up for 1050 new. I had to wait 3 weeks for it to get shipped out to the midwest but so far so good. It fits well and I have done a lot of winter camping in it so far. I think Leer fits a little better but I am more into how something functions so I didn't see a need to spend 400 + more on a camper shell.

 

Mine is just the opposite. Black truck, white top. Got a $1200 Leer for $500 because the guy who ordered it decided he didn't like it. I could get it color matched, but why? That's just more money I could spend on tires or something else. Besides, I never see the color of the shell while driving. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow.

 

His does too. So does mine

 

So it's glued to the carpet ?

 

Why not trade?

 

Shepard, interesting that you are looking for this because I've been looking for the same thing recently. I think it's a great idea and when extended up, serves the exact use as a full camper shell.

For those who were asking:
The reason for the Aerodynamic shell (Straight line or curved to the teardrop guideline) is for better MPG. The designer of that F150 cap said his MPG went from 18 to 22 at freeway speed (I assume 60 MPH) and 16 to 17.7 in mixed driving. This really combines all the benefits of all the options. On some trucks bed covers and camper shells improve MPG and on others they don't. It's about the shape of the truck. But MPG isn't the main reason you buy those products, that is to protect your cargo in a safe and dry place. The MPG benefit is just an add on that over time can pay for the cap itself if you got it cheap used.

The reason I started looking into this is that I am going to be driving 7000-9000 miles this summer and even though a bed cover or cap won't pay for itself in that long, that sure is a big chunk to take out of it, so right before a long trip is the best time to buy something that will increase MPG.

That, of course, is if you're worried about MPG at all. Most people aren't, some like me are. The faster you drive, the more a cap/bed cover can help. So enough about that, I am still looking into this cap for my truck. I personally prefer one with a slight curve than a straight one like your photoshop one (Which I thought was real and that's why I came here!) but it really depends on which shape gives the best MPG.

As far as getting this guy to make one, he has at least two interests. I bet if he came to TW with an interest thread and posted some numbers from the F150 he would get some good feedback. Could always look into making your own. I would research it, if he can do it you can do it.

 

Would love to see the pics

Only reason the black is in question is the South Florida sun, I had a black truck before and that sucker got super hot, so hot I couldn't put my arm on the windowsill with the window down till it cooled off. Also my uncle has all the paint tools so I would be just be buying the paint

Plus I scored it on CL for $325 so not much out of pocket yet

 

Every install is different. The glue is for the ledge above the window. The 3m adhesive is good but with the carrying temps, a little extra security is warranted. For my install, I punch it through the carpet and run it concealed behind the headliner. Some of the guys use velcro and a few have glued the wiring to the bare inner shell for the non carpeted versions.

 

You could also go to JoAnn's (or some other fabric place) and get a small strip of felt mat. I did this and it matched the color almost pefectly.

 

Not sure where in SoCal you might be, but I got mine from Camper Center in Ventura. Mainly due to proximity. I emailed a couple other places for prices on the specific model and options I wanted and they matched the best I found. I Just ordered it so I can't offer any opinions on their installation and customer care after its installed. Most places seem willing to price match so I would recommend doing the same. Get some competing offers and take them to your closest place that carries snugtop.