Truck topper question

Monofletch

Monofletch

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Jan 14, 2010
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If I wanted a decent shell for an f150- would it matter if the truck had a bed liner or not? Not a spray in liner. I'm talking about the big insert type. I figure one of you would know.
Also. Other than Leer- can you recommend a solid, no frills topper?
 
The liner won't matter. Sometimes you have to cut holes for the C clamps. I have had a couple others but Leer really makes a good one(worth the money).
 
I would/did loose the liner & got a bed mat after talking to the salesman at the canopy dealership.(talk to the guys at the dealerships in your area to be sure)I was told I would not get a good solid footing with a liner that can move around under the canopy.(makes sense to me)
Look at the lots where canopies are sold & you will see a pile of liners in the back somewhere.They're there for a good reason.;)

I went with an aluminum vs fiberglass for cost savings & weight savings.I don't remember the brand,but here it is on my Colorado.
I saved a few hundred bucks by going with the aluminum & I save gas with the weight savings also.
As you can see they are making them smooth sided now so they match the truck a lot better.
I did have a Fiberglass LEER on my Silverado & loved it,it matched the contours of the truck so well it almost looked like a Suburban.

Either way,FG or ALU,a truck is neckid without a canopy IMO.:)

And remember to check the clamps regularly.:thumbup::)
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mykel m said:
I would/did loose the liner & got a bed mat after talking to the salesman at the canopy dealership.(talk to the guys at the dealerships in your area to be sure)I was told I would not get a good solid footing with a liner that can move around under the canopy.(makes sense to me)
Look at the lots where canopies are sold & you will see a pile of liners in the back somewhere.They're there for a good reason.;)

I went with an aluminum vs fiberglass for cost savings & weight savings.I don't remember the brand,but here it is on my Colorado.
I saved a few hundred bucks by going with the aluminum & I save gas with the weight savings also.
As you can see they are making them smooth sided now so they match the truck a lot better.
I did have a Fiberglass LEER on my Silverado & loved it,it matched the contours of the truck so well it almost looked like a Suburban.

Either way,FG or ALU,a truck is neckid without a canopy IMO.:)

And remember to check the clamps regularly.:thumbup::)
031-11.jpg
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Great post. Thank you. For what I need a mat makes more sense.
Another question- is the carpet on the roof of the shell a good thing?
 
why can't you just use some self tap screws into the topper and into the bed of the truck?? why do you want carpet on the roof of the topper??
 
Some people don't want to reduce resale value of the truck and cap by drilling holes in the tops of the bed rails for bolts or by using self tapping screws. Remember to use a gasket between the bed and topper or you will get a lot of unwanted water in there. You may also need one at the tailgate/floor junction.
 
richard thurman said:
why can't you just use some self tap screws into the topper and into the bed of the truck?? why do you want carpet on the roof of the topper??
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The lady said the top we get has carpet on the sides and roof. I figured for sound or insulation. It is usually extra $$$.
As far as the screws. You can get it permanently mounted if you want. It doesn't cost any extra.
 
The carpet is designed as an insulation for heat and noise. Yes, you want the carpet.

As for the bathtub liner, get rid of it. Pay the extra $$ and get something called a BedRug. You'll NEVER regret it.
 
Codger_64 said:
Some people don't want to reduce resale value of the truck and cap by drilling holes in the tops of the bed rails for bolts or by using self tapping screws. Remember to use a gasket between the bed and topper or you will get a lot of unwanted water in there. You may also need one at the tailgate/floor junction.
Click to expand...
Right on the money.The dealer/installers will/should provide the foam tape for sealing it up.
I've never needed to seal between the tailgate/floor though & I've had 4 trucks with canopies so far.

I personally would never drill into the bed rails for the reasons Codger stated,clamps are good enough.
 
The carpet is designed as an insulation for heat and noise. Yes, you want the carpet.

As for the bathtub liner, get rid of it. Pay the extra $$ and get something called a BedRug. You'll NEVER regret it.
Click to expand...

This! I've had toppers with and without carpeting and have had tub, spray-on and BedRug liners and my current setup with the carpeted topper and the BedRug is the best I have experienced.
 
Monofletch said:
Other than Leer- can you recommend a solid, no frills topper?
Click to expand...

Was a toss-up between Leer and A.R.E for me...

I went with an 8 ft Leer 100XL almost 10 years ago. The dealer is still here....the A.R.E. dealer is long gone.

Replaced a window seal in 2010...the LED brakelight in 2011. No other repairs.

Shell's been off several times (for towing) so obviously gasket and weatherstripping have been replaced.

greatfallsmontana.jpg
 
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