Show me your shell!

After getting a 2013 SR5 in January I was on the hunt for a cap again.
My 2009 TRD Sport that was totaled had a cab-level Century cap that I was pretty happy with but there were a few things I was looking to change for the 2013. I wanted to have a front slider window (the Century had no slider and no hinge), wanted to have two handles (versus the one central handle on the Century) just because it feels more secure and latches easier, and I wanted a mid-rise cap for a little more capacity & head room. Of course I preferred to save money on a used cap if at all possible. I had hit up 2nd Gen Tacoma Marketplace here and craigslist for nearly two months and didn't find anything nearby for a 2nd Gen in any color or brand. I was starting to sense that come summer I'd have no choice but to order new.
Then came a Friday when I clicked on a ad simply titled "Truck Topper" and nearly fell out of my chair when I opened it to reveal the cap I thought I would only find by ordering. It was just over 2 hours from me and I arranged to go get it Saturday morning. The guy was listing it for his brother-in-law who had it on a 2008 access cab. He was concerned about it fitting my truck but was impressed "that was made for it" when it fit like a glove as we rested it on my truck. Same as when I bought my Century they were sold as "for Tacoma Access Cab". I almost suspect they are sold this way to avoid the potential of shipping 6' caps across the country to trucks with 5' boxes. If it's listed as Access Cab they know all the buyers will have a 6' box.
The color of the cap is slightly darker than my truck. I don't know if the Barcelona Red mix was slightly different in 2008 or what is the cause of the shift. I don't have much problem with this although my 7 year old daughter loves to point out the difference and talk smack (future TW member no doubt). In time I could always have it painted to a perfect match. The 180 came with a key for the locks but they were pretty well frozen up with rust on the inside parts. $20 later I had a complete set of brand new handle hardware w/ 4 new keys.
I'll have to put up an image of my cantilever removal and storage rack with the cap on it once I remove the cap later on this year.

 

Anyone know how tall the Rhino Rack is from mount to top of cross bar?

Here's an example of the rack in question that I'm considering adding to my Leer:

http://www.carid.com/universal-roof-racks/rhino-rack-aero-cap-topper-roof-rack-3881682.html


Any helps greatly appreciated

 

Besstop works for me. Had an arg tonneau before but bedded

 

Used market for campers kind of sucks. Ended up with this shell for $100. Needs paint, and it's a little narrow. It will work for the camping trips though, and I'm a little glad to save the money it would cost to buy new.

 

this

agreed

 

I finally pulled the trigger on an A.R.E. Z series.

Carpet
Flip down w/slider
Lock tied to door locks
Vent windows
Battery LED dome light
Yakima Tracks (Already have the landing pads,towers, and bars)

About a 3 week wait...

 

Stately!

 

I will be getting my Leer 100XR installed this Friday. I got the removable front window. Looking forward to posting my pics when it's done. Stay tuned.

 

Leer 100R

 

^Awesome! Congrats! Looks good.

 

Well I bought my 2013 Tacoma back on August 14, 2013. Today is April 18, 2014. So essentially it took me eight months to show you all my shell. This forum has been a great tool for me to decide on what I wanted. I am posting my before and after photos all of which were taken today. Hopefully my photos can assist somebody in deciding on what shell they want to buy.

2013 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab Spruce Mica.



New Leer 100XR. Fold down removable sliding front window. Grey carpet liner with LED Dome light. Pet screens are on the side sliding windows.





Purchased and installed by CARMIC, 789 Flory Mill Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601.
Total out the door price with the options was $1611.20.

 

Same dealer installed my Leer. My rear inside light button stopped working and was leaking water, so I tighten the screws because they were loose and I cracked the rear light. Oh well the dealer told me to bring it up and they will fix it for nothing. Does you rear widow go up pretty high. I have the QX100 and it comes eye level and I'm only 5'7"

 

It goes up pretty high. High enough for me. Im no 6 footer either. I haven't seen how much light the LED light puts out yet but I am already wishing I added another light toward the front of the bed. Maybe it will be fine once I see how much light it throws. They told me it would be enough. I would like to add the LED light strips. They dont come with Leer.

 

The only thing i dislike about my XQ is that the rear does not go up high enouugh.

 

This was such an issue with my old xq I just got a are cx series with the alminum rear door. Loved the look of the leer, hated hitting my head

 

I wonder if we tried longer shocks on it. I'm going to ask the Leer dealer.

 

I ran the LED lights under the bed and one light is bright enough.

 

Just got my brand new ARE CX. Carpeted, light, dog screens, folding/sliding front window and a yakima rack