Looking to buy a canopy... Is it worth the price?

Hey guys,

Like some of you may have seen I am currently in the market for a canopy for my DCSB in SSM. I have the ability to paint so if I find one in a different color but it's a good price then I wouldn't mind. I had a Leer 100XL on my last truck and was nothing but happy with it so I would like to get a Leer for my Tacoma. I have seen plenty of Raiders, ARE, and SnugTops but not too many Leer. The Leer that I bought for my last truck (Chevy Colorado) was a killer deal at $150. Most of those other brands are running $500-800 but I finally found a Leer for a short bed and the guy wants $1,200. I offered $900 but he came back and said $1,000 would be his "bottom dollar". I am a cheap bastard and I know it so its really hard for me to drop $1,000 on a canopy that I am going to have to repaint and get wiring installed.

So my question is, do you guys think its worth the $1,000 for a Leer 100XQ thats not the right color and "good shape"?

 

Considering that just across your northern border a new Leer runs ~$2000+ (mine was $2800 installed with a power lock), $1000 might not be such a bad deal. But keep shopping around.

 

I think I stopped by that place in Lynnwood. They had a Leer 100R for $1,300 installed in the correct color but I just thought that was kind of high for a basic canopy. I called the one on I5 south of Federal Way and up in Bellingham but neither of them had any for me. I need a canopy for a lot of things that I do and I know that that specific model retails for $2,000+ but it is still really hard for me to even put down $900. There is another guy that is local (new TW member) that has a white SnugTop Rebel for $800. I am hesitant because it's the wrong color and for some reason I don't like how the back is higher and the windows are so small.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...ebel-white-dcb-shortbed-eastside-seattle.html

I know I shouldn't be so picky being on the limited budget that I am but I don't want to spend that much money on something that I won't be completly happy with.

I agree with you. It very well may be worth that much, as it also comes with power locks, carpeted interior and dome light. The only problem is that $1,000 is already above my budget and then I have to repaint and wire.

 

$1,000 for that particular shell isn't a bad deal. When you take into account that you have to have it painted and, based on the way you said it, won't be doing your own wiring, it might not be such a great deal for YOU. It depends on how much time you're willing to spend searching for another one. You won't find any new shells for $1,000 and the XQ is a fairly dressy shell. I would think you could probably find a cheaper used shell if you're willing to look but for that shell, $1,000 isn't a bad price.

 

I already have the paint/clear coat from painting my handles, mirrors and satoshi so thats not too much of a problem. The only reason I am looking to pay less for one that is the right color is becasue of the hastle.

This is the rebel that I found in the Seattle area. It's not bad but to me the Leer just looks that much better:

 

I have the OEM roof rack and eventually I plan on installing rails on what ever canopy that I get. I really like to OEM rack looks so I will most likely do what I did on my Colorado canopy and install a customized OEM rack to keep the same 'lines' as you say. I will most likely take a 4runner rack and customize it to fit my needs.

OH, I forgot to mention that the Leer also comes with a Toyota rubber bed mat.

 

Just got a camper shell and I love it. Adds a whole new level of functionality to my truck for lockable dry storage for my gear and dog. Gas mileage may have nudged up a mpg or two if my ultragauge is telling the truth. I love it..

 

I really like the rebel I've got.. quality etc is excellent, and the leers look like they match the truck lines slightly better imho. Can't go wrong either way.

Another rebel pic(mine):

 

See those pictures don't look as bad when it comes to the height of the rear but I'm not sure how happy I would be with the smaller side windows. I know a lot of people have sliders for their dogs but I don't think that will help me with my wifes Yorkies lol I would prefer the clean look of the pop outs.

majorhavok, I think I remember seeing a post about yours. Didn't you have to get it shipped to HI?

 

Nope, I was stalking craigslist here in SoCal for months and ended up buying a black snugtop XV (bigger windows flush lock) and then literally an hour later this rebel that matched my MGM popped up so I bought it too.

I agree the pop out windows looks cleaner, but sliders work just fine. You'll be happy with whatever you get I think. I do agree the leer is probably the best looking shell, but the quality of snugtop seems tip-top which is what I'd heard in my research. It also holds up to 500# iirc whereas the leer maxes at 400#. Normally who cares, but I'm contemplating a RTT.

 

I actually did see this one but unfortunately it is for a "2001-2004" The widths of the beds are wonky between the two body styles.

 

hrm.. I can't find the data on their website, so I'll trust you. how much is the stock rebel?

I also wonder if the smaller ones i.e. the taco dcsb can by default hold more weight than for instance a 6 or 8 foot bed which with the same thickness would have a longer beam (unsupported) distance. .

Good thing wife+me are no where near 500 lbs. lol

Edit: just saw the site FAQ said 175#. I'm assuming they are talking about weight while driving which would likely be far less than RTT style static parked weight. All the same, I would want to either beef up the support if I saw it sagging or anything, but I know people have mounted RTT's to their shells with no problems.

 

I would agree. It seems that the length and width would play a crutial part of its load capacity yet they just generalize that it can hold a specific amount.

I don't see how a canopy for a full size truck with an 8' bed could hold the same amount of weight as a mid size truck with a 5' bed if the material that it is made of is the same thickness.

Edit: Unless they are saying that that load capacity is not what the canopy could hold but more for what the mounting points can hold without braking the canopy. Im pretty sure that if you spread the contact points out over a larger amount of area then you will be able to hold more weight.

 

Hey Ya'll,

I just thought I would give you guys an update. I found a SnugTop Xtra Vision paintmatched to my truck for $800. I am going to pick it up tomorrow morning at 9am. Im pretty stoked.

 

Nice find, congrats.

 

I'm in the market for a canopy as well. I was on craigslist and saw that Snugtop Rebel. Its a really good deal and the paint match my truck too. But like you I think Leer canopy looks better. I like the 100XL, XR, and the XQ.

 

Congrats OP I hope I find one too.

 

Is this worth the price? Does anyone have a Raider canopy? What's your opinion on it.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pts/3821924245.html

 

Did you see this one too???

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/ptd/3823940013.html

 

One is DCSB, the other is LB. The LB is a bit basic actually, no headliner etc.. and the other seems nice, but I'm sure you could find either a leer, A.R.E. or even snugtop for cheaper if you wait. I bought two here for under $500 each but it took a while.