I need help choosing a camper shell! (truck topper)

All,

A bit of advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I am looking at putting on an A.R.E. Camper Shell on my truck. I just can't decide which one...

I've narrowed my my choices to the MX series (mid over-cab height), Overlander series (powder coated trim option), or the CX series (base model). I will be getting the windoors on both sides regardless of model. Also, I will be ordering it with roof tracks to install a Prinsu Designs rack shortly after receiving the rack.

So basically, which topper (CX, MX, Overlander) should i get?

Thanks for the help!

 

I'm going ARE as well and will get the CX. I don't need the extra storage capacity or the fancy trim bits. I'll be getting tracks as well, but will just get Yak towers/bars.

 

Leer 100 XR

 

I have an MX and a platform bed, so getting up in the morning isnt a big deal for all the extra headroom. I even have an inside overhead storage rack that doubles as a outside roof rack should I need it.

I also have a Prinsu cabrack and a RTT. RTTs look funny mounted up front, but I dont care if I look like the Beverly Hillbillies, its functional.

You shouldnt put a Prinsu rack on top of the MX shell- the rack mounting area is just too small. Get a small low profile basket for it instead.

Get pet screens for your windows when you order your shell, even without pets it will protect your screens from tearing when carrying cargo or tools.

 

What's low end pricing on toppers I want one but feel the soft top is a better option for me

 

Thanks for the input! I do like the extra head clearance and I didn't think about the shorter tracks on the MX. I will deffinitly keep that in mind! A good call on the pet screens, I do tend to load up a bunch of crap when I'm camping and hunting.

 

used $500, new $1500+.....


mine was $2600 w/ tax

 

I like these: Snugtop Outback. Price is over $3K though.

 

MX with Decked system. /end

 

I have an ARE MX driverside windoor, fold down cab access window , roof liner... installing my own rails(I have a pro deal on yakama and Thule) so I get them a very discounted price...loving it
Paid $2200 with tax and install

 

How much additional head room do you gain over the cab height models?

 

If I do one it will be the ARE V, my local shop sells them for $1450 installed without any extras. I've had the Z and CX and I didn't really need the exatra stuff on past trucks so going the V route this time, I found this on CLIST same color as mine with a V.

 

i already have the decked system in the truck ( i think i ordered it the day they came available...) this camper shell is the next addition. Thanks for the help!

 

Around 5 inches or so... just enough for me (5’11.5”)to sit on the wheel well straight up

 

I have the V series, which is the same mold as Overland. If I were to do it over again, it would definitely be the MX.

 

Wow. That makes me rethink my cab height preference. Is there an MPG hit? I am planning cross country trips.

 

Same thing I was thinking! Interested to find out...

 

Maybe a mile or so...I’ll take a picture when I get home of me sitting in it... plan on building a sleep platform back there...wanted to have the extra height for sleeping and for extra storage when I head to Baja to fish

 

Can you also measure where the rack would go on top? I wonder if the Prinsu designs short bed rack would fit better than a long bed...?

 

I've got a Leer 180 midrise on my 2011. We share many of the same interests. With my platform in my bed, the extra headroom with the midrise is invaluable.