Thanks for the info Dave, that is how ive been leaning in terms of a shell, having an external frame on it seems one of the strongest ways to go in this application. I figured trying to find some thick bed tape to go under sides would mitigate most leaks, good to hear that seems to be true the way the dealer talked fiberglass was the only way to go.
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robert
Expedition Leader
One thing the newer fiberglass shells tend to do better is seal out weather; most modern trucks have more rounded bed rails as opposed to the older squared off style and most of the newer fiberglass shells are designed with a lip that goes over this edge. It seems to help protect the weather stripping better too; mine has been in place since 2006 and it's only now needing to be removed and have the weather seal replaced (note- I don't take my shell on and off which would obviously wear it out much faster). Older styles generally won't go anywhere near that long.
As an aside, I took my Hella Rallye 4000 compacts off today to get the bumper prepped for the 20" LED bar. I'll pick up some security bolts tomorrow and finish installing it.
As an aside, I took my Hella Rallye 4000 compacts off today to get the bumper prepped for the 20" LED bar. I'll pick up some security bolts tomorrow and finish installing it.
Very sorry for the double post, that was quite weird. anyway, that little red dodge D50 was an old truck i used to have. i did the rack with angle iron on the bottom all around the front and sides. on the bottom of the rack between the bed i used a rubber weather stripping type thing which is totally flat and sticky on one side. it was about 1 1/2" if memory serves. then i put the same rubber weather stripping on the bottom of the topper. so there was actually 2 layers of rubber, and in the corners where the seams met i used a little bit of silicone, just in case. I never ever had any leaks, other than the maybe occasional drop or two at the tail gate. but that was due to the door of the topper being broken into and bent very slightly. if i had to get another one. i would lean towards fiberglass with win-doors and two separate handles on the tailgate lid that can be locked. when they broke into the old topper they just grabbed the handle and pulled bent the rods that go to the sides to "lock" it in place. i also got some of the speaker box carpet stuff and some spray glue to line the inside between the ribs. it made it sooo much better, no condensation drips on you in the middle of the night and A LOT quieter when its raining out. and im sure if you went with something even a bit more thick you would get better results. that rack i made well that you see in the pic, i would load with firewood and could walk around heck dance if i felt the need i would never worry about it. (6ft 200lbs) when i get my brand new taco and topper i will build a similar rack. but maybe out of aluminum for weight and maybe even round stock i dunno. that setup just plain worked. whatever your choice is and whatever you do, i wish you the best of luck. that was my first topper and i don't think ill ever NOT have one again. just makes it a whole lot easier when you have grocery's or whatever and its raining. good luck to you, hope you find what makes you happy without breaking the bank!
p.s. i hope my description made sense, it sure did in my head hehehe
p.s.s. you made my night, i never thought i would be able to offer advice or help? on this forum with vehicle questions. gave me a warm fuzzy. hehe
p.s. i hope my description made sense, it sure did in my head hehehe
p.s.s. you made my night, i never thought i would be able to offer advice or help? on this forum with vehicle questions. gave me a warm fuzzy. hehe
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Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I had an aluminum topper on my '84 Mazda B2000 when I was stationed in Washington State. Not a good choice, as Washington winters are extremely wet. Water would condense on the inside of the topper and drip down into the bed of the truck - it actually ruined some tools I carried back there. I have exclusively used fiberglass toppers since then, preferably lined with something to reduce condensation.
Martin, i was trying to say that in my earlier posts. about the condensation issue. you have to basically insulate that thin layer from the outside air. it doesn't take much to do it, i used the speaker box carpeting stuff. but im sure there are alot better things to use. i would not use anything like Styrofoam. but some sort of carpet like material. i always cracked a window to let out the moist air out while i slept and i never had a problem after i insulated. don't get me wrong i like the fiberglass toppers, heck there are alot of pro and cons to both. but if i ever did it again id suck it up in regards to the fiberglass weight issue and get one, the benefits are great. but if i remember correctly that little aluminum topper i had maybe weighed 50lbs very very light weight, just put some insulation carpeting in it and some good gasket between the bed and topper u should be good to go, and i too live in Washington / Oregon, camped all over the NW in that thing. many rainy nights. oh btw i always had the bed of the truck lined with a piece of house carpet. it never got wet. maybe i was just lucky or something. i hope that helps. i currently live in Woodland, WA if you want to give me a PM i might be able to explain it better, heck even get together.
Toppers and New Subaru XV Crosstrex
Thanks alot guys, alot of good advice, I'm thinking ill go with aluminum and insualate it, however if a reasonably priced used FG one shows up on the market then Ill jump on it.
BTW I got some pictures of me taking my me and my wifes new Subaru XV Crosstrek to the top of one of our surrounding "mountains" and I use that term lightly btw. However the roads were steep but short and had some obstacles on them in terms of small under 4-5" rocks and some rather sharp ones at that. I had a blast and the tight windy road out there was a blast.
Thanks alot guys, alot of good advice, I'm thinking ill go with aluminum and insualate it, however if a reasonably priced used FG one shows up on the market then Ill jump on it.
BTW I got some pictures of me taking my me and my wifes new Subaru XV Crosstrek to the top of one of our surrounding "mountains" and I use that term lightly btw. However the roads were steep but short and had some obstacles on them in terms of small under 4-5" rocks and some rather sharp ones at that. I had a blast and the tight windy road out there was a blast.