Commercial shells, especially on DCSB?

Just read through this thread and now I want a commercial shell! Found a Leer DCC Deluxe commercial shell for sale for $250 w/out keys and mounting hardware! Waiting to hear back from the seller on a height of the shell to see how it'd sit on the Tacoma and to get a model # to confirm if it'll fit (Listed for Nissan Frontier but his listed measurements are tacoma bed size)
I'll be sure to post pictures if it follows through!

 

This is a smoking deal. I am starting my search and found a new one made by Century (made by Leer) is going to set me back about $2200 before paint match. Thats with side windows and a front sliding window. I live in Vegas and imagine that's not terribly far from you so if you decide to pass up on the deal let me know! It would be worth the drive for me at that price.

-MM

 

He got me the part # but not seeing anything on google. It's pretty bare bones as far as no windows front/back/side. It's got the built in drawers on one side and the other is just an opening metal panel. Just waiting for him to get me a measurement of how tall it is then go from there! It's plain white w/ the ladder rack on it! I'll let you know if I don't get it for sure though! Vegas is like 6 hours from here!

 

Thought the commercial grade shells Weight limits a lot less?

 

Can anyone confirm the weight of an aluminum camper like the ARE dcu or Leer dcc or anything similar? I’ve heard they’re around 100-120lbs? Also curious how much the roof can hold? I know their reinforced contractor shells can hold up to 500lbs or so but wondering about the aluminum ones. Thanks!

 

Tough to find any definitive answers, but that sounds about right, re: weight. Def closer to 120 for cab height standard DCU. Different configs have diff weights. This pdf lists a couple. FWIW, I'm not very big or strong and I and one other guy my size were able to lift a longbed ARE DCU with one side toolbox from the ground and up on the rails without too much strain. With regard to weight limits, this guy drove with 650 lbs on his standard roof rack but not for very long.

This post over on Expedition Portal has some additional relevant info w/regard to that 500lb claim. Hope that helps.

 

@Ethan22 I believe cabheight is 23". If you go on ARE's site and build one out, 23" cab height is the lowest option.

 

Thanks for this. I am now looking for a snugtop contractor lid instead. LoL. Looks like i need to spend more time on that forum because that’s where I am headed with my build.
Cheers
-M

 

Does anyone know how easy or costly it would be to change an A.R.E. side door into a windoor? There is one in Pueblo that will fit a short bed for $950. I really want side windows though.

-M

 

Mm it must be the snugtops that comes 20” then

 

I would guess it would be pretty much universal if you found one to fit that specific model.

 

Depends whether you mean an OEM swapout or DIY. If the former, contact your local ARE dealer for a quote or check junkyards. Finding the windoor would be the hard part, swapping it out should be easy. If the latter, I'll say the parts themselves are pretty rudimentary but sourcing them will be tricky. The struts are found easy enough but the right size windows and frame will probably be elusive and costly.

If it were me, I'd wait a little to see if one with windows becomes available. $950 isn't the greatest deal on these second hand. A quick Craigslist search suggests second hand toppers are pretty plentiful in your area, more so than mine anyway. Trick will be finding a 3rd gen.

 

One great part about these aluminum shells is how well they clean up. When i got mine is was basically black mildew spots and mud everywhere on the inside now it looks brand new. Also got keys made for side doors so everything works as it should now. Interior build coming soon.

 

Just scored a deal on this 5 month old ARE loaded dcu shell for 800$. Made for the 3rd gen and all!

 

Nice find.
Kinda weird how it has windows outside the toolboxes. You might be able to take one tool box off even and have windows you can see out of if you plan on sleeping back there.

 

I'm not sure what A.R.E. would charge but I just put one in my Leer for $250 and that was installed by the canopy dealer all in with locks and keys.

 

Agree. The guy added the tool boxes on his work truck. Planning on removing the right one that has the glass windows.

 

How did that go for you? I just picked one of these up yesterday and spent the day cleaning it up and taking out the toolbox on mine. Did you end up removing both toolboxes?

 

Removed the right toolbox, insulated and carpeted everything!

 

Here is a view of the insulation I used!