Cab High Truck Cap Help Needed!

Blue2500CC · October 27, 2013

So.... now that we have our new beast, we have been going back and forth as to which to get, tonneau cover or topper. Due to the advantages of a topper for us, it is leading.

Now the potential issue, fitting in the 7' garage door!!!! The cab is about 22", 22.5" if you include the ribs in the cab roof above the bed rail. From the tailgate to the door we have 24".

Those with a cab high topper, if you would please post your brand and what the measurement is from the top of the tailgate to the ground, then from the topper to the ground I would greatly appreciate it!

I know A.R.E. list their toppers for full size as 23", but trying to get "real world numbers" as I am not sure just how exact that is! Lol

Brands I am looking at: A.R.E. X model- Like the look of this on their website. Haven't looked in person yet. Century- Ultra, same model we had on our '10 1500. Leer-I know Century and Leer are almost identical, so whatever the comparable is. In fact, Century dealer told me he wouldn't be surprised if they combine as they are owned by the same family (brothers from what he said).

My other concern is if I get different tires for the truck, if that would end up causing an issue. I would be staying close to stock sizes. I do know the topper is about 200lbs, so the truck just might drop ever so slightly returning what I may have lost with the new tires!

Thank you for the help!!!

Chris

Mike-1000 · October 28, 2013

2013 2500HD Reg cab 8' bed. Tires stock Firestone 245/75r 17" on stock generic rims. Topper Leer 100xq (frameless windows) cab height.

To top of closed tailgate 57"

To top of topper 76 1/2" measured with a board hanging over far enough to measure plumb

I have 600#-700# of tools in the bed (plus the topper) but I doubt the back end has dropped an inch and probably not that much.

I don't think there will be any problem with your 7' garage door.

Most topper dealers have a display of different models so you should be able to pull the door down and get a pretty good measurement.

Good luck,

Mike

Blue2500CC · October 28, 2013

Mike,

THANK YOU!!! Sounds like your Leer is about 20" from the bed rail (rounded to be "safe" Lol). I figure I will be ok, just want to be sure! Darn toppers are getting even more expensive, and the Century dealer said he wouldn't be surprised if prices went up again come the first of the year.

There may be a chance I could still get the roof rack rails installed as well. Hoping to find kayaks that are "to good to pass the deal up"!

As for the truck "dropping", I know what you mean! With our travel trail, tongue weight just over 900lbs, the truck doesn't even get into the overload springs!!! Huge difference compared to our 1500 we had!!!

TY again!

Chris

Mike-1000 · October 28, 2013

You still have to remember to take the boat off.;-)

I know Leer has the Thule rack system available as a factory installed option. IIRC all of the uprights can be removed so only the track remains which hardly adds any height. I think that system has a 250# weight limit. I'm sure the other makers have something similar. Please let us know what you go with.

Mike

Blue2500CC · October 29, 2013

Mike,

I think Century has the Thule also, don't remember which A.R.E. has at the moment.

I think I would have to make unloading the kayaks (if/when we get them) part of the "empty the trailer out" routine to ensure nothing happened!

Will keep this up to date when I do pull the trigger. It may be some time with Christmas coming. See what happens!

Chris

sdeeter19555 · October 29, 2013

If you buy a Leer, make sure you opt for the roof rack inserts...you can buy a cap with or without the inserts/supports. If you buy it without, and you later decide on a roof rack; the roof won't support it without the inserts. They are simply support plates that are molded into the roof, but they are important if you want roof racks later.

I want to remember my Leer was a 1000R (that's going back over ten years)? Basic cab height. Mine had the inserts, which are not visible until you drill for roof racks. The cap alone won't even noticeably deflect the suspension. Mine gave me a lot of years of good service...the only thing that ever gave trouble was the LED brake light.

One thing I also want to remember was that they had an issue with was cracking right at the radius from the roof to the sidewall at the rear window...mine never had an issue, but there was a rash of complaints at one point. Do a little research before you buy, make sure there aren't any major complaints on the brand you're looking at.

Z45 · October 29, 2013

Here is the top of the line Century on my truck..my door is 7 ft

Blue2500CC · October 30, 2013

Steve,

TY for the suggestions on the roof rack inserts!!! Have to see what that runs alone, without the rack system if possible.

As for the LED brake light, had the same issue on the Century I had on our '10 1500!!! Replaced under warranty after about 18 months, and noticed some of the LEDs were out again when we traded the truck in. Cap was barely 3 yrs old, and needed a 3rd replacement brake light. Other than that, I was very happy with the Century cap, I think the model was the Ultra, basic cab high, framed windows.

Mike,

Sweet looking cap! It looks like your truck is a 1500 though, correct? I had plenty of clearance with our '10 1500 with a Century cab high also, but we now have a '13 2500hd, and this thing sits a lot taller than our 1500 (both 4x4's). And I can't remember just how even the top of the topper was with the truck cab. Just want to avoid an expensive mistake. I think the topper will clear, but it will be VERY CLOSE!

TY again for the replies!

Chris