Thinking about purchasing a camper shell for my '05 Duramax. Fiberglass or Steel? What are things to look for? What do you like about yours? Which manufacturer is best, in your opinion?

Thanks

I have a fiberglass shell on my PSD, picked it up on craigslist. I've had it about six months now, and no regrets, as I got it for $200. It was also the correct color. I'm confident I could get twice that if I were to sell it again.

I wish the front glass folded down, for cleaning. I also need to add a light in it for finding stuff in the dark. I've also seen some with the hinged side windows, might be nice.

Mine is a Leonard, and I found out mine was made by someone else, just labeled for them. Not sure if this is common or not.

When I was looking at new ones, one dealer told me if it's diesel, you have to get a 2 ply shell or the warranty will be void. Allegedly, the shaking and vibration of a diesel will crack a single layer top. But no first hand experience.

If you are looking at new, hold onto your wallet, they start about $1200 and you can nearly double that with all the bells and whistles.

i also got mine on craigslist for 200 bucks. It is a sungtop brand. Fiberglass. No issues here. I dont think I would ever buy one new, they are for sale cheep everywhere!

http://wt4x4.net/dblue351/250/DSC03147.JPG

I just bought a fiberglass one on craigslist for $50 in fair shape, minus the missing/busted rear glass and that the color doesn't match. I wanted to 'test' one out before I spent $$ on a nice(er) one. It has help a ton with towing my mini-camper setup.

Down side is that I can't use my nice gulwing style bed mounted tool box, and it weighs 200# so taking it on/off is a 2 person job...

I had a fiberglass that leaked real bummer when your trying to sleep. I now have an aluminum only problem is condinsaton when cold. Aluminum seems to be lighter also.

I've got a fiberglass topper on my 91 GMC 6.2 diesel, it's been on since '91 and hasn't had an issue.

Mine is light enough that I can lift it off by myself, it's just the bulk that requires 2 people. It's held on with 4 3/16" bolts that do the job just fine, although I'd suggest that if you're bolting it on, to get some rubber gussets as the bolts like to rust and are in direct contact with the box.

Other wise it's great, and suprisingly even with no weather stripping and only the 4 bolts, it seals up real tight.

Check out A.R.E Truck Caps.... they make some nice ones.

I'd agree, shop used, unless you reall ywant something particular. Mine was $250 off ebay from someone local. 8ft, with the raise roof, maybe 8" above the cab. That helps a lot for using it to camp. I use 8 1/4" stainless bolts to hold it down, with weatherstrip. Dry and windproof.

Mine is fiberglass, I forget the brand. The inside is a little rough in spots,and I've had some of the chopped fibers jab into my hand with nasty splinters.

I'm going to glue in some 1/4" thick insulation, and then some fabric over that.

I love having my camp/bed setup, so when I roll in at 1am, I just crawl in the back and go to bed.

A velcro'd power strip, and some flat lights on the ceiling makes a nice little setup. Some carpet on the floor and a folding cot. Soooooo much better than a tent when it gets cold and rainy.

Because they are so big, not reallly worth shipping, there are always lots of nice ones on ebay, craigslist, etc.

Another vote for fiberglass. I don't particularly like the look of mine but the utility of it is great. Really like the high rise top for getting in there to get stuff. Wish it wasn't a 2 person job to remove. Picked it up from craigslist for $150. (has some scrapes on top) 2003 leer model 122 IIRC. Back door leaves a little to be desired as far as sealing goes, but it does the job. Not the best pic, but you get the idea.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8da01b3127ccea8dd318fdc3100000026102Abs3DVm4Yse

I've got a fiberglass top on my dodge. Makes for a great place when wheeling a short time. Makes a great place to sleep, and no need to put a tent up, and take it down. Only down side, is mine has a C battery operated light in the back by the tail gate. Some day, I'll wire in a quick LED setup that's operated by a switch.

I've had one on my truck for a little overa year -- I've only wanted to take it off a few times, haven't ever taken it off though. I just use the trailer rather than take off the topper.

Craigslist, cheap-- exact color match and everything.... :D

I wish mine was taller, with the bed platform just level with the inner fender there is just enough room for me to turnl over. Dressing in the morning can be fun since I am over 6 foot tall and 300lbs, to this end I have bought a tent that can either stand on it's own or be attached to the shell as an added room.