4th gen camper shell on 5th Gen long bed?

[Emittim3]

I'm looking for a camper shell for my 2023 2500 Cummins long bed. I am finding more (on the used market) that are from 4th generation Ram trucks than 5th generation.

My question is whether not a camper shell that fits on a 4th gen long bed would also fit on a 5th Gen? Or are the beds too different in size between 4th and 5th Gen?

 

[GTyankee]

I assumed that all Made in Mexico Ram Heavy Duty trucks were actually 4TH Generation Rams or possibly 4.5 Generation Rams

 

[crash68]

I'm looking for a camper shell for my 2023 2500 Cummins long bed. I am finding more (on the used market) that are from 4th generation Ram trucks than 5th generation.

My question is whether not a camper shell that fits on a 4th gen long bed would also fit on a 5th Gen? Or are the beds too different in size between 4th and 5th Gen?

Technically the HD trucks are still running the same sheet metal since about 2009
I posted the box dimensions here:

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2016-ram-1500-camper-to-a-2024-ram-1500.205171/post-2859037

 

[Emittim3]

Technically the HD trucks are still running the same sheet metal since about 2009
I posted the box dimensions here:

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2016-ram-1500-camper-to-a-2024-ram-1500.205171/post-2859037

Ah, so 2009 onward is the same, but before then (such as a 1998 long bed) it's definitely a different box size.

 

[olyelr]

Ah, so 2009 onward is the same, but before then (such as a 1998 long bed) it's definitely a different box size.

That is correct. 3rd gen and second gen boxes and cabs are completely different.

The 4th and 5th gen hd’s have the same cabs and boxes, they just changed the tailgate/bumpers/grill/lights etc. on the ‘19 and up. Wont affect the cap at all. Shop for 4th gen and up.

 

[Slick61]

The one thing you need to look out for is to avoid a cap that was made for a 5th gen 1500 long bed (6'-4"). The beds are the same, but the cabs are different. The shape of the new cab on the 5th gen 1500s is more vertical (increased interior space), so the front of the cap won't match the contour of the cab. Ask me how I know... It's not terrible, but it IS noticeable. But any cap for a 2500 (or a 4th gen 1500) should work.

 

[Slick61]

any 4th gen cap should work. As for 5th gen, anything made for a long bed (8') should work... it's the short beds (6'-4")where there's an issue.

 

[olyelr]

any 4th gen cap should work. As for 5th gen, anything made for a long bed (8') should work... it's the short beds (6'-4")where there's an issue.

Not the 2500/3500’s, the beds are the same.

 

[Slick61]

Yes, the beds are all the same, so any 4th/5th gen topper will fit. I was referring to the shape of the newer cabs on the 5th gen 1500s. the back of the cab is more upright. The 4th gen 1500s & all 2500/3500s have the same cab. Since he's looking for a long bed (8') topper, it should be a non-issue, since 1500s have either 5'-7" or 6'-4" beds. When I bought a Snug Top topper in '21 for my '16 Ram 2500 (6'-4" bed), I didn't give it a second thought. After I got home, I immediately noticed... it doesn't look right. My partner has a '20 Ram 1500 Limited. When looking at the 2, it's obvious the back of the cab on the 1500 is more upright/less tapered. It's not terrible, just a bit wonky.

 

[Emittim3]

Whelp, I found a Leer topper, extended height (what I was looking for!) but it was off a late 90's 2500 long bed. Turns out it definitely fits the box, but the back window was taller and hit the tail gate. A quick zip off of about 1" of lower aluminum trim on the window and that was resolved. Just need to wait for the replacement weather stripping to come in the mail for it to again seal against the tailgate top and viola! I have a $650 topper that's in relatively great shape (all be it was extremely dirty) vs. buying a new one for almost $4K and having to wait three and a half months for it to be delivered (well past the camping events that I have planned for the summer).