Snugtop shells pros and cons

I have a 2020 Tacoma that came with a OEM Tonneau cover. Thinking about selling it and getting a Snugtop shell. I had a Snugtop on my 2002 Tundra and it worked great for 18 years, no leaks and I say that because I just saw a video on You tube about doing that, and the guy was pointing out where water will leak into the bed, not drip, but pour in from the front corners of the bed. His solution was to remove the rail cap under the rear window and goop up these areas and the inside of the cap with black silicone caulking before installing the bed. Has anyone had leak issues on 3rd generation snugtops?????

 

I have a SnugTop Rebel on my 2017 and I've had no leaks with it. Good product in my opinion. Mine came with a foam "gasket" type material that seams to seal it up pretty good. I can't recall every seeing any notable moisture in there unless I left the back window open or cracked.

Good luck

 

This was for my Softopper, but in the first and second pics, you can see the gaps in the front corners off the bed. I just filled those with some of the sealant after I put the bed rails back on.

I'd recommend doing the foil tape and sealant under the bed rails also.

 

Installation matters more than anything IMO. All tops will leak if they are installed poorly. I have an ARE and they did a great job on install, adding weather stripping at the front gaps in the bedrail and silicone in some areas such beneath the bed rails to prevent water from seeping in.

 

Expensive ... loss of full bed unless u take it off and on . Storage of it when not in use. Modification to suspension to accommodate weight of hard shell . It all depends on what u need it for . I considered a hard shell but after looking into a soft topper I’m very happy with it .

 

Many stories of leaking caps here so I was concerned also. Added a Snugtop to my 2019 and had one on my 2004 for 15 years prior to that. Neither has leaked. Critical that they are installed correctly. Local shop does mostly this all day long every day. Find that guy in your area!

Yes be sure the gaps at the front corners are sealed.

Good amount of dirt/dust was getting in on sides of tailgate, added this and has cut out about 95% of it.

$28 ESI Ultimate Tailgate Seal with Taper Seal 10ft for use with Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IPQWXZQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Have you considered caps made by RLD or RSI Smart Cap ?, way tougher and same weight as fiberglass.RSI and RLD makes theirs out of stainless. RSI Smart cap you install yourself and in 2021 custom colors will be available, they both are true expedition grade made in South Africa.

 

Nope, but will check them out, thank you!

 

I purchased a Snugtop Rebel for my 2019 DCLB just under a year ago, and have had no leaking issues whatsoever. I also live in Western Washington, and the truck was parked outside 99% of the time throughout the fall/winter/spring.

The only thing I wished I had added to the package was windoors, but leaving a boat hook in the bed has alleviated most issues related to that oversight.

 

Nice find. Nothing at the hardware store was really easy to work with. This looks perfect.

 

OP, as said, it depends on how good your installer is. If you want to be near 100% waterproof you will need to cover the 4 corners of the bed with the rubber seals or silicone putty.

 

I up sold myself on my Snugtop Sport Hiliner over the same style from Are and Leer. I spent more money and I feel I got a better product. I really like the rear window is frameless on the Snugtop.

 

Lifetime paint and structure warranty! And local in Long Beach. Nice to support a local company.

 

Will do. Also will add the tailgate weatherproofing kit to keep dust out.

 

OK and some good news on pricing (at least for folks here in Colorado). I thought I found a good price on a Rebel snugtop at a place in Littleton. $2395 for the top and the optional pro lock remote plus $180 for installation and tax (Total $2775). NOPE......found another Snugtop distributor in Colorado Springs, Toppers, selling the top and pro lock for $2270 plus $60 installation and taxes, total $2572.00. Order placed!!!!! Thanks to all you guys for your advice, I will be sealing up front corners of the bed and installing tailgate weatherstripping as well to keep the dust out. Now to find a buyer for my Tacoma Toneau trifold cover..................

 

would you provide the internal height from bed to ceiling, at the center point between the wheel wells

 

I just purchased this 2019 Tacoma and it came with this snug top. Honestly never looked into how much runs for but after seeing some of the prices I’m glad it was already installed. Tomorrow I’m going to check for any sealing.

 

Here is mine...I can’t remember the model but I know I got it with the a sportsman package and the rails. Overall I like it, the paint quality and color are good. The overall quality is solid but for 2,800 bucks I’m allowed to be a little picky and there are some minor things that bother me. The interior LED light is crooked, the little USB charger box thing is just completely hokey and big, and lastly the black trim piece on my rear window isn’t finished straight. If I’m being honest I’d probably buy it again if I had to, frankly they really are minor concerns and they could all be remedied.

On a side note if I hadn’t already owned a roof top tent and an awning, which could easily set you back 2k or more, I’d just skip the Snugtop and go straight for a Super Pacific camper.

 

Love my Sport HiLiner. No leaks and solid. Picture taken today next to 3rd Gen.

 

I've had my SnugTop out loads of times in the rain with me sleeping in the bed and I've never had a drop in the shell. Even when I wash the truck, the only water that ends up in the bed, ends up there on purpose.