Best Aluminum Topper type/brand?

[lakevet]

Looking for your experiences you have had with aluminum topper brands/models. Looking at aluminum topper for 8 ft box with a roof rack and side access doors up front. Looking at durability and repairability as I plan on using it, not babying it or abusing it, and keeping it for a long time. Needs to be functional, not look pretty. Looked at Unicover model 800 and Radco. Radco I believe is MN made and I see they list replacement parts.

Also any tips on how you mount and remove your topper.

Thanks

lakevet

[randerson]

The Model 800 uses better windows and doors and is Built in Northern Iowa. Depending on your vehicle the installation can be more complex than others. I would suggest using clamps and a quick disconnect harness with fuses for the Lights. What truck do you have I can give you more info for the installation

[lakevet]

randerson,

It is a 2008 Ford F 250 Super Duty 8 ft box.

thanks,

lakevet

[randerson]

The 08 Super duty requires good clamps on the front as the topper typically are built to follow the out side of the bedrail instead of the inside (DumbA$$es its aluminum) where the clamps are more effective But with the right clamps ( I use 6 on a long box) and the proper disconnect for the brake light you should be able to take this off with 1 other person. I also suggest a 2" wide tape for the install versus the 1" that a lot of people will use Double it up on the front and all for corners where the clamps won't reach. If you plan on taking it on and off a lot I would suggest replacing it every couple of years (3yr) Downfall to your truck is that the bed rail caps are not sealed at all so u might get a little water in under them. Aluminum toppers are never water tight especially with all the seams in them but with proper install it can be pretty close.

[lakevet]

Thanks for the advice. Doesn't need to be bone dry as anything that needs that will be inside additional containers.

lakevet