DONKEY KONG

First they told me to adjust the shell so no edges touch the bed, but the shell is so tight there is no room for adjustment. The next best thing is to add shims on the bed rails to lift the shell so it clears the corners. I'll have to do this once winter is over with as it's not practical.

Here are some pictures of the damage my ARE Z-SERIES did after taking it off for the first time. The dealer and ARE customer service said all trucks are built differently and not perfectly square to there mold and so there will be some tight edges that will come in contact with the truck bed. Like I said before if the topper designers already know this variable make the necessary changes to accommodate this. Anybody else have this problem or is it just me?

Jimmyjam, Very good point on this also. If I were to go this route can you take a picture or indicate to me what wire you tapped into in order to get a constant 12V. The topper dealer tapped into a wire harness that was located behind the spare tire and this is to the brake lights so the topper brake lights work. If you can tell the color or picture this wire is so the LED strip light works that would be great.

magstart67, You are correct this was exactly what my topper dealer told me also. I'd hate to say this but if your a topper dealer and you already have experience and understand these variables why don't you go beyond your comfort zone and add the needed shims / spacers to prevent these types of damages. This is my first truck with a topper and if I knew yes it could have been prevented. Just wanted to vent and see what some peoples thoughts on this subject would be as we are spending $2500 on these toppers and having it go onto a $50K brand new truck there should be no damage put upon them especially the paint as it will rust.

Thanks magstar67 I think this is what I'll end up doing.

I just purchased the LED rope light. Do you know what wire was used to connect these wires to on the your truck?

I had to take out my Z-Series Topper the other day and noticed that on the four corners the topper has caused some damage to the plastic cover on the tail gate and on the paint next behind the cab. Anybody on here has had a chance to take there topper off with any damage done to the there new truck?

Random pictures of my truck so far.

Picture of my topper ARE Z-Series. Paid $2500 comes with the following options rails on top, front tilt down window, and LED rope light. Dealer also mentioned the newer toppers now have a smooth bottom surface to make it a clean line against the truck bed. The older toppers had a small bevel support lip at the bottom which they have eliminated to have a cleaner look to the toppers. Overall very happy with the outcome.

Wanting to do a 6" lift on the truck but does anybody know of the laws specifically in Colorado. Have you been pulled over or is there regulations on altering the suspension of the vehicle from factory. Below is a link from a website I've read but even they are confused to Colorado law on this same goes with other websites with people who live in Colorado. Any intel on this would be great before I pull the plug on the modification. http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/suspension-brakes/131-1102-lift-laws-you-need-to-know/

2014 Sierra SLT 4x4 (3.42 rear) towing 2015 Forest River Mini Lite 2306 model dry weight 3,800 lbs can hold max weight of 4,800 lbs. Did my first trip up the "GAUNTLET" Denver Colorado to Eagle Colorado through the I-70 pass. The truck did struggle on steeper hills but it did get the job done my trailer probably weighed in around 4,200 lbs with all the gear I had. From Denver to Eagle averaged 9.5 MPG on the way back from Eagle to Denver averaged 12.3 MPG. This was mainly due to the steep grades between the two directions not much wind played a role in this. Braking was great and handling was great due to E2 equilizer hitch. Overall very happy so far with the performance of the truck.

How much was this setup if you don't mind me asking. Got a quote from the ARE dealer here in Colorado for Z-Series starting at $2000 for 2014 Sierra Short Bed.