Posted: 7/23/2012 6:54:16 PM EDT
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Looking at picking up a camper shell aka topper for my 2011 F350 short bed. Nearby dealers sell Snugtop, Leer, ARE, Astro (ATC), and Jason. Not too impressed with the Jason (didn't seem like they had as much rubber sealing along the bottom). Also, didn't seem like they made their edges very nice.
The quality on Snugtop is top notch, and they obviously set the industry standard. I bought a Snugtop on craigslist for my Ranger and was pleased with it. It seems Leer and ARE are tied for 2nd place in the camper shell department. What does everyone think about Astro? I'm leaning most likely towards ARE or Leer, based on price. Don't think I'll drop the $2.5K+ on a Snugtop. Seems like reviews I've read online rate ARE and Leer to be about the same, they both have loyal fan bases and both have about the same few negative issues, including working with their local dealer on warranty work. Not a whole lot of negatives overall though, so it doesn't seem to scare me away from one or the other. I know none of them are watertight 100%, but who is closest to being watertight? I do plan on having a dog (GSD) travel in the bed on road trips. Options I plan on getting: fold down front window for ease of cleaning, carpet lined interior (protects against damage to the fiberglass, or yourself when you hit your head on the inside  ), and possibly have it wired for 12v to plug in an aux fridge or something. I'm thinking since I'll have the dog riding in the back area to get the sliding side windows as opposed to the pop-out style, but would love to hear any pros and cons. Anything else I should consider adding that you have felt was worth it?
And yes, I do know to check craigslist and ebay for used ones, so I've been doing that occasionally.  Got a few months before my first road trip, and I realize if I can't find anything used between now and then to give at least 3 weeks if I have to order a new one.
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I had a Leer shell for about two years, it was okay. Gas shocks on the hinge began to crap out, condensation inside the third brake light, "meh" gasket material between the shell and the bed (though you could easily change this yourself). In spite of the messy foam gasket material, it really didn't leak.. maybe just a little near the hatch. The sliding side windows were nice to have.
The big reason I chose the shell I did was for the overhead bin option, which required the headliner option too. 
I've since parted with the shell.. I wasn't hauling enough to justify it versus a toolbox. Good luck! |
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The company I used to work for had ARE toppers on all of our pickups. They were durable, worked well, and provided support for their products. I had a vehicle broken into in Charleston, crackhead construction worker broke out the glass door on the tailgate and stole some tools. I got back to Raleigh, called the ARE dealer that had originally installed the topper. Turned out that that particular model had been out of production for a couple of years, but yep, they could get the glass door the next day. No, the door wasn't cheap, no they didn't install it for free, but they were able to get the part quickly, and install it just as quickly. That is worth something. |
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I've had two shells, one Jason on my Tacoma and one Snugtop on my old Dakota. The Snugtop was definitely finished nicer than the Jason, but the Jason was priced about $600 less than the Snugtop and I didn't want to spend that kind of money all over again. Neither gave me any issues at all. The Jason is the perfect bare bones shell for my bare bones truck... The only option I ordered was the sliding front windows so the dogs could still see in the cab... the dogs are the only reason I got it in the first place, but it's nice to camp in on rainy days and I like being able to lock my gear up without having to move shit to the cab every time I stop to eat somewhere.
Anyways, from a quality standpoint, the Jason's overall finish isn't anywhere near that of the Snugtop, but it fits perfectly, doesn't leak, the paint matches and hasn't faded at all, the struts are still nice and strong, and it hasn't cracked or anything despite getting flexed a lot off-road, etc. I've had it since 2009 so it has seen plenty of use. If you want to save a little coin it's a solid choice. If you've got the money the Snugtop is far "nicer" but is no more functional. Hope that helps some. 
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OP you'll like that SnugTop years from now. 
My last truck (F250) I cheaped out and bought a Leer and saved $600. The Leer began to fall apart the second year just after the warranty on the door expired.  The top began to sag after 5 years. If I ever buy another camper top, it'll be a SnugTop. Figure that extra $600 over 10 years isn't worth the frustration.
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