Picking out a cap/shell/canopy

Hey guys,

First time posting so feedback is appreciated.

I've got a 2011 DC SB and I'm trying to pick out a cap/shell/canopy. I've read the "show me your shell" and all the other threads in this category and it sounds like there are lots of options out there. I'm in Canada so our options are slightly different in terms of brands. Here's what I'm looking at using it for and maybe that might help with selection. My questions for the manufacturers have gone pretty much unanswered and even the sales people are somewhat dubious when I ask.

- mounting roof top tent
- carrying equipment, jerrycans, shovels, etc. (high weight capacity/durability)
- accessibility and increased cargo capacity
- ability to accessorize in the future

Here are the caps I've looked at so far:

Raider
- Vagabond
- Vagabond CC

Leer
- 100R
- 100RCC

Range Rider
- Cruiser

ARE - the dealer is a bit of a dud so I've kind of abandoned this option. Also, I'm finding it confusing as hell sifting through all their choices/models.

Accessories:
- Front window: removable front sliding
- Side windows: windoors on both sides (sliding if available)
- Back: double t-handle locking

Here are my questions:
- Do you have any pointers on picking one out?
- Do you have experience with any of the ones listed?
- Is it just me, or do some models differ just by back/side/front windows?
- Does anyone have information/experience with commercial vs normal caps?

I'm wondering if I'm going overkill by looking at the commercial caps or if putting that much weight on the top warrants considering them.

Thanks so much for your time, everyone!

 

I have a Leer 100RCC

I would recommend it with the removeable sliding frint window and windoors

 

my ARE canopy on my 04 doesn't seem to fit right.. have had it off 3 times now and every time it's slightly off. also the back flipping window is crooked. when you look at the truck from behind when tailgate and window is closed it's like twisted a bit. came from manufacturer like that. it's done it's job but I wouldn't recommend them. maybe someone else has experienced better but that's my opinion

 

I have an ARE V-series. Like it a lot. Glad I got it.
Main reason for me getting it was for camping possibilities, safe storage, etc.
Got this one because it was a local place that deals them. They installed it too.
Have fold down sliding front, vented windoors (one of the greatest things about the shell), Yakima tracks installed.
It is great to have on the truck. Looking forward to the winter with it on.

 

Thanks for the feedback so far... Let's try a bump - wouldn't mind a bit more from others!

 

Seems like alot of these shells cant support alot of weight but I see people with RTT. I want something that can support a RTT and 2 adults (330Lbs).

 

Leer 100RCC

 

Leer 100 RCC is a front runner for me right now due to the fact that they're one of the only ones that list their weight capacity (400lbs with a rack...but no specific comment on the cap itself). Also because Leer offers a sliding windoor for the sides as well.

OZ-T, how do you like the cap? Fit well? Any leakage of useage issues you've had with it?

 

I think the Snugtops have a similar roof load eating

I like my cap , no complaints

 

Ok so I'm kind of in the same boat as you and from what I've read it sounds like your are going to need a load rated cap (100rcc) and yes my are dealer canopy west is really weird as well and it's in the ghetto from everyone I've talked to the are caps can be a bit of a Bitch to get to line up on our trucks, I talked to some local dealers that deal with used caps and they give a honest opinion on which to buy and which to stay away from and come down to it leer seems to be the recommended choice from everybody

And just a fyi arrow in Summerland can get snug top not sure on prices as they are only open Mon-fri

 

here's my advice...

On my 97 I had a covermaster (not available anymore) which had 3 features I really like, two of which IDK if they are even available anymore. Currently have a snugtop on my 15 dcsb.

1. a low profile center handle which looked like a pull up handle instead of a rotate handle. Handy for not having to lock it up yet making at least some of the potential thiefs trying to pull up on the handle instead of turning it and thinking it was locked. Nobody has this anymore that I know of but you can find the replacement handles from topper supply places. I bought a spare in anticipation of retrofitting my current snugtop, which has a center popout handle which I'm not too pleased with. Not available anymore that I know of in an OEM topper.

2. My covermaster had a rubber gasket that mated to the cab without a front window. The gasket rubs on the paint of the cab, but I since my truck was old I didn't care, and I prefered only having the cab window inbetween, I didn't have to worry about frost or water droplets clouding the vision in the middle window(s). and I could easily reach into the bed with just one window opening. Not available anymore AFAIK.

3. My covermaster had 1/4 side sliding windows towards the rear. Easier to reach the window catch to slide the window without climbing into the bed. My current snugtop has 50/50 side sliding windows, and even with the short bed of the DBl Cab, I still need to climb up the tailgate to reach the catch in order to open a window. my 97 was an extended cab with the full bed and stil could reach the catch by reaching in. I don't think I ever need the entire half of the windows open in the bed for air movement.

I went without the carpet lining as I think they are just dirt/dust/cobweb collectors that have to be vacuumed, as opposed to the plain fiberglass which I can just hose out when I hose the bed out.

I always go for the center hatch handle as opposed to the double side handles...whenever I need to get into the bed, I inevitably have something in one of my hands, so it's a PITA to unlock one side, then the other, then pull up on the window from the side which tends to twist the hatch every time, sometimes binding it up or tweaking the frame.