Truck Caps
- Thread starter michlong
- Start date
Buddha.
Finally in expo white.
Pool noodle, maybe that’s what I need. I hate the big gap I have.
I like my side opening “windows” but I don’t like they’re not actually windows. I insulated mine and added rv type interior lights(with a dim red or bright white setting) as well as a couple usb chargers.
EDIT: I wish it was a little taller than cab high but I wasn't really seeing anything I wanted on CL and then this one popped up for $400 which seemed like a good deal. It's a Unicover I think.
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yeh pretty much the same - I went for the shorter bed XLT - i really like having the extra seat in the front and finding a Lariat etc with the extra seat in the front is hard.
I have an ARE MX with the sliding rear windows that also flip up, believe they call them windoors. I have the roof rack and the interior carpeted and love it. My advise is spend extra to get something you THINK you might want down the road as it only adds a couple hundred more dollars normally. I love my cap and will buy another one if I ever sell this truck.
spectre6000
Observer
I recently made a pretty deep dive research project of this for my coming-soon Colorado. I internetted it hard, and ultimately came to the conclusion that 99% of what I was reading was people justifying their life choices, and the only way to really learn what I wanted to know was to go look in person... So I took a day and went to topper dealers in the area and wasted a LOT of salesman hours....
The concrete part of the research I was able to find was that ARE had some really nice hinges and didn't have fastener covers on their glass leading to a really nice, high quality appearance. While that's true in a binary sense, it's only the case on a SINGLE model (one aimed at looking slick and like the back of an SUV, but not available with options I needed). The majority of ARE's toppers were not especially different to other manufactures; a lot of extruded aluminum frames , flat glass panes, and fiber glass. I was interested in a particular ARE topper that had an optional frame that gave it the ability to support 500# on the roof. That same model could be had with the solid aluminum windoors with optional boxes. Turns out, that frame is REALLY intrusive, and only supports 500# IF you use the specific rack that utilizes its mounting points (not really compatible with much else). The boxes were also only good for 200#, which isn't much when you think about it. Finally, looking at the fiberglass itself, it was rough. Really rough. The dealer specifically only sold ARE toppers with carpet lining because it was so rough. There was a Jason they had in on trade (and I have one on my current truck), and the difference in finish was stark. I went into the whole ordeal thinking ARE was where I would end up, and I was thoroughly disabused of that notion. Specific to the Colorado, the transition from the top of the cab to the topper looked really off, and seeing it in person, it looks like there may actually be a backward rake to it, but it was hard to tell with the tops up on the rack and not having a Colorado on hand to actually see it. I feel like the model I was looking at was only available with double handles (I prefer a single).
The same dealer also had ATC, and those did not seem especially better or worse than the ARE in any way I could tell. The hinges on the rear hatch may have been a different extrusion profile, but not different in a way that seemed to make any difference from what I could tell. Fiberglass finish was comparable to the ARE tops...
The Leers seemed about on par with the ARE, but I don't recall the fiberglass being as rough. They definitely seemed better styled relative to the specific truck in question. I didn't look super close at the Leers, because...
The Snugtops were far and away the best thing going. For starters, the commercial topper with the solid windoors and shelved boxes is rated for 500# WITHOUT a silly frame, and the boxes were rated for either 250# or 300#. Additionally, the back glass is curved, I don't care about the fastener covers on the glass, and it just looked nice. All of the commercial toppers used the same square chromed latch mechanism, while the Snugtop uses a unique pentagonal mechanism... It's neither here nor there, but something I noticed. The quality was better on everything I saw. The main handle could be set up to be locked with the truck's locks (a few had this, but the integration was much better on the Snugtop). The single, central latch mechanism was also better on the Snugtop. I don't know how I feel about it, but the solid windoors on the Snugtop were fiberglass where the others (where it was an option) were all aluminum. The bottom of the Snugtop also drops down over the top of the bed sides in a way that seems would be helpful ensuring weatherproofing, but I can't say the rubber gaskets aren't good enough all around (my Jason doesn't leak around the edges for sure).
The Snugtop/Leer dealer also had another no-name brand I didn't recognize or remember, and it seemed about the same as the ATC.
I started the day thinking ARE, and I left firmly decided on Snugtop. I owe no one anything, and haven't committed to anything in any irreversible way, and I'm not the type that feels I need to justify my life choices to people. Depending on what you're looking for, I would say each manufacturer probably has something that will scratch your itch nicely. Even the cheapest top would provide some functional security, though maybe not be entirely weatherproof. I was specifically looking for something in a commercial flavor with the solid sides, shelving, and the ability to take some weight on a roof rack.
The concrete part of the research I was able to find was that ARE had some really nice hinges and didn't have fastener covers on their glass leading to a really nice, high quality appearance. While that's true in a binary sense, it's only the case on a SINGLE model (one aimed at looking slick and like the back of an SUV, but not available with options I needed). The majority of ARE's toppers were not especially different to other manufactures; a lot of extruded aluminum frames , flat glass panes, and fiber glass. I was interested in a particular ARE topper that had an optional frame that gave it the ability to support 500# on the roof. That same model could be had with the solid aluminum windoors with optional boxes. Turns out, that frame is REALLY intrusive, and only supports 500# IF you use the specific rack that utilizes its mounting points (not really compatible with much else). The boxes were also only good for 200#, which isn't much when you think about it. Finally, looking at the fiberglass itself, it was rough. Really rough. The dealer specifically only sold ARE toppers with carpet lining because it was so rough. There was a Jason they had in on trade (and I have one on my current truck), and the difference in finish was stark. I went into the whole ordeal thinking ARE was where I would end up, and I was thoroughly disabused of that notion. Specific to the Colorado, the transition from the top of the cab to the topper looked really off, and seeing it in person, it looks like there may actually be a backward rake to it, but it was hard to tell with the tops up on the rack and not having a Colorado on hand to actually see it. I feel like the model I was looking at was only available with double handles (I prefer a single).
The same dealer also had ATC, and those did not seem especially better or worse than the ARE in any way I could tell. The hinges on the rear hatch may have been a different extrusion profile, but not different in a way that seemed to make any difference from what I could tell. Fiberglass finish was comparable to the ARE tops...
The Leers seemed about on par with the ARE, but I don't recall the fiberglass being as rough. They definitely seemed better styled relative to the specific truck in question. I didn't look super close at the Leers, because...
The Snugtops were far and away the best thing going. For starters, the commercial topper with the solid windoors and shelved boxes is rated for 500# WITHOUT a silly frame, and the boxes were rated for either 250# or 300#. Additionally, the back glass is curved, I don't care about the fastener covers on the glass, and it just looked nice. All of the commercial toppers used the same square chromed latch mechanism, while the Snugtop uses a unique pentagonal mechanism... It's neither here nor there, but something I noticed. The quality was better on everything I saw. The main handle could be set up to be locked with the truck's locks (a few had this, but the integration was much better on the Snugtop). The single, central latch mechanism was also better on the Snugtop. I don't know how I feel about it, but the solid windoors on the Snugtop were fiberglass where the others (where it was an option) were all aluminum. The bottom of the Snugtop also drops down over the top of the bed sides in a way that seems would be helpful ensuring weatherproofing, but I can't say the rubber gaskets aren't good enough all around (my Jason doesn't leak around the edges for sure).
The Snugtop/Leer dealer also had another no-name brand I didn't recognize or remember, and it seemed about the same as the ATC.
I started the day thinking ARE, and I left firmly decided on Snugtop. I owe no one anything, and haven't committed to anything in any irreversible way, and I'm not the type that feels I need to justify my life choices to people. Depending on what you're looking for, I would say each manufacturer probably has something that will scratch your itch nicely. Even the cheapest top would provide some functional security, though maybe not be entirely weatherproof. I was specifically looking for something in a commercial flavor with the solid sides, shelving, and the ability to take some weight on a roof rack.
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adaml
Active member
I just recently got a Snugtop Rebel and I couldn't be happier. Like everyone else has said, I highly recommend the folding front window. I also got dual LED strip lights in mine which provides PLENTY of light inside. The only thing I would do differently (if I could) is maybe the windoor option BUT they told me they don't have windoors with pet screens so I opted for normal sliders (I keep my dog in the back sometimes).
lchrum
Active member
RJ Howell
Active member
You could always build one with 1 1/2" foam board like I did.
Design (found I needed the tailgate for the potty).
To the built unit.
.
Now that I now how well this foam construction works, I wish I had gone longer over the cab and made it a Lift-Top.
My build thread is here: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=71879
Design (found I needed the tailgate for the potty).
To the built unit.
Now that I now how well this foam construction works, I wish I had gone longer over the cab and made it a Lift-Top.
My build thread is here: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=71879
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You could always build one with 1 1/2" foam board like I did.
Design (found I needed the tailgate for the potty).
View attachment 559866 View attachment 559867
To the built unit.
.
Now that I now how well this foam construction works, I wish I had gone longer over the cab and made it a Lift-Top.
My build thread is here: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=71879
I'm glad to see you got yours done and in use. I still haven't started mine. Still considering going with the over rail / sideways bed idea. Glad to see another '04 - 08 F150 owner making a go of it as well... Love these trucks, hate that 5.4L engine though.
I lucked into a used LEER that was color matching and a great price and it works well for us. When the kids were younger, we ran out of room with just a bed cover and needed more space. @michlong I'll send you a PM with contact information for the shop I purchased it from; they are somewhat local to you.
so i am still on the fence and then I spotted a truck with a Diamond Back Tonneau cover this morning - and that has me thinking differently now....
diamondbackcovers.com
Heavy Duty, Hard Tonneau Covers | DiamondBack Covers
Be ready for the next adventure and protect your gear in the bed with DiamondBack. The toughest, most secure truck bed cover that’s built in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.
diamondbackcovers.com
Todd n Natalie
OverCamper
I like the idea of those.so i am still on the fence and then I spotted a truck with a Diamond Back Tonneau cover this morning - and that has me thinking differently now....
Heavy Duty, Hard Tonneau Covers | DiamondBack Covers
Be ready for the next adventure and protect your gear in the bed with DiamondBack. The toughest, most secure truck bed cover that’s built in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.
But, the thought of trying to unload firewood or similar from the front box seems less than ideal. Also seems like it would be tough to remove in the event you need to haul something large. Just speculating though as I've never tried to remove one.
phsycle
Adventurer
The only reason I'd ever get one is if I hauled an ATV on top (because I didn't want to use a trailer). That's it. I can't see how it's better than a trifold cover. I'd rather have a shell with double the dry storage.