Hello all and thanks for looking.
I went camper shell shopping this weekend and narrowed it down to 2 campers. One is a new hi-top Leer and the other is a used 4-runner "look-a-like camper". I really like the look of the 4-runner one so I think I’m going to go with that one (plus it's cheaper).

Anyways, on to my question. I noticed that the 4-runner camper does not have a slider up front like the leer I saw. It has a rubber weather strip that seals around my cab back window. Is this an area that will be prone to leaking? I'm going to have my new puppy in the back of my truck a lot so I'm not sure if I should play it safe and get a Leer (band name so maybe better quality?).

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

I had a Tri-Glass (low profile, like the 4Runner) with a rubber gasket like that. The only time it leaked was in an extremely heavy rain, and it wasn't much. It didn't really even leak into the bed of the truck, just down the back glass.

 

Hey thanks a lot for your reply. I feel a lot more comfortable with the "rubber gasket style" camper after reading your experience with one. I'll be sure to throw up some pictures when I get it on.

 

My father says his never leaked once in 20 years. But, it did rub the paint off the cab.

 

I'm glad you posted that- the truck accessory place that installed my shell used an industrial "tape" to prevent paint scratching. This tape was very thick, but clear, kind of like those strips that go on the hood to prevent rock pecks. I took the shell off when dad gave me the truck, but I put it back on for hunting seasons. Without this tape, those rubber boots will rub the paint off around your rear window, which upon removal of the shell, is unsightly.

Be sure you use foam weatherstripping or something similar between the bed rails and the shell, the clear tape around the back window, and a strip of clear tape across the top of the tailgate (for the rubber gasket that is usually on the shell rear lift glass). You can get camper clamps that hold really well and prevent drilling holes in the bed rails.

 

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the information. I hope I can one day contribute to the yota community like you guys have done for me.

 

I have a tan one in descent condition. will sell pretty cheap. make me a deal. webterink2007@yahoo.com