Buying a shell, help me spend my $2-3k+ well

So, I'm going to get a shell. DCSB, color matched to quicksand. What company did you use, why and any regrets? I've gotten quotes from are and leer, who else should be in the running? Link's and pics are appreciated.

 

Not being snarky, but there's an entire section here dedicated to bed covers. Tons of info in there.

 

I had no idea it's a forum isn't it?

 

Yep. And it has a search feature

 

I know there is a whole section for this but I went with RLD and am happy I did. I also considered RSI Smart Cap. I wanted something that was more rugged than fiberglass and was stronger than Aluminum.

I regret nothing and would do it again. It’s not color matched (I have a QS on MGM) but the two-tone has grown one me.
-M

 

Old guys get shells. If you want to stay young, get a Diamondback cover.

 

Young guys get ginsu racks, put shiny objects on them that only get dusty and then worry constantly about when to get their tires re-dressed again..

I have bought ARE and Leer shells for years and would buy either again

Happy Friday..

 

Diamondback covers are the Affliction t-shirts of the cover world. It’s the bedcover equivalent of a bull bar.

Bed covers are okay, but you get half the space that you do with a real shell. I have the ARE CX on my 3rd Gen and I’m very satisfied with the product for the price. The RSI SmartCaps are kinda cool but it’s essentially a contractor cap with some cool knick knacks and an insane price tag. Well over $1000 more than a fully loaded ARE, Leer, Century, etc.

 

If you're in BC Canada take a look at Cap-It Bulldog. I got my high rise cap for 1.5-2k less than Leer.

 

Get whatever brand you want, just make sure it has Windoors.

 

I recommend not getting a lot of add ons that toss the price way up. I like the Leer 100R with the only accessory being the removable front sliding glass. I have had them now on three trucks. What I like about them is they have wide opening side windows for when I have my dogs back there. This model also has simple dual latches and a recessed framed back glass that are all trouble free. They also fit and look good. I paid this last April $1569 plus tax with installation included. It took a little longer than usual for it to be made in the factory due to the plague.

 

I was looking at those too but decided against since the colors don't match, I do see a picture of a tan topper, is that a special request?

 

I'm in need of something to keep the dog covered while driving around in Vermont winters, she doesn't go in the cab

 

Is there a nail on the head emoji??

 

Lines on the xr look good

 

My thoughts too. I paid $900 for the basic Leer cap on my Tacoma back in 2007. I even prefer the cheaper dual handles. It is less to wear out and more secure. After 13+ years it is still 100%. Most of the "gadgets" people add on aren't all that useful and are one more thing to go wrong. All they do is add to cost and weight. The removable front window wasn't an option in 2007, but I got that for the cap on my 2014 F150. Prices had gone up, plus it costs more for a bigger truck, but I paid $1400 for it.

I don't think brand is a big deal. Most of them are good, go with the dealer that offers the best price and service where you live. For me that was Leer.

 

Yes. It adds $600. I ended up with a QS canopy because I found a guy in the area that was selling his. It was a perfect match off his QS taco.

If you look at my build thread you can see my two tone look.

-M

 

I would say they are more than a contractor cap. They have better lines, better load rating and weigh less than reinforced fiberglass. I don't have any knick knacks because I don't think they would be as useful as having full use of your win-doors.

I am bias though
-M

 

I certainly wouldn't buy new when used tops are around 25% of the cost. I paid $500 for my ARE and he threw in the Bed-rug mat.
Patience pays off.