Open bed vs. Hardshell

Same here. That's why my shell has aluminum inserts instead of windows in all 3 frames.

 

My first Toyota pickup was a '89, I think they called it "Truck". My wife, my mom, and I removed the cap once to haul something, 10min job.

I've had a cap on every truck I've owned, from the '72 International Harvester to the '15 DCLB. Caps fit my predominant need, camping, and can be removed when needed. Can't do that with a SUV...

 

Makes no sense

 

What can one expect to spend on a good quality top and is one brand better than another ?

 

Hard shell

 

Do you all mind me asking what you members with sbdc’s all paid for your hard shells? Also do different colors make a difference?

 

My wife said it makes my truck look like an old mans truck, but it serves a purpose and hey it’s removable.

 

OP - If security is the allure, you’re better off with a tonneau. Takes a lot more effort to get into a rigid tonneau with the tailgate locked than it does to smash a window in a cap and grab whatever is inside.

I lost over $10k of camera equipment in 2015 when someone smashed the rear window of the camper shell on my 2nd gen prerunner while I was out hiking in the Mojave.

For me, the allure of a camper shell is the ability to sleep in the bed. Since I have the dinky 5’ bed on my 3rd gen, there’s no point giving up the ability to use my truck as a truck. So I guess I’m in the “might as well buy a 4Runner” camp...

 

$2k minimum for a half decent one from the big 3 - leer, ARE, snug-top. Easily exceeding $4k with their higher spec offerings with some extra options.

In terms of the brand differences, you’d be best to talk to your local camper shell vendors. They all seem to have different opinions about whose hardware, mounting systems, weatherproofing, etc. are superior.

IMO Leer 100XQ is the slickest, most factory looking mass produced option right now, but the ARE Overland was the one I was considering before I decided to go with the Leitner rack instead. The RLD shells look to be of great quality but I’ve never seen one in the flesh. Really a matter of how you personally prioritize/balance budget, aesthetics, & function.

 

HARDSHELL !!!!!!FOR SUREEE!!

 

Mine's a 6ft but it was cheaper to find the 5ft canopies here in BC, maybe as most Tacomas are 6ft boxes. $950 Used. Black. Looks OK on my silver SR. Very tall model. ARE brand. Mine has opening side panels which is nice for climbing into bed if there is something blocking the rear hatch (if my motorcycle is on the hitch mount, for example).

I added some removable Thule roof racks for transporting boats, ladders, bicycles, etc. I built up a bed support system to allow 8 Rubbermaid totes to fit underneath.
I used to have a SMALL slide in truck camper that I foolishly sold when my son was born. This does the trick until I can find or build another one.

 

Truth hurts

 

Its still a truck, you just have more options with a shell..I don't know why everyone thinks its sooo hard to remove a camper shell. If I Have a 12mm wrench in my hand.it takes 5 mins to remove ,and takes 10mins to put on,.

 

Your Truck Is Clean,I like that set-up!!

#Hardshell forsure!

 

What brand and make do you have for the cap?
I love the way it looks.

 

I just ordered an ARE CX flipdown slider front window, carpet, light, vented windoors, Yakima tracks & bars for about $2600 OTD. I’m going to drive 2+ hrs each way, but save nearly 1000 from Chicagoland prices. Priced out all the major brands, they are all similar and all are much higher up here. I like the look of the ARE better than LEER would have went Snugtop if I wanted a raised roof model (looks best for that type imo).

 

I didn't do much shopping for brand new tops, but did a lot of digging on craigslist and facebook marketplace. You can find some great bargains if you're patient or lucky. I see 2nd gen toppers go for as low as $150-200 and there were a couple of 3rd gens for $500-600. If you want the links, PM me because I've got a couple that I was eyeing for the north Texas area before I picked up a pretty great condition ARE DCU for less than $300. Prices vary, and used is the way to go if you aren't incredibly picky with what options you want.

 

Got mine from linex of bluegrass in fern creek. Love it so far. It’s a ranch topper but I went with ranch over leer because they have a HD reinforced option for increased weight capacity on the roof to support my RTT.

 

Yep GSP. He’s a total stud.