Q: Just bought a 2002 Ford Ranger. Would like a topper and bed liner for the truck. Any difference between aluminum versus fiberglass topper? Also, what about formed versus spray-on bed liner? Thanks. -David S., St. Louis Park
A: I have a `94 Dodge Dakota with a fiberglass topper and fitted bed liner. The topper has nice rounded edges, is paint-matched to the truck and generally looks really good. It's heavy, though. If you've never had a pickup before, you're going to know your friends and neighbors a little better now - specifically, you'll know when they've bought a new sofa, futon or mattress, when they need to haul something to Goodwill or the dump, pick up some lumber or patio blocks, etc. You'll also learn what will fit in the bed with the topper on and what sorts of things it needs to come off for.
Large beds will not go in a Ranger with the topper on. If you move a lot of large items, taking the darn thing off and putting it back on is more of a hassle when it's heavy, a) because it's heavy and b) because not everyone can help you with the process - you need someone with a little arm strength and a decent back. Aluminum toppers are lighter and therefore easier on the (human) body and suited to more potential helpers. They're usually more utilitarian looking, though, if that means anything to you - that is, they tend to be boxier and less integrated with the truck's lines. When you go to look at some, bring someone likely to help you remove and reinstall it - parent, child, spouse, neighbor - and pick the thing up. That's the best way to judge whether it's too unwieldy for you. Mine comes off and goes back on a couple times a summer, minimum. I prefer to drive the truck without the topper because it feels lighter, nimbler and rearward visibility is much improved. I don't have a good place to store the topper off the vehicle, though, so there it rests.
There's one more option, though it's more common in warmer areas. That's a soft topper. These are made of heavy vinyl and are a lot like a convertible top. They're not as sturdy as aluminum or fiberglass and some jerk could cut it with a knife, but they're handy because you can fold down the frame and main portion, put the windows and sides in the cab and have it with you wherever you go. This option allows you to keep it down most of the time - enjoying better visibility, especially when backing up - and raise it whenever you need to, say, move a piece of furniture in the rain.
As to bed liners, I have the plastic drop-in type and while it protects the bed, it has its drawbacks. The piece affixed to the tailgate kept coming loose, which, when scooting around the bed moving something heavy, is a hassle. That piece is now history. Also, reaching the tie-down hooks is very difficult with my bed/liner combination. That came with the truck when I bought it, but if I had to do it again, I'd probably go with spray-in. I would definitely go with something because watching the painted metal bed get scraped up and then develop surface rust would be hard to bear. Also, a spray-in bed liner reduces the tendency for cargo to slide around, which protects both the bed and the item(s) you're carrying from damage.
