Thoughts on Camper shells

I really liked camping in my no name used $500 special. Nice when you need to carry expensive things in the bed and want to go into a gas station to take a "pit stop"

 

I really like the fit and finish of the ARE Z series canopy but went with the Leer 100xr in the end because it was much cheaper and a close second in quality imho. The hinge system on the ARE canopy is super sleek but at the end of the day I couldn't justify the extra cash. Figured I could spend the money I saved on other acesories.
Here is a picture of me Leer 100xr

 

ARE all the best caps for the money

 

Had a Leer once and it had the single handle/latch on the rear glass that used to vibrate loose and brake.

I went with a diamondback tonneau cover this time as a more secure method of keeping valuables safe in the bed

 

My Leer isn't super secure either. I've had problems with the single handle/latch on the rear glass as well.
Even when locked if you crank on the handle it will open.
Found this out the hard way
Luckily nothing was stolen but it was wide open, must have got spooked before they could take anything.
The handle was stuck at about 30 degrees afterwards and was a bit of a hassle to re-align.
Everything looks normal and appears to be functioning as new but with a little elbow grease it can still force it open.
The lock will only keep an honest man honest, a crook will find their way in.

 

I went with the Chinook option....

 

I went with the ARE V Series and I have mixed feelings about it. I just can't seem to love the looks, but I do like the functionality of it. I have recently had both windoors start to bind as I open them. Seems they have developed some play in the hinge that allows the windoor to slip forward and bind with the frame. I say bind, the windoor will not open unless you grab both handles and force it to the rear of the truck, then it will open.

 

Yo give the dealer a call and also ARE they should be able to help you very easily.

 

For caps, I think the Leer 100xr looks the best on a 2017 Tacoma personally. It fits the truck really well.

I have a tonneau on my current truck. I like it for my everyday uses, but it's annoying if you have something taller than the bed rails to carry around.

My next truck will have a cap.

 

I just updated my 2nd gen shell last yr, to a Leer 180, lots more headroom in the shell with this one, I like the extra headroom due to using the shell for camping in the desert, a bit taller for your kayak racks but still doable I installed my Yakima's on this one. I like the Leer double locking rear doors, better security, less leakage problems with rear door with aluminum frame, than the total glass rear camper doors.

 

Actually I just went by my dealer today. Due to the configuration of the hinge and stops, it will require them to order and replace both both windoors. Kinda sucks, but if they make it right, I'm okay with that..

 

Hey for the money they cost they should make it right . Goodluck with it down the road.

 

I've got a Leer XR–sort of. It's a Century Ultra. They come out of the same factories, use the same components and same paint shop–and then they look at the work order and put the appropriate brand on.

I saved close to $300 over the Leer brand. Same warranty too...



Get a price for both the Leer and the Century with the same window options.

And BTW, my single door handle seems secure.

SB

 

See and that's the thing. Regular cab just pulls it off in such a sexy way. Cheapo or not that just has a nice shape to it. If I could change anything about my 3rd gen it would be a regular cab. I have a bestop I'm using for a trip, promised an old timer he could have it when I'm done, half price. He has that same truck you have, and I'm gonna blow my load when he installs it. Smh.

 

Find a dealer who specializes in factory seconds or retur/restocks. I just picked up and ARE Z-series for $1300. Retail around $2700.

 

Still would like some posts on a plug and play lighting system for these caps.... Leers battery light does not suffice.

 

You must have a different light. My leer light is pretty bright.

 

It's ok as a utility light, but when I camp in it I'd like more.

 

I bought the access cab to specifically get the 6 ft bed for camping. Combined with a carpeted headliner and bed rug the space feels very comfortable. I've camped for multiple combined weeks over the last year of ownership I've got to say it's a perfect set up in my mind. Plus, there is definitely extra security over a roof top tent (I often leave work and start the 8+ hour drive to the mountains and crash halfway at a truck stop or walmart parking lot.. can't do that with a RTT ).

 

alucab are really nice and sturdy, they are aluminum. worth the extra money in my opinion