3rd gen camper shell install permanent?

Hey Y'all

Stupid question, do camper shells require drilling or any permanent modifications for installation? This is including remote locks, and perhaps better weather sealing. I am looking at the Leer XR, ARE CX HD, and Snugtop Rebel models specifically.

 

No. I think most are not permanent. There are some that require removal of the tailgate and such, but I have not personally seen any that require any major modifications of the original truck.

 

coolio, thanks slim!

 

The campers almost universally mount with 4 clamps like these at the top of the bed rail:



You loosen the 4 bolts and the top can be lifted off. I can usually take off camper tops myself, but I'm young with a strong back.

If the top has a middle brake light, you will have to disconnect that. Most installers wire that to the driver side taillight and it's almost always visible, so you just leave the truck off, snip it, and add a connector to easily connect / disconnect.


The only permanent weatherproofing with a good install will be some sealant at the front left and right of the truck bed where there's a gap. That sealant doesn't secure the top, it just fills in a gap the factory bed has.

I used to go topless all the time when I had an ARE V-series. I recently upgraded to an ARE MX with walk-in, which is a lot heavier, so I leave it on and just hook up my trailer for dirty or big loads. That ended up being a long post, sorry if that got wordy..

 

No that was perfect, the more information the better. Thank you for letting me know.