The Taco Shell Game

So what’s the haps on camper shells? I called a bunch of places and been checking out Leer, ARE, Century, Snugtop...?

Got a decent price on a Century and according to one place ARE has like a 2 month wait.

Main requirements are this:

-Good ventilation for a German Shepherd

-Can support a Tepui

What brands or styles is everyone running and how much are you paying? Any issues matching the Cement color?

What the hell else should I consider?

Thanks!

 

My ARE took ~5 weeks to be delivered. No issues with the color matching if you order from the dealer (good luck finding a cement one on Craigslist). I’d get the front fold flat window, carpet headliner, and Windsor’s. Check dealers websites for coupons before you buy/order too!

 

If you can get a snugtop I would definitely get a snugtop. I hear nothing but good things about them, if only I could get a snugtop on the east coast

 

Have a leer 100xr and love it. Does great for the dogs with upgraded screens.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-your-caps-shells-canopys-on-2016s.398266/

 

Funny story when I bought my truck at used lot they had this camper shell in a shed out back and tried to sell it to me for 200$ AFTER I bought the truck. It obviously came on the truck because rear window had ring around where it rubbed. I was not interested in it because i was hauling dirtbikes. So 2 years later and hurricane mathew was about to hit so I thought "man I wonder if they still have that camper shell I can buy", called them and they said yep we still have it come get it. Didn't want any money for it. Little did I know it was a 2000$ snugtop for freeee!!!

 

Every window on my Leer 180 leaks in the rain. It just so happens that it rarely rains in my desert environs.

 

Got any other pics of it? Maybe with the glass down?

I can’t figure out which one it is but I think one of the Snugtop shell models comes down low over the bed rails and slightly covers the TRD sticker. No big deal but that might bother my OCD just a tad.

Now I’ve got another thread to look though, thanks for the suggestion.

 

That the factory grill painted black? Looks good.

 

Snugtop color match is spot-on, but I suspect most companies nail the color. Mine took about 3 weeks from the dealer in Chicago. Be prepared to do lots of sealing before topper install.

 

Nice, slightly higher than cab high but looks great!

Can you elaborate on those mounts for the rack? How beefy are they and do they have a cross bar option?

Thanks!

 

Airflow is overrated.

 

Have seen that as well and I think the best solution is just to take the stickers off before getting it installed!

 

I did the Snugtop with “sportsman” package and windoors w vents... 2 week turn. I was quoted 4 weeks...

 

I would strongly consider windoors, the shell on my last truck didn't have them but this one does. Much more convenient, although more chances for leaks if you are worried about that.
Also look at the contractor models, they have a little better weight rating on the roof.
If you plan on a roof rack, make sure you get one with factory installed roof rails, most places have to install those when the shell is built or it voids any warranty.
Seal up the front bed rails before you put it on too, (especially the corners) that's the main problem area.
I ended up with a Leer 100RCC, it was around $2,500.
Fold down sliding front window, sliding side windoors, carpet headliner, roof rails and one interior light.

 

That’s a really nice looking one. How’s it look with the back closed around the tailgate? The frameless rear hatches look so clean! But they seem to be more pricey for sure. I guess I can’t complain over 500 bucks difference when the truck was stupid expensive.

Also, which model is that?

 

Has anyone used a Century shell? The price quote I got was reasonable and that was the first red flag, lol

 

that Voodoo blue with shell looks good

 

Rebel with top rails and sportsman package that is rated at 500lbs rooftop load.

Snugtop Rebel $3,065.00

-Front Slider Fold down

-Black Headliner

-24" led dome light

-Vented windoors left and right

-Tracks only

-Sportsman Pkg

-Pro lock w/remote keyless (coupon)

Labor $170.00

Total $3,235.00 installed

 

This actually looks pretty nice too. I can’t remember what the guy said about Century but he said either Leer or Snugtop will warranty them. I believe it was Leer...

Anyway, I need to call the manufactures and see what they say about putting 135 pounds up there plus another 300 static when my wife and I are using the tent.

Does anyone know of other options to mount things on a topper besides a rail system? What about after market racks or mounts? I’m looking to get my tent as low as possible.

https://youtu.be/BZiKihOu-FQ