Show me your shell!

Really diggin that shell. Makes me want another one....especially since the truck is white and the shell would come color matched at no extra cost.

 

These walk-ins are kind of interesting...didn't see anything similar in the previous 35 pages. Anybody have any other experiences with something like this?

www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/are.html

 

Bought this off craigslist for 600 bucks. ARE CX in mag grey. I like the contrast against my white truck. Looks like I have a canvas top, except more element proof and secure. **Sorry for the shit pictures from my blackberry.

 

I got a question for all the Califonians here, How much do you really save by having a shell on your truck? Are your really saving cuz you just spent $1000+ for the shell. Lets say you save $50, it would take you 20 years to break even. I'm just asking, I love the look with or w/o.

 

I'm pretty sure saving is not the reasoning for buying a shell for 98% of the people on this thread

 

Leer XL with Thule racks

 

Agreed. They needed a shell anyway to haul cargo, and they just happen to save some money afterward.

 

One of the features I want to have in a shell is the ability to mount/dismount roof racks easily. Given that requirement is there one brand of shell/rack that stands out from the pack?

 

Not sure what normal registration is but my renewal is $132

 

Ya, I know this but I was just wondering what the savings might be.

 

Will a a.r.e shell fit on my double cab long bed if it is made for an extended cab.

 

Yup. Same bed size...

 

Depends on the truck. My double cab is $80 per year. Some like a regular cab and some prerunners are only $25/year. Our trucks are right at the weight transition.

I wouldn't buy one just to save on the commercial weight fees. It'd take 12 years to break even on a $1000 shell. It's just a way to save money if you already own one or want one anyway.

Here are the weight fees (electric vehicles have them as well):
http://dmv.ca.gov/vr/fees/weight_less.htm

 

Brand new my renewal was about $450. It's $300 this year including the weight fee.

 

Leer XL100

 

Any advice on the best way to shop these things? There appears to be little pricing information online, and I'm having a hard time choosing which way I want to go both between brands and models within brands. Not to mention trying to keep the outfitted the same to compare apples:apples. I know I want remote locking and a roof rack (or at least the channels for a roof rack), which also eliminates some models from some manufacturers....

This will give you a headache. I can't simply pick the one I like the best without knowing cost information.

 

if you are willing to make some small compromises, you can get a used one on craigslist for less than half of what you'd pay for a new one.....
otherwise, just build the one you want the way you want it at the manufacturers website, get quotes and shop around.

 

Keep your eye out on here, it's a long shot to find one used with all the options you want and the right color but every once in a while it works out. Otherwise, call your local cap distributor for pricing and options. chances are they carry more than one brand and could give you pricing for comparable models by each manufacturer. Some of them carry used shells also so you might get lucky there.

 

I've been shopping used for a long, long time now. Giving up on that nonsense.

 

have you used searchtempest.com?