Advantages to a Topper/Camper?

Hi guys,

I just bought my first ever truck/first Tacoma, a 2012 Access Cab with 45,000 miles! It also came with a nice Leer topper that matches. But the more I think about it, I am thinking about selling it and using the money to buy a set of wheels and tires.

Just wanted to hear your guy's thoughts on Pro/Cons of a topper. Here are my thoughts:

Pros:
- I live in Michigan, so snow is pretty hefty, and it is nice having it dry in the bed.
- It is nice to be able to lock the bed because I don't think you can with the regular tailgate (I may be wrong)

Cons:
- I rarely ever camp (maybe once a year)
- I load dirtbikes into the back often so it is annoying to take it on and off every time to load stuff in.
- I just think it looks ugly (personal opinion)

I am planning on replacing it with a hard plastic cover. Just wanted to hear your opinions before I get rid of it.

 

IMO I'd get rid of it, especially if you frequently load dirtbikes. Only reason I have one is I take long camping trips and it's nice to keep everything out of the elements and secured.

PROS:
- Keeps items out of the elements
- Securable storage

CONS:
- Added weight impacts fuel economy
- Larger negative pressure space behind truck impacts fuel economy
- Limits the size of cargo
- Can cause bed sides to bend outwards (usually from rough terrain, can be mitigated with bed stiffeners)
- Usually still leak no matter how much you try to seal them up

FYI you can get a tailgate lock.

$100 Pop & Lock PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Lock-PL5400-Tailgate-Technology/dp/B00HLK77YO?th=1

 

Get a roll-up tonneau cover that can be easily moved out of the way for the bikes, but covers otherwise. Not "security" like a cap or hard-cover but snow-cover at least.

 

I'll just say, a camper shell is the best mod I've ever done to any vehicle I've ever owned. I'd buy a trailer for hauling before I ever considered giving up my camper shell. That being said, if its not for you, its not for you, and thats okay.

 

Pics of the truck! Love me a 2.5 gen (2012-2015).

A trifold tonneau that stands up at the cab would be a good compromise, you can get a locking one, and you can load the bikes without detaching it.

 

Having owned several generations of Taco trucks and 4Runners, my favorite so far is the '21 TRD Pro with a Snugtop on the back. The topper keeps gear dry, is less dusty on dirt roads (not dust-free by any stretch, tho), shields gear from curious eyes, and gives me a place to crawl into when weather turns and the tent doesn't cut it. I did install bed stiffeners, but any gas mileage reduction seems minimal: I still routinely get 21-24 mpg around town and 20 or more at interstate speeds if under 70 mph. But then I'm on vacation and don't care. It is also nice to be able to attach toys (skis, boats, cargo box, rod vault) to the rack on the roof.

Hauling bikes might be a deal-breaker for a shell for you, though. Whatever decision you make, it is reversible!

 

You will probably will not get much for the shell if you sell it, certainly not enough to pay for a set of wheels and tires. Since a vehicle can generally pull more weight than it can carry, I would go with a trailer for the dirt bikes as mentioned above and keep the shell.

 

If the topper is in good condition don't sell it too cheap. Do a search on places like marketplace or craigslist, 2nd gen toppers are hard to find.

 

I personally went with a softopper. It keeps crap dry. It has more capacity than a tonneau. It folds in 20 seconds when I need to move tall things. It doesn't make my truck look like it's owned by a retired contractor.

 

If you have a tendency to put a camper shell on every truck you buy, are you just better off buying an SUV though? It's less steps for the same end result.

 

We are stoked to hear you like our top! Being able to retract it so quickly really is a game changer!

 

I've hosed out the inside of my bed when I had a canopy.... can't say I'd do that in the back of an SUV.

 

You can get those liners for the cargo area, so then you just remove the liner and hose it off. Voila done.

 

Just saying I still used my truck, with canopy, in ways I'd NEVER use an SUV. Hauling rotten shit to the dump, for example. But again... I've seen people dump lawn clippings directly into the back of a minivan and then put the mower on the back seat...

 

Sounds like you already made up your mind... sell the topper and upgrade wheels and tires. With you primarily using it for dirt bike, then I'd say it's more hassle than it's worth.