Thoughts on bed caps appreciated

Indeed! Smart move!

 

I have an Alu-Cab canopy. Bought second hand on here!

If you like the look of a black cap (because AluCab doesn't color match) that is what I would recommend. Its all aluminum, so I don't have to think twice about banging it around. Has t-slot rails on the top for cross bars or whatever you want to bolt down. As well as on the inside. My stuff stays dry and dust free. 10/10 would recommend

 

Seen here in action

 

I love that you can stand on top of it like that…nice rig!

 

Do these toppers stay on well enough when you're off-roading?

 

I understand that your install and dealer prices may vary from mine but what was the final cost of your shell?

 

I have a Leer 100R with windoors on my long bed. The dogs hangout back there so having the windoors for extra ventilation when necessary was a must. I haven't had any noticeable leaks after numerous storms and car washes. I was leaning towards the 100XR for the single latch, frameless window but I don't mind the two latches on the 100R at all.

I spent weeks getting quotes from all nearby shops and most places were within a few hundred dollars (on a $4k cap). Ended up getting extremely lucky and finding the exact topper I wanted (right color no less) on CL 30 minutes away. No 6-8 week wait and saved about $1200.

 

I've thought about whether to buy a tonneau cover or bedcap...I still have time to think about it but like discussions like this...

Ed

****

 

Love my ARE with windoors
Consider getting a reinforced shell if you want to put really heavy shit, like a roof top tent, on top

 

Alucab doesn't move. She's bolted down pretty well

 

Thank you! It certainly is handy.

 

I've had no issues with mine, though I don't OR too much. Guys at the shop who installed it say the bed will fall off before the topper

 

I have both a an ARE and a Leer. The ARE is on my 3/4 ton PU, and the Leer is on my Tacoma: Leer is far a better truck cap all around I.M.H.O..

 

Check out he smart cap thread for details on those.
Great looking, light and strong…

I have the adventure- with windows - as opposed to the solid panel option…

 

After shopping around between Washington and Oregon, the final cost was $3816.07. I did the carpet liner, both sliding windoors, the drop out front slider, Thule tracks up top for the future Prinsu, and keyless entry with the toyota key fob. This cost was after a 5% military discount. The cost in Oregon even without sales tax was only $6 cheaper but a 2 hour drive, so shop around like others have said.

 

I went with the leer because I wanted Windoors. IMO. At least with the ones I've seen the ARE Windoors don't actually fit the shape of the window recess, and I think it looks super cheap. Not sure why they would do this, but if you've never noticed, keep your eye out on caps, and you'll spot one every drive. I have issues. I know.

I went all out on the 100xr add ons. Including key fob rear glass, Windoors, smooth rear glass, top rack tracks, carpet, fold in front slider. Only regret is the fold down slider. Waste of money. Maybe in 5 years when I feel like washing the window. We'll see. Definitely spring for carpet at a minimum. First time you drag your forehead on it, it will pay for itself.

All caps leak on Tacoma's without significant bed sealing. Maybe your cap dealer will be better, but mine was half a$$ed when it came to sealing.

I've had to remove all the windows, in every cap I've owned and seal them with windshield rope. (Name escapes me... Black tar rope) but once that's done... Leak free. Both ARE and leer. 4 caps total.

 

Mine was about $3200 out the door. That was back in May of 21. I waited about 8 weeks for it. For the price of an extremely used commuter car, you yourself could have a brand new truck cap!

I would try to keep your eyes open on the Facespace or CL. I had never paid more than $1000 in the past for used caps. I had to have one painted, but I knew that I would be resealing the windows anyway, so I was able to get it sprayed pretty cheap, because I removed all the glass ahead of time. The windows come out pretty easy.

 

This was my leer XL on my 2nd gen

 

ARE DCU. Great quality. Good color match. Solid side doors. Small window with cage inside for security. Very stout & Light

 

Awesome, thanks for the info!