Cap or tonneau or nothing?

I have a snug top camper shell and totally recommend a camper shell. we do a lot of camping trips and now dont have to worry about rain or things flying away. has a lock. its hard to find a used camper shell for a tacoma with 5 ft bed. brand new cost like $1500. but if you have a 6ft bed, then there is many on craigslist for cheap around $500.

 

I'm a cap guy. Had caps on 4 of the 5 pickups I've owned, the other I used for a slide-in truck camper. I used to crawl up in there all the time to get stuff that was all the way toward the cab, then a friend who is apparently smarter than me showed me the pull-push stick he keeps in there all the time. Basically a broom handle with a little hook at one end. Reach it in there and tug stuff out to where you can get to it.

Like everybody else says, depends how you want to use your truck as to what will be best for you. I go camping and haul bicycles around so that I can ride them in interesting places. Nice to lock the stuff into a tinted window enclosure so it's not easy to just grab and go, and a little tough to see what's inside for the casual shopping thief. Also of course weather protection and sometimes sleeping in there (long bed needed if you're taller than an oompa loompa).

Caps can be taken off. A bit of a hassle, but you can always set the thing on a pair of sawhorses or hang in your garage. I have a light open utility trailer that I can use if it's a load of dirt or mulch, or a couch. Or my moto.

 

I had a full Leer cap on my Silverado. While it was nice and gave lots of room, it was a pain to not have access from the side, as well as not being able to move oversized items. I picked up a used bakflip for my taco and it's fantastic. I've moved multiple large items including a king mattress. If you get a tailgate lock it's fairly theft resistant.

 

OEM - recycled tire treads. Just hose it off. Friend in the country swears by Tractor Supply horsestall mats, DIY cut to fit. Both extremely durable, easy to clean.

 

I love my softtopper. Not for everyone though, but it's great for me. Looks tits too.

 

Thats a steal!

 

I just got a trifold on my recently purchased 09 taco..I really like the practicality of it. Time will tell if it will last and will keep up with the weather.

 

I put a cap on all of mine and leave them. This hasn't been off in almost 9 years. I loosen the clamps and slide it back enough to clean the front of he cap and rear window of the truck when needed. I have a bed extender that when folded keeps items within easy reach of the tailgate. If I need to haul anything too big to fit I have a 10' trailer. Much easier to use the trailer anyway.