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Camper shell help

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by RPreston90, Jan 19, 2023.

  1. Jan 19, 2023 at 8:19 AM
    #1
    RPreston90

    RPreston90 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Robert
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD Sport
    Basic roof racks. Plan on doing further mods for camping and road tripping.
    I need some help.

    I've got a 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport crew cab 5ft bed and been recently wanting to get some more storage for road trips and camping. I've been thinking about a camper shell and have looked over and over at ARE, Leer, Century and Snugtop. I know Leer, Century and Snugtop are all under the Leer group with Leer and Century being mostly the same from what I've heard. I've watched videos where I've seen pros and cons to all these shells so I guess I'm just trying to get as much info as possible.

    All I want is windoors and a headliner as upgrades and that's really it. And obviously one that fits right and doesn't destroy the bed of my truck from sliding around. From the quotes I've received locally from two different places $2500 for Century Ultra Sport, $3100 for Leer100XR, $3300 for Snugtop Rebel and $3850 for ARE Z. These are for base price no add ons. One dealer told me Leer and Century would be exactly the same but that dealer only offers the Century, the other offering the Leer.

    Anyway any insight and experience you have had with these shells would be greatly appreciated. Lastly I've also thought a softopper? I believe they would connect to the rails in my bed and not destroy the truck. Cheaper but not as strong / safe I guess? I've also seen people put the bed racks over softoppers which is kinda cool. Just not sure how long they last? This my first Tacoma and I'm wanting to start adding on. Thanks!
    Taco1.jpg Taco2.jpg
     
    Steves104x4 likes this.
  2. Jan 19, 2023 at 8:21 AM
    #2
    Road_Warrior

    Road_Warrior There is nothing on my horizon except everything

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    RPreston90[OP] likes this.
  3. Jan 19, 2023 at 8:26 AM
    #3
    uurx

    uurx Well-Known Member

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    long island, new york
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    '12 t|x pro
    nice used shells pop up for sale all the time, for pennies on the dollar compared to new prices

    if you wait around long enough you will surely even find one in your color
     
    RPreston90[OP] likes this.
  4. Jan 19, 2023 at 10:36 AM
    #4
    Marshall R

    Marshall R Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    07 White TRD double cab
    none
    Used shells are now over $1500. You used to be able to get one cheap. $1500 is only a bargain if you don't have to, or don't want to paint it to match.

    Leer offers the best service where I live but I think ARE makes a good one too. No experience with Century. I have a basic Leer on my Tacoma and my F150. Gonn'a make you cry, but I paid $900 in 2007 for the one on my Tacoma and $1400 in 2016 for the one on the Ford. They have really gone up.

    If they are clamped down right, you won't have any issues with any of them sliding around. IME you are better off putting it on the truck and leaving it on. Taking them on/off wears them out faster. If you want to do that get a soft topper.

    Leer offers a front window that pops out making it easy to clean the back of the truck and front of the shell. I paid $100 more for that option on my Ford and it was money well spent. About twice a year I have to remove the clamps and slide the shell back 6" or so to clean those areas on my Tacoma.

    Also be aware. Due to the way the front of the bed is designed on Tacoma's it is near impossible to get a perfect seal. Mine has always had a slight leak there in a heavy, or prolonged rain. It is just a few drops and the water stays in the valley's of the bed so I've never had anything get wet. But if you're anal about things like that it will drive you crazy.
     
    RPreston90[OP] likes this.
  5. Jan 19, 2023 at 10:43 AM
    #5
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Steve
    Buffalo NY
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    2010 RC 2.7 4x4
    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    ARE MX has been good to meFC385DBE-1C4D-4733-9D8D-3A52F00B5AFD.jpg
     
    RPreston90[OP] likes this.

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