Hard Topper pros/cons

I bought a softopper because I didn't think I'd want a shell on all the time sucking gas mileage. However, I'm starting to think a hard top might be overall more practical for some things but since my truck is also my daily driver I don't really need a topper 95% of the time.

For those who went with a hard top:

1. What sort of impact do you see in gas mileage - especially if you have one that's taller than the cab?
2. If you need to haul branches to recycle or anything larger than the internal space, how much of a hassle to remove it? Do you do it often or only if you really can't avoid it?
3. If you do remove, what do you do about storing the topper?
4. What do you primarily use it for? If it's largely unnecessary a lot of the time (e.g. your daily driver) do the few times it's useful outweigh the downsides of it always being there?
5. Do I need to add a leaf?
   
6. What did yours cost (brand/model) and what features do you feel are necessary? Side windows seem a given so my dogs at least can get air and offer some side access. What else?

Thanks.

 

I have a ARE CX series on my 2016

1. Little to no impact on mpg, I get 13.5-14.5 regularly... 285s did that.

2. 4 bolts and it’s off, third brake light is wired with a quick disconnect (4 pin trailer plug) requires 2 people.

3. Removed only once, and set it under my carport out of the way.

4. Got it because I always wanted one, and I can keep all my gear back there between trips securely and dry. Do I need it on all the time?? No, but I think it looks sweet anyways.

5. I didn’t do any rear suspension mods, I was a bit higher in the back before... and now it’s about level.

6. Mine has sliding fold-down front window, sliding side windows, roof tracks with Yakima feet. But as far as cost, I cannot say due to buying second hand off Craigslist for $900.

Overall it was a worthwhile investment, only thing I’ve had to haul that was a pain was my factory side steps when I sold them, too long to close rear window all the way... too big to put through sliding window. Other than that, I love it and I’m super happy with it.

 

I'm the market too . I'm gonna sit in on this for the pros and cons . I'm running full steel front back and side to side and a winch with 285/75/16. I'm in for mpg estimates . Probably too specific.

 

ARE cx hd it was 2k new

No real mileage change a fuzz lower

I’m on stock suspension so it’s level now but when I pull my pop up and have the rtt on the bars is squats.

Everything is high and dry and locked up.

Mine is daily driven I don’t take it off and if I need to haul some junk I go get a U-Haul trailer for 30 bucks.

I came from a FJ and I really like separating all the stinking fishing and camping equipment. That was my thinking a 4Runner or a Tacoma w/ a topper. This is great for me.

 

1. No impact to fuel mileage.
2. You tend to make stuff fit in the space you're given. Removing it is a PIA, and even if you plan on removing and replacing it often you'll end up either leaving it on, or leaving it off.
3. If you do remove it, just lay it on 2x4s anywhere it won't get damaged or stolen.
4. If you haul anything of value that you can't or don't want to watch 24/7, its more than worth the cost. Same if you haul anything that needs to stay out of the weather.
5. The cap leveled my truck, and any additional cargo makes it sag. I added Airlift airbags.
6. My ARE CX was $2600 new with windoors, roof rack tracks, interior LED strip that lights when you open the hatch, and a fold down, sliding front window. If you have a long bed get the Windoors, unless you like crawling into the front of the bed whenever you need something. Get a roof rack if you haul canoes, kayaks, ladders, 2x4s, etc.

 

I have a ARE Overland

No difference in MPG

I haven't done any hauling yet but I'll probably use a trailer if I need to.

When I need to remove it I'm going to set up a pulley system in the rafters of my barn and hang it from the ceiling for storage.

My truck is a daily driver and I enjoy being able to lock up my valuables, have my dogs ride in the back, and I'll probably do some camping storage cabinet build stuff in the back.

I didn't add a leaf, I may on the future do something.

I paid $2600 For the ARE Overland with carpet, led light, sliding front window, sliding side windows with mesh and Yakima rack. In retrospect windoors might have been cool but I like the shell.

 

I have the best of both worlds. I have an ARE shell professionally covered with Scorpion coating that is guaranteed for life. And I have a soft roll-up tonneau cover. I had been looking for a long time for a topper but wanted to find one used. I hated to drop the minimum 2 grand right now. So I bought the Tonneau for $149 on Amazon and 2 days later a used topper came up on Craigslist. I don't need the topper all the time, but I play drums so it works great when I have gigs, or if I plan to haul something valuable in the bed I want out of the weather. 90% of the time though I will just run with the tonneau. For $149 I have in to it, I am just gonna keep it. My truck is on stock suspension. It HELPED my mpg for highway driving by about 2mpg. (I drove 275 miles to get it and got 16.4mpg at 76mph on all interstate driving. On the way home I got almost 19mpg with same route and speed). 4 clamps lets it come off...the same 4 that hold on the tonneau, so that is really easy. Small plug to undo for the interior light and 3rd brake light. 2 guys can handle it pretty easily. You do not need an add a leaf. It weighs probably about 150 pounds.

 

Does anyone have reference as to how much the average topper will cause a stock suspension to sag? I understand it van vary. Any personal experience?

 

What finish is on the outside of your shell? Did you do it or have it professionally done? I have one that is Scorpion coated from a shop that specialized in spray-in bed liners and the like.

 

I have an ARE brochure in front of me from when I was looking to buy a new one. It says the weight for a topper for a small truck is 130pds...full size is 180pds. Also have brochures for Leer and Ranch but they don't list the weight. It would NOT make your truck sag.

 

1. No difference in fuel economy. ARE has a brochure that shows it “improves” because of aerodynamics. I say I can’t tell the difference.
2. I haven’t had to remove it. I had one on my last truck and didn’t have to either. However, it is 4 bolt down clamps holding it and it’s sealed. Likely not as easy as you WANT it to be, but likely not a challenge where if you NEED to remove it, you can.
3. When we used to take my dads off, we stored it on sawhorses.
4. I use it to take trash to the dump without worrying about losing trash, I use it for big grocery trips...or Lowe’s . IF YOURE A DAD WHO TRAVELS, GET ONE. I’ll say this, I waited on mine for 6weeks after buying my truck and I could not wait to get it. It’s basically a large SUV that speedsters you from the smell of beach gear, dogs, fish, and deer carcus. It lacks 3 kids worth of stuff for a week without filling the cab. Best purchase any active Dad could make. Seriously.
5. No. I didn’t notice a difference.
6 $2200 installed ARE with “linex” on the whole thing, flip down front window with double rope LEDs.

 

Interesting. I mean I'm 150 ish pounds. Truck definitely sags when I get in the beg. I guess I could have a buddy measure the drop. Thanks for the weight info.

 

I weigh 250. When I step on the tailgate it sags a little, but as you walk towards the cab it distributes the weight more. A topper would spread the weight the whole 5 of 6 ft depending on short or long bed. So I think it makes no difference to mine at all...

 

Thanks for the feedback and pix. Might have to bite the bullet and get one. Used would be nice but haven't seen much.

 

I wouldn't own a truck without a canopy.

1. What sort of impact do you see in gas mileage - especially if you have one that's taller than the cab? - If anything I saw a small improvement.
2. If you need to haul branches to recycle or anything larger than the internal space, how much of a hassle to remove it? Do you do it often or only if you really can't avoid it? It's a PITA to remove. That's why I have a 5x10 flatbed utility trailer. The trailer cost me $600 on craigslist and has paid for itself many times over.
3. If you do remove, what do you do about storing the topper? Guess I'd store it in my carport if I ever needed to.
4. What do you primarily use it for? If it's largely unnecessary a lot of the time (e.g. your daily driver) do the few times it's useful outweigh the downsides of it always being there? 1. Mine serves as my collie's dog kennel 4/7 days week. They love it! 2. carrying stuff out of the elements 3. truck canopy camping 4. tool box
5. Do I need to add a leaf? I didn't notice any sag. Mine probably weighs 150-200 lbs
   
6. What did yours cost (brand/model) and what features do you feel are necessary? Side windows seem a given so my dogs at least can get air and offer some side access. What else? Snugtop Rebel, $2750 out the door. I got a windoor on one side and pet screens on the other. I also got roof rack rails. I'm not sure if I got a great deal but I'm happy with my installer/dealer.

 

Warning: off topic.

I have a Bestop Supertop softies off Craigslist for $200. Wife and dogs dont mix in the cab. It takes seconds to put up or take down with 4 clamps (leave the fabric assembled in its frame.) Weight next to nothing. It sucks at hiway speed but it does a decent job keeps the dogs out of the wind. I hang it off the garage ceiling. 99% it’s off the truck. I use the tonneau for everyday versatility.

 

I have an ARE MX series and love it. I mainly got it for security of whatever is in the bed. Most of my hauling is skis, bikes, camping gear, and I sleep in the back a lot.

1. I got it at about 3000 miles and my gas mileage seemed to improve but that might have been from the truck still breaking in. I get about 19-20 average but a lot of my driving is on mountain passes and I am fairly heavy on the gas.

2. I never take mine off but as I mentioned I don't use my truck for truck stuff, just gear hauling. It is pretty easy to remove. 4 bolts and then unplug the tail light.

3. See above but If I had a garage I imagine I would build some sort of lift for it so I could hopefully take it off sometimes. Too bad I live in an apartment.

4. I like the security or being able to lock stuff in the back. I leave all my camping gear in the back constantly so I can just go on weekends. I also leave skis and other expensive gear in the back fairly often. I wouldn't do that with an open bed.

5. I do not have an add a leaf yet but plan to put on a full old man emu lift in the next few months and would advise heavier leafs if you plan to have much weight beyond just the topper.

6. About 2600 if I remember correctly. You can find them relatively cheaply if they are used. I have windoors on both sides with sliding windows, flip down front window, carpeted, and led lights. I love the lights for loading/unloading/sleeping in the back at night and love the windoors for when I need something from close to the cab.

 

I had a hard top on my 91 for 13 years, never removed it. Loved it and can only remember 3 things that stick out as disadvantages.

1. Reduces rear visibility and makes the interior very dark, lyou really need to depend on your mirrors more.

2. Can be a pain in the ass to unload things close to the cab, you're crawling / crouching inside to retrieve things and it get's more cumbersome as you get older and rounder. Unloading firewood comes to mind.

3. You may develop a tendency to haul more stuff around because you have a giant secure storage space. My mountain bike and golf clubs lived in the back of my truck and went everywhere with me. Not really a bad thing but you find yourself leaving things in the bed more. The additional weight can be a hit to gas mileage.

Other than that I really enjoyed having one.

 

I have a Leer QX100 cab height. 1. My mpgs dropped hwy about 1mpg, and didn't notice any drop in city . 2. I also have a 6x12 utility trailer that I paid about 800.00 for. I know it's something else sitting in the yard but I would still own one regardless of the camper. I use mine a lot.
3. I don't plan on removing mine but it would be easy to sit on some home made saw horses. 4.I use the bed on my truck to store a large duffle bag with tools. I don't do a lot off off roading but its really nice to have a dry space to carry luggage and all that other junk we take on trips. Mine has never leaked water and I do plan on sealing the tailgate as you can still get some dust inside. As for the downside, it's naturally harder to see out the back and the dark tint is especially bad at night. The backup camera really helps with that along with helping to hook up my trailer. I plan on adding some extra backup lights to mine. 5.my truck is Stock OR , I have not added a leaf and don't plan to do so. I read all the time about people adding extra leafs and I'm not sure why . 6. Mine was 2200. With front pop out window , one piece opening side windows, interior lighting and third brake light, like everything else you can keep adding accessories. 7. IMO, I like the shell a lot and I think it would be a better investment over time if you use one alot. By investment I don't mean actually holding monetary value because it won't. My truck actually sits higher in the back than it looks like in the picture.