Camper Shells: your experiences and suggestions

[LBPtaco]

So far I am very happy with my backup light, I will need to mod the mount to aim the light a bit lower. As it sits now, it is a huge improvement over the standard backup lamps.

 

[bat]

If running lights on the shell is something you like to do this is how I did mine to control messy wires hanging around. I bought some velcro from Home depot and hid the wires under it, you will have to have a carpet roof to make it work. I control mine with a remote mounted in the cab with velcro.

 

[grandpa]

View attachment 135448

Where can I find these switches with the text labels?

 

[TheAlmightySam]

^ Those are Carling Contura II switches. OTRATTW has them, as well as a number of other nice switches for sale. They also have awesome customer service.

 

[chilliwak]

Nice looking back-up lights you have there boys... I have a homemade shell on the back of my truck. It looks like it is top heavy but actually it is a very light weight construction from the roof of the cab and upwards. Heavy down below so it works well in the terrain.....

You can have a look at the build thread. It is posted in my sig. That will show you how it was put together.....

 

[haddix]

I used to have a softopper on my Tacoma which I absolutely loved and never thought I would never get rid of it but I ran across an ARE topper on craigslist already the same color as my truck for a good price so I couldn't pass it up. I originally thought I'd just switch in and out between the ARE and softopper but after having the ARE for a month or so I think I'm going to stick with it. I just love being able to lock everything up and my dog seems to love riding in the back now.

 

[Mad_Texan]

My F150 with a cap and RTT

The cap was on the truck when I bought it...wasn't to sure about it but very happy so far! Added the rack which is quite heavy duty but light...all aluminum.

 

[MotoDave]

I'm just about ready to buy a camper shell for my '12 Tundra Doublecab, I am pretty well decided on an ARE V-series with vented windoors. A question came up today during discussion with the local LEER dealer, who warned me that they don't recommend the vented windoor option due to having issues with them leaking. My old truck ('96 T100 with Vision camper shell with non-vented windoors) never had leakage issues.

Has anyone had any issues with either ARE or LEER vented windoors leaking?

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

I used to have a softopper on my Tacoma which I absolutely loved and never thought I would never get rid of it but I ran across an ARE topper on craigslist already the same color as my truck for a good price so I couldn't pass it up. I originally thought I'd just switch in and out between the ARE and softopper but after having the ARE for a month or so I think I'm going to stick with it. I just love being able to lock everything up and my dog seems to love riding in the back now.

Are these pics taken in KY? They look very fermilure.

 

[Bodine345]

I have used a ARE MX with no problems for 5 years. Paid 400.00 for it used.

 

[verdesardog]

I got this one as added value when negotiating the price for my "new "truck. It was dirty, the rear window was almost coming out of the frame and the latches were not in the best of shape. But it is fully lined . I have worked on it a bit, fixed the rear window problems and put new latches on it and added a handle in the center. I wouldn't have a truck with out a shell, my dog likes to ride in the front seat but I prefer her to ride in the back.

Before I got this truck I had a Dakota ( much smaller than this one) and slept in the back often.

 

[LBPtaco]

Custom tent for my SnugTop

I've been meaning to get this made for a couple years now, I had thought about buying a DAC Camper Top Tent but I wanted something a little thicker for those cold desert nights. I worked with a marine canvas maker in Alameda to make this. Just picked it up today, but I am very happy with it so far.

 

[sourdough]

This is a Four Wheel Camper Pop Up Hawk Shell. Optioned with an RV battery, LPG furnace, two fantastic fans and an awning. Very usable.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I got out of the Army after Desert Storm to go to college. Lived in my Leer camper shell for a semester over the winter. Loved it, and it worked well. So I think Leer is great.

Ended up going back in the Army, just retired in '09. Got another Leer for my "new" truck. Only three years old and having problems with it. Maybe Leer not so great... Gas struts are weak and won't hold up side windows, back window lock is real cheep. Now I found out that there is such a thing as a Flip Pack, but how do they hold up year after year? Anyone had one for a while?

 

[BCHauler]

LBPtaco - your setup is an idea that has been rattling around in my head for sometime. How does it attach on the sides? I had toyed with the idea of Velcro or snaps on the outside of the canopy. Really inventive. Did you make a fly for the entrance, maybe screen material for bugs? Thumbs up!