After months of frustration at not being able to get out into the Park to photograph due to sharing a car with my wife and son, I finally emptied my little bank account and purchased a 2000 Nissan Frontier with 80,000 miles. I just got it this afternoon. Now, I need to find an affordable way to put a cover on the back so that I can carry large mounted prints to and from my gallery. In my dreams I'd love to have a topper so that I can camp with it, but that may have to be down the road. Any suggestions on what I should be looking for in a cover or cheap places to get them? I've never had a pickup before so this is all new to me. Thanks!
Erik, keep an eye on craigslist. You should be able to eventually get a used topper for $300-500. You might also try the 3 main topper shops in the Denver area. Once in a while they carry trade-ins. See you tomorrow night.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on January 16, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Craigslist was my first thought too. I've owned a number of pickups and have usually found used toppers, or in one case I just made a plywood cover that laid flat over the top of the bed. It wasn't the handiest thing, but it was cheap and it worked. Congrats on the "new" truck.
Posted by Tom Mangan on January 16, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Erik,
Take this for what's its worth. There is a used car lot in Longmont on 287 just south of 2nd Ave. that has what appears to be a decent collection of used toppers displayed in the back of the lot. I just noticed this driving through town last week as they had a banner advertising used toppers. Not sure what they charge or if they are honest but you could stop on in and see what they have. I dont know the name of the dealership just that they sit on the west side of 287, just south of 2nd ave.
I purchased my topper new from the 'pick 'um up' store in Longmont (hwy 66 and main) a few years ago. It's a Leer which are supposed to be one of the better brands. It's been ok but there are some minor issues with window seals delaminating from heat and sun. That being said it comes in very handy for camping and transport of itmes. Good luck with your new truck.
Thanks Tom! That is a great suggestion. I may stop by there on my way to Qube tomorrow.
Posted by Don George on January 17, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Erik, You may want to call S-Cargo (970 669-3164). They are located on hwy 402 about 10 miles East of 287 in Loveland. They sell both new and used and in the past have had a large inventory.
Posted by Kurt Rinne on January 17, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Erik as others have mentioned Craigslist always has great deals. I have an S-10 and finally got around this past summer to getting a topper. I had a friend of mine build a wood frame for a futon that I also found off Craigslist and I have to tell ya it’s very comfy for car camping. All I need now is to figure out a good way to heat it so I can camp in the winter time.
Kurt
Posted by Jack Brauer on January 20, 2009 at 3:14 AM
Hi Erik,
My 2¢, having owned a couple pickups - don't bother with a "tonneau" cover or the like. A real topper is soooo much better. I know it's tough to swallow the price tag of those, but it makes the truck so much better. The tonneau covers, on the other hand, are fairly worthless - unsecure, fairly useless space-wise, and a pain when you need to haul something taller than the bed.
Discussion
7 repliesTake this for what's its worth. There is a used car lot in Longmont on 287 just south of 2nd Ave. that has what appears to be a decent collection of used toppers displayed in the back of the lot. I just noticed this driving through town last week as they had a banner advertising used toppers. Not sure what they charge or if they are honest but you could stop on in and see what they have. I dont know the name of the dealership just that they sit on the west side of 287, just south of 2nd ave.
I purchased my topper new from the 'pick 'um up' store in Longmont (hwy 66 and main) a few years ago. It's a Leer which are supposed to be one of the better brands. It's been ok but there are some minor issues with window seals delaminating from heat and sun. That being said it comes in very handy for camping and transport of itmes. Good luck with your new truck.
Kurt
My 2¢, having owned a couple pickups - don't bother with a "tonneau" cover or the like. A real topper is soooo much better. I know it's tough to swallow the price tag of those, but it makes the truck so much better. The tonneau covers, on the other hand, are fairly worthless - unsecure, fairly useless space-wise, and a pain when you need to haul something taller than the bed.
Jack