What is the Best Camper Shell?

I just bought a 2003 Xtra Cab Black with the TRD off road package. My next move is to buy a camper shell. Based on my research and reading across many forums, it sounds like ARE is the way to go all around (but you do pay for it) Does anyone have any suggestions? I dont necessarily want the most expensive. But i am DEFINITELY concerned about security of the storage, and i plan to sleep in the back often. Leakage and paint quality are also of concern. What do you guys think?

 

interested as well

 

Look on Craigslist. There are tons of shells for Xtra Cabs. Most people will say A.R.E. or Leer.
I just got an A.R.E. I think it's a CX model, don't know for sure. Great so far, fits perfect. Haven't even had enough time to paint it yet.
Got mine for $300.

 

Leer makes a pretty good product, its a little pricey though.

 

And about locking the shell; I had to buy a new lock because the guy who I bought it from lost the key. It was about 20 bucks for everything. I always have mine locked, just a habit. No problems yet.

 

YellowDog, are you going to paint it yourself or have it painted? How much does that cost?

 

I did tons of research and decided to go with century. It's owned by leer, comes with headliner, light, sliding windows, and no drilling standard. Plus lifetime paint. I was going to do leer or a.r.e but for the price/ quality I couldn't beet the century. I had a Leer 100r next to a snugtop and the century and by far the century was the best quality and had the most features.

 

I had it quoted at $200 for a professional paint job. Going to wait a little bit before I paint it, I don't mind it right now. I think paint to do it yourself is 85 bucks or so.

Plus, I might be selling my truck in a year to get another Tacoma.

 

Just bought a SnugTop Hi-Liner model. Great fit and paint. Headliner, slider windows with sliding screens, interior 12v light and drop-down front window (needed if you want to clean the rear window of cab and front cap glass) were included in the price. $1440 out the door. SnugTop offers cupons on its web site (unlike Leer) that saved me $100. Leer dealer here quoted me $1545 for similar cap (180 model), but an extra $105 for headliner and $85 to install. And tax on top of all that! I requested a quote via Leer web site, but never got a reply. I did get an email from Leer (after I'd ordered the Snuggie) offering $100 or $150 cupon and free headliner. Hope this helps.

 

I got my ARE off craigslist for $300, it's a pretty nice shell, and it has a locking handle.

 

I have a Century that came with my truck. I think it looks great, even better than some A.R.E's. Its rock solid fit wise, doesn't leak at all, and the locking mechanism also seems very solid. I have some pictures of it on my profile. I sleep in it all the time, and would highly recommend it.

 

Where did you get the locks replaced or buy the parts to replace them? I have the same problem.

 

We have an A.R.E. Dealer hee in town.

 

I think you will be fine with either an ARE or a LEER. If you can buy it used consider it. You will save a ton of cash. If you buy it new, find a dealer that you can trust to stand behind his sale.

I bought a new ARE "Z" series. Check out the search thread, you can read a ton of info. I have had absolutely no issues with my ARE "Z" series during ownership sp far. I would have considered looking at a snug top, but no local dealers.






GL

 

not an A.R.E.! If you're west of the Mississippi get a Snugtop.

 

a r e

 

Just called up a local Leer dealer. $22.50 to replace each handle. I have four...

Edit: Local locksmith, $15-20 to create a key.

 

Right now I'm on my 4th Toyota Pick up. I should be picking up my 5th this weekend. I've had 3 Leers and an ARE Z series on this last one. They were all fine but I really like the ARE. Nice crank outs instead of sliders and frameless windows with a center rear latch. A real clean look, and the inside has a nice liner instead of the unfinished fiberglass.
I like it so much I'm thinking about having it repainted and installed on my new truck.

 

I've got a tacoma with a 6.1' bed and looking for a used cap. Anyone know what other makes/models that would have the same fit?

 

Locks only keep honest people out. If they want what's in your bed they'll get it lock or not and destroy your shell in the process. With that in mind, I ran a Softopper on my 1999 reg. cab for over five years and it was one of the best additions to the truck I made in the 14 years I owned it. It didn't survive the recent wreck, however, so one of the first additions I made to my new 2013 reg. cab was another Softopper. They weigh 35 pounds, are pretty much waterproof, can be folded forward or taken off and carried away in one hand in just a couple of minutes. I did a lot of camping in my 99 and always stayed warm and dry. When it was hot out I just rolled up the sides and back. Well worth the $650.