Mid-rise or standard height shell for camping? Experiences/Input appreciated

Hey Ya'll. I was wondering about your experiences and opinions on mid-rise shells (Leer 180, ARE MX, SnugTop Hi-liner) vs standard cab-height shells for camping purposes. Is it worth going Mid-rise if your primary use of the shell will be for sleeping/camping? Or do you find standard height shells to work for you just fine? Anyone wish they would have gone with a different height shell?

I've been doing research on shells (went through the entire 3rd gen shell pics thread and others) but still can't make up my mind completely. I like the mid-rises but I am a pretty short dude, don't even know if I will need the extra height. Not too worried about mpg, but I am not exactly thrilled to be adding more drag with a mid-rise shell. Decisions Decisions.

Just looking for some of your own personal experiences with truck bed camping with either shell type. Appreciate any input!

 

Yes, it's totally worth it!! While I don't have a mid rise shell, I've camped in plenty of standard height shells and always wished for just a bit more headroom. Regardless of being a "short dude", there is the height of the mattress, and if you choose to do a storage platform underneath the mattress, that puts you up even higher. Another thing to consider, camping in toppers can get pretty stuffy, especially in the summer. The higher you can get your bed, the better ventilation you'll have with the cross breeze of the windows. I can pretty much guarantee that if you camp a lot in your topper, you'll never regret having more room vs. less.

The slope of the mid rise toppers like the Leer 180 is so gradual, I'd be very surprised if it yielded any noticeable increase in drag.

 

For sure. Thanks for the response! I have been leaning towards the Leer 180, as I like the look and the function of the mid-rise shell. But I would also like the extra weight capacity and the ability to securely lock the shell from the inside offered with the SnugTop Rebel sportsman. Probably still going to go with the 180 though. Do you have a shell on your rig?

 

When I bought my truck it came with an ARE CX Hd w/ yakima roof racks, its a normal height topper. While it does work well: no leaks, easy cleaing, durable, well sealed from dust I always feel like I need some more room. I have it built out with a sleeping platform that sits on the ridges in the bed with a drawer that I utilize for food/cooking underneath the sleeping platform, gear storage underneath half, and a section cut out to secure my yeti/reliance water jug.

My system works very efficiently and allows me to securely store and organize a lot of gear it is the pain it is to crawl in/out of, and lacks any remotely livable space (changing, inclement weather, reading, etc.). My friend with the Leer hightopper (idk model name) has a similar set up and it is extremely comfy with a little bit of living space too. If I had my choice I would go with the high(er) volume topper, get windoors on both sides (if only one side get the Drivers side), roof re-enforcement, a rack system, and carpet/insulate the damn thing! As for brand any major name brand topper is going to be comporable in build quality.

 

If your primary use will be camping, mid-rise is by far the best option, simply for the extra headroom. I've got a Leer 180 and it's great being able to sit up with my sleeping platform. Only downside is I have to lift my canoe a few more inches to get it on the rack.

2nd Gen....but still applies.

 

The internal headroom is clutch for a topper. The only reason I can see against it might be aerodynamics. Can't say if it's actually worse than a cab-height or not, never had anything else on my Taco. My suspicion is it won't matter that much but I have a rack on mine like @Sig45 and that surely hurts.

 

Oh - and I didn't notice much difference in my mpg. With my slightly heavier tires (Load Range C) and my cap - I seem to be averaging the norm (based on what I see here on TW). The cap only weighs about 150lbs.

 

Thank you guys for the input. Definitely leaning more confidently towards a Leer 180 now. I want to like the SnugTop Hi-liner (SnugTop offers more features I like), but I just can't get into those weird aerodynamic curves on the top. The Leer looks so much cleaner. Probably going to order tomorrow or early next week. Secured a new job so it is time to treat myself!

 

I sleep inside my cab height canopy and wish I had the taller one, but my garage height won't allow it because I have a prinsu rack with awning and it barely clears as it is.

 

Definitely get/order the cap with the carpet liner.

And if you're planning on a rack - I would also recommend having the track system installed as well. Much more flexible than the fixed landing pads that I have.

 

100% agree, I used the 1A towers and sideloader brackets I had but those tracks look much more useful.

 

I agree with mid rise. I have been trying to decide also. I think I'm going with snug

 

If you plan on camping go mid rise and consider windoors. Expensive but you’ll never regret it when you start using it.

 

I had a mid on my 1st gen Tacoma and decided to try a cab high on the current one since I was carrying kayaks and my bike on top a good bit- I really wish I'd gotten the taller cap though. Figure what you think you'll want and order it from the start, it's very expensive to try to get things like windoors added later.

If I were ordering another cap today I'd get a mid-rise, carpet lined, windoors with screened sliders, drop down sliding front window and the reinforced version. It's easy enough to add the tracks yourself, especially if you have some help.

 

What is making you go with the SnugTop over Leer or ARE?

Yeah, I am glad I didn't rush and order earlier this week. Great advice on here. Definitely gonna go with a mid-rise shell. I wasn't convinced on the windoors until so many folks (here and in other threads) spoke so highly of them. I was worried that windoors might be more likely to leak (especially over time), but that doesn't seem like the case.

 

My leer 180 windoors have a very nice bulb seal! It’ll leak in the usual Tacoma places but not the windoors. My advice seal the front before ya put the cap on.

 

I liked the taper up on the snugtop The rim around the rear that keeps the water from running in when opening window. I don't know if you can lock yourself in the bed with Leer I think the leer 122 is to high over the cab . Personal taste .

 

I can't lock myself in on my leer 180 with 2 t-handles - Been meaning to cut a couple pieces of paracord and attach them to the d-rings/bed stiffeners and loop them up to the inner section of the t-handle should I find my self in a situation where I do want to add a little extra security

 

I've seen a youtube video where a guy cut out small pieces of wood and used those to prevent the t-handles from opening. Another option.

 

122 is not and option for 3rd gens. I asked when I got my 180.