2019 Truck cap/topper/camper shell thread

[Thedaran]

I have an ARE V series (framed door), yes you loose a bit of visibility (darker due to the extra layer of tint, plus obstructed view where the pillars are) HOWEVER the rear view mirror is still absolutely functional and useable to see what is behind you. Not much different Rear view than an SUV.
I had a soft topper on my last truck and that obstructed the view much more substantially because a) the rear window is smaller b) no side windows c) the rear window fogged over after a couple years…the visibility was part of the reason I went with a fiberglass topper Vs another Softtopper.

It is worth noting, that due to aerodynamics, the rear glass gets convered in road mist when driving on wet roads/snow when driving in fresh pow, and there is no wiper to clean it (obviously), unlike most hatchbacks/SUVs

At some point, I may try to retrofit the digital rear view mirror and add a camera to the back of the topper

Other than this did you enjoy the soft topper? I have one on order. Plan is to have it down most of the time and just put it up when dogs are in the back or have items in the back I don't want to get wet.

 

[el_barto]

Other than this did you enjoy the soft topper? I have one on order. Plan is to have it down most of the time and just put it up when dogs are in the back or have items in the back I don't want to get wet.

Yes I did like the soft topper. I kept it up most of the time, but I liked that I could put it down in like 30 seconds to haul a taller load, or just to make it easier to stand in the bed to load things. It kept things dry, though some water got in on the corners, and the front flap if it wasn’t tucked between the bed and cab

I didn’t like the reduced visibility or the lack of security. The frame also got damaged at some point and it wouldn’t fold down, but that was right before I traded it so I didn’t bother fixing it.

 

[chasejj]

I just installed an RSI Smartcap on my 21 Laramie Megacab 2500. I want to extend the rear high mounted camera to the rear of my camper shell. Anybody done this or have a company who has done it?
I am getting frustrated with my custom stereo shops which all basically punted. I just want a high mounted rear view camera to operate like the factory one built in to my rear view mirror. Even if I have to disable the factory one to do it since it now is behind the shell frame and useless anyway.

 

[woody284]

I just installed an RSI Smartcap on my 21 Laramie Megacab 2500. I want to extend the rear high mounted camera to the rear of my camper shell. Anybody done this or have a company who has done it?
I am getting frustrated with my custom stereo shops which all basically punted. I just want a high mounted rear view camera to operate like the factory one built in to my rear view mirror. Even if I have to disable the factory one to do it since it now is behind the shell frame and useless anyway.

You check into a camper/rv dealer. A lot of travel trailers and fifth wheel come with a camera mounted on the back and viewed from in the cab. Granted I know you want to function in dash like factory but it might be a start.

 

[LateToTheParty]

I just installed an RSI Smartcap on my 21 Laramie Megacab 2500. I want to extend the rear high mounted camera to the rear of my camper shell. Anybody done this or have a company who has done it?
I am getting frustrated with my custom stereo shops which all basically punted. I just want a high mounted rear view camera to operate like the factory one built in to my rear view mirror. Even if I have to disable the factory one to do it since it now is behind the shell frame and useless anyway.

There are a few options in this thread.

Digital Rearview mirror with truck cap

I have a 2021 Limited on order and want to put a cap on the back. Where is the digital rearview mirror camera located? Will the truck cap block it or is it located on the tailgate?

hdrams.com

 

[BWolfE84]

I have found a few good looking truck caps but they are all for 1500. Does anybody know if a truck cap for a 1500 (6.4 bed) will fit a 2500 (6.4 bed)? Both at the new body style.

 

[dm6]

I have found a few good looking truck caps but they are all for 1500. Does anybody know if a truck cap for a 1500 (6.4 bed) will fit a 2500 (6.4 bed)? Both at the new body style.

Which caps were you looking at that were only for 1500s? I think they are the same size because when I got a tonneau cover, the part number was the same as the one for the 1500. But you better let someone weigh in that knows for sure.

 

[BWolfE84]

Sorry, I didn't explain that better. I found a used one online. The guy selling it owns a 1500 with a 6.4 bed. I have a 2500 with a 6.4 bed. His truck is 2019 and mine is a 2020. I just don't know if it will fit on my bed or not.

 

[Aaandroger]

FWIW I just installed a decked system in my 2021 2500 with 6.4 bed. On the box, it says that it also fits the 1500 with the 6.4 bed.

 

[BWolfE84]

Thats the cool think about decked. I know that if you put your vehicle into their website, the same part number comes up for both the 1500 and 2500. I just don't know if Snugtop or ARE make their caps more universal or if they are specific to each model.

 

[el_barto]

Sorry, I didn't explain that better. I found a used one online. The guy selling it owns a 1500 with a 6.4 bed. I have a 2500 with a 6.4 bed. His truck is 2019 and mine is a 2020. I just don't know if it will fit on my bed or not.

If it’s the new body style 1500: No, the bed is different than the HD bed.
If it’s the old body style / “Classic” : Yes, the 6’-4” bed is the same as the HD bed

 

[BWolfE84]

Thank you!

 

[JeepingNet]

I have an absolutely stupid question.

I have a 2022 Power Wagon on order but a cap came up for sale about 90 minutes away. My current truck is a 2016 1500 with 5'7 bed. Would I be able to put on the 6'4 cap knowing it is going to hang off the back about a foot. Clap it down good. Just to get it home?

The guy is pretty much giving it away $500 and it is in the paint code of the PW I ordered. I just ordered the PW last week so I suspect I'm a few months away from it coming.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

I have an absolutely stupid question.

I have a 2022 Power Wagon on order but a cap came up for sale about 90 minutes away. My current truck is a 2016 1500 with 5'7 bed. Would I be able to put on the 6'4 cap knowing it is going to hang off the back about a foot. Clap it down good. Just to get it home?

The guy is pretty much giving it away $500 and it is in the paint code of the PW I ordered. I just ordered the PW last week so I suspect I'm a few months away from it coming.

I imagine the bed rails would line up, but if it were me, I’d pull my trailer or borrow a trailer to grab it. Lay down a few 2x4s on the deck. Killer deal though!

 

[joelp]

ARE Z series on my 19. I sleep in the back on backcountry flyfishing trips. It has been great. Did the reflective bubble wrap stuff to keep the heat out and it works pretty well. I also rigged 100# test around all of the mounting bolts on the ceiling so I can store my 160 watt flexible solar panel up there when headed off grid. Works great for that.

Ordered a Super Pacific pop up to replace it. If anyone on here is in the market come March/April, this one will be coming off the truck (including the prinsu rack) either here in socal or up in portland where they will put the Super Pacific on.

 

[el_barto]

ARE Z series on my 19. I sleep in the back on backcountry flyfishing trips. It has been great. Did the reflective bubble wrap stuff to keep the heat out and it works pretty well. I also rigged 100# test around all of the mounting bolts on the ceiling so I can store my 160 watt flexible solar panel up there when headed off grid. Works great for that.

Ordered a Super Pacific pop up to replace it. If anyone on here is in the market come March/April, this one will be coming off the truck (including the prinsu rack) either here in socal or up in portland where they will put the Super Pacific on.





View attachment 30365View attachment 30367

How is the reflective stuff attached inside? Been thinking about making them for my topper to keep it warmer at night

 

[joelp]

How is the reflective stuff attached inside? Been thinking about making them for my topper to keep it warmer at night

the aft pieces are inside the screen. Would need to remove if using vents at speed. The fore pieces are just pressure fit using the structural integrity of the material. Pro tip: Cut the pieces as large as possible as the material shrinks a little over time.

seems to work somewhat for insulation. it's cheap and easy and better than nothing is my take.

 

[BWolfE84]

Thanks for the information. Can anybody tell me what the other two wires are for?

Bingo. Thanks you guys rock.
View attachment 10587

 

[el_barto]

the aft pieces are inside the screen. Would need to remove if using vents at speed. The fore pieces are just pressure fit using the structural integrity of the material. Pro tip: Cut the pieces as large as possible as the material shrinks a little over time.

seems to work somewhat for insulation. it's cheap and easy and better than nothing is my take.

View attachment 30382

Sweet setup!

Thanks for the deets. Need get my topper-camping setup dialed in for the spring

 

[dm6]

Sweet setup!

Thanks for the deets. Need get my topper-camping setup dialed in for the spring

Just curious, are you able to put a bike in there without removing the front wheel? One of the kids bikes I have is a 26" wheel but the front wheel doesn't have the quick disconnect so it would be great to not take it off.