MO_Bronco
Well-known member
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- #1
So after selling my OBS F250 overland build and picking up my 2023 I knew I wanted to go in a slightly different direction with the new truck. As much as I loved my Kuat IBEX, I truly wanted an all enclosed, weather tight, locking topper that could still support weight but keep all my belongings safe safe and dry.
I looked at several used trucks with different traditional shells and frankly, really loved the color match look but if I'm being 100% honest, my wife absolutely hated the "old man look"... I don't know how I convinced her otherwise on the Westin but I somehow did.
So, initial thoughts on delivery, unpacking, assembly... product came all on one pallet in two boxes, packed extremely well and very solid. I started by unpacking the roof panel and back window first, laid flat on my driveway on top of the box it came in; I would do this differently if I did this again. It would be much easier if you set in on sawhorses or something more elevated to more easily slide the panels together.
All panels are essentially tongue and groove interlocking and go together really easily but I would suggest 2 people to make sure alignment is spot on. You'll need to bolt the corners in and some final securing of each panel together. It's extremely straightforward if I'm being honest.
Once you get everything assembled, flipping it right side up is a chore and minimum of 2 people (I would probably get 4 to ensure no damage. Mounting on the truck is a 4 person job in my opinion as well but it sets in place extremely easy. The 6 side clamps are all labeled (front, middle, rear) and fit well but are a bit goofy in adjustment. You probably want to use a ratchet strap around the back window in order to keep everything set perfect with the gaps.
This topper has locking doors that tie into your key fob, internal light and 3rd brake light.... I only have the 3rd brake light wired in right now as the locks need to be tied into the door locks and not the tailgate as these tailgates don't lock/unlock via key fob. The internal lighting harness goes to the front main battery and I just haven't run wiring yet.
Initial thoughts on this topper; superb quality, great fitment with extremely supple weatherstripping. The topper gets very hot to the touch on the outside (duh, it's black) but the inside paneling stays cool due to insulation and internal layer of padding.
The topper is rated for 700lbs static weight and something like 300lbs dynamic, so plenty for a roof top tent and gear, it takes Yakima or Thule crossbars on 20mm rails,
I think it gives the truck total "Chase Truck" vibes and I totally dig the look but here's where things get sideways for me... I'm a big cyclist and the main draw for this for me was being able to lock my bike in the truck while I was at work downtown; unfortunately my bike doesn't clear the roof by about 1/2" so, back to the drawing board.
Here's my YouTube video on the topper and hope you enjoy all the pics.
I looked at several used trucks with different traditional shells and frankly, really loved the color match look but if I'm being 100% honest, my wife absolutely hated the "old man look"... I don't know how I convinced her otherwise on the Westin but I somehow did.
So, initial thoughts on delivery, unpacking, assembly... product came all on one pallet in two boxes, packed extremely well and very solid. I started by unpacking the roof panel and back window first, laid flat on my driveway on top of the box it came in; I would do this differently if I did this again. It would be much easier if you set in on sawhorses or something more elevated to more easily slide the panels together.
All panels are essentially tongue and groove interlocking and go together really easily but I would suggest 2 people to make sure alignment is spot on. You'll need to bolt the corners in and some final securing of each panel together. It's extremely straightforward if I'm being honest.
Once you get everything assembled, flipping it right side up is a chore and minimum of 2 people (I would probably get 4 to ensure no damage. Mounting on the truck is a 4 person job in my opinion as well but it sets in place extremely easy. The 6 side clamps are all labeled (front, middle, rear) and fit well but are a bit goofy in adjustment. You probably want to use a ratchet strap around the back window in order to keep everything set perfect with the gaps.
This topper has locking doors that tie into your key fob, internal light and 3rd brake light.... I only have the 3rd brake light wired in right now as the locks need to be tied into the door locks and not the tailgate as these tailgates don't lock/unlock via key fob. The internal lighting harness goes to the front main battery and I just haven't run wiring yet.
Initial thoughts on this topper; superb quality, great fitment with extremely supple weatherstripping. The topper gets very hot to the touch on the outside (duh, it's black) but the inside paneling stays cool due to insulation and internal layer of padding.
The topper is rated for 700lbs static weight and something like 300lbs dynamic, so plenty for a roof top tent and gear, it takes Yakima or Thule crossbars on 20mm rails,
I think it gives the truck total "Chase Truck" vibes and I totally dig the look but here's where things get sideways for me... I'm a big cyclist and the main draw for this for me was being able to lock my bike in the truck while I was at work downtown; unfortunately my bike doesn't clear the roof by about 1/2" so, back to the drawing board.
Here's my YouTube video on the topper and hope you enjoy all the pics.
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