Camper Shell VS Bed Lid???

Hey there. This one goes out to everyone livin in the snow. Soon I'll be moving to Reno, CA. Now I know the snow doesn't typically dump in the city but I'll be spending most of the winters in Tahoe, I'm a skiing snowboard fanatic. Anyways my dilemma is this: I love the looks of some of the flush color matched single key bed lids. But I also like the practicality of the camper shell. Is having a lid in the snow a hassle when too much snow accumulates on top???

If you like your setup don't be afraid to post up pics!

Thanks Guys!!!!!

 

Get the full cap dude. If your gonna be playing in the snow and have all your gear your gonna need more room than bed height with a flat lid. I do a lot of outdoor stuff like skiing hunting camping and I always end up taking a lot of stuff and filling up the bed. Just my experiences with this type of stuff

 

good point.

 

I had a camper shell on my 2002 and I only have a lid on my 2005 DC so I can speak to both. The problem with the camper is that if you need to carry something taller than the camper, you need at least two extra people to remove the damn thing. I can pull my lid off on my own which comes in handy when hauling furniture or bikes.

One alternative is a soft camper top like the Bestop. I just ordered one yesterday, but it seems like the best of both worlds. Also, just FYI, a camper shell will wear out your rear leaf springs, so be prepared to go with an AAL that keeps the overload springs or a new pack.

 

I was pondering the same question about 1 1/2 years ago.

I asked some of my friends that have had both (a "bed lid" and a camper shell) over the years. Just about every one of them said go with the shell. Over the life of the truck it will be more useful than a lid.

 

I have an Undercover lid and it is great, I can take it off by myself and it stores nicely again the wall in the garage. It doesn't scratch and you can walk or stand on it while its on the bed. The dissadvantages are its not body colored (black) the beds on these trucks aren't all that deep so if you have alot of luggage or stuff you will either have to take it off or be really creative on how you pack everything, you will find yourself taking it on and off alot it you haul stuff... From talking to friends with a camper shell they all really like them except. The dissadvantages I have heard are the windows get fogged up making it hard to see out of, the snow, salt and ice builds up making it hard to see, hard to remove by yourself, where do you put it when you aren't using it, and the original cost of purchasing. All of these aside I wish I would have put the money I used to purchase my undercover towards a new camper shell. The extra room would probably mean I wouldn't have to take it off very often or ever, but then again I have never drove a truck with a camper shell so I'm not to sure how I would like the lack of visability. Good luck with you purchase!

 

No cap is going to wear out your leaf springs. They weight about 220lbs. If this wears out my leafs then the truck is Junk. Its like having another guy in the truck. No offense guy but that is rediculous

 

I like the shell better and it sounds like it would come in alot handier for your needs, you can always go this route too (bestop) and its light 25lbs and I can have it off in a couple minutes and its way cheaper than a fiberglass shell.

 

thanks 4 the input MAXT!