Am I getting hosed?

Bolt full size onto the Tacoma. Ya, that’s right

 

Well, buy once…

 

Yes, close. When I spoke to them it was 7300 for the bed, 6000 for the removable shell.

 

At that ridiculous price, probably the only people buying them will be prop companies making post apocalyptic vehicles for movies.

“Our shells are different,” no shit, they’re like several times as expensive.

 

This is TW, we spare no expense

 

I Agree.
They will sell to someone, but as an everyday buyer Id just assume stick with the Smart Cap on a factory bed.
In this case, If I were the OP and could see a 6-7k insurance payout on a damaged bed, I really would consider their flatbed with the money.

 

Yes, but don't need removable flatbed sides if you intend to run the shell.

 

Luckily the bed sides are bolt-on. I think I paid $700 (unpainted) for mine a few years back.

Body work is surprisingly expensive, however $6k does seem high to me, but I would need to see the details of the estimate. I think I paid $7k to have my front quarter panel, 2 doors, small cab repair, and bedside to be pained and replaced. My memory might be off.

I recommend never using tire chains unless you absolutely need too. Too much hassle and risk to be worth it. Driving 30 mph with steel wrapped around your tires on the hiway because of some snow is just silly in most cases. If there is no law requiring them and you are able to make forward progress, leave them in the cab.