camper shell removal & storage
Anybody have easy 1 man shell removal systym and storage? I have a heavy shell and looking for easy way to remove and re-install. Don't have room in garage so it would have to be outside in the yard. Thanks.
Forum Discussion
12 Replies
- My best setup was with an old boat winch with four ropes through pulleys to each corner of the top. Had an eye bolt in each corner of the top and quick clips on each end of the rope. Backed the truck under, unbolted the top, hooked the clips and winched away. No lifting required.
This was done in my garage, but could also be done with four post and cross bars outside. - I don't have this anymore due to new truck, but here's what I did with mostly scrap lumber. I made 4 posts (you could sink them, but mine were attached to a couple of 2x10's) then I put some U's at the top of each big enough to easily hold a 2x4. I backed the truck in so it sat with a post at each corner of the bed. detach the shell from the truck. next insert a 10'or 12' 2x4 from side to side at front and back of shell. you only have to lift one corner at a time. I used a small block of 4x4 to hold up the shell while I slid the 2x4 through. Then with the 2x4's extending from each side, lift them one corner at a time and put them to rest in the U's on the tops of the posts. I secured the shell to the posts with shock cord in case of high winds. Then just drive out from under the shell and reverse the process to put it back on the truck. Wish I had a pic, would be clearer, but this worked well for me for 3 years and no need to bother the wife or sons in law.
