Camper advice

Hi,

I have a 2003 pre-runner that I have added a high rise camper shell in. I have 2 issues. I had been looking for a shell for over a year and finally settled on one that is not ideal. It has no glass in the opening that leads up against the back window of the truck. The shell was designed without the glass because it went on a small truck that had a sliding back window, right now I have it sealed up with clear flex tape. I would like to have plexiglass cut but have no idea who could do that for me.
2nd. I want to install a roof rack but it is a high rise camper and I am concerned about the height difference being an issue. any ideas? Thanks!

 

Go to a glass replacement store/shop

take your own plexi, often times they’ll cut it for you. Especially if it’s not a national branded place, but more of an independent type.

 

Get a compression boot. It is a piece of weatherstripping that sandwiches in between the cab and the camper shell and clips onto the lip that the window would rest. The best option would be to reach out to the manufacturer of your camper shell and see about availably of a sliding window and get a part number. If that window is unavailable they may be able to tell you what other camper shells they manufactured used that same window. Once you know other models starting searching on Craigslist, Searchtempest and FB MP. I often see camper shells going for dirt cheap or free just to get them out of the seller's yard.

Boot Example: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...ssion-boot-between-the-topper-and-cab.196988/

As far as the roof rack I don't understand the problem. You never want to connect the roof rack of the camper to the roof rack of the cab because each one flexes undependably, perhaps you realize this but since you mentioned different heights it could be your goal...? I have a high-rise topper on my regular cab and it has a roof rack...

After looking at your shell again it would appear yours is for a regular cab maybe?...they are different. It has a significant gap towards the top. This may make an effective compression boot challenging.

 

I’ll look into that option. Thanks.

 

Yes, I have tried the compression boot. The problem is two fold. 1. The shape of the boot does not match the shape of the gap. 2. The gap is too large.
In regards to the roof rack I just thought there might be an issue if one section if the rack was higher than the other because of the slope of the camper.

 

I’ve also even thought about just having a sheet of metal welded over the gap, but that would rear view mirror view. I see plenty of work trucks with camper shells that have opaque back doors, so it is clear that it is not a requirement that you can see out of your back window through the rear view mirror, but all the ones I have seen have extended side mirrors. My truck does not.

 

Taco critter- No, the cap came off of some random small truck. I can’t remember the make. I shouldn’t have settled but I’d been looking for a year.

 

I think that compression boots will scuff the paint from the rear of the cab, and eventually will wear the paint away.

 

You won't need extended mirrors. You can always get a clip on rear view back up camera on Amazon there like 100$.
You can do a roof rack but it'll look a little odd, I've seen them were it was only on the raised section.

 

Thanks to everyone who replied. I just bought a new ARE CAMPER.

 

God that looks good.

 

I painted the trim this week. Think it really sets off the camper.

 

I’m actually about to put this truck up for sale as I am buying a new one.