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Fastening a Camper Shell

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by RustedTacos, Apr 28, 2021.

  1. Apr 28, 2021 at 12:26 PM
    #1
    RustedTacos

    RustedTacos [OP] Active Member

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    What are the best clamps to fasten a camper shell to a second generation Tacoma with a 6' bed. How many of them should I use to fasten it down thoroughly? 4? 6? 8?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Apr 28, 2021 at 12:29 PM
    #2
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    What does the manufacturer recommend?
     
  3. Apr 28, 2021 at 12:31 PM
    #3
    Evenflow

    Evenflow Well-Known Member

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    Yes
    each brand had different hardware, some use a clamp set up and others use a bolt / j hook set up into the OE bed t-slot rails
     
    socalexpeditions likes this.
  4. Apr 28, 2021 at 12:46 PM
    #4
    RustedTacos

    RustedTacos [OP] Active Member

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    This would be an A.R.E. camper shell. Not sure if they have a specific recommendation for a clamp type
     
  5. Apr 28, 2021 at 1:29 PM
    #5
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    I would get on their website and shoot them an email, if it were me. You can either grab it straight from the horses mouth, or you can collect the opinions of 20 bubbas.


    :D
     
    Aquatic Tacoma likes this.
  6. Apr 28, 2021 at 7:29 PM
    #6
    NoVa TRD Sport

    NoVa TRD Sport Well-Known Member

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    Leer cap
    The recent Leer caps have 4 anchor points, in the corners, that use straight bolts threaded into fittings on the accessory rails. I didn't think this was adequate, and I added 4 more clamps. You're going to need more than the recommended clamps (and also bed stiffeners) if you're going to put things on the roof such as racks and/or rooftop tents.
     
    RustedTacos[OP] likes this.
  7. Apr 28, 2021 at 7:48 PM
    #7
    bagleboy

    bagleboy Well-Known Member

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    Snug top Rebel, Thule tracks, ditch tracks, Bagged rear suspension, F/R anytime camera, intermittent wiper switch...
    My snugtop uses 6 that go through tabs in the shell lower lip and hook the bed rail tracks. I’d advise adding nylocks since the bolts can work loose otherwise.
     
  8. Apr 28, 2021 at 7:54 PM
    #8
    b_r_o

    b_r_o Beef jerky time

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    Only thing I'll add is don't over-tighten the j-hooks. If the fiberglass gets bent down too far it can crack
     
  9. Apr 28, 2021 at 9:35 PM
    #9
    bagleboy

    bagleboy Well-Known Member

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    This is why I like the nylocks, they stay where you put them.
     
    RustedTacos[OP] and TacoEspecial like this.
  10. Apr 30, 2021 at 11:05 AM
    #10
    TacoEspecial

    TacoEspecial SSSlow

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    My ARE came with 4.
    I'm adding 4 more just a few inches next to the existing ones.
    Think I'll switch to the nylocks while I'm at, thanks for the tip Scott.
     
    RustedTacos[OP] and bagleboy like this.
  11. May 1, 2021 at 1:23 PM
    #11
    RustedTacos

    RustedTacos [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks guys for the input. Do you by chance have a link to the NyLocks?
     
  12. May 1, 2021 at 1:28 PM
    #12
    jkauf

    jkauf Well-Known Member

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    RustedTacos[OP] likes this.
  13. May 1, 2021 at 4:12 PM
    #13
    bagleboy

    bagleboy Well-Known Member

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  14. May 5, 2021 at 7:55 AM
    #14
    RustedTacos

    RustedTacos [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks all -much appreciated
     
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