Do you regret getting rid of your camper shell?

I consider the camper shell to be an integral part of my truck. As far as I'm concerned, it's on there permanently. That's the way it was with my 2000 Ford Ranger, as well.

 

It all depends on your needs IMO. When I was using my truck for work, canopy was a must to keep my tools dry and secure. Now I have a work van and canopy is useless on my truck, I actually prefer an open bed so I’m not limited on height. I use my pickup to move furniture and large items quite a bit. Also, an open box looks better, my opinion of course.

 

Really?

 

Only kidding... Biased 1st gen owner here reporting for duty

 

I like first gens but my favorite of all time best looking in my opinion is the 85-88 lifted 4x4. (Marty mcfly truck)
I’ve owned all the generations of trucks including my 3rd gen which I love but my heart is with the 80s! P

 

Depends so much on your lifestyle. I haul mountain bikes, dirt bikes, surfboards (longboards), and plywood occasionally. I definitely do not regret moving to a truck with no shell. I have a Kendon trailer and had roof racks with Thule bike trays on the shell but for me it's just easier to use the open truck bed.

 

haha!

 

I think that’s the route I’m thinking. My dog may have to ride in the cab from now on, but now I can throw dirt bikes in the bed without renting a trailer.

love your choice of motorcycle btw

 

Perfect timing.

I sold my ARE topper about two weeks ago. I'm picking up a GFC in a week. So, in the interim I've had a naked truck to deal with and have some mixed feelings about both sides of the argument.

At first, I loved having the bed open again. I miss the sliding rear window and increased visibility in the rear view. I also love the profile of an uncapped truck and enjoyed chucking my gym bag or whatever else into the back as I was heading out. My 3rd gen has 4.88s and OVT...losing that extra weight in the back made it feel like I gained another 20% in power.

While the traditional looking truck has been nice, I'm starting to miss my dedicated storage space. I regularly carry around a big tub with recovery gear, micro spikes, hatchet, etc that I don't like to leave in the bed when I'm out in public. When I'm out on the weekend fishing, backcountry touring, or whatever else, having that covered staging area to organize gear and cook is nice. I also have more rack attachments and storage boxes than I'd like to admit, so not having the topper has been kind of a PITA when it comes to fly rod storage and the like.

Final verdict--some sort of topper is a must for me. If I wasn't getting the GFC I'd probably go for a soft topper with an integrated bed rack.

 

Will never have a truck without a shell, especially a smaller truck. The beds aren't big enough to haul anything of any size even without a shell and a utility trailer does everything better anyway. I can haul more weight and volume in my trailer than I could carry in a 3/4 ton truck with an 8' bed. It is easier to load/unload and I don't beat up the bed.

The truck bed with the cap on can keep camping gear secure and dry or carry trash and easily be hosed out. Can't do that with a SUV.

 

It's one of those things where you own it and it's paid for. But if you sell it and decide you want it back it costs 2x or 3x as much just to get what you already had. I run a tri-fold tonneau, but if I had a fiberglass shell I would probably hang on to it for this reason. Rarely do I find used ones for the tacoma around here.

 

Grass is always greener… until your on the other

 

I constantly go back and forth. I like having the shell and it stays on most of the time, but sometimes it comes off. Because of that I made a hoist system so I can remove it on my own anytime I want. I prefer to haul on my hitch carrier with the shell on or off because its a pain in the ass to get the bike in the bed of a lifted truck.

 

Agree. Similar to my situation. My '06 had a cap from day one. Especially love it in the winter cuz I don't have to shovel snow out of the bed. It's a relatively dry space to carry my bulky tools. Also a reasonably comfortable place to sleep when on long road trips (with a pad or air mattress). Have had a landscape (flatbed) trailer for my lawn tractor ever since I first bought the tractor. I use the same excuse for not hauling for friends (don't tell them about the trailer).
It all works for me. When I decided to get my '21 TRD OR AC it was a forgone decision that it would get a cap (Leer 180 with Thune rack).
Would not have it any other way.

 

As mentioned above, once, find yourself a small trailer, keep the canopy for the sake of your dogs, and the fact there will be less damage "inside" your truck.
With a small trailer, it's much more convenient. I have an 04 DCSB with a LEER on it from day one.
I've have a small (6x10) TRITON, all aluminum, and VERY easy to move about by hand. Easy to lift up (by hand) and lean against the side of the shop too.
I also have a TRITON 4-Place, Snow-Mobile trailer for bigger stuff. One too many trailers!!
My 2021 DCLB will be getting a canopy soon as well.

Think several times about your decision of getting rid of your canopy. I think you'll regret it.

 

okay now I’m thinking of keeping it. What hitch did you go with? That looks like exactly what I need

 

I think you’re right, my main gripe has been the unavailability of bed space when I decide to haul a dirtbike or couch.

that being said, I will likely never find another cement shell for what I paid for this so I should probably just save for the lift if I decide I really want it. And in the worst case I lose my job and my home I can at least sleep comfortably in the truck. (Maybe, 6’2 in a short bed could be uncomfortable)

 

When I bought my new truck, I didn't ever consider trading my 04 in. Why cut my nose off, spite my face?
Problem now, I have two trucks, two trailers, and not much room left to maneuver. "Something" has to go away.
I'm thinking the 4-Place trailer.