Tacoma Caps

Hey there,

New member here - bought my first Tacoma (2019 TRD OFF ROAD, Silver Double Cab, 5' bed) on New Year's eve.

Getting ready to purchase a cap for the bed, so I can car camp if necessary, store mountain bikes and gear securely, etc. I may add a Kuat hitch rack for the bikes this summer, but that's not an immediate need.

Looking at the ARE CX model.

Does anyone have other recommendations? I had a truck back when I was in high school. Are they caps made to be taken off on a regular basis, or once they're on, they stay on for long-term?

Any recommendations, and photos would be appreciated.

I'll probably buy the cap, add a Yakima rocket box that I already own, and drive the truck as is for a while. Truck will be traveling throughout Colorado all summer to mountain bike races.

Thanks!

TMac

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome!

it's possible to take the caps off whenever you'd like, however they are pretty heavy and aren't easy to carry at all. Also unbolting and rebolting them to the truck would be a chore too, but with a few friends you could knock out install/removal pretty quick

 

I have the CX. It's probably the best all around mod I have. I'm in and out of it all the time. I keep a cooler with cold drinks and daily work gear in it.

They aren't really for install/uninstall on a regular basis. They are a bit heavy and have gaskets (or in my case silicone) to keep water from getting in. Some make it work though. It'll just be a compromise.

When I need something a little too big to stick in the bed, I use a small utility trailer that is great.

Windoors are worth it. Tracks and rack are good too, but you might want to consider a basket on the tracks instead of the crossbars.

 

I have a lightweight, inexpensive, aluminum utility canopy with screened side sliding windows and an un-screened sliding front window. It is black, so not color coordinated with my Barcelona red TRD Sport. It's secured to the rails with 4 clamps. I put it on late fall each year and take it off early spring. If I need it on or off for a special need, not a big hassle.

Used to be I could get these canopies on and off on my own, but no longer; I'm 69 and don't have the strength I once had. Now I have a friend help. Takes about 5 minutes.

This canopy solution is not as aesthetically satisfactory as the nice color-coordinated fiberglass canopies. But if you just want the functionality of a canopy that goes on and off as needed, it's not a bad solution.

 

I wanted to go this route, but the wife didn't like the looks.

Personally, I kind of like the all business no fluff look.

 

I ordered a mid-rise topper so I can get my bikes in with front wheel removed... and not have to lower the saddle. You should take some measurements of cab-high and mid-rise toppers. I have a long bed.

 

I'll put my vote in for an aluminum Alucab Explorer canopy. I have a silver one on order through ok4wd.com, due in at the end of April. They keep the black ones in stock, but I live in the high desert so silver was the only sensible color. I like the explorer's features for car camping or overlanding . They have great load rails on top, and awesome looking storage boxes for behind the side doors. I think the roof load rating is 660lb. They also recently reduced the price, but I thought the previous price was already good for what you get. Have a look at them before you go with a fiberglass type.

 

Best, most versatile cap you can get.

 

It is difficult to get a full size mountain bike in a roof-height short box canopy. I have a canopy, but need a hitch mounted bike rack to haul my bike around.

 

Interest. Thanks for the heads up.

Do you have a dropper post on the bike? That can be a game changer. And are you removing the front wheel as well.

 

I have dropper. You need to remove the rear wheel, and even then, if you run wide bars, it’s a major hassle. I also am on a 29er so that doesn’t help either. As others have mentioned, get a bumped-up / hi-rise canopy if you want to put bikes or a bike in it.

Also.....get the side “Windoors” or hatches if you run a hitch bike rack. That way you can access the bed when the bikes are on the rack.

I have a small Saris two-bike hitch rack for weekly local rides and a 4-bike North Shore Rack for expeditions with the crew.

 

Looks nice. Are you concerned about the cab-over being so close to the cab rack (luggage rails)?

 

Yes, but the factory rack is flexible and would bump into a metal part of the camper.

This rack is temporary until gfc comes out with their cab rack.

 

"You can get"
Lead times are June 2020

 

Yeah. Mine will only fit if I remove the front tire and it takes up most of my bed leaving little usable space. Is nice to be able to lock it up inside though. But I generally use a hitch mounted rack as well.

 

I love mine. I bought the ARE V series. My dealer told me ARE doesn't do the best color match for silvers though. Just something to look into before you buy.

I sprung for the ARE custom installed Yakima rails and roof rack. Only $350 extra. I'd highly recommend that.

I also got pet screens in the side sliders, front slider, front fold down window... total out the door was just under $2,000. Even with all my options I think its was still cheaper than the base model of the next level up canopy.

 

Could you elaborate? Mine has the typical leaks at the front corners. Been debating trying to just caulk it up in those areas.

 

You must be a short man. Maybe a bed rack with rooftop tent is a better choice . With something out back for bikes ? Maybe at 5’7” you could sleep diagonally in the bed but at 5’9”ish (5’8”)lol it’s a no go for me . Maybe your married or at least want to get laid ? I have a wife and two young sons and we get by with this.