Newbie with a question about caps

[SquareLeft]

I recently purchased my 'dream' tow vehicle. It's a 2003 GMC Sierra HD with the 8.1 engine and Allison transmission. I'm planning to put a cap on the bed. The problem I'm running into is that I want one with either clear or lightly tinted windows. I'm not exactly new to this and have ordered fiberglass caps in the past, but now all the dealers I've talked to say that the makers they deal with won't custom make a cap without dark tint on the windows. Do any of you folks know of a quality cap that can be had without dark-tinted windows? I'm willing to look at any brand except Leer.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Welcome to the Forum, but are you an RV'er with some kind of camper that you just upgraded your tow vehicle, or did you just buy a truck and thought maybe camping folks can suggest a P/U cap?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

A quick scan of several popular cap brand web sites suggests most appear to have some degree of window tint. Often they list window style options, but the degree of tint vs clear is never mentioned.

However, I do see some replacement windows that are clear, so somebody must make them. Good luck!

 

[SquareLeft]

Thanks for the welcome! I just upgraded my tow vehicle - I've owned a '96 Chevy K1500 with a 5.7 engine and a 4L80 transmission for quite a few years. It's been a great truck, but I was looking for something with more power and better brakes. I have a good friend who's on his third 8.1 and I've always been impressed with their towing capabilities. To give you a bit more detail, my truck stays in the garage 98% of the time - I don't daily-drive it, so fuel mileage isn't really a factor. I just thought that this would be the logical place to ask my question.

 

[gwinger]

The tinted windows are put on to make it harder for people to see what's in the bed of the truck and to protect things inside from UV damage.
Most are 35% tint, about the same as the driver and passenger windows in your vehicle.
I have a Jeraco cap on mine and it is a lighter tint than the Leer I had on my last truck.

 

[SquareLeft]

The tinted windows are put on to make it harder for people to see what's in the bed of the truck and to protect things inside from UV damage.
Most are 35% tint, about the same as the driver and passenger windows in your vehicle.
I have a Jeraco cap on mine and it is a lighter tint than the Leer I had on my last truck.

I understand why most people prefer darker tints; but, to me, it's just an inconvenience. I've purchased several truck caps, and my current Ranch-brand cap is the first one I've had with dark tint - and I really don't like it. It was an order-error by the dealer. The cap was a paint-to-match and I had paid for it in advance. The dealer said that he had told me about the tint (he didn't) and wouldn't refund my money. So, I was stuck with it, but that was the last thing I ever bought from him.
I will have to say that - other than the windows - I've been very satisfied with my Ranch cap. We have another local dealer and my first move on this truck was to go to him and ask if Ranch would build a cap without dark tint - they won't.
I'll go out and take a look at Jeraco caps. Thanks for the tip!

 

[SquareLeft]

Well, I got the answer to my question from Kyle at Jeraco. (Thanks to gwinger for the tip on who to contact!) Here's the text of his reply:

Good Afternoon Dave,

Unfortunately every truck cap manufacturer in North America uses one of two door and window manufacturers as they are the only manufacturers left in business. Leer Group owns Statewide Windows and uses their products for their Leer, Century, and Snugtop brand caps. ARE, Ranch, Venturous, ATC, Jason, and us all use the other door and window manufacturer, Lippert Components Inc. Both Lippert and Statewide only offer one level of tinting for their products. All front windows are clear, all side sliding windows have approximately 30% tint, and all radius rear doors have approximately 20% tint, premium all glass style side windows and rear doors will have even higher levels of tint.

Back in the day we were able to offer windows with no tint, light tint, and dark tint but as door and window manufacturers have gone out of business we are left with only one level of tint for our products.

I hope this information helps you.

Regards,
Kyle