Topper Help

I am looking to pick up a topper soon. I started doing some searches on here as I've never owned one before. From what I can tell, Snugtop, Leer and A.R.E. all seem to be pretty consistently well thought of on this forum. I can't get a Snugtop anywhere close to here so that one is off the list. There is a Leer dealer local but of questionable reputation so that leaves A.R.E. as the most likely candidate as there is a dealer local and they have a good reputation.

So I started looking at A.R.E. toppers and there seem to be about 1/2 a dozen models that will work for the Taco none of which seem drastically different to me. Is there a one or a couple models most lean toward for the Taco to help me narrow this down a bit? My truck is lifted and I park in a garage at work so anything much taller than the cab won't work so that does help narrow it down a little.

Also, for those that have them, of whatever model or have had different ones in the past, any must have options? Any options you didn't get but wish you had? Any that are a waste? Just trying to get this large set of data narrowed down a bit.

Thanks in advance.

 

I got an ARE X Series last year. It is the basic model. It was worked fine for me so far. I wish I had added racks on top from the factory. Make sure to get the folding rear slider window (if you have a slider window in your truck)...it is very nice to be able to fold it down to clean the back window of the truck and front window on the cap.

 

what are you going to be using the cap for, ie camping, stoarge, dry secure space.

 

Mostly storage. I have an undercover now, but I use the Taco to tow a car to the track and could use the extra space vs the undercover. I camp a little and would also have a German Shepherd crate back there from time to time.

 

Windoors and the fold down sliding window between the cap and cab. Rack tracks are nice if you ever plan on putting anything on top of it.

 

I had ARE on my 2002 and just ordered another CX series for my 2015. Other models are more stylish looking but the CX still looks good. I ordered the CX because of the rear door frame and locking mechanism. Just seems more sturdy to me. Glass is cheaper to replace than on the others models if it ever gets broken. As others said the folding front window is well worth the cost. I ordered the factory tracks too. Get the headliner as the fiberglass inside is rough. ARE always has coupons on line. I got the headliner for free. 4ARE.com

People seem to love the Windoors but I would need a step stool to be able to reach in and down for stuff. Two dealers also told me that they had a lot of problems with them leaking. Screens to provide ventilation for your dog are a must.

 

I don't own a cap yet myself, but from what I've read Snugtop gets very high marks for material quality but is absolutely unacceptable in the customer service dept. in that any missing items/shoddy craftsmanship is your problem not theirs. On the other hand A.R.E and Leer both have issues as well but are customer friendly. I'm holding out for an A.R.E. or Leer with the windoors and fold down front window. Best options/Must haves for me. Good luck with your search.

 

I picked up an ARE MX (6" high-rise) topper this fall. The ability to keep things secure in my truck, but separate from my cab, is excellent. I also built this bed/storage in my shell, and I highly recommend it just for it's utility. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/simple-sleeping-platform-cheap-works-great.108524/

As for features, I just spoke with my sales rep about what he truly recommends, and what are just nice-to-haves. The guy was great. I wish I had gotten tracks installed on the shell so I can put a roof rack on it at some point, but they can always do that after-the-fact.