Truck Camper Shells

[AZRedhawk44]

I want a truck camper shell for my 2005 Dodge Ram SLT shortbed.

I'm confused though... manufacturers of these things seem to refuse to want to post their MSRP.  While I certainly don't want to pay MSRP and want to find the best price possible for one, I seem to have absolutely no idea how much they cost.

Help me out, fellas.  I've got a nice looking Dodge pickup and I want to either match the factory paint or come pretty dang close on it.  I want a rear center brake light.  I want sliding windows.  I want one 12v receptacle in it if available, but not a big deal if not.  I don't want a huge one that is taller than my truck cab; I don't think that would look good.  Just flush with the roof of the cab is fine.

Other than that... I want your basic fiberglass shell.  No roof-racks, picatinny rails, laser sights or anything else.  Something to cover my camping gear if it's raining during the drive.  Stick the dog back there if I am going camping/hiking with someone else in my truck (standard cab).  That's about it.

What do people actually pay for a Leer or similar camper shell that is color matched to their vehicle?

[K Frame]

"No roof-racks, picatinny rails, laser sights or anything else."

You fool!

How do you expect to command the respect of your fellow campers if you don't look tacticool?

[MillCreek]

He could always strap a shark with a head-mounted laser to the hood.

[roo_ster]

There are several products/industries that act to obscure prices, even the retail, "gouge the customer till he bleeds," price.

I suspect that there is MUCH variance as to what one might pay depending on where you enter the distribution chain and where/when you buy.

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

I looked into getting one for my Ranger a few years back.  I recall them costing $600 or $800 for fiberglass, $400 for aluminum.

Not sure if that helps you any.

[richyoung]

Dude, you don't BUY it in matching color - unless your truck is white!

You buy it and have the body shop paint it with the same paint code the truck is....

[mfree]

....Mfree is lovin' that his truck is white

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

Dude, you don't BUY it in matching color - unless your truck is white!

You buy it and have the body shop paint it with the same paint code the truck is....

They're usually ordered from the factory with paint matched to the customer's vehicle.

[Grandpa Shooter]

Go down to Lil Prices Little Dealer at Indian School and I 17.  They are the most reasonable shell for the money if all you want is to cover the bed of your truck.  They also have a location in the East Valley.  They are closed on Saturday to honor their Sabbath and open on Sunday.

[Stevie-Ray]

I have 2 trucks that have hard bedcovers on them. I'm sure the shell is going to be a bit more expensive, but I paid $695 for each, an ARE in 2000, and a Century in 2003. The ARE is a better cover, hence the same price 3 years earlier. Both have underside carpeting and have served me well.

[erik the bold]

A.R.E. caps have a quote feature on their web site:  http://www.4are.com/product/z/  (right hand side of page) 


I've had ARE caps on my last two trucks, and have been very pleased, but always bought top of the line units, nearly $2000.

[Tallpine]

A.R.E. caps have a quote feature on their web site:  http://www.4are.com/product/z/  (right hand side of page) 


I've had ARE caps on my last two trucks, and have been very pleased, but always bought top of the line units, nearly $2000.

Wow, I didn't even pay $2000 for my last pickup 

That was 12 years ago.  I still have it.

[RadioFreeSeaLab]

They are expensive.  I'm looking for a cheap one on Craiglist for my 03 GMC Sierra short bed.

[AZRedhawk44]

Gpa shooter:  I had LDLP quote me on a shell, and it came to around $1300 +/- a few bucks, for a couple of different models.

Ouch.

Seriously thinking about buying a used one and having Maaco match the paint.  Anyone done that before?