Snug Top 1/2” too far back on 2014 single cab

Hello all. I bought a used snug top today for my 2014 base single cab. The truck topper is the perfect length, but is 1/2” too far back because it touches the third brake light on my cab. Should I remove the cab 3rd brake light since the camper has one?

 

You are having poor fitment because the shell is angled forward at the top near the 3rd brake light because it was made for an Access Cab or double cab long bed, where the truck cab is angled.

The regular cab like you have is more vertical at the rear of the truck cab, which is why there is interference.

So, move it back so it doesn't rub the truck, remove and seal up the 3rd brake light, or get a different shell. I know of a buyer for this one, but they are in Colorado. It looks like you're in SoCal (guessing from your username and the background of the photos.)

 

That makes sense. Thanks. I am fine with the clearance being a little off as long as it’s safe to drive, which it appears to be. I’ve got it clamped down with 6 clamps and it won’t budge at all no matter how hard I yank on it so I think it should be safe, clearance aside. It was only $600 and in SoCal that’s a steal, so I’m not too worried about the fit. FWIW it seemed to have the same issue on the previous truck it was on which was a 2015 access cab so it might just be the brake light or have been originally for a different truck all together.

 

I'm going to guess it's for a different truck. I have a '15 Access Cab and my SnugTop fits perfectly. About 1/4" from the light and no gap at the back. I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it has a serial # but not a model # to compare with yours.

 

It was made for a third gen they’re about half an inch longer than 2nd gen longbed. Your issue is the bed flexes from the cab so if it’s too close you’ll damage your back window and or scratch up and or damage the back of your cab. I personally would just call it a wash and sell it and buy one that fits properly

 

I could definitely see that happening. I’m probably going to push it back and leave a healthy gap. It touches the third brake light before anything else so I think worse case would be a smashed third brake light since when it’s touching the third brake light there’s still at minimum 1/2” between the cab and shell.

 

I slept on it and decided I am going to sell the topper and get a tonneau cover that fits the right way. It will be cheaper to buy a used tonneau than this camper shell and I figure I can hold on to the extra cash. Reached back out to the seller as he is a very helpful guy to see if he wanted to buy it back at a discount because I am trying to avoid the crap-shoot that is craigslist in SoCal.