Newbie with a Question

[trailerrick]

First off thanks for all the info. I lurked here for several months before pulling the trigger trying to make sure I made the right choice.

 

Question is what do you guys think about a topper "shell" on this rig??

[fondupot]

First off thanks for all the info. I lurked here for several months before pulling the trigger trying to make sure I made the right choice.

 

Question is what do you guys think about a topper "shell" on this rig??

 

Not really a fan of toppers. For simple aesthetics I think they are ugly, and they say "i'm an old man grandpa rig" (no offense if you are an old man grandpa....)

 

But for usability and functionality they are great. If you plan on having environmentally sensitive stuff back there, the topper is great because it doesn't sacrifice the height of the bed like a tonneau cover would.

 

Basically it comes down to your personal needs/wants.

 

Welcome to the forum. enjoy the truck!

[KARNUT]

I had one on my 01 GMC, it was supposed to be a painted fiber glass bed cover. I split the cost with them I was leaving on a trip so I needed a cover. Looked good kinda like a Tahoe.

[14SLTZ71]

First off thanks for all the info. I lurked here for several months before pulling the trigger trying to make sure I made the right choice.

 

Question is what do you guys think about a topper "shell" on this rig??

I'm not a fan of them but it's your truck, do what you like not what others perceive to be "cool".

[nards444]

I think they look nice. But its not something your taking off in a few mins if you have to. Price for them and paint, doesnt seemw worth it.

[Northside]

Why do you care what we think? It's your truck and if you like the look or need the protection for stuff you carry it would make sense to get one. Guys who do a lot of hunting and fishing like them. Construction folks often find them a necessity to protect tools from the weather and such. Me I'm an old grandpa and think my truck looks cooler with out one, but I don't haul much, just an occasional kids bike, a bag of fertilizer, or some motorcycle parts.

[thewhitestallion]

like stated above if you need it for the kind of stuff that you are going to be putting back there then yeah do it. IMO honestly they are not aesthetically pleasing and if anything make the truck look weird. but it's your truck if you need it, get it and no one can say otherwise (not that they could anyways because it's not their truck its yours) but if you want it because it "looks cool" then I would vote against that.

[trailerrick]

I guess the question I should have asked is "pros and cons" of a topper. This is the first truck I've had for many years, been driving SUV's. I'm missing the extra room out of the weather that a SUV had.

[chuckl1218]

The above reasoning is why some of us use foldable hard style tonneau covers - gives flexibility for when an open bed is needed, don't have to take it off to use full bed, but also provides "secure", out of the weather space for stuff as needed.

[nards444]

The more I think about the only reason I would get one is if there were a true need for it. LIke protecting and securing items on a regular basis. other than that Asethically I dont think they do anything for a truck. These days thay make locking tail gates that lock with tonneau covers, which no it wont keep the hardened criminal out but will keep the honest people honest, which really is what you need.

[sourdough44]

I got an A.R.E. Topper for my 2014. I take our dog along at times and gear much of the rest. With a little help I can get it off if needed for tall loads. The main reason for one is to keep dogs and gear out of the weather, and added security.

[PMattras]

I had a topper (shell) on my 2008 Silverado and used it a lot for camping. It was great for two people. Setup and pickup was quick and easy - clean, dry and safe. It looks like an SUV with color match. Tall or high things were hard to put into it (unless you can lay them down on their side) as well as ATV's etc. unless you remove the top. Your on your knees to get things in and out. Visibility is sometimes hindered but if you have the backup camera this helps a lot. A little extra weight in the bed helps with the traction in the winter and it may also have an effective on gas mileage. It is better to sell the topper with the truck for best resale. I liked my topper but didn't need one for my 2014 Silverado.

[dgriffith]

do to your truck as others do to their trucks. if it makes you happy then do it. if its something you need for your truck to be a fully functional truck, then do it. ive done things to mine im sure others wouldnt like. that why we all have our own trucks. lol