Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

I may have posted this before, but I got a shell that was wrecked for free and tore it all apart like that and re-arched the bent ribs and bought new sheet metal for the roof and plexiglass for the rear window. I spent a bunch also on nuts/bolts/washers and corner brackets to put the frame back together.

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

Can someone give me an idea of what these aluminum or fiberglass toppers weigh? Could I remove and install one on a longbed truck in just a few minutes by myself? Or are they too heavy for that? I'm not a gym rat, but I'm definitely not feeble either, if that makes a difference.

I really like the concept of a topper to keep my collection of toolboxes dry, particularly for those sudden summertime thunderstorms. But I also intend to use this truck regularly with a gooseneck trailer. I'm just wondering if it will be feasible to remove/reinstall the topper on a weekly basis.

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

I would think my aluminum cap is well under 100 lbs. it is real easy with two people and i would think it would be manageably by yourself.

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

Thanks for the reply! How are they typically fastened? Is it just a handful of bolts through the bed rails, or is there some sort of quick attach system that works well? Would Jeep hood straps work, by any chance?

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

I would say aluminum cap is closer to 125 pounds, its manageable by 1 person, 2 is ideal

As for attaching, you could drill and use bolts, but they make these aluminum C-clmps that
Are made for attaching truck caps and tonneau covers, 6 for a long bed, I think last I'll checked it was around $30 for a set of 6

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

my buddy brings 2 2x4's with him and his utility trailer to pull his fiberglass cap for summer camper towing season .

we use my 2 post lift and pick it off otherwise its a 3 -4 man job to be safe .

and he has a short bed box . :sumo:

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

Back in the old days we just bolted them down, usually 8 bolts on a long bed.

I'm pretty sure that I put my first cab-high, unlined, aluminum shell on the pickup by myself. I had been manhandling it for weeks in the rebuild process. I think that I just tipped it up and got under it and balanced it on my shoulders by myself. It's a lot easier with at least two people, though.

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

My 87
Attachment 2063598

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

...

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

I used to take my aluminum cap on/off by myself. Basically squat underneath it and lift while holding the cross bar. I'd put a blanket on each side of my bed so I wouldnt scratch the truck then, slide the blanket out when it was close to where its gonna sit... then, clamp her down... had a couple sketch moments but, 2 people is max, all you need... or if it has racks, could use pull straps and eye hooks in the garage. Used to take my jeep top on and off that way.

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

Bringing this thread back up....

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

Here is my cap. Off a newer ford truck. Not a perfect fit but close...

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

I’ve been running an alum. topper for a couple years. Sure is nice to keep the bed dry.

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

Scrolling through this thread after doing a Google search and couldn't help noticing the parking lot at Hagerty Insurance. Then I realized that you are here in Traverse City. I was just up there with my 67 for Cars and Coffee this morning.

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

I have not been since before COVID, my Friday hours changed and can no longer make it to Cars & Coffee. I should try to stop by anyway some Friday morning!

Re: Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Toppers... call them what you will, lets see them
 

And its held up very well . I’ve owned the truck for 3 years