Any Shells getting better?

Man oh man! The more research I do the more confused I get! I've had tacomas my whole life and mostly used the ARE mx shells. Have had problems with the back window latches wearing through and the window actually falling off as well as leakage. I've looked into Leer, snug top, Century...they all seem to have their problems! I recently purchased a 2018 tacoma TRD double cab 6 foot bed and am really torn on what to get. I do a lot of ruff off roading on washboard roads and the like. Durability trumps looks for me. Any durable shells out there that actually hold up when using a truck like it should be used?

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

Maybe you should look at one of those alu-cab canopies.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/tonneau-covers-caps-and-shells.198/

 

Check this thread out for the RLD aluminum cap.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-in-the-usa-rld-design.593043/

 

My 2018 ARE cx has held up well so far. My stuff stays dry, no rattles, happy with fit and finish. Good luck on your search

 

Consider adding bed stiffeners if you drive a lot on rough roads.

 

I had a Leer 180.

Basically was a disappointment in every single way. My rear hatch window leaked, the locks on the handles would freeze up and not turn, and the bed leaked too (because of the gaps at the front of the bed). I think the cap kept moisture in more than out. And the customer service was non existent.

Definitely not the $3600 worth it I thought it was going to be. =\

That said, from all the research I've done it looks very hit or miss. Some people don't have any issues at all, others want to throw their cap into oblivion, no matter what brand.

I recommend doing a lot of prep before putting one on - take off all trim and silicone everything that has a seam. Get the bed cubby caps (sold buy a guy on here), and a tailgate seal. Finally, try your best to seal the gaps in the front of the bed without it looking like shit too much.

 

Mine has been pretty good, but I think the OP probably offroads a good bit which is just going to be harder on all the parts and pieces.

 

Prett sure ARE is going to be your best brand.

G.

 

I've never had any problems with canopies, both the Arrow on our 2nd gen and now the Range Rider on the 3rd gen have been great.
Both of these were bought directly from the local manufacturer - one was loaded and mounted at their factory.. No leaks, no rattles.

 

Leer 100xr... I’ve had it 2 years with zero problems.

 

My Leer 180 looks nearly new after 8 years ... I offroad moderately during camping and hunting seasons, it hasn't cracked or leaked yet.

I think if you buy from the factory you can specify heavy duty layup, which uses extra fibreglass and reinforcement. I would also get the bed stiffeners mounted right away and you should be good to go!

 

I have a Snugtop Hi Liner Sport that I bought new in 2015....it has a different kind of rear door than any shell I've ever seen before and it's vastly superior. Not the typical rotating T-handle with rods, it's more like what you would find on a factory SUV where the rear glass can open separately from the hatch. I'm sure they offer it in a non-hi-liner model. I've been wheeling it for 4+ years, no door issues.

 

I have the snugtop rebel for about a year now, and so far the only issue I've come across is a little water getting in the side window when I was my washing it with a hose and spraying upwards towards the top of the window. Seems the seal and weatherstripping mainly protects water from coming in when flowing down. The water coming in is only a few droplets though and that's with a pressure washer in light setting. No issues with the latch on the rear window.

 

Leer 100XR for a little over 2 years. I have zero issues with mine. I’m Adobe bed stiffeners this weekend. I have the Prinsu toprac on it. I also have a Yakima SkyRise tent and the Slim Shady awning. You can’t really beat the shell in my opinion.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. The soft canopy isn't a good fit for what I use it for. I've had the rivets actually grid down on the ARE MX shell where the window starts to slide down! Those ruff washboard roads I guess induce lots of vibration. "Bed Cubby Caps". Never even heard of these. I'll look into these as well also the bed stiffeners. Thanks!

 

Where can I find information on the Bed Cubby Caps?

 

Happy with the Arrow Mark I on my Nissan Frontier. Nothing fancy but good quality and relatively inexpensive.

 

Bear in mind that Leer does a lifetime warranty. They really stand by it, too.