Your Opinion on this USED camper shell?

I stumbled upon this used shell on Craigslist and I'm slightly unsure on the fit/ finish.

My main concerns are how the shell seems to be hanging over the edge of the bed a bit more than I would expect on both the rear and the side of the bed. Along with how well the paint color matches the OEM paint.

I am however ignorant when it comes to the typical fit and finish on these shells. Hoping some of you with more experience can offer your opinion. The seller is asking $900 including install which seems very reasonable.

Thanks!

 

How much is the overhang going to bug you? Are you going to see it every time you walk up to the truck? Are you going to regret blowing 9 bills on it?

Its not the worst fit I've seen by far, but it's not my truck either.

 

Good questions. I don't think it would be the end of the world. If I really hate it I could always flip it on Craigslist. It's been a real pain camping without a shell/anywhere to stow gear so I figure 9 bills is worth it as a stop gap.

I'm really just curious if those sort of fitment issues are common of if I'd be going out of my way to grab a lemon. Sounds like you have seen worse which is what I was expecting to hear. I also wonder if those gaps could be adjusted/tweaked during the mounting process?

Thanks for your input.

 

So the non-wiseass answer is that it can be adjusted ever so slightly forward from the picture. Nobody but you will see the overhang. The overhang won't affect the function of the topper. If you need one and that matches your color, it really isn't a bad price.

Good luck in your search.

 

Awesome and thanks again, now I'm curious what the wiseass answer would be. I won't take any offense!

 

Haha my first response was my wiseass remark. Not really fair because it looks like the correct shell, just installed 1/2 inch rearward. And not really a bad price for one, so long as it's in excellent condition.

 

I guess I'm used to internet trolls or my sarcasm detector is broken!

 

$900 installed seems good to me

 

I wonder why it overhangs. If it needs forward adjustment, or if it's for a different model Tacoma such as 3rd gen?

From what I've seen walking past other trucks with campers, some brands seem to overhang more than others.
I heard with quality, the order goes SnugTop > Leer > ARE, but I'm not sure.
Window type might be a deciding factor for me. I'd want sliding side windows to potentially stealth camp and get fresh air, etc.

 

It's a nice shell. I believe mine hangs over just like that - no leaks & was on the truck when I got it. Mines a Leer XL 100, but that's looks like a Leer 100R - Retail about $1,500+. All the clamps with it? Both Key Cores work & you have the 2 keys? You'll have to get foam tape or topper seal. All clamps, struts, cores & keys look good & they unlock smoothly then sure. Light inside the shell & it works?

 

What do you all think about the braces supposedly needed with a camper, to prevent the bedsides from flexing outward?

The ATH Fabrication one looks better than the competition but doesn't rise up as high; not sure if that matters or not

 

I bought Cali Raised & plan to install them in June

 

Front to back the shell fits as intended you can see more bedrail on the very front. Which will bring the rear closer as well. The sides I can’t really see any overhang than what is supposed to be there by your pic. But it could be the owner has it too tight and it’s caused the shell to flex a little. Just check for cracks.


Is it carpeted on the inside, struts work, windows work, locks work? If so then decent deal.

 

See post #2
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/canopy-bed-rail.656927/#post-22915886
and installed front pic at
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/camper-shell-or-tonneau-seal.654473/

 

Looks OK to me. It's hard to tell from the pics, but it MIGHT need to be slid about 1/4" or so closer to the cab. But that isn't a fit issue, it is an install issue.

 

Welcome to the best damn Tacoma forum on the interwebs

In the 1st photo it is clear the shell can be moved forward. The front edge of the shell should be a tad bit forward of the front edge of the bed. This would obviously make the back edges align better.

The 2nd photo could be deceiving. It appears that the shell is farther towards the passenger side. However, it's also overhanging on the drivers side some too. Just not as much.

All this can be adjusted. If the cap is twisted it's going to be uneven on each corner. That could be the case.

One thing you can be sure of. The top of the bed sides and tailgate are different shapes between the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen.

2nd Gen beds are nearly a full inch wider and not as tapered as a 3rd Gen. The tailgate top on a 2nd gen is not bowed out like a 3rd Gen. So you could put a 2nd gen cap on a 3rd Gen because it's wider but the rear door would not close properly. So no way does this guy have a 3rd Gen shell on a 2nd Gen.

The rear of the cabs between double cabs and access cabs are a different angle I think. So I'm not sure if that would really matter to how the footprint would align with the top of the bedsides.

Shells are painted like vehicles using the same paint based on the paint codes. Metallic paint will look different on different types of materials. Paint fads at different rates too. The truck and shell could be different ages.

$900 is a fair price but not the best. I have seen shells in excellent condition for half as much. I've also seen them higher priced. 2nd Gen shells are almost always easier to find and cheaper than 3rd Gens. Their older.

It depends on features. Windoors are a an option a lot of people pay top dollar for, and if they have sliders and screens even better. Factory installed roof tracks are covered by a warranty. With a used cap it's irrelevant but still assuring it was done correctly. Carpet on the inside is nice. Especially since I promise that you will eventually climb in there and when you hit your head or brush your back, and you will, you'll appreciate the carpet. A fold down, and/or removable front window with a slider is nice and makes cleaning the back window of the truck great. All newer shells have 3rd brake lights required by law. Make sure the connection is in tact. Interior lighting is an option but easy to install if it's not included. There are other options for the interior but now we're splitting hairs.

Just like anything else, the more features and options, the higher the price.

If you think your going to need to sleep in the bed, even once, get a shell that is higher than the cab. You will not regret it. People compare camping back there in a cab high shell to being in a coffin. A raised shell adds at least 5" and that's a huge difference (that's what she said).

I would ask the guy selling this shell to take a picture of the factory installed serial number plate that is attached to the inside. With that any Leer shell dealer can verify the fitment.

Oh, I've never heard of anyone needing bed stiffners for a shell. The shell adds structural strength itself. They are not flexible. But it's added insurance so......they're not cheap either. I'd rather spend the money on @mattgecko bed lighting.

I paid $800 for mine. I'm taking it off today to begin preparing it so I can paint it with a bedliner paint similar to LineX that Harbor Freight sells. It will be black, textured and will protect it some.

 

If you’re camping in it I highly suggest you get one with two sliding windows. It appears that one only has a sliding window on the drivers side. Your ventilation will suck otherwise. Even better is to look for something with “win doors”, the side windows flip up for access to the bed as well as have screens. Also a carpeted shell reduces condensation and improves warmth, plus you can Velcro stuff to it

 

Thank you for such a thoughtful response. And thanks to everyone else who has contributed to this thread. What a great resource you all are.

I think I am pulling the trigger on the shell. I will report back!

 

Nice cap. Buy it.

 

I’d buy it. Especially if the color matches already. It can be moved around to fit better. My shop uses a modified forklift.