Camper Shell prices

What are you paying for your camper shells/toppers?

I received two quotes from different companies on the basic ARE V shell.

The basic shell + headliner + double lock door + OTC Spray = $3545
The basic shell + headliner + T-lock + OTC Spray = $4462.48

At those prices you'd be better off getting smartcap or gofast for higher quality. I did a quote for a SmartCap = $4195. For gofast, I'd have to pay $1000 extra for a Texas install (the closest to me).

What prices are you seeing?

 

I recently paid over $4k for a ARE MX capper, with carpeted interior and opening and sliding side windows.

I definitely do not feel like I got a fair deal, very difficult to shop around in my area, and Leer didn't have a mid rise cap for my particular truck.

I have been seeing those nice metal caps on Toyota trucks lately, and I like what I see, but doubt they make one for my current truck.

 

About 4k and up is the going rate nowadays

 

My issue is that the ARE and Leer toppers are not worth the price vs. quality. The gofast and smartcap are priced similarly and much higher quality.

 

I felt the exact same way. I got lucky and found a used smart cap on Craigslist, would buy the same thing brand new if I had to pick again. Full steel construction and the benefits that come with it

 

The fiberglass work on my ARE definitely doesn't justify the premium price, plus I had to readjust the window frames and rework the tailgate cover, which was installed incorrectly from ARE.

 

Last quote I got on an ARE (for long bed) was ~$4200. And that was with nothing special on it.
Ordered a SmartCap EVO Sport. Waiting to see if the expected ship date was real or just something they pulled out of thin air.

 

Am very close to buying a smart cap but I think I’ll wait for overland vehicles systems canopy topper early 2025 and save a grand

 

Go fast platform camper i paid around 9k all said and done. Seemed like a lit at first, but its turned into a great investment for my family. We get out in it almost every month at least once since ive installed it, back in 2020.

 

I recently got a quote for an ARE CX Evolve with sliding front window and windoors, keyless lock etc. for $4400 installed. I ended up just buying a SmartCap.

 

The 4G Tacoma really needs a bit more innovation in camper shells/toppers. For example, many 4Gs have cameras for the bed and rear view mirror. Manufacturers need to accomodate these in topper design.

 

https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/Expedition---Truck-Cap-W/Full-Wing-Doors $2500

edit: If you intend to camp where it's hot you might want fiberglass over steel.

 

I'm surprised how long it's taking manufacturers to get stuff out for the 4G in this age of 3D modeling and printing.

 

Good point. I wonder how big of a difference it is, my dog would like to know too.

 

quoted around 4k Anyone got a 4th gen with an ARE Overland cap? I really want pics!

 

This was a major contributing factor when I chose a traditional fiberglass shell. I couldn't find a straight answer for how these black, steel shells would perform in the Texas heat. Logic says white, fiberglass, and carpet isolated are better, but by how much? I never really figured that out.

In the end, I paid about what everyone here has been quoted for an ARE V Series. The build quality is also similar to what others are saying... subpar but it gets the job done and looks decent.

 

That is a good point. I have the six foot bed, so I don't know if those will come out or when.

 

Food for thought.

I'm not sure about committing to a tent/wedge topper and so far happy with my Fas-Top decision. Yesterday I hauled around 1000-1100 pounds of building materials, food, suitcases, tools and bikes to the cabin. Hitting two downpours, inside was plenty dry. I'm liking the light weight in addition to versatility.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ne-tonneau-soft-topper-initial-review.839177/

 

I've got a Century topper ordered ($3400 with two windoors) and have the GG relocation kit for the cameras.

 

The relocation kit is a start. At least it moves the cameras to a better position. The rear-view camera still has to look through the rear window (which fouls up the night vision through tinted glass), and it pokes down, getting in the way of loading bulky items.

I'd suggest a proper shell for the 4G should include an external, weather-proof housing for the rear view camera (which leaves the interior totally clear) and an internal pocket for the bed view camera from the normal location (allowing the same point-of-view as the stock location) plus the wiring harness needed to accomodate these two new locations.