How to Take a Canopy Off of a Pickup Truck

A truck canopy, cap, topper or shell can add versatility and security to your pickup truck, giving you a mammoth trunk to store tools, parts or other goods. Should you ever need to carry a larger item or just want to remove the topper, you can do it yourself using some simple hand tools and the help of a few friends. This job should take about 30 minutes to do correctly and involves heavy lifting.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
• Wire cutters
• 1 to 3 people to help

Instructions

1. Open the tailgate and crawl inside the truck bed. There are C-shaped clamps along the perimeter of the bed rails that secure the canopy to the bed. Unbolt each of those clamps using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.

2. Locate the wiring for the third brake light on the canopy. Cut the two wires that lead to the light using the wire cutters.

3. Place an assistant on each corner of the shell for the lift. You want to space them out as evenly as possible. Canopies may appear light, but they are heavy.

4. Lift the canopy off of the truck using your legs and not your back to support the shell. Set the canopy to the side, away from the vehicle.

Resources

• Leer Truck Shells and Canopies