Off-Brand Stainless Steel Camper Shell - Worth It?

Hi, Folks!

I'm in the market for a camper shell for my 2021 TRD OR DCLB. I have wanted to save up for a new leer 100 XR for a while, but I don't have the budget for it and I just lost my job to federal cuts. At the same time, however, my GF and I are planning to roadtrip out west this summer to climb, visit cities to consider moving, and apply to jobs remotely. We could use a camper shell now in order to save on lodging costs. Our plan, therefore, is to buy a used camper shell of any kind on FB marketplace, sleep in it all summer, and then resell it on FB at the end of the road trip to recoup expenses.

I found a listing for a stainless steel camper shell selling new for $1,500. It has no brand associated with it, but it looks almost identical (a few differences) to the RSI smartcap design. I'm guessing that this is some knock off - perhaps Chinese.

For $1,500, I would normally just go get it without much concern. But I am in fact worried about the resale value. Will anyone else want to buy this at $1,500 or even $1,000 once I am done with it, knowing that it isn't backed by a reputed company with a maintenance team and replacement parts? Is this a complete scam or is it a worthwhile knock off that is plenty good? Note that a new smartcap is like $3,000 - $4,000 minimum.

 

Do you own a tent? $1500 is still a big chunk of change if you just lost your job; I think you can camp and save money on a much smaller investment.

If you're planning to resell it (kind of strange, honestly), I wouldn't buy something cheaply built. Wouldn't hurt to check it out, though, and you can always make a low-ball offer.

 

We do have a tent, but having a camper shell would give us a layer of comfort for security, both for ourselves at night and for our belongings when we are away from the truck. Yes, $1,500 is a lot, but I have savings and my gf will pitch in since she will still have an income and she has asked for this trip (I'm teaching her to climb).

 

I agree with your gut, very skeptical on spending that kind of money on no-name stuff.
If you are in a jamb and need a topper, maybe ask the owner some questions- how long have you had it? Where did you buy it? Have an email confirmation of the order? Why are you selling?
Name brand painted to match toppers are tough used, I looked for a looonng time, struck a deal one evening, and had to leave the next morning on an 8 hour (one way) road trip to grab it. Hindsight; I wish I would have just ordered new when I bought the truck and not gone without for so long,,, that is what I will do next time.

GL

 

There is a thread on them here: Alibaba / AliExpress Camper Shell Thread | Page 12 | Tacoma World You might want to look into them there.

 

you can poke around on here for a shell. long beds are less common, but they show up.

not sure if this one is sold yet or not, but its in colorado
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/colorado-trading-post.148930/page-2118#post-30529321

having a shell for security is worth it by itself. my wife and i did a 2 week trip with a tonneau cover and i wish we had more space.

 

This is a great place to checkout for shells. They are pricey but better than brand new prices. They just sold 2 tacoma shells

https://aatoppers.com/used-and-closeouts/

 

You would be the guinea pig with that camper shell. But you should look on Craigslist. People will sell used shells at a place like this.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pts/d/santa-clara-toyota-tacoma-6ft-bed/7845458662.html
they are out there regionally.

 

Alibaba special. Definitely avoid

 

Don’t count out Softopper can find those & New not bad either.. there a whole thread bout them. I just spent 5 nights in mine.