Comparing High-Rise Camper Shells

I have a 2011 Tacoma 4WD Extended Cab. I am comparing (on the internet, not 1st hand) the following high-rise camper shells:

• ARE TW
• Leer 122
• SnugTop Sport Hi-Liner

Does anyone know about these particular models?

I like ARE, and have heard good things about them. But the TW appears to not be a "wrap-around."

The Leer does appear to be a wrap-around, and it seems like the highest head-room of the lot. I am leaning towards this one.

The Snugtop does not appear to be very high, but it does appear to be a wrap-around. I have heard good things about Snugtop, in general, too.

I know most people think the high-rise are ugly. I don't disagree. But I want the headroom, as I plan to take some long road trips.

Any opinions on these would be appreciated.

 

Leer 122 is the ultimate IMO. I would have bought another one for this truck but it was too tall for the garage.

 

Does the 122 wrap-around, or can one see the black bed liner? Aesthetics matter to a certain extent, as far as I'm concerned.

 

I know a guy who had a 122 on his little early 1st gen truck for YEARS. He found it great for camping. I never liked the look of them personally.

I probably would have gotten the Leer 180XL if they made them for my truck. Not quite as ugly. But mostly it was because the last couple of time I needed to move furniture it was 3 inches too tall to slide in below the cap. Taking it off is a hassle.

 

I don't think they're a beautiful sight to behold either. But if form follows function, I guess I can live with the form. I want the extra height in order to be able to sleep in a pinch.

 

Mine is an ARE and it has held up well. I also have a BedRug installed on the bed and it makes for a great sleeping/camping solution.

 

The Snugtop Sportsman HiLiner is a very well made cap, built tough. It's a few bucks more than the Leer and may be difficult to find but the quality is unbeatable. Rated to carry up to 500lbs on top. Fit and finish are excellent, no leaks, no problems on the 3 Sugtop Hiliners I have owned. Check out the "windoor" options, they make camping a lot easier. Good luck with your search.
My latest Sugtopper:

 

Very nice lines. I like how it is high at the front, rather than cab-high and rising towards the rear like the other two. The extra headroom in the front would help.

Another constraint I didn't mention is that I am on the East Coast, and the nearest dealer is in MO. Do-able, I guess.

 

I'd like to get a high rise as well....However not many are making much for the '16-'17 model. So anyone know what the real difference or change is in the '16- models that would prevent the use of an earlier model topper???

 

I think the tailgate/rear door is the biggie?

 

I've had just about every style or brand over the years of trucks. I've got an ARE high rise now. Just wanted to point out if plan putting something on top ; rack, rtt, etc. try to get a level roof high rise. I had a incline ARE which made putting my rack on a pain. Also, if you carry long items on top like double kayaks setting up the rack bar on the truck cab level with the topper bars are a hassle.

 

I am looking for a top for a 2017 Tacoma. Since Leer does not offer the 122 anymore. Could you tell me what the height is on the snugtop from bed to ceiling. None of this information is available on the websites of any of the cap companies and the dealers don't have it either. I appreciate the help. Jim

 

I can once ours gets here...should be later this week or early next week I hope.
Pretty weird the companys offer no specs...really weird actually.

 

Thank you, I appreciate that. Have done a lot of research and phone calling but still no definite sizes. Jim

 

I was thinking of buying that same top, but still would like to get a dimension from bottom of bed to the ceiling. Could you please send me that information. Still don't understand why the dealers don't have this information. Jim

 

Jim, I can't get the measurements for a few days, away on a trip, but you can give Alan a call at the Snugtop dealer in Long Beach, Ca. Alan is very helpful and will do all he can to help you out.
His number is 562 595 6500
Good luck!
Lee

 

Thanks Lee, I am going to call him now. Jim

 

Please post up the info when you get it. I'm looking at the same for my new 2017 DB.

 

Hi Lee, I did get hold of Andy and he actually went and measured one accurately. The vertical height from the bedrails to the top of the inside of the cap is 23-1/2" That would calculate to about 4 inches higher then the cab. Very similar to the Leer 180 or the Century Hi C. I talked with ProTop Located in California. They are making a new mold at this time for the 3rd generation Tacoma's and it is going to be much higher than that. I think very similar to the Leer 122. Management told me they were going to call me when they finished the mold and can get an accurate measurement. The old ProTop 100 was about 8" higher than the cabs for the Generation 2 Tacoma's. I am waiting for them to finish the mold. I hope this helps others that have run into this same problem. I have called every major manufacturer about putting specifications on their caps. I have not received very favorable responses from them. I have called many dealers and they don't have the information either. They are very vague about this. I think it would be important to know the weights as well for the caps. Jim

 

Hi Rooster, I responded to your request but mistakenly thought it was Lee. Sorry about that.