HELP! - What Topper/Cap???

Alright guys...and gals, here is my situation...

I am looking for a topper/shell/cap (why can't people settle on one name???) for my 2004 double cab Taco and I can't really decide what direction would be best for me.

The truck will be used for hunting (bowhunting deer), fishing, camping and my EDD. I need to be able to haul a lot of gear and keep things dry. I'm not really interested in turning my truck bed into a camper because I need the bed for other things. I want something that I can fill the bed with as much stuff as possible but no more than a cab-high cap.

I also want to have a rack system that would accommodate a 2-person kayak. Since I have a double cab, would a front roof rack be enough?

I'm also keeping in mind how useful it will be for DIY trips to Lowe's for hauling full length lumber ect. but I do have access to a trailer so maybe this isn't necessary? People talk about the difficulty of putting on and taking off a cap but with access to a trailer I'm not sure if I would actually ever need to take the cap off for anything.

The options to me currently sound like this...

1. I can go with a Leer fiberglass top and add whatever I need to it BUT this is pretty expensive. It would cost $2K+ to get a new one with what I need on it. The racks would be adjustable. It would cost around $1,600 without the roof rack. If it gets damaged it would be expensive to replace. The cost is really the biggest negative for me here. Is it worth it?

2. I could go with a Leer aluminum cap and it would be less expensive...around $1,175. It probably will not look the best but it would definitely get the job done. The racks would not be adjustable and would probably have to fabricate my own kayak rack if I needed to have it.

3. I could go with a soft-topper. This would be the least expensive option. It would keep all my gear dry and out of the elements. If a front roof rack was not enough, I could always add a bed rack over the soft-topper but this would add more cost. I also would not have the ability to lock it. I'm also wondering just how durable these things are. If it is packed to the roof in my truck bed how well will it hold everything? Anybody ever had any issues with flaps coming open and something falling out? I know it might would be easier to get things out of the bed as well and would be easy to ventilate. How well do these hold up in heavy rain?

Thoughts?

 

Correct in cab height. I had multiple Tacomas with multiple style toppers.
1. Buy used. Always on CL around here for $300-500. I look for ARE or Leer. Snugtops are popular out west. I've picked up three different style for $1560-300 each.
2. Yuck. Usless you're really into the work truck look, stick with fiberglass.
3. Soft toppers have their used but IMO not for everyday usage.

One of the more pricey ones, always can offer what you want: https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/pts/d/leer-fiberglass-topper/6636364022.html

 

Craigslist and patience are your friend.

 

Echoing the used options

I bought my cap brand new (way too much money) and shortly after, found a few good deals on here. Even if you have to drive a few hours or get a hotel, if you can snag a good cap for 500, you just saved a ton.