Camper Shell Visibility

I also live in a cul de sac with a lot of young families and pets running around. I always back into my drive way. Never felt worried about lessened visibility. Granted, I do have the back up camera and use it frequently.

OP: if you don't have the back up camera, perhaps you can invest in one to alleviate your parent's concerns. You can get plate mounted ones, or even ones that stick to the inside of the rear window.

 

The drop in visibility (for non reverse situations) is relatively minor ignoring glass choices I made on an ARE CX. Just think of scenarios of how you intend to use the window/sliders. As others have noted layers/sets of tinted glass and screens(bug and pet) are not easy to see through.

Regarding reverse - as long as you have a back-up cam no worries.

 

I just put an Xtra Vision Snug Top on my Accesss cab and there is a noticeable change in visibility, especially looking straight out the back window. But turning around and looking out the back before wasn't an effective way of backing up anyway. I've always used my side mirrors and they work great.

You're buying the shell with your own funds? And the purpose of it is to securely store your gear? I'd say the pros out weigh the cons on this one.
Good luck - FlagRS

 

I'd say get it, and invest in some LED reverse lights from Csjumper. Helps with backing up at night. And get the seller a really good case if beer, since its a helluva deal

 

See the post right above that one

 

Yes it inhibits visibility, the blind spots can hide a whole car, but even without the shell, it's still an issue, i used to drive bobtail trucks, same issue, treat it like a truck (duh), and drive it safely. Mirrors are your best friend, that and situational awareness at all times. By situational awareness I mean that you are aware of who is behind you and next to you at all times. In Cali motorcycles can legally lane split and they typically do that between lanes one and two (the closest lanes to the center divider), in traffic below 35 mph if i am in either of these two lanes I am keeping an eye on my mirrors, the center and the side mirrors. If I change lanes and cut off a motorcycle he is going to get hurt or killed and it will be my fault.

When traffic is moving I stay aware of who is behind me and next to me, it is never a good idea to remain in a trucker's blind spot so if I find myself there i speed up or slow down to get out of that area, if you can't see him in his mirrors he can't see you, the same applies for me in my truck, I don't let people sit in my blind spots. I have to lean over quickly to clear the lane to my right and i turn my head quickly to check over my left shoulder to change to my left. This after checking my mirrors.

The ones that are hardest to check for are if someone changes into the lane you want to go into from the next lane over. Sometimes people will go into the lane you want and do all of this while in your blind spot, you have to fully check to make sure no one is there before you go.

The other scary part is backing up from a parking space, I can drive this truck just as good backwards as I can forwards but without a camera I still have large areas I cannot account for in my mirrors or by looking back, even if I didn't have the shell, a little kid could run behind my truck and I wouldn't see him over the tailgate. In crowded areas, if I feel that I don't have everyone accounted for, I will get out and check behind me. I have asked parents to hold on to their kids so I can safely back out. Again, if I hit someone, no matter how stupid they are, it's still my fault.

 

I completely realize that your frosted over mirrors require the use of backup camera for most driving situations.

 

Add spot mirrors.

For me, a glas topper muffles the sound of approaching cars and motorcycles. Listen carefully and look twice before changing lanes.

When you park, park away from everyone else. Not only will you reduce dings in your own truck, but the couple of extra seconds it takes you to get into the store will be more than made up when you leave.

 

You can do it, but you have to make sure your driving habits are type B rather than type A. When I had a Miata, I could change lanes in a split second. In a truck with a topper, you just have to be in type B mode. Look, signal, look again, change lanes slowly in case you missed seeing someone. Knowing how I was at 19, I think your parents are probably worried about your ability to drive in type B mode. I wish I had a DCSB when I was 19. I had a bike. LOL.

 

"Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" I actually think that the Tacoma mirrors have minimal blind spots and if you're used to depending on your side-views then you'll be fine. Maybe try not using your rear-view for a day or two and it will improve your confidence. I drive a lot in high traffic areas here in Nor Cal

My '12 DCLB has a Leer 100XQ and the windows on it, as well as my rear cab windows have %100 tint. I always roll past my driveway, checking for safety. Then back in. Always. I literally cannot see out of my back window. I usually have one or more bikes in back and this keeps them out of sight. I also have the JBL factory upgrade that puts the back-up cam in the head unit so visibility directly behind the truck is supurb and allows the luxury of backing into my garage every night. Rear bumper is about 1 inch from hitting the end of the garage. But it fits.

 

Maybe you can drive that way in Denver, but Westie can back me up on this, " Look, signal, look again, change lanes slowly" just don't happen on Cali freeways, it's mirrors/check/signal/slash, roll into the lane like you friggin own it.

 

^ do that and you'll be fine. I've had Snugtop's on 3 Toyota's and 2 Ford F-250's and have not had any driving/parking issues that would prevent me from recommending their use on a Taco. My wife and daughter drive my new Taco with a Snugtop Highliner and do not have problems with visibility. A little time learning to use your mirrors in a parking lot will help you get comfortable with the shell, it did for my daughter. If it's possible, drive a friends truck that has a shell just to see how much or how little it affects your driving.
Good luck with the folks and enjoy the Snugtop, it's a very well made product and I bet you'll enjoy the benefits of having one.

 

I've never had a single issue changing lanes with the camper top. Now backing out of parking spots or an unfamiliar drive way at night, can be difficult. I've got the csjumper led reverse lights and some led pods from southeast overland. And it's like day light behind my truck.

 

It was a great deal and I am so happy with it!

Just so everyone knows, I did get the camper and visibility is fine! I will probably be looking to get some LED back up lights though.

Thank's for all the input! It was very accurate!

 

I forgot to tell you to invest in a bed mat. Really helps, especially if you're going to be throwing gear back there and what not. Deezee makes one that's just as good as the toyota one.

 

If wanted, you can do the anytime backup camera mod. Not sure if it will help with blind spots on the shell or not as I haven't done this mod nor do I have a shell (yet, someday)

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...anytime-rear-view-camera-switch-dash-mod.html