Shell on Tremor?

[Tjaxson]

here's a leer
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So this is what my Tremor is going to look like... Nice looking truck.

 

[High_Country]

How big of a difference is there from the 2017 5.5 bed to the 2023 5.5 bed. Found a good deal on a topper.

I've been told (haven't ever confirmed it myself with a test fit) by multiple sources that there is a fitment difference for the 21+ F-150's. It's not so much in the bed rails or bed geometry but more so the interface with the back of the cab that different. The third brake light and camera, the shape of all that, creates interference issues with the previous generation (15?-20) and that you could maybe sort of make it work by pushing it back a bit, it's not a great fit.

 

[RotorHead695]

How big of a difference is there from the 2017 5.5 bed to the 2023 5.5 bed. Found a good deal on a topper.

The interior bed size is the same, but the overlap on the tailgate is different I believe. For example, RSI made a new front piece for their canopy to elongate the overall length. I think it was about a 1.5". @Yeti might be able to confirm my recollection.

 

[MidlandTremor]

Finally got my RSI shell delivered & installed! Love it! Now for a few lighting & 12v projects to finish it out

 

[MidlandTremor]

Has anyone hard wired their 3rd brake light for a camper shell? RSI sent the wrong wiring harness & I don’t know how long it’s going to take for them to send the replacement…..

Thinking I could just tap in to the brake light wiring on one of the taillights……

1) has anyone tried this successfully & can share how you wired it up?
2) if no; does anyone have a wiring diagram for the rear taillight wires that would show what wires I need to tap for brake light functions

 

[metallikatz3]

Has anyone hard wired their 3rd brake light for a camper shell? RSI sent the wrong wiring harness & I don’t know how long it’s going to take for them to send the replacement…..

Thinking I could just tap in to the brake light wiring on one of the taillights……

1) has anyone tried this successfully & can share how you wired it up?
2) if no; does anyone have a wiring diagram for the rear taillight wires that would show what wires I need to tap for brake light functions

Which trim level do you have on your truck?
I have a 402A with LED tail lights which have a separate brake light in the tail lights. I just tested wires until I found which wire was used for that in the harness where it goes in to the tail light and just wired my topper 3rd brake light in to that.

Edit - looks like I posted earlier - White/Green is hot and Black/Yellow is ground

 

[MidlandTremor]

Which trim level do you have on your truck?
I have a 402A with LED tail lights which have a separate brake light in the tail lights. I just tested wires until I found which wire was used for that in the harness where it goes in to the tail light and just wired my topper 3rd brake light in to that.

Edit - looks like I posted earlier - White/Green is hot and Black/Yellow is ground

Thank you!! I also have the 402A w/ LED tail lights. I’ll give that a try this week

 

[treceveu]

I've also never owned a shell, but with lifestyle these days (fam, travel, camping, most hardware excursions, etc), I'd be inclined to explore. The buddies who have them, swear by them. Likely not an immediate purchase, but curious mostly whether they need to be Tremor-tailored for whatever reason, or whether the standard F150 variety will do.

On my Tremor I have a standard (colour-matched) cab height Leer shell … which we call a ‘canopy’ in my part of Canada - that’ fits any F150; nothing special about the Tremor. I’ve had one on all of my last three trucks and find them much more useful than a tonneau cover for my purposes. I think it weighs about 150 lbs. Like all my previous ones, I’ve put stainless steel eye bolts on each corner and I can singly handily lift it of the truck with friction lock straps and leave it suspended in my carport if I want it off.

 

[MidlandTremor]

Thank you!! I also have the 402A w/ LED tail lights. I’ll give that a try this week

FYI to the group; this worked for powering the brake light

Edit - looks like I posted earlier - White/Green is hot and Black/Yellow is ground

 

[ChrisAttebery]

I bought my 23 Tremor last night. I ordered a Leer 100XQ today. I had a similar Leer on my 01' Z71 and really liked it.

FWIW: We have a Crown on our 07 and it has been perfectly functional, but it isn't as stylish.

 

[ChrisAttebery]

The CX Evolve looks awesome but I heard there are issues with the rear door glass. Maybe that has improved but I read that you could just reach right up under the glass and unlock it.

I know that this is an older post but thanks for posting it. I was on the fence between the ARE and Leer. This helped me make my decision.

 

[High_Country]

Here's another option for everyone to consider: Venturous Truck Toppers.

Home - Venturous Truck Tops

The next generation of truck caps, toppers, and camper shells for a variety of pickup trucks is here with Venturous Truck Tops!

venturoustrucktops.com

It's made by the same company (LTA Manufacturing) that makes other toppers such as Ranch, Jason, ATC, etc. The strong points - 'three times the strength of a traditional fiberglass topper, 38% lighter'.

I took a chance on them and put one on.

I beat on it pretty good on some rocky / bumpy trails with the rooftop tent and awning mounted to it. Seems to have held up good. I'll do a better inspection when back home.

(Mine has a carpeted headliner, sliding front window, sliding side windows.)

 

[DirtyMitch]

I've had canopies on my trucks for around 11 years now. I never found a reason to open the side windows on any of them at this point. I've had to replace seals to stop leaks and too be honest, the only thing I like about the windows is the light they bring in when I'm accessing the bed of the truck. Right now I have the RSI Smartcap and have never used the glass side gullwing doors nor opened the windows. At the time I bought, the EVO Sport was the only option that fits a full sized truck, but now want the solid gullwing doors with MOLLE panels for it like the EVOa Adventure. I'd mount my off-road equipment to them for easier access. Maybe I should send them a feedback note and see if they are available.

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I know this is an old post, but have you had any issues with the Smartcap leaking or just past canopies?

 

[AlpRunner]

I know this is an old post, but have you had any issues with the Smartcap leaking or just past canopies?

Chiming in here. Of the three toppers I’ve had on various trucks the Smartcap was the least weather/dust proof. Still liked it

 

[DirtyMitch]

Chiming in here. Of the three toppers I’ve had on various trucks the Smartcap was the least weather/dust proof. Still liked it

Thanks for the feedback! That is unfortunate, really like this set up and the weight capacity for adding a RTT. Currently have a yakima bed rack with a ikamper and I Want something to keep the bed secure. Another option would be a tonneau cover that allows for T Slot morning of something like a Yakima or Leitner, but the offroad ratings are very low. In fact, Leitner doesn't even list an offroad load rating as they actually recommended against any kind of "harder" offroading if mounted on a tonneau. I don't do anything crazy offroad, but I don't want to be worried every time I hit that unexpected bump.

 

[AlpRunner]

Thanks for the feedback! That is unfortunate, really like this set up and the weight capacity for adding a RTT. Currently have a yakima bed rack with a ikamper and I Want something to keep the bed secure. Another option would be a tonneau cover that allows for T Slot morning of something like a Yakima or Leitner, but the offroad ratings are very low. In fact, Leitner doesn't even list an offroad load rating as they actually recommended against any kind of "harder" offroading if mounted on a tonneau. I don't do anything crazy offroad, but I don't want to be worried every time I hit that unexpected bump.

I wouldn’t necessarily steer anyone away from the Smartcap. In my case cheap OEM (chevy) plastic interfaced poorly with the topper. The c-clamp Smartcap fasteners made the plastic ripple just enough to create opportunities for intrusion. I’ve seen others address this issue - I just didn’t care enough to.

Otherwise I was happy with it. No RTT but wheeled it fairly hard.

 

[AlpRunner]

Anyone have issues with their ARE CX Evolve rear door? Had mine installed yesterday and there’s a significant gap between topper shell, rear door glass, and tailgate. I can easily get a thumb in there. I notice the door is misaligned 1-2 cm toward the passenger side. While the driver side gap is bigger, the passenger side has a decent gap too. Seems like a poor design compounded by poor assembly/install. I’ve seen complaints on the door but nothing like this.

And yes, it’s fully latched . I can adjust the receiving end of the latch to shore up some gap, but I suspect this design isn’t Moab moon dust friendly. Thoughts?

 

[trexus]

Anyone have issues with their ARE CX Evolve rear door? Had mine installed yesterday and there’s a significant gap between topper shell, rear door glass, and tailgate. I can easily get a thumb in there. I notice the door is misaligned 1-2 cm toward the passenger side. While the driver side gap is bigger, the passenger side has a decent gap too. Seems like a poor design compounded by poor assembly/install. I’ve seen complaints on the door but nothing like this.

And yes, it’s fully latched . I can adjust the receiving end of the latch to shore up some gap, but I suspect this design isn’t Moab moon dust friendly. Thoughts?
View attachment 28245View attachment 28246View attachment 28247View attachment 28248View attachment 28249

I had problems with mine initially but nothing like what you are showing in the picture. I was able to swing by the installation place and they did an adjustment later, though the crew came out and we did a full walkthrough after the install so I would have caught something like that.

 

[ChrisAttebery]

Anyone have issues with their ARE CX Evolve rear door? Had mine installed yesterday and there’s a significant gap between topper shell, rear door glass, and tailgate. I can easily get a thumb in there. I notice the door is misaligned 1-2 cm toward the passenger side. While the driver side gap is bigger, the passenger side has a decent gap too. Seems like a poor design compounded by poor assembly/install. I’ve seen complaints on the door but nothing like this.

And yes, it’s fully latched . I can adjust the receiving end of the latch to shore up some gap, but I suspect this design isn’t Moab moon dust friendly. Thoughts?

I was initially interested in this shell but I saw a lot of complaints about the rear door. Personally, I wouldn't have accepted it. I'd take it back to the dealer and tell them to make it right. How is the fit at the middle of the door? It seems like they are having trouble getting the rear window shaped correctly.

 

[AlpRunner]

I was initially interested in this shell but I saw a lot of complaints about the rear door. Personally, I wouldn't have accepted it. I'd take it back to the dealer and tell them to make it right. How is the fit at the middle of the door? It seems like they are having trouble getting the rear window shaped correctly.

Update: dealer is ordering a new topper. They realigned the door and latch and played with the weather stripping to improve the seal. However there were a few other fit and finish issues so they offered a new unit. I can keep the flawed one until it arrives so spring camping isn’t a loss.

Aside from the corners the fit and seal are great. Top and bottom door seals are very snug.

Shout out to Suburban Toppers in Denver. This is my third topper through them and they’ve been great. Of course, sending a unit out in as bad shape as mine was a mistake, and my bad for not catching it right away, but mistakes happen. They were eager to address the mistake in any way I saw fit, and that’s what counts.