Tonneau Cover or Camper Top?

dwalden2 · 03-01-2009, 07:14 PM

So I need something to keep all my hunting stuff safe in my truck this coming winter so I don't have to go home every day after work. What does everyone recommend: Tonneau cover or a topper? And what kinda prices did you guys pay for yours?

Veccster · 03-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Kind of alot of things that go into a decision like that. Look at the pros and cons of each (and the various kinds) and make a decision that best fits your needs.

If it was a topper, would you need to remove it often? Is storage a problem? What do you expect to pay? Which looks better...to you?

If it was a tonneau, would you need a roll-up or could you use a tri-fold?

Lot's of factors go into it. If I had to store expensive items and storage during the off-season was not a problem, I would go with a leer hardtop or Undercover.

The access roll-up tonneau better suited my needs.

WilsonTheDog · 03-04-2009, 06:29 PM

There's no security in a soft tonneau so that's out for hunting gear.

Only you can really decide what you need. I would think a hard tonneau would be fine but I'm not you.

JJ Customs · 03-04-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalden2

So I need something to keep all my hunting stuff safe in my truck this coming winter so I don't have to go home every day after work. What does everyone recommend: Tonneau cover or a topper? And what kinda prices did you guys pay for yours?

Well if you can fit your gear in a toolbox I would get that with a soft tonneau behind it. Thats what I have and I love it. As far as prices you can get the tonneau for $255.60 shipped. As for the box I got the Toyota one so that will cost you about $550 but it is an awesome box. You could get another box for anywhere from $200 up. So I can roll the tonneau up when I want to haul something but the bed remains covered if not.

Panda Jerk · 03-04-2009, 06:36 PM

just to keep your stuff safe? i say tenneau
but i would ratther have a camper shell

dwalden2 · 03-04-2009, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the info. The only time I would really need it on would be during huntin season. When it's not huntin season, I haul a little 8 foot 2 man pontoon boat sometimes, which is in the picture below, and a 4 wheeler every now and then. But if I got a tonneau I could just roll that up. Or get a tri fold or something. The topper would probably be off during the summer months. And of course, would be more expensive. Basically what I'll be keeping back there would be a tree stand and a bag full of gear like clothes and stuff like that. I can always keep the gun in the cab. Thanks for the advice guys.

WilsonTheDog · 03-04-2009, 08:40 PM

^In that case, a soft cover like one of the Access roll up tonneaus would be perfect. I have the Literider, $285 from Luke at Truckalterations.com/

Veccster · 03-04-2009, 08:42 PM

If you don't mind taking it off to haul those items (or don't haul on a regular basis), I would look into an extang solid fold. Put a pop-n-lock on the tailgate and your stuff is safe. I believe you can fold half or 2/3s of the cover back and use part of the bed. Easy to install and remove for hauling your gear.

and no, i don't work for them...

If you haul often, look into the Access Roll-up covers. They are all priced right and work well. You can roll it up and haul an atv or boat.

That's a sweet little boat. I would like to get something like that for some of the smaller lakes in Western PA. You can get into those tight or shallow areas much easier with a small boat.

dwalden2 · 03-04-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veccster

That's a sweet little boat. I would like to get something like that for some of the smaller lakes in Western PA. You can get into those tight or shallow areas much easier with a small boat.

Those boats are amazing. We put 350 lbs. on one side of it and it didn't flip or even take on any water. We take that thing in ponds and rivers and even the creeks that feed into the river. There have been A LOT of fish caught in that little thing. You can get one (at least here in GA) for about $700-800 with a motor and battery. Not bad at all.

Me (left) and my girlfriend's brother (right)

Not too bad for about 4 hours, we thought.

WW_FIREFIGHTER · 03-04-2009, 09:58 PM

Just installed mine a couple of weeks ago. Extang Tuff cover.

Old Crazy · 03-04-2009, 11:32 PM

I have a Pace Edwards Jackrabbit tonneau cover and I'm very happy with it. It's light, low profile, locks, and can be retracted in one foot intervals. With the addition of a pop-lock I can completely lock down the bed. I also added a tailgate seal, so it's virtually waterproof. It will run you around $900 delivered, which is $200-$300 more than a hard shell tonneau cover.

I had a camper top on my four runner about 20 years. They do give you more space, but they're heavy and they cut down your gas mileage. I also don't like how they cut down or eliminate your rear view window visibility. If you don't need the room, I would definitely go with a tonneau cover over a camper top.

oakleyTRD · 03-04-2009, 11:42 PM

the tonneau is nice but if i had to do it all again i would buy a bestop camper. ability to open like a folding tonneau yet gives you more storage space

Edit: i have an extang revolution

06dak · 03-05-2009, 08:29 AM

I liked the Extang Full tilt (had it on my last one), opens like a hard one with struts for most of your loading and stuff but can roll up or come off in one hunk when you need more space. Very nice, but a little more money than other soft ones.

My new Taco has an undercover, which is easy to remove and hang on the wall and is lockable. Not as easy as the soft though.

HDGreyRider · 03-05-2009, 10:59 AM

A hard tonneau cover is easy enough to store and provides a little security. I have the UnderCover and love it.

lsocoee · 03-05-2009, 11:14 AM

I like a shell. If needed, you could comfortably sleep back there.

09AFTacoma · 03-05-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalden2

Not too bad for about 4 hours, we thought.

You could have saved 3.5 hours and just gone to the grocery store.. lol..

dwalden2 · 03-05-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 09AFTacoma

You could have saved 3.5 hours and just gone to the grocery store.. lol..

Yea, but who wants to do that? There's almost nothin better than a day on the water fishin.

Veccster · 03-05-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalden2

Yea, but who wants to do that? There's almost nothin better than a day on the water fishin.

I agree...nothing better!!! I'm anxious for the start of Trout season next month. I'm also headed to Rockport, TX in June to chase some monster Redfish.

I love it!

Evil Monkey · 03-05-2009, 12:26 PM

Bakflip G2. It's a hard folding cover. With the Pop-n-lock tailgate lock, it'll keep items in the bed relatively secure. A soft cover is easily torn open with a knife.

The G2 will fold up against the back window giving almost total access to the bed (the front edge takes up about 6").

Bakflip G2:

Bakflip G2 (opened):

dwalden2 · 03-05-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robrjohnson

Bakflip G2. It's a hard folding cover. With the Pop-n-lock tailgate lock, it'll keep items in the bed relatively secure. A soft cover is easily torn open with a knife.

The G2 will fold up against the back window giving almost total access to the bed (the front edge takes up about 6").

Bakflip G2:

Bakflip G2 (opened):

How much did you pay for that?

View Poll Results: Tonneau or Topper?
Tonneau Cover	58	59.18%
Topper	40	40.82%
Voters: 98. You may not vote on this poll

03-01-2009, 07:14 PM	#1
dwalden2 Suck it, Trebek Name: Derick Joined: Feb 2009, #13649 Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 572 '05 Tacoma TRD Offroad V6 6 spd 2005 Access Cab Manual 4.0L V6 Pacer Magnum wheels, 265/75/R16 Kumho AT tires, 4 Piece Billet Grill, 2.25" Leveling kit on front, Throttle Body Spacer, Flowmaster, Westin step bars, AVS vent-visors and Bug-flector	Tonneau Cover or Camper Top? So I need something to keep all my hunting stuff safe in my truck this coming winter so I don't have to go home every day after work. What does everyone recommend: Tonneau cover or a topper? And what kinda prices did you guys pay for yours?

03-04-2009, 06:36 PM	#5
Panda Jerk I rock peas on my head Name: Jake! Joined: Dec 2008, #11614 Location: San Diego Age: 18 Gender: Male Posts: 3,840 07 Radiant Red TRD PreRunner SR5 Access cab 2007 Access Cab Automatic V6 4.0 Powder coated rims, CB radio, and PA speaker. BFG all-Terrains, and snug top supersport camper shell. blacked out emblems, grill surround and waterfall pioneer AVH3100DVD infinity kappas and alpine amp. bilstein 5100's at 2.5 wet okoles weathertech floor mats and satoshi grill	just to keep your stuff safe? i say tenneau but i would ratther have a camper shell __________________ ban tiger?

03-04-2009, 09:58 PM	#10
WW_FIREFIGHTER Lieutenant Dan. Name: Danny Joined: Nov 2008, #10651 Location: Nevada, and no, "NOT" Las Vegas! Gender: Guy Posts: 3,752 06' SW TRD Sport 4x4 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 V6 Tacoma World July 09' Truck of the Month! =>	Just installed mine a couple of weeks ago. Extang Tuff cover. __________________ Sig by *Delmarva* July 09' TOTM

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03-04-2009, 06:20 PM	#2
Veccster eatin' bass turds Name: Eric Joined: Aug 2008, #8407 Location: Pittsburgh - The City of Champions Age: 30 Gender: Male Posts: 1,644 2009 DC V6 TRDsport 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0l V6 Skid plate, ss exhaust tip, tube steps, Access roll-up tonneau cover, Redline hood struts, 6 D-rings, seat MagLite, LED dome, fumoto oil drain, DTRL, fog light anytime, Kenwood/Clarion speakers, Pop-N-Lock 5300, LED bed lights and a few other things...	Kind of alot of things that go into a decision like that. Look at the pros and cons of each (and the various kinds) and make a decision that best fits your needs. If it was a topper, would you need to remove it often? Is storage a problem? What do you expect to pay? Which looks better...to you? If it was a tonneau, would you need a roll-up or could you use a tri-fold? Lot's of factors go into it. If I had to store expensive items and storage during the off-season was not a problem, I would go with a leer hardtop or Undercover. The access roll-up tonneau better suited my needs.

03-04-2009, 06:29 PM	#3
WilsonTheDog Biggest asshole on this board Joined: Nov 2007, #3496 Location: Murrells Inlet SC Gender: Male Posts: 3,297 07 Prerunner SR5 DC/SB V6 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 V6 Magnaflow 12576 muffler & chrome tip, Westin step bars, Firestone Destination A/T 265/75/16, stubbie antenna, 27% tint, Pop N Lock, AFE ProdryS, bed mat, Husky liners, D-rings added, Access Literider tonneau	There's no security in a soft tonneau so that's out for hunting gear. Only you can really decide what you need. I would think a hard tonneau would be fine but I'm not you.

03-04-2009, 08:23 PM	#6
dwalden2 Suck it, Trebek Name: Derick Joined: Feb 2009, #13649 Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 572 '05 Tacoma TRD Offroad V6 6 spd 2005 Access Cab Manual 4.0L V6 Pacer Magnum wheels, 265/75/R16 Kumho AT tires, 4 Piece Billet Grill, 2.25" Leveling kit on front, Throttle Body Spacer, Flowmaster, Westin step bars, AVS vent-visors and Bug-flector	Thanks for the info. The only time I would really need it on would be during huntin season. When it's not huntin season, I haul a little 8 foot 2 man pontoon boat sometimes, which is in the picture below, and a 4 wheeler every now and then. But if I got a tonneau I could just roll that up. Or get a tri fold or something. The topper would probably be off during the summer months. And of course, would be more expensive. Basically what I'll be keeping back there would be a tree stand and a bag full of gear like clothes and stuff like that. I can always keep the gun in the cab. Thanks for the advice guys.

03-04-2009, 08:40 PM	#7
WilsonTheDog Biggest asshole on this board Joined: Nov 2007, #3496 Location: Murrells Inlet SC Gender: Male Posts: 3,297 07 Prerunner SR5 DC/SB V6 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 V6 Magnaflow 12576 muffler & chrome tip, Westin step bars, Firestone Destination A/T 265/75/16, stubbie antenna, 27% tint, Pop N Lock, AFE ProdryS, bed mat, Husky liners, D-rings added, Access Literider tonneau	^In that case, a soft cover like one of the Access roll up tonneaus would be perfect. I have the Literider, $285 from Luke at Truckalterations.com/

03-04-2009, 08:42 PM	#8
Veccster eatin' bass turds Name: Eric Joined: Aug 2008, #8407 Location: Pittsburgh - The City of Champions Age: 30 Gender: Male Posts: 1,644 2009 DC V6 TRDsport 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0l V6 Skid plate, ss exhaust tip, tube steps, Access roll-up tonneau cover, Redline hood struts, 6 D-rings, seat MagLite, LED dome, fumoto oil drain, DTRL, fog light anytime, Kenwood/Clarion speakers, Pop-N-Lock 5300, LED bed lights and a few other things...	If you don't mind taking it off to haul those items (or don't haul on a regular basis), I would look into an extang solid fold. Put a pop-n-lock on the tailgate and your stuff is safe. I believe you can fold half or 2/3s of the cover back and use part of the bed. Easy to install and remove for hauling your gear. and no, i don't work for them... If you haul often, look into the Access Roll-up covers. They are all priced right and work well. You can roll it up and haul an atv or boat. That's a sweet little boat. I would like to get something like that for some of the smaller lakes in Western PA. You can get into those tight or shallow areas much easier with a small boat.

03-04-2009, 11:32 PM	#11
Old Crazy Junior Member Joined: Mar 2009, #14344 Location: Southern NJ Gender: Male Posts: 4 '08 Base Cab 2008 Regular Cab Manual Pace-Edwards Jackrabbit tonneau cover, tailgate pop lock, center console, vinyl seat covers, Husky floor mats, inside tire hub cap shields	I have a Pace Edwards Jackrabbit tonneau cover and I'm very happy with it. It's light, low profile, locks, and can be retracted in one foot intervals. With the addition of a pop-lock I can completely lock down the bed. I also added a tailgate seal, so it's virtually waterproof. It will run you around $900 delivered, which is $200-$300 more than a hard shell tonneau cover. I had a camper top on my four runner about 20 years. They do give you more space, but they're heavy and they cut down your gas mileage. I also don't like how they cut down or eliminate your rear view window visibility. If you don't need the room, I would definitely go with a tonneau cover over a camper top.

03-04-2009, 11:42 PM	#12
oakleyTRD Banned Name: Cliff Joined: Jun 2008, #7232 Location: Tucson, AZ Gender: Dude Posts: 4,199 2008 Sport 4x4 2008 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE What are Mods?	the tonneau is nice but if i had to do it all again i would buy a bestop camper. ability to open like a folding tonneau yet gives you more storage space Edit: i have an extang revolution

03-05-2009, 08:29 AM	#13
06dak Senior Member Joined: Mar 2008, #5122 Location: Central Ohio Gender: Male Posts: 192 05 PreRunner SR5 4cyl 2005 Access Cab Manual 2.7L 4 cylinder Undercover hard tonneau, Husky front liners	I liked the Extang Full tilt (had it on my last one), opens like a hard one with struts for most of your loading and stuff but can roll up or come off in one hunk when you need more space. Very nice, but a little more money than other soft ones. My new Taco has an undercover, which is easy to remove and hang on the wall and is lockable. Not as easy as the soft though.

03-05-2009, 10:59 AM	#14
HDGreyRider Junior Member Joined: Mar 2008, #5209 Posts: 26	A hard tonneau cover is easy enough to store and provides a little security. I have the UnderCover and love it.

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