To Cap or Not to Cap.... That is the Question

So I have always been anti-cap. I love the truck "look" vs truck with cap. Have always said if I wanted a cap I would have gotten an SUV. Lately though, I have been considering getting a cap more and more. I have seen a number of trucks with nice cap set ups and it has been growing on me. There was a 2 year period in the middle of the 7 years of owning my truck that my BIL owned it and he put a cap on it. First thing I did when I got it back was sell the cap and put together my current setup. I like my current setup but do get a little tired of having to take it all off when I want to put something big in it and if I am on the road and find something big I want to put in the bed while my bed rack is on I'm screwed. Aesthetics is a big part as I don't haul really big stuff too often.

Can you guys give me some options on the subject? Maybe some things I may not be considering? I have added some pics of my current set up as well as my truck back when the cap was on it....

Pros:
Dry storage
Secure storage

Cons:
Looks (even my gf likes the truck look more) though it is becoming less of a con for me
Storage limitations for big stuff
Not easily removed if need to

 

I like them on the DCs, basically just looks like a giant 4runner to me. And you get massive hauling space on the roof

 

Yeah... My current bed rack could easily just be put on the top of the cap if I wanted.

 

I just picked up a Snugtop a week or so ago and I'm loving it. I can keep more things in the bed without having to worry as much about the weather and/or things being taken. I eventually plan on putting a rack on top of it to allow for more storage.

 

I also prefer the "truck look", but in the end functionality trumps. I have been looking for a cap for my truck for the same reason. However, we have a minivan that we use for most road trips, so it is less of an issue. My truck is only used for occasional trips to Home Depot and taking the bikes to the trail (where it is better without the cap). All comes down to what the truck is used for. If you go wheeling and camping in it I would say the cap is a good idea.

 

I see them as a love/hate thing.

They are very nice to have when you need them, a PITA when you don't. They keep things dry and secure but you have to crawl into the bed if something slides up to the cab. You can use it as a makeshift tent but it limits your visibility.

Also, at least for me, whenever I think about getting one or putting a tire carrier in the bed, I end up needing the full length of the bed to haul something or have something tall/wide enough that a cap wouldn't work.

 

Put a cap on that bitch!

But seriously, i love my cap. It keeps my gear and dog clean and dry. Rarely do i find myself needing to carry anything too long or tall for it. In that case i just leave the rear glass up and let the cargo stick out.

 

Never had a truck without a top, always carrying too many tools or gear to be without. Plus I like the look better on a DC. But OP, your truck looks awesome with or without.

 

besttop supertop, best of both worlds?

 

I've thought of the best top.... Never been too crazy about those

 

I just added a cap to my D-cab. I think of it as a big 4runner, but the cargo in the bed doesn't live inside. So thats a bonus, no trashy smell or wet dog/dead deer in the passenger area.

 

I put my cap on in the winter and take it off the rest of the year.

 

I've this inter debate constantly
I had one on a frontier and loved it rarely removed it
Put one on my f250 and sold it within a year to heavy duty of a truck to be limited on what you can haul
I debate on one of the Tonneaus that can haul a load as a happy medium
That or a bed rack/cage

 

All valid points. I had bought one on craigslist because it was a good deal, but ended up selling after I realized it wasn't a necessity, plus I didn't have a place to store it. It was extremely helpful when we were moving house, though I had to take it off for furniture and oversized items. If you have the constant need to haul and secure items in your bed, then go for it. Or, if you have a place to store it (shed, ceiling mounts, etc.) while not needing it on your truck.

I mostly hated the decreased visibility that came with having the cap on, especially at night. In addition, crawling up into the bed or removing stuff in the rear just to reach things in the front of the bed got old quick, but that's just me. I ended up switching to a tonneau cover that I've rigged to fit with my toolbox on. This way, I have covered (but not secure) storage, along with my toolbox, which fits my needs most.

 

^^^^those wheels are money. One of the best sets of factory wheels.

 

Thanks man! TRD tundra wheels I scored for $100 and painted gunmetal.

 

Mine is easily removable...... 4 clamps and I keep it on a set of custom saw horses next to the garage. It takes me and a friend about 20 minutes to remove and install. I have a quick disconnect connector for the 3rd brake light. Too bad my wife doesn't like driving with it.

 

Grow a pair and quit worrying about looks and what your girlfriend or other people think. Who owns the truck, your gf or you?

Normally I would agree that toppers can be a bit of a hassle to deal with if you want to remove it to haul larger stuff but in your case it looks like your contraption is also a hassle to remove and store. That basket isn't exactly small. I see it as a wash. The good thing about your truck is you have a lot of protected storage in the cab.

FWIW - I have an elevated sleeping platform in the back of my reg cab (way less storage than your 4 door) with a high-rise topper. If you do a lot of camping sleeping in the bed is a lot simpler and a hell of a lot quicker set up and tear down. I don't think this benefit really pertains to you though as you have the shorter bed and I assume you are over 4.5ft tall?

If hauling larger items is a concern pick up a small utility trailer. They are much easier to load than a truck bed anyway.

BTW your truck looks a lot better minus the mudflaps.

 

If this were the deciding factor for me, I'd get a TJ. Parts are cheaper, easier to come by and has a solid front axle.

Having a truck is not having to worry about a trailer for day to day things.