My Tacoma Needs A Hard Top

I have been having an itch to buy the LEER 180cc for my Tacoma. My question is: How can I justify hauling around 300lbs to and from work on a daily basis ?

"kevin
the installed price on the 180 cap is $1495.00
it weighs about 300 lbs"

 

You can justify it with whatever you need the hardtop for. I seriously doubt an extra 300lbs will yield a loss in mpg that would be noticeable.

 

Here's your justification: It makes your truck more aerodynamic so you end up saving gas. (I have no idea if this is true, but its the justification I use. )

 

I get the same or better mileage with my Leer on. Do it!

 

Just think of it as a fat chick that you have to carpool with. Except this bitch will protect your shit! haha

 

LMAO...

 

No difference in mileage with my cap on or off

 

Justification arguments, but coming from Canadian who has one:

If you get all the doors opaque and not windows, then there is
some safety from kids pretending to be thieves; out of sight, out of mind.
Some insurance companies might provide discount. ( read key locks )

Will not affect weight for fuel mileage that much.

Anything inside the canopy, if installed correctly, will be "DRY". At least
for the length of the warranty period in theory.

Items loaded on the racks of the canopy ( I'm assuming your getting
the racks ) will not touch, scuff, chip or damage the top of the
cab of your truck.

You can use it as a sleeping shelter if your camping.

If your going into town, you can quickly secure packages, tools in
a canopy covered pickup.

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However, I'm speaking for my canopy, my reasons. My Vehicle
is slightly somewhat modified from what you might have, but
I like it because the setup keeps my gear organized

 

It really depends what your main purpose is for a shell.
The main negatives I found with having a shell are: ( I sold mine within a month of owning one)

1) If you use your bed alot for hauling, it's a chore to have to store it just for that purpose(furniture..etc..)

2) Storage space issues or needing to build some kind of lift in the garage to handle the shell solo.

3) probably need upgraded suspension in the rear to compensate for the weight.

4)reduction in blind spot view, worse trying to reverse, especially when dark.

 

1. Not much (stuffs) for hauling around.
2. No storage issue. It won't be used as storage due to its small size (5' bed).
3. Already upgraded to Bilstin5100
4. increase blind spots. Now this is a good reason for me not to get it.

I love weekend camping trips so I thought having a cap would enable me to shove my junks in and go without having to worry about securing every items down .

 

If weight is your issue, get yourself a tonneau cover so you still get the security of storing stuff without the weight of a shell. Fiberglass tonneau weigh like 75 lbs.

btw, 5100's does not compensate for the extra weight.

 

This is the main reason I kept mine (came with truck when I purchased used). I don't have to worry about securing anything. Nor do I worry about a strap coming loose or undone. Also, if the weather is less than perfect on a weekend trip, I can keep my gear perfectly dry and out of the elements.

As for the blind spots... I'm not going to lie, a cap makes them a little worse. More so on the driver's side. However, I've nearly eliminated my blind spots by tilting the side mirrors outward a little more so that I cannot see the sides of my truck with just a glance. I have to tilt my head to see the sides of the truck in the mirrors. It took some getting used to, but now I like it a lot better because my blind spot (it only exists on the driver's side) is too small for a car to completely hide in.

 

X2. If you're worried about weight and blind spots then perhpas a tonneau cover would suit you better; as long as all your weekend camping gear will still fit.

 

I have a soft tonneau cover now and the issue with Tonneau cover is that you throw in a tent, a few chairs, a cooler, 24 pack of beers in there and your head'd be spinning as to how in the world you'd get all of your camping gears in there. I've removed my tonneau cover and just use large size tarps to cover and tie down my camping gears .