Is it worth it....

Hello all, i wanted to talk to youz about is it really worth it to fork over mula and put a bed cap on? What are the MPG increases on average your seeing. I know its great to have an enclosed, lockable area but at what cost?

 

I love it, and used to have one on my old pickup. I don't haul anything "big" that would require the open bed, and the added lock-able storage area is great for me. It frees up my backseat from getting torn up with stuff.

I haven't noticed any difference in MPG one way or the other.

It's an upfront cost, sure, but you gotta decide what is in your budget

 

I've gone back and forth between getting a shell or a soft topper. I'm waiting for holiday deals on a soft topper. I like versitility of the soft shells.

 

x2 ^^ Loved the one I had on my 99 Tacoma . I would get another one for my 2011 but with the stock leafs having an issues sagging I didn't want to add 130lbs or so. After I address the leaf spring issue I wiil get another .

 

Why not get a 4Runner in the first place? Just curious, not starting a war. If I wanted a shell on a pickup, I would definitely prefer the better on-road dynamics of an SUV. Not too mention the current 4Runner interior is infinitely better in terms of tech and ergonomics .vs the Tacoma.

 

Getting a topper was one of the best investments/mods I did on the truck. Keeps stuff dry and I can out of mine. I went with the Bestop for the versatility too. Lightweight and it can fold up in like a minute if I need the entire bed for something big. Only downside is you lose security. I also went this route due to my living situation in an apartment with nowhere to store a hard top.

 

Valid point, but you can't store the same amount of stuff in the back of a 4Runner as you could in the back of a Truck w/shell. Unless you folded down the seats. i.e., putting bike/fork racks in the shell so I don't have to have the rack on the outside.

This is probably me being uninformed but I also always assumed the 4Runner was more expensive and got worse MPG (probably false as I am learning)

 

If you're doing it for the fuel economy, it's not worth it even for a cheap bed cover. I added a cap for the dry, lockable storage so it was absolutely worth it for me as I had no other way to transport things that were too large for the cab but sensative to the weather.

 

I'm a canopy guy...

my last three pickups had a canopy
96 F150
00 Tacoma
06 Tacoma

and now my 2014 Tacoma...I tried to avoid one this time. I even ordered a tonneau cover (avived with a big puncture hole thru box and cover)...but in the end I caved again. Gotta have a cap for my storage needs.

Have a Leer 100XR on order.
Look used, may get lucky with size and color for your rig...save a lot of money...

 

I went fiberglass tonneau cover on my truck. Didn't need the cap, but as for MPG's, you won't notice a difference. I got my cover for secure storage, and to keep things dry back there. I'm not a cap guy, and the wife says they make the truck look too much like a Chevy Suburban. I like the tonneau cover, and the lockable storage it gives me.

 

I love my cap. Having a baby now it keeps the stroller dry and locked up or anything else I have I can keep locked up dry and out of the cab. totally worth it if that is the solution you are looking for it

 

Youz ha reminds me of my buddy from Philly also yinz.

 

More storage space plus you keep the dirty stinky stuff separate from the cabin .

 

Pool Runner- just ask http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cJrHoIEZVlg

 

Thats too much, im also from filthydelphia!
Small worldz

 

Get a soft topper.. Cheaper, easier to remove, doesnt make it look like an old man vehicle.

 

I never put too much thought in security but now that you mention it, its true.
I mean if some d-bag has malicious shit in there heart nothing will stop them
from doing what they can.

That being said, itll be nice to change her looks too.

 

My '05 came with a nice topper on it. I really like the storage space, lockable, protects gear from the elements here in Wyoming.

 

First I need to note that growing up I hated the hard top look. Always made me think of some old Fisherman's truck. Just bought my taco this spring, after much debate between soft or hard top. I found a leer hard top on Craigslist for $800. Great investment. I spend a bunch of time in or near a big city so the extra security vs a softopper is nice. The look grows on you when you realize the functionality of it.

 

In 2000 I bought a new DC and after two years I put a hard tonneau cover on and after having it on for 18 months it showed a .2 mpg increase but that could have been the motor getting broke in.

Steve...........