Cheapest truck cap

Ive been in the market for a truck cap for quite a while now. I know the cheapest option will always be a private sale used, but my 2012 access cab just isn’t common enough to see many. Additionally my options for new are limited in Northwest Montana.
I’d love to hear what y’all went with for caps, I’d like to have a rack for skis on the top, perhaps build out for some summer camping. The cap also keeps the snow out of the bed in the long winters we get up here.
Thoughts on soft vs hard caps, cheapest, best makes, or just suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Johnny

 

I don't care for soft tops. They look like a cool idea in the beginning, but don't hold up very long and only create the illusion of keeping gear secure. If I were on a budget I'd check into one of the aluminum caps. They still make them and the price for a basic one is 1/2-1/3 that of fiberglass,about the same or less than soft tops. I think they look 10X better than soft tops and are much more durable. A basic cap like the one below only weighs about 50-60 lbs and is easily installed and removed by one person. Plus they don't eat up your payload like a 180-200 lb fiberglass cap. I have fiberglass, but if doing it over I'd go aluminum to save money and weight.



Not cheap, but probably no more expensive than fiberglass, but some guys are building rigs with caps like this for both secure storage and the ability to sleep inside.



More images to ponder

https://www.google.com/search?q=alu...KHS9VBmQQ9QEwCXoECAMQGw#imgrc=aJHjqzcAi_42xM: