Pros and cons of a camper shell

At 5'7", side access isn't helpful for me.
From the tailgate, I use a 12" wide push broom to reach stuff, and also to sweep.

 

Well thanks guys. I said fuck it and pulled the trigger leer100r with windoors cab window access 2400$.

 

Congrats! hope you like it!

 

8 weeks wait. At least I have enough time to do the 3rd brake light tsb.

 

Make sure your rear windows is sparkling clean before you get it installed, and have the 3rd brake light recall etc. You ain't getting back there to do anything without a decent amount of work.

 

Most of them now come with the option of the front window dropping down.

 

You're right. Thank you for reminding me, I completely forgot that even mine can do that. Oh well, it's off to get sold now.

 

I heard they were a source of squeaks and laid an extra pile of gasket in there and didn’t open it for like 3-4 months.

 

I'm not sure, certainly a possibility. I bought my truck used and it had the camper installed, but I never experienced any squeaking. Taking it off, some of the gasket slightly peeled off due to adhesive degrading, but it seemed to be only a single pile of gasket. There was some grey stuff in the gaps of the bed that resembled silly putty type texture kind of, but really sticky, but I think that was just installed by the previous owner to help mitigate any water or dust ingress into the bed.

 

My squeaks ended up being the latches and strikers rubbing against each other while driving. It’s sort of easy to fix, but you can’t adjust it without it being unlatched.

 

Glad I never experienced that, what topper did you have?

 

Snugtop

 

Which one? I have a rebel for my DCSB

 

I think it’s the rebel, sportsman’s full windoors on both sides. But it’s in the backyard until I decide to put it back on again.

 

Pretty sure we have more or less the exact same cap then except for the color

 

I've made one out of a broken broom handle and a screw in wall hook, cheap and works a treat.

 

Thinking of getting a camping shell for my Tacoma. Is it true that they will scratch the paint on the sides of the bed?

 

Lots of factors come into play...different years..different manufactures..and if your buying used people say crazy things ..Best way is to confirm serial # fitment with manufacture this will also help with getting replacement parts if needed

 

The wrong one might but mine hasn’t and has probably protected it from falling objects as well. Since I don’t load from the side it’s not getting scratched by keys, belt buckles, or pant rivets either.

 

Can't imagine a pickup without one. Not hauling stuff and don't live on a farm. Not taking it on and off every weekend. No significant disadvantage weight wise or aerodynamically on performance or gas mileage. Lock stuff up and out of sight. With a roof rack I haul my 13' kayak. Dry camper shell is better than a wet tent any day of the week.
You can live in your truck, but you can't drive your house.