Considering a topper? Opinions and experiences

Hey guys and gals,

I'm new here, my joining was prompted by my conflict in potentially purchasing a topper for my 3rd gen.

I looked through some topper discussions and am having a real problem talking myself into dropping nearly $3,000 on a topper.

So this is what I'm asking.

Is a topper worth it, for me? Are there any other options that suit my lifestyle better?

This is a lot of money and I want to be certain I've considered all the options. I have a DCSB and there are very few toppers for resale within a couple hundred miles of Harrisburg, PA. More info follows.


Things that are certain:

• I would love the greatly added dry storage
• My wife, two large dogs and I go camping occasionally and she prefers a more civilized form of camping
• I live in PA but might move to WA soon
• I have too many hobbies MTB, Kayaking (huge kayak), hunting, fishing, backpacking, dirtbike
• I don't have enough money for a $3,000 topper AND a trailer at the moment but maybe eventually..

Additional details:

I care about how the topper looks and have narrowed it down to a Leer 100xr w/ headliner, roof rack(tracks only), windoor sliders, removable front slider, and a power lock. I've considered the same topper without any extra options and it's still pushing 2,000 installed which I've called 4 dealers so that seems the going rate within a few hours of where I live. Given that, I'd much rather have those options for the added price.

Thanks for reading through to the end, I really appreciate any advice and would like to hear your experiences!

 

Get a soft topper used for $500-600 bucks. call it a day. I LOVE mine been through some rough rain and all my gear stays dry. also light weight. easy to storage away.

 

I really considered that and I'm just really worried about leaving over $1k in fly fishing gear in there in the middle of the city. In the spring I go out every day too so carting it inside everyday, although an option, isn't very appealing. How do you feel the security of the soft topper has been for you?

 

Welcome to the forum
Keep an eye out in the buy/sell section or your local Craigslist/Facebook they come up for sale all the time.

 

I’m really paranoid about my stuff getting stolen the best thing you can do is not let people see you when you put stuff in the back. That’s my tip I also have a tinted mesh window so that helps.
I left my expensive mountain bikes in the back. I always keep my tailgate lock because I don’t want that to get stolen hahaha!

 

I’ve been all over the country with my softopper (solid front and rear panels) and never had an issue. I had an arb elements fridge and a bunch of other stuff and no one ever bothered it.

 

I’ve put a topper on every pickup I’ve owned since 1992. It adds an incredible amount of versatility. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide on the value add it brings your truck.

 

Does it have side windows? Which brand of soft topper? Given you seal up the front of the bed, how is the waterproofing in your experience?

 

The softopper doesn’t have windows, it’s all solid canvas. I get a couple drops of water sometimes but I’ve also never really tried to make it 100% waterproof.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

"super topper" has side windows

 

I don’t have a soft topper, but I have a soft roll up bed cover. People always ask me about leaving things in the back. I say I do leave things in the bed from time to time. Example 2-3k in hockey gear and hockey goalie gear. My argument is, one I have home insurance that covers these things, two people generally don’t sell thing they can’t see. They also don’t go around cutting the cover up with a knife to see what is in the back.

Depending on your needs, I would say a roll up bed cover would work well for all your Fly fishing gear, and the bed cover can be locked by the tailgate. You can buy or build something to mount for the bed rails For your fly gear that adds extra security as well. I think I paid $350CDN for my vinyl roll up cover. I had a similar one on my 2500 chev as well. I loved it! When rolled up it takes up no space vs the hard folding ones.

 

I think this is a great option to buy you some time before pulling trigger on a topper or even keeping an eye out for a used one.

Consider this.... I recommend this thread for a platform design under $50. I made one for my truck and it gives you:

1. extra storage, above and below the platform.
2. If you get creative and have the tools I bet you could find a way to lock the platform down to your tie down / contact points. Simple bike lock or honestly even paracord attached to the bottom of the platform, since with the tailgate locked nobody would be able to cut the rope. Nobody is getting your stuff or able to see it.

I have 2 shallow waterproof bins for my fly fishing gear and camping gear, which leaves me extra space for a folding table and chairs all underneath the platform. Even with a hard shell I like the privacy of the platform to hide my gear.

 

To clarify, I'm essentially suggesting soft topper w/ a platform as a great budget option. Assuming the soft topper doesn't limit your needs for kayaks and hauling stuff. Plus, platform plus a mattress = good nights sleep

 

The platform idea is right on par with what I was hoping to accomplish after getting a topper and I really like the possibility of essentially keeping the items under the decking locked by a tailgate. This would allow me to be less concerned with the reduced security of a softopper. Now I just need wait to find a black softopper for a 3rd gen dcsb for a good price near me.

 

There was a time when a cap/topper was needed for my activities at the time. I had 2 hunting dogs and hunted a lot. The cap was where I kept them in crates during hunting season. I also had a bed sleeping platform for a while when I was down to just 1 dog. I mainly used it to store wet fishing gear underneath. I fly fish a lot and used the rack on my cap to carry my canoe. The secure and dry storage is quite nice. I had a Leer 180 mid-rise. That little extra height made a huge difference.

Fast forward a couple of years. No more dog. I found myself not using the cap much other than to carry my canoe. Decided to sell it and got nearly what I paid after 7 years. Now a Tonneau Cover and roof rack provide all the cover and carrying capacity I need.

 

Can't beat the dry storage utility plus security of a hard-topper, but it does make the truck look a little...I don't know, grandpa-ish? I always thought they looked kinda frumpy, but then I got one and ever since it's put me in a Catch-22.

I love the look of an open bed truck when I take it off occasionally, but then I miss the topper after a week or two because I can't just leave stuff in the back and I'll put it back on. Plus it's just the best for solo camping the Eastern Sierra (I fly fish too!) and not having to set up a tent if I want to be mobile, or want to camp where it's really windy. I default to having it on more often than not. Just too useful.

I'm building a platform soon to make that even better.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I just bought a new Tacoma and my first mod, if you call it that, is adding a topper. You can't beat the functionality in my opinion, it's also a little security for your gear. I live where snow is a winter issue and the dry storage is essential, I mountain bike, and canoe with a family of 3 so the topper is a must for getting us around to do the things we love. I'm waiting for my Leer 100XL now, I included the roof rack option. This will be my 2nd Leer 100XL, the last one was 10 years old when i sold it with my truck; no leaks and no paint fade or damage. Hope you enjoy the truck.