Teach me about truck bed caps
 

I have a 99 F-350 crew cab duelly. The bed measures 102" by 73" approximately on the outside. I want to get a cap or camper or whatever they are called. Mostly so I can sleep in the bed. Are caps universal? Or do I just measure and see if it matches up to my measurements? Any brands to avoid? Or should I just go find a dealer and buy a new one?

The nicer caps fit both the bed and the cab profile. the 8' bed size is going to be hard to find used. If the plan is to sleep in it in the summer months make sure all the windows open and they have screens.

Pretty much this. Dealers will have nice paint matched ones. I suggest at least browsing at a dealer.

Right in line with what everyone else is saying. Id just go to a canopy supply place and get a color matched one. The other option is something like below

https://www.softopper.com/ford/softopper

Found a camper for you @shuiend. Might be on the wrong coast though.

Slightly used truck camper

I have seen those. I much prefer a hardtop cap.

So I have talked to a A.R.E. dealer and they said about $1300-$2000 for one. That is more then I really want to pay. Matching of colors is not overly important. I keep seeing the tops on CL for between $100-$750 and those prices sound much more reasonable.

Here, here, here, and here are all local ones for far cheaper then new.
What I am hearing is if they take measurements and they are within an inch or so of my truck I should be able to go and test fit and see if it does fit. Then clamp it down and call it a day?

Should be able to go right on. I know the ford and chevy bed sizes are almost identical measurements. Really as long as the cap can sit on top of your bedsides and look reasonably good you will be able to clamp it down just fine. They just mount with j-hooks to the bed sides.

Yes. Universal caps will fit anything. In other words, an 8' cap will fit an 8' bed on Ford, Chevy, Dodge.

If you go to the manufacturer's websites, they will give you an idea of fitment, clamps, etc.

Just be patient and find one on craigslist specifically for the f350.
It will be worth it to get one that matches the curve of the cab, both for looks and noise.
The next generation has an almost identical bed and cab, so it should work just fine.
There are almost always some on craigslist for ~$250
That first one should be just fine.
Clamp it down, and call it good.

I am in talks with the first add I posted. $75 and 2 hours away. He says he has used it on his fathers F-350 without issues. So I went and ordered a 4" straight back stainless exhaust for the truck so I can get rid of the stacks. $269 shipped to my door. Diesel stuff is stupid cheap. All in all I am hoping to be into it for about $350 including fuel costs to go pick it up.