How to Install Truck Toppers
Trucks have experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years. No longer are they just the workhorse of the farm or tool for the contractor; they're also family vehicles with room for kids and cushy suspensions. But those families with trucks are now discovering what many truck owners have known for years--cargo isn't secure from theft unless the bed has some kind of cover on it. That's where a truck topper, or camper shell, comes into play. It's easy to install, plus it can make the truck a bit more functional and more like an SUV.
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Things You'll Need
- Topper shell
- One or two assistants
- Topper J-hook mounts
- 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets
Instructions
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1
Clear any load out of the bed of the truck. Make sure it's completely clear before you install the topper.
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2
Lift the shell with the help of your assistants. Toppers can be pretty heavy, so try to distribute the weight evenly among all of you.
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3
Place the shell on the bed rails of the truck, and try to push it toward the front of the bed as much as possible.
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4
Crawl inside the bed and place the J-hook mounting bolts over the inside lip of the camper. The hook should clamp the lip of the camper shell to the lip of the bed rail, so make sure that it holds against both surfaces before you tighten it up. Loosely tighten these hooks with your hand.
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5
Crawl out of the camper and make sure the topper is aligned with the vehicle. It should fit well on the bed, without hanging off one direction or another.
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6
Crawl inside the bed and tighten the J-hooks using the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets. Make sure the bolts are secure before you drive the vehicle.
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