Show me your shell!

I agree - the windoors are the most useful option I've ever seen on a top / shell ...

 

i am starting my shopping for a cap and as soon as i get my income tax return it will be ordered . unfortunatetly around here i dont have many places to choose from. i really like the ARE Z series and Leer XR, BUT i would like to see how the windows open (ventilation for my dogs). could anyone take a picture with the side windows open?

i will probably get the 100R (with sliding rear windows), liner, and rack on top.

 

I bought an A.R.E. Z because of one feature that I could not find from any other topper manufacture. I looked at Snugtop, Leer, Century, Jason, and Lakeland. The A.R.E. was more money than I wanted to spend, $2400 after tax and install, but it did have everything I wanted.

My shell is carpeted (which matched my Bedrug nicely), it has a domelight which is powered from the trailer harness and always has power regardless of the ignition, a sliding drop-down front window, doesn't use clamps to install, allows me to still use the bed track system, tilt out windows, a slam latch and a twist handle that isn't fowled by ice. The one feature it has that sets it apart from everyone else is electric locks tied into my trucks locks. This is a huge benifit for me. When I hit my keyfob, I can lock everything. Same thing, if I need access to my bed, I don't have to carry the specific key for the topper, I just use my keyfob to unlock it.

I never liked how Leer's 3rd brakelight has a milky white lense. It seems strange that they do this.

 

How much extra was the power lock? That interests me greatly! I'm kinda curious how it's wired too. Do the light and lock wires all run to one harness for quick disconnecting when you want to remove the shell? I happen to be leaning toward an A.R.E. shell myself.

 

Since all shells are required to have a 3rd break light, there will be wires. The power tap for it, the dome light, ground, and locking actuator wires all run together and have quick disconnects and fuses. The install guys drilled a hole in my bed near the tail light on one side. It's all hidden under my bedrug so the installation didn't have to be the neatest. The wires from the lock on the glass hatch are run hidden through molding and are nestled into the hinge. They dissappear for the most part. All wires were run with split loom and the wire running to the cab for the locks were pretty professionally routed. They used the ports under the cab to get in and ran it through the door sill to tap into the circuit. I know this as when I installed my stereo with backup camera, I threaded that wire through the same loom.

I can't remember exactly, but I think electric locks were in the $180-$225 price range. I didn't bicker about price as I knew the install and wiring was worth it alone.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Did you have to remove the plastic bed rail caps for the leer??

 

Nope, goes right on top, and is attached with the rail system.


http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/11173/ppuser/3825

 

I just bought a ARE MX w/the tilt in slider. Wanted the windoors but the slider would have been to small. I was looking at both the MX and the 180. But, leer went back in time w/two handles. Can anyone w/a MX let me know what the opening is at the rear door? (height) THX

 

I think I'm may be in the market for a cap. My local dealer carries Ranch and Century.................Anyone have pics of these on your truck?

I really like the look of the ARE's.

 

Here's mine! Some updated pics

 

I'll get some pics of mine. I've actually got 2. Ones about 25-35 years old. Used to be white, but now its brown/rust. Some windows are busted out, but fixed that with garbage bags and duct tape. Looks great on my white truck. Gives me somewhere to sleep durin deer season. Serves every purpose an exspensive one does. All it cost me was the gas to go get it. Look on craigslist n you'll find a deal.

When i dont use it I have a piece of plywood i cut that fits over the sliderails in the bed. You can crawl right up under it n sleep. Keeps stuff dry as well, just park so your tailgate is down hill. I'll try to get pics this weekend.


...yeah im redneck. cant help it

 

I had a Century, Royal model on my 2000 Tacoma. It was nice.


This was the last day I drove it before sending it to the crusher.

 

Thanks for the pics, what brand is that?

I checked every craigslist in Indiana,Ohio and Kentucky last night...............nothing. I'll keep looking.

Great pic, thanks. Nice Rad Red 1st gen! Sorry for your loss.

 

Hoosiertaco--Mine is made by Raider - Sounds like it's a Canadian made topper as I haven't noticed it in the States. If I'm wrong, please someone correct me! (grin) It's very similar the the Leer topper.

Also, in the pic is my slide out cargo bed. In this pic I was using it for a bed, but normally I use it for my tools. It sure is great as I never have to crawl into my truck bed to retrieve anything!

 

Truck looks great, thanks for the info.

 

Here is my shell and bedrug:

 

how you liking those pop open side windows? That's the way I want to get mine. Truck and top look great!!

Just curious, I have my reasons to get those, but what was your thinking on why you wanted the side windows to open? Thanks for your thoughts.

 

I wanted easy access to the cargo towards the front if the bed was full and when I am loading the truck when it is hot, I can open the sides to get some cross ventilation.

 

sounds good. I like to bird hunt, and will be hauling a dog caddy in the back, this would help me be able to reach things in front of the box. Thanks Mac.