Buying a used camper shell? Transport? (truck, buy, gas, car)

[wankel7]

Just bought a truck and she is in the shop. I found a really good deal on a topper shell about five hours away.

I wanted to rent a flat trailer and tow it home with my sedan.

Any tips for transporting and securing a topper shell to a trailer?

I was thinking foam padding for it to rest on and straps across the top?

Thanks!

[RyanR]

I'd use the anchor points that are on the camper.

You may need to have a way to keep the camper off the actual bed of the trailer as the camper's anchor points are intended to connect downward.

Personally, I'd wait for the truck to get out of the shop and go get it with that.

Depending on the camper size, wind may be an issue for your sedan.

[Hemlock140]

There are inexpensive foam pads made for car top canoes/boats that are perfect for this. Look at Cabella's, Bass Pro other outdoor/sporting goods.

[Electrician4you]

I ratchet strap two 2x4s across the trailer.

Lay the 2x4 across the trailer rails left to right. Take a ratchet strap and lop one hook over the 2x4 end. Run the hook back and latch it it the trailer or to the actual strap. Run the other end of the strap under the trailer up to the other end then loop it over the end of the 2x4. Run the hook back on the strap and then ratchet it all down.
Do one in the front one on the back.
(Cut the 2x4s so they don't stick out too far)

Then I lag screw the cap to the 2x4s.

You can ask the guy if he is willing to deliver for $80-100 bucks. Figure by the time you rent trailer, buy 2x4 straps gas time you're into it for $100.

[RyanR]

My bad on previous post. I was thinking truck camper, not a cap.

When strapping it down, do something to keep it bowing out on the sides. There's nothing to stop the back of the cap (where the window is) from bowing outwards.

[Electrician4you]

Originally Posted by RyanR

My bad on previous post. I was thinking truck camper, not a cap.

When strapping it down, do something to keep it bowing out on the sides. There's nothing to stop the back of the cap (where the window is) from bowing outwards.

You can screw a piece of 1x2 slat across the end of the cap (on the inside lip that rests on the bed rail as there are usually holes for mounting ) to keep it from bowing out. But you should be placing the straps over the shell which will put downward pressure. Keep the back window closed. Unless you go nuts and try to ratchet the straps like you're at your favorite S&M club you won't have a issue with bowing the sides. You don't need to kill it when strapping down.