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Replacing Camper Shell Gasket + Roof Rack Install Questions

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by leprechaun, Mar 26, 2017.

  1. Mar 26, 2017 at 5:02 PM
    #1
    leprechaun

    leprechaun [OP] Active Member

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    Evan
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    2004 Tacoma SR5 TRD
    Forgive me if this has been asked a thousand times but I couldn't find anything unless I was just searching wrong!

    So my camper shell that came on the truck leaks a bit. I'd like to replace it as there is a chance I might be spending some time sleeping in it. Any tips or tricks for this process? What type of gasket to use?

    Also, the shell is a Raider Vanguard. I don't think it was reinforced from the factory but there is a big rectangular portion protruding farther down then the rest of the shell in the middle of the shell on the inside. I was thinking of installing Yakima tracks and bars so that I could throw some kayaks on top. I might also put a thule bar across the cab so that I can distribute the weight between the front and back of the truck so I don't have to worry about the shell getting damaged.

    I will not be really getting down in this thing, just forest service roads. Any tips or tricks on the roof rack install? I wanna be safe but I really need a roof rack.
     
  2. Mar 26, 2017 at 6:12 PM
    #2
    Bajatacoma

    Bajatacoma Well-Known Member

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    Not familiar with that particular shell but with a 2004 you should have the nice flat metal bed instead of the crap design on the 2nd gens. Buy some camper shell weatherstripping, either from your shell dealer, Amazon, wherever, clean off the old stuff well, install new gasket material and secure shell. Not much to it really.

    The thicker part of the roof is probably a fiber (cardboard) honeycomb section designed to strengthen the roof so that it doesn't flex going down the roof. If so, it's not designed to carry weight or be drilled through. Check with the manufacturer first but I'm guessing that, like the Leers, AREs, etc. you need to drill on the outsides of that area. There are several writeups on here about how to install various rack systems with the rails being the most popular. Either use one of the big names kits or if you do it yourself, put some sort of thread protector over the screws to keep from gouging your head.
     
  3. Apr 19, 2017 at 7:55 AM
    #3
    TacoSauce04

    TacoSauce04 Well-Known Member

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    ARE Shell
    Leprechaun,
    I did what you are planning on doing. My camper leaks also. Im reasearching a fix also as i want to sleep in it this summer. I have pin pointed 3 spots that leak so far. Ill probably seal from the inside with a black caulking material and go from there. As for the racks. I went with yakima but my buddy went the thule on his rig.

    Tips:
    1. Both work the same but i think my buddy used some electrical strut channel. I used yakima tracks $125. I used cap cuts version.
    2. Make sure track are parallel.
    3. Tape the spots where you will drill on the camper.
    4. Can be done by yourself but i had a hard time, get a friend to help.
    5. Use painters tape to hold stuff on and write on instead of marking up your paint.

    Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck.

    20170417_151759.jpg
    IMG_2583.jpg
     
    dziner likes this.
  4. Apr 26, 2017 at 12:22 PM
    #4
    irish_11

    irish_11 Well-Known Member

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    Just keep throwin' money at it.
  5. May 8, 2017 at 7:59 AM
    #5
    leprechaun

    leprechaun [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks for the tips guys, installed the yakima rack and it looks good and works well. One concern I have, when I have it loaded down with boats should I add more clamps to the inside of the truck so that I can secure the camper shell on a little better? I'm wondering if the wind resistance on the boats will put more strain on the 4 clamps I have in there currently. Am I being paranoid?

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  6. May 8, 2017 at 8:00 AM
    #6
    leprechaun

    leprechaun [OP] Active Member

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    Evan
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  7. Jun 1, 2017 at 12:05 PM
    #7
    flyphish

    flyphish Member

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    Leer camper, 265/75/R16
    Irish, you mentioned that yakima mounts fits on those rails... what about Thule? I have been looking to buy some tracks for my camper but prefer Thule of Yakima. Thanks
     
  8. Jun 1, 2017 at 4:30 PM
    #8
    stbear

    stbear Well-Known Member

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    Both Thule and yakima racks fit the same rails.
     

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