Placed an order for an ARE Z-Series camper shell

After realizing that although I really like the OEM tonneau cover as far as fit, finish and quality, and have had zero problems with it in the last two months of owning my truck, I realized it's just not as versatile or conducive to my lifestyle, and felt like I was just being jipped of space and versatility over a camper shell. On a recent car camping trip with myself, a buddy and my dog, (dog rode in the rear seat area with seats folded down) with basically max'd out the bed with all our gear (granted we had a lot of stuff, 2 guitars, firewood, camping gear, cook stove and camp kitchen supplies, etc. since we were the ones designated to bring that for the group.

Some background: I have a '16 Sport DCSB. I don't use the truck for work. I'm 39, no kids, and just an outdoorsy guy who surfs, stand-up paddles, mountain bikes, hikes, camps, snowboards, and the occasional road trip, and I have a dog. I have the OEM roof rack that seems to be working great for my 14' SUP race board. Mountain bikes go on a Kuat NV hitch mount carrier (and FWIW, it's probably THE best bike rack I've ever had is anyone is looking for a hitch mount rack you should check them out, but back on topic!) I have no plans to sleep in the bed of the truck since I'm 6'2, but guess I could do it if I really had to. Camper shell will just be for dirty gear/clothes after my adventures, bins of gear on camping trips, etc., used for maybe changing into dry clothes after a rainy hike, sitting on the tailgate and drinking a beer with buddies, having a stinky dog around, Costco and Home Depot runs, etc. And for really long items like lumber I have an "Extend-A-Truck" that mounts to the hitch.

I decided to go with an ARE for a few reasons. Originally was dead-set on a SnugTop, but quickly changed my mind after reading about horror story after horror story regarding their customer service. LEER has a great reputation but at this time they only have one camper shell available for the '16 Tacoma, so ARE it is. ARE has the most models available currently and nationwide distribution, unlike SnugTop, who is only regional to the western U.S., so that was another factor to consider as well. I live on the West Coast, and have no plans to ever move back east, but you never know.

I went with the Z-Series over the X and V-Series, even though the X and V-Series have more options, most importantly the windoors, which are not available on the Z-Series. At first I thought I really wanted windoors, and they do seem like a great option that can come in handy. I have more buddies who love them than those who do not. With that said I still opted for the Z because the windows are bigger and have better visibility, the back window is all glass and has the best, sturdiest, highest quality hinges and hardware compared to the X and V. Also wasn't a fan of the way the seals and gaskets look aesthetically on the X and V-Series side windows. The Z has a cleaner look, more streamlined and classier, and seemed to match up and suit the lines of the vehicle better (obviously this is personal opinion), but given the face that the Z-Series has a nicer rear window, burlier hinges and hardware, and better side window construction, I am assuming (hoping?) that is will require less maintenance down the line and just hold up better over time with less issues. I bought this Tacoma to last for at least 10 years, and want the camper shell to last that long, and don't want to deal with rubber rotting, ripping, leaking, etc., and at least to me the Z-Series seemed like a noticeable upgrade in quality.

So in the end I went with a Z-Series, carpeted headliner was included at no charge, and added a fold down, sliding front window and tracks on the roof if I ever feel the need to add another rack system in addition to the OEM rack I already have on the DC. ARE also has a coupon on their site for $100 any Z-Series shell, and the dealer accepted that and took it off the final price right there on the spot after i mentioned it to him.

Another thing I liked about the Z-Series are the way the side windows open/vent. If I went with a traditional slider, I'd have to get in the truck bed to open and close/lock them, which is a pain because I would have do to that every time I have the dog back there, and won't leave the windows/vents open at night in my neighborhood (it's not bad, but just don't like making it any easier for thieves to steal my stuff). With the Z-Series theres a dial you turn that's easily reached while standing outside the truck, so no climbing in and out.

Only time will tell if I made the right choice, and unfortunately given the time of year and the holidays the dealer said it may take a little longer than usual to get the shell in. But once I do get it and it's installed and I've used it for a bit I'll be sure to report back and share my experiences. Part of me still is second guessing myself regarding not going for the lower-priced model for the sake of having the windoors, but the other side of me feels like I made the right choice given the noticeable difference in quality of components, materials and hardware between the different models. I really think the Z-Series is a much better made product.