3rd Gen camper shell suggestions

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum. Saw a lot of good content here and figured I'd join after seeing some good info from the posts I've seen!

I picked up a 3rd gen taco DCSB about 6 months ago and love it! I want to use it as an overlanding type vehicle. I've camped with it once in Rocky Mountain national park and it was an amazing trip. I used a truck tent, this one specifically and it wasn't too shabby:

$200 Napier Backroadz Truck Tent | Pickup Truck Bed Camping Tent | Rainfly for Water Protection | Sturdy and Spacious 2-Person Tent | Easy 10-Minute Setup

https://www.amazon.com/Napier-Backr...k+tent&qid=1585536863&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-2

However, during my trip I didn't realize how crazy the extent people were dishing out on their rigs. I saw tacos and other trucks that easily had tens of thousands into theirs. Specifically, lots of people were rocking camper shells, or just A.R.E. and Leer type shells and just hopping in the back at night to pass out. Solely out of convenience this already looks worth it to me.

My question is, I'm 5'11 and I'm not sure I'd sleep comfortably in the back. Maybe at an angle would work from what I've read, but what are your experiences? Is a topper worth it for this kind of thing as opposed to a RTT? Is the price justifiable?

Also if anyone is selling a shell that's a 3rd Gen DCSB black in color...please let me know! I'm in Colorado.

TLDR: 3rd gen shell worth it for overlanding? sleep comfortably? Anyone selling theirs in DCSB and black for less than train robbery prices?

 

Welcome!
Lots of info in here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/tonneau-covers-caps-and-shells.198/

 

If you buy a shell. Get windoors. They are worth it, even at $500 per window. Every time I open that window to get something out, I never once thought "I sure wish I had that $500." It hurts up front, but I don't miss it.

 

+1 on the Windoors. Super convenient. A shell has nothing to do with how much room you have to stretch out in the back. Find a quite place to park and take a nap back there. Only you can say whether it 's for you or not.

 

Love my ARE MX (mid-height). Got it at Suburban Toppers on Colfax. They sometimes have used, if you’re looking to save cash. Windoors are worth the $; it’s a bitch to reach in there from the tailgate, especially if you build in a platform. Can’t speak to fitting in the short bed, because I built a platform in the long bed.

 

I'm in the market for a camper shell as well for very similar reasons to what you're stating. However i'm dubious about how comfortable sleeping would be in the short bed, and if I didn't have a long bed i'd probably be less interested in using it for camping/sleeping.

You could consider a bed rack (various heights) with a RTT mounted on top. The bed rack would save you many hundreds vs a camper shell.

 

Maybe stick with your Napier for awhile. Keep an eye out on different peoples' setups and don't rush yourself. I think the camper shell on your short bed would only be another temporary solution

 

This is pretty spot on. I have a shell on a long bed and it sleeps pretty well. But at 5-11 also, I even get a little claustrophobic after a while. You have to consider the height too. Once you’re above the wheel wells it gets snug in there. I’m actually considering swapping my sleeping platform for a half gear loft just to gain some headroom.

That said, if I had a short bed I wouldn’t even consider a shell for strictly sleeping purposes. Granted they have many other pros and cons, but for sleeping I say no way.

 

I was torn between all the choices but after talking to guys with RTT's I came to find that it can suck if it gets windy. I have heard it can get so loud you cant sleep. Also if it rains or snows the RTT will be wet when you fold it away. I also boondock from time to time while road trippin so discretion is key when you sleeping places your not supposed to and an RTT would draw attention. For these reasons I decided to go with a hard shell and customize the inside. The things I love about camping in my shell is that its quiet regardless of weather, insulated a bit better for colder temps and if it snows or rains I just drive off with no clean up or breakdown of anything. But you will need to get creative with storage if you sleep inside which can be fun. here are some pics of how I have mine set up. Its a LEER 100XQ and a bit pricey but the windows open up at a slant so you can keep them open when its raining and water will not get inside so you can get air circulation.