How To Buy A Pickup Truck Topper / Shell / Cap

[ReWind James]

I'd like to get a topper for my truck (2013 RAM 1500). My wife and I go overlanding and exploring around the Southwest US with our dog. I'm primarily looking for something that provides a more robust shelter for us and our gear than a tent, and also is a bit more discrete. I pretty much know what I want - fiberglass, excellent sealing against dust, openable side windows, and no opening window up against the cab, as my truck's rear window doesn't open.

It seems the truck topper industry is as shady as the mattress industry, though. No manufacturers post prices, other than inflated MSRP. Dealers won't quote prices on the phone. Dealers use unique part numbers and add "features" to their lineup to make comparison shopping nearly impossible.

This is 2016. I don't want to drive 40 minutes or more to a single dealer and spend an hour talking to them just to get a quote. I want to shop, if not online, than at least on the phone.

Am I restricted to used toppers from Craigslist only if I don't want to go play the used-car-salesman-game with these dealers? Or is there a better way or company that I'm just unaware of? I'd be absolutely open to used, but don't see much or any that would fit my newer pickup.

Thanks. I've never done business in this industry before and don't consider myself a sucker so I want to be armed with whatever knowledge and tools I can before sticking my neck out.

 

[Nick-O]

I am trying to jump the same hurdle. Closest "dealer" is 50 minute drive, they insist on measuring my box to "be sure the right part is ordered"...I mean, there are only two bed sizes....then 4-6 weeks wait, then they want to charge another hour of labor to install it. Only open weekday from 0800-1700, so the costs here are monetary in every direction.
Sorry to have a bad attitude about it, but it seems like there are no choices.

 

[Pop1655]

I'd ask on a Ram owners forum

 

[ReWind James]

I'd ask on a Ram owners forum

Did that. Mostly I got "I love my Leer!" and "go to Jason's Truck Tops, he took great care of me!" type of responses that didn't actually address the concern or help me. Figured I try here, too.

 

[WhiteEpiLP]

Its because no one can address your concern, you are absolutly right there are no set prices for aftermarket accessories for trucks. I mean even spray in bed liner prices vary dramatically from place to place. Most guys want you to come to them so they can feel you out and try to pressure a sale on the spot.
Just trying myself to getting a soft leather tonneau cover for my truck that works with my backrack is a massive headache. Lots of people tell me that it doesnt work yet there are kits on the backrack website that raise the rack up for the tonneau to work, again no prices and no list of covers that work with the system.
Just plain stupid.

 

[ReWind James]

With the bed liner, I was at least able to call 5 or so local Line-X dealers and get quotes over the phone. That was a pure pleasure compared to this.

 

[Cruznolfart]

The more you know:

https://axleaddict.com/trucks-vans/Truck-top-shell-buying-guide

Hope this is a little help. They do identify froo-froos as exactly that, even point out some things to look out for that might otherwise be overlooked by a neophyte. Happy hunting...and camping.

 

[ReWind James]

The more you know:

https://axleaddict.com/trucks-vans/Truck-top-shell-buying-guide

Hope this is a little help. They do identify froo-froos as exactly that, even point out some things to look out for that might otherwise be overlooked by a neophyte. Happy hunting...and camping.

Thank you. That was very informative. I hadn't considered some things like the new latching rear doors and boots being a problem. Good to know!

 

[Pop1655]

Reading that reminded me of something.
If you do go that way, check out bedrug.
Really a great product.