Distinguishing a 2005+ Camper Shell

Does anybody know how to tell a 2005+ camper shell from an earlier one? What are the dimensions on a 2nd gen shell?

I've found a good deal on craigslist but they bought it used, never put it on their truck, and got rid of their tacoma. They think it's from a 2008 but they aren't sure and it's 100 miles away from me so I don't want to drive all that way to find out it's not the right shell.

Is there anything I can have them measure to know it's the right one before I go all the way down there?

 

I never messed with one but I would think if you measured length and width of your bed from the outside of the rails. And the measured the same way on the cap then you would have a good idea? Just a thought really. Personally I would check it out regardless for rust and cracks and other types of neglect.

*just my 2 cents

 

Ask for the manufacturers name, then call/email them and ask if it will fit.

Frank

 

I did that but I was hoping to get some measurements of people's shells. Are they supposed to sit on the outside of the rails? The middle of the rails? I don't really know.

 

What type of cap ?

My Leer wraps over the bed cap rails

Seen here

 

My A.R.E. covers the bed rails also.

 

maybe you could ask the seller if the cap has a model number to reference for your truck?

 

This would probably be your best bet. There should be a serial number on a metal tab somewhere inside the shell. Give that number to a dealer and they should be able to tell you what vehicle it was made for.

 

Ask how it attaches. If it uses C-clamps it it not likely for a 2nd gen. If it has mounts that work with the bed rail system it is for your truck.

 

That's a good idea. Also, go to another shell manufacturer's site and look and see how many different year models they have '05+. I say this because the back of the cabs differ between std. bed and others. You can probably narrow some of the models based on the length too, but look at a picture and as others said, get the mfgr & serial number. Also, the color may narrow things if it's color matched as 05+ have unique colors.

RZ Rob

 

I think this just answered it for me right here. They said it is 60" wide and that puts it in the middle of my rails, not covering them. So I don't think it'll fit.

But I'm ok with that, they sent me pictures and it looks like it's a leer 122. It appears to in really good shape and the same color as my truck but I don't want a hightop even if it did fit. The search continues.

Oh and with regards to asking for model numbers and other details, the seller seemed pretty clueless. I got the impression it was a wife listing it for her not so internet savvy husband so there was a middle man whenever I had a question.

 

What color are you looking for.

 

Silver streak mica but if it's a good deal I'm not super picky. I've repainted motorcycles tons of times and have all the equipment to repaint it.

Oh yeah and it needs to fit an access cab.

 

I have one for sale: Tacoma Cap