I know this is going to sound like utter heresy, and I may get drummed out of the corps for even implying it, but has anyone installed a camper shell on their L? I will be using mine as my daily driver, and I do not cotton to the idea of transporting my two large Labradors in an open bed. I know lots of people do it, but lots of people transport infants in little rumble seats on their bicycles, and I can hardly imagine two more dangerous practices. One of my dogs got out of the yard when she was a pup and got hit and injured by a car. Naturally she is fearful of vehicles, and when I tried to transport her once in the open bed of my Nissan P/U she jumped and and almost strangled before I could get stopped. I know a shell adds a lot of weight, but I don't see any other good solutions. The only up side I can think of is that it should make the truck more aerodynamic on the top end. Any feedback?

 

No disrespect intended, but are you sure you are getting the right truck for your needs?
Again its your truck and you can do what you like. I belive that the owners packet only says it's not designed for a camper.
Tom

 

Alphadoggy,

Have you considered one of the truck bed kennels, like the ones used for huntin' dogs? My brother has one for his truck and it's made of aluminum, pretty lightwieght. Two people can move it easily. One could move it, but it is a bit bulky.

When he doesn't need it, he just sets it in the back yard on it's stands. It takes about 30 seconds to to remove or install. He even uses the Bedrug under it. Makes it slide in real easy and leaves no marks on the bed. His liver pointer, Missy, likes it so much she whelped her last litter in it.

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Chuck 'Wyldman' Shelton
wyldman@houston.rr.com
Black 99.5 Lightning Build # 1273, DOB 5-14-99, NLOC #315
Best run to date 13.16 @104.8
CD Changer; Tow Pkg.; Lojack; Sal's custom nitrous chip; G-Tech/Pro; SnugLid; BedRug; Invinca-Shield, full kit; NOS KIT 100 hp shot (currently); Clear and smoke Lexan fog light covers; 3M Ti Window Tint; Bel radar detector (shouldn't be an accessory); PowerStack cone filter (a.k.a. supercharger waker upper); American Auto Designs ram air hood; Cal-Tracs traction bars; Bassani headers, yow!

 

Blue Blood, I think he was refering to a topper not a full blown camper setup. Unless the Labs are really spoiled

There are lot's of aerodynamic shells available today, check out the ARE shells, they have a couple of models that look pretty good on the flaresides F-150s. There are links to these manufacturers in the products section of f150online.


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Mark Whatman
mwhatman@worldnet.att.net

• 99.5 White Lightning (PSP Filter & Chip)
• 99 Buell S3 Thunderbolt (not stock!)
• 98 F-150 Lariat (Flowmaster)
• 96 26' Velocity Offshore Race Boat (far from stock!!!)

 

No, as a matter of fact, blue blood, I'm not sure I'm getting the right truck for my needs.
I definitely need a truck to pull my boat, and I want a fast vehicle, too. I was going to get an F-150 4x4 and a sports car of some sort, but the more I read about the Lightning the more I thought it would serve both purposes. Now I'm not so sure, especially since reading about all the problems people are having- cracked door pillars, cracked fog lamp covers, wheel alignment problems, etc. etc. I need a reliable daily driver that won't be in the shop all the time. Mark is right, though, I have no intention of putting a camper on the truck, just an aerodynic shell. That's why I wanted to know if anyone else had done so.

 

Hey fellows, Just thought I ought to put in my thoughts. This IS an F-150, and its bed is identical to an F150. I plan on getting one as soon as my birthday comes around. The big 22! ohwell see ya guys around

 

alphadoggy,

I have two large dogs both over 100 lbs. that I work twice a week. I got a soft tonneau cover, and when I take the dogs I just roll up the tonneau, use the portable Vari-Kennels (giant size) and they fit perfect and snug in the back. I think it's the best compromise for having a fast and beautiful truck and a working truck as well.

I couldn't imagine putting a camper shell on the L, it would take away from the fun of driving it. It looks so much better with a tonneau. JMHO.

**Almost forgot to add, if you want to look into aluminum utility style dog crates for the back of your truck, check: http://www.pet-expo.com/cratebox.htm#start
I also looked into this option. You will have a hard time finding one that fits well with your Lightning though.

Mike

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99.5 Black Lightning
PowerSurge Cone Filter
JBA Jet-Hot coated headers
Flowmaster muffler
So-Cal Lowering Kit; Cal-Tracs traction bars
Watter Wetter
Lo-Jack



[This message has been edited by BRIMSTONE (edited 01-26-2000).]

 

I have an ARE CX cap, in black to match truck, it wraps over the side rails so you don't see the plastic. These are the best available, they also have a walk in door option which I ordered but wasn't available at delivery time. I've had the cap on for a 4500 mile trip we took and needed dry storage and a place to sleep while the other person drove.
I ordered no front window, just a boot to fit around edge of truck window. They have website: www.4are.com . I've had this truck/cap up to 130mph w/no problems. I would say get the cap, it is a truck, so it should earn it's keep, but still look good.

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99 Lightning , Black , Bedrock spray in liner, CDChanger, Hitch,
PSP Filter,
ARE Cap.

[This message has been edited by EBOLT (edited 01-26-2000).]

[This message has been edited by EBOLT (edited 01-26-2000).]

[This message has been edited by EBOLT (edited 01-26-2000).]

 

My stepson had an A.R.E. CX cap on his '99 XL work truck and just transferred it over to his new 2000 XL. He loves it. No problems at all.

Mike

 

Thanks for the link, EBOLT. Checked out the site and it appears to me that the Z series cap would look quite good on my L.

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I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

alphadoggy@jetlink.net

 

On second thought, I don't really want to spoil the aesthetics of the L. by putting a cap on it. Maybe I will just keep my rice burner for when I need to transport the dogs, and get my kid something else. That will also get me around the hassle of shipping a car to Hawaii. A Ranger would probably suit him better for carrying his sailboards, masts, etc. anyway.