Truck Toppers

[dhuth]

I am in the market for a new topper. I have an 08 F-150 and am wondering what you guys have seen for prices/options/best deal for the money out there. I want a sliding front window as well as contractor windows on the sides. My Ford dealer quoted my one at like $1380 and one at $1560 (one step up). These were A.R.E toppers. What have you guys seen out there?

[BoxMN]

Got mine long ago, but just wanted to add a couple things if you haven't thought about it. Get the inside carpeted. A cheap option, but very nice. Keeps noise and dust down, and just looks nicer.

The front window can slide and drop - drop allows you to clean it off better. Mine slides, but my truck window doesn't , ha!

The contractor windows - not sure which ones you looked at, but I recommned the ones that have the screen in them, if you ever sleep back there or have dogs the cross ventilation will be nice. I just have older "all glass" contractor window on one side, and a sliding window with screen on other.

My neighbor is looking, and his 6.5 foot box estimate is at about $1600 for all the options. Good luck.

[broken line]

I had an ARE topper on my last truck and it was a great product...no complaints and it is worth it to pay a bit more. My current one is Leer. It is OK, however, I experience the single handle in the center freezing quite frequently and have already replaced the shocks that keep the glass door up.

[Lund4ver]

I bought my Leer topper last year at the Minneapolis Sportsman Show from Radco. I did my homework long before buying on, and found the best prices were on Leer, and the quality of most of the brands very similar, but the little things made me stick with Leer. My parents have had Raider toppers, and they cracked after a few years so I stayed away from them, and I really wanted wrap over bed rails. Most offer that.

I second the carpeted topper, I also installed a bedrug as well. I have it installed on a 2005 F150. I really like the looks of it, and was treated very nice at Radco. They should be running some specials coming up here really soon.

I haven't expirenced the frozen handle or the shocks going bad. IF you have more questions, let me know.

Out the door with the options I added it was at $1650.00...Not cheap, but worth every penny for my dogs in the fall, and keeping all of my camping gear dry.

[BoxMN]

Would also add a couple thoughts - I have Raven brand, got it at Topper World in Maplewood, but about 10 years ago...

I have the "two handle" style on the rear hatch, and when I got it I didn't really want it - I wanted the single handle in middle.... but after using it for 10 years, I have found the double handle is nice. They are simpler, and I had one corrode up, but I can still lock the back with the other. You CAN lift the hatch up with just one hand on one side. So I would get the two handle style again, but not biggie either way.

Also, I am still on my same pistons on side and rear hatches, after 10 years. They are a bit weaker, but still keep it open. I do store mine inside garage though, but 170k miles, all with the topper. No cracks in glass or paint, still looks like new - dark green.

Good luck!

[JohnMickish]

I've got an A.R.E. on my Ford and love it. Carpeted inside, sliding window and the best part is the topper lock is electrically controled by the pickups door locks. Nice to lock the topper with the remote as well as the doors.

[landscaper]

mnfishingguy

when you say lock the topper...do you mean the rear door right?

how much extra is that? sounds like a nice option!!

also what "model" A.R.E?

thanks!

[Bryce]

120k on my Leer. While I won't say it's junk, I most likely will never own another. On my third set of shocks and I never drive with the window open which greatly increases wear. On my second set of locks and a couple of them are inoperable. Trim has cracked in several spots and I can see that it has chipped the paint on the bed rail in several spots.

When I was in the market, ARE was not making a model that fit my truck or that's the route I would have went. Really liked the automotive style lock that they had. Maybe others have this by now. Will find out shortly if I pull the trigger on a new ride.

My Leer has the entire front window that folds down for cleaning. Very nice feature that I will want in my next topper. Still deciding on side windows. Currently have solid glass contractor windows. Want something with ventilation. Not sure if I should go one window with the screen or have seen models(not sure on brand) that have two windows with one having the screen. Would love to hear feedback on these two options.

[BoxMN]

Bryce, I think there is a contractor window now that has a screen in the middle of it, so only one "window" on the side, but it can open "up" and you can slide open screen for ventilation. Real nice option, not sure of brand. That would allow for big opening and vent. on both sides.

MNfishing guy, I agree the lock working with the auto door locks would be slick

[JohnMickish]

Yes, it locks the liftgate. It's nice knowing that it's locked anytime the truck is locked. It's a "Z" series and I don't know what it cost since we purchased the truck used and it came on it. I am very satisfied with it and would purchase another one.

[sparkyaber]

I purchaced a leer from radco and was treated really well by there staff. I would definately return there for future purchaces. As for the topper, it serves its purpose. The front removeable window is great, as well as the remote lock. (same as mnfishinguy) I have only had it for only 18 months and during last weeks cold spell the shocks failed. That is the only complaint that I have about the topper. I would recommend going to Radco in Ramsey and talking to Ken. He did real well by me.