Tips For Buying a Used Topper?

Hi TW! As the title states, I'm in the market for a used topper. A little nervous as this is a large investment, even on the used market.

How does one install a used topper and wire the 3rd brake light? DIY or will shops do this for you?

Any gotchas to look out for from sellers? Thanks!

 

Not quite an answer to your question, but if you shop around and get some quotes on a new topper, you might find it makes more sense to purchase new, get the options you want, and have it professionally installed.

At least from my research that’s what I found. Why spend $2k on a nice used topper when a new one is a little more.

 

Thanks Just_A_Guy. I was thinking the same. Looking at over $3k locally for most new toppers. Near $4k with numerous options. Used seems much more appealing at that price point.

 

There should just be a couple wires coming from the shell that you splice into the brake lights. Have somebody hit the brakes while you check each wire in the taillight with a multimeter. Just splice into the one that gets voltage when the brakes are hit. As for gotchas, the only thing that might not be obvious is if the shell got repainted. There is usually a little placard on the ceiling that should give original color and model number so you can see if they've modified it.

 

Be prepared to shop and shop, travel at the drop of a hat, and have cash ready. They sell quick, unless priced almost new.

While not constantly, I looked for three years, and had to drive 4.5 hours one way the next morning to get it. Hindsight? I like the topper so much, if I could do it again, I’d buy new right away.

Myself (and it sounds like others) had to look for used trucks w a matching bed topper and talk the seller in to separating. Which does behoove the seller too.

 

Not sure where you’re located, but might look into ordering new from out of state. Different regions have different prices.

 

That's exactly what I did. Nobody was selling one in my color, so I eventually asked somebody to sell the shell separately and got lucky.

 

My guy didn’t want to separate, but after I told him I’d be giving him much more than the truck would, he agreed. When we her, he admitted he was glad I talked him in to it, as it was a quick easy process, and he knew the likelihood of finding the right buyer that would willing to paying way I did, was very low.

 

I just ordered an ARE CX Classic new a week ago. Ordered with a headliner, a dome light, 2 LED strips, and a tilt down front slider (allows you to clean the rear windshield of the truck as well as the outside of the topper front window). With all wiring, installation, and removal of my existing BakFlip G2 tonneau it was $3,094. If you're paying a couple of grand for a used one I would seriously consider going new. If you get a bargain that's a different story.

 

LOTS of good info in here. Thanks everyone! FL_TRD Sport, can I ask where you ordered your topper? I am in FL as well.

 

Good luck finding what you want used. I've been trolling everywhere trying to avoid spending $3500 on a new one. No luck, might have to bite the bullet in the coming weeks.

 

Installing a used topper is pretty easy. Really only takes 2 normally strong people of lift it on. I bought a used one that luckily matched my paint. I wired it up myself. I paid about $1800 for a cap that sold for $2800 new. Wiring up the brake light is pretty easy. I DYI'd it but I think you can even buy a harness that plugs in somewhere on the brake lights?

But wait there's more. Then I sold that truck, kept the cap and repainted it match the new truck. I wouldn't recommend doing that, unless you enjoy sanding and painting things.

You posted in the 3rd gen forum so I will say this. Getting any cap 100% watertight is pain in the butt. Both my trucks want to leak at the front left corner of the bed. I knew this from the first truck, sealed up a bunch of stuff before I put the cap on the 2nd truck. Still had a small leak there when it rains hard. I've put more silicon on it and I think I've got it sealed now but if it leaked again tomorrow it wouldn't surprise me. It's not a ton of water, just a small puddle that forms on top of the drivers side wheel hump.

 

I live in Port St. Lucie. If you are in the area and it would make sense for you to order from them and go there for the install feel free to shoot me a DM and I will give you all the info.

 

Deals are out there, it just takes a couple years and be willing to travel.
I found my color matched ARE CX a couple hours away for $500. I couldn't get there fast enough.

 

Found my LEER used right here on TW. Met the guy and we swapped it over in about 15 minutes. I’d say I paid 2/3 of new price and it was 98/100 in terms of condition. Haven’t had any regrets or complaints in the few years I’ve had it.

the easiest way to hook up the brake and interior lights is with this harness. No cutting the factory harness.
https://www.ezwheeler.com/products/...ug-in-t-harness-300200?variant=32202985766995

 

That harness is awesome. Really like the option of not cutting into the factory harness. From searching on the forums, looks like there are some no splice lock/unlock options as well.

 

I spent about two years of checking Facebook and other sale apps weekly for a topper that was 1. in good shape 2. color matched black 3. aggressively priced. 4. within 250 miles of Colorado Springs (so including Denver). I also looked in Dallas Fort Worth and major cities in between every now and then as I make that drive semi-frequently.

Finally, when I really needed one I dropped the dough and ordered exactly what I wanted. Spent about 3k after tax and upgrades on a new ARE CX Evolve. My find it used mission was harder to accomplish as I have a long bed. But in the end, I never even came close to getting it done used. If your criteria is similar to mine and you’re picky, it’ll take some serious luck.

 

So... the more I've been reading online, there more the drawbacks of toppers are turning me off to the idea. I do light off roading a couple times per year, and seems like I'm at serious risk for scratching up my bed sides, which is probably the biggest turn off for me in addition to some of the other pros/cons.

 

I’m not following. Are you saying the topper is going to increase the scratching damage to quarter panels or you just don’t want to add more painted surface area to scratch?
Either way, if you’re going to pin strip it all up, I don’t think it matters, as most would just assume the consequences, and outfit the truck for their needs regardless.

 

Essentially referring to what is outlined in the below threads. The shell is a nice to have convenience factor for now, but not a MUST at this time. (doubling covered bed storage. putting my dog in the bed rather than cab, etc.) So I will have to think if its worth the trade off of paint damage.


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...backwards-and-rubbing-paint-off-truck.694030/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leer-100xr-scratched-paint-down-to-metal.683381/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-shell-any-risk-of-paint-damage.778775/page-2