recommendation on a camper shell (cap)

looking at getting a "roof high" cap for my 2014 DCSB sport. Any brand recommendations Looking at Leer, ARE, Century, and Ranch at local dealers.

Still confused although I know there are are some features I like such as non-aluminum window frames in such. Seem like all I like are in the same ballpark price wise say $1200- $1600.

Thanks for any recomendations & why?

 

Of those I say Leer. My Dad has an ARE on his Taco, and its not bad. He has a Leer on his Dodge and it's fit and finish is a bit better. If you weren't so far east, I would say SnugTop 100%, but it's hard to get those on the east coast. ARE makes vented windoors, which is a nice, very useful feature. The only thing about the ARE I didn't like was they don't cover the black part of the bedsides. Leer and Snug have a lip that extends down and looks better IMO. I even think the Leer looks better than the snug because the Leer is straight, and the snug is rounded out a little. Just personal preference. If you want the windoors but don't care about the vented part Leer has that option in the short bed. Once you start adding options, they can get spendy in a hurry. Mine was a Snugtop Rebel, and had vented windoors on both sides, and was just over $2200 otd. The windoors were a $500 option though. I researched the crap out of these things before I bought mine.

 

I love my Leer.
Nothing bad to say about it at all.

 

my leer came with the truck, perfect fit

 

I just bought a ARE Z series last weekend for my 2014. I like the look and am impressed with the fit. All bed caps are covered and has a lip that hangs over the side, so water would have to actually run vertically up to leak. It passed the first snow and ice test here in St. Louis too

 

^^^^ That's the one I have my eye on .

 

I don't think there's a predictable difference between the major brands. All make good shells and all have made the occasional lemon.

More important is finding a good dealer. Close by is better, and it' important that they treat you well. My new Leer had leaks around both Windoors (windoor issue I think rather than installation). Dealer did a leak check, said "we'll fix it".

A week or so later they called and said the new Windoors were in & scheduled the replacement.

I put a Leer on my '90 when it was new, then an Astro on my 2001 DC (first brand I could find with one for the newly introduced DC.) Leer on my '14.

Dad has put a couple ARE's on his F-x50's which have been nice caps too.

Think hard about the options you want. I love my Windoors for access. Tip in front window is fairly common now and makes it easier to clean.
If you want a rack it might be cheaper and will definitely be easier to have it installed by mfr.
I kinda wish I'd had the inside of the rack carpet lined, though it probably only helps if you or a pet is going to be back there.

 

Here is my $.02 on truck caps. I've had 3 of them over the past decade & for whatever reason I always seem to find crazy deals on ARE caps. This time around I found a used CX that had a pile of features for about half the price of a new one in the exact color I needed. Drop front window for cleaning between the cab & cap is a must. Carpeted headliner a must. LED strip lights hooked to a prop switch so the lights come on when you open the window - a must. Yakima roof rack - take it or leave it. I think my favorite option on this cap is the side windows that open like the back. I don't know that I would ever have a cap without those again. Since the tacoma isn't really tall, it makes them unbelievably useful.

 

Some points to consider:
Frameless windows look nice but if a bad guy wants to get in your bed area it's just a smash and grab operation. Unless you have a tailgate lock, they have immediate access the bed area. A locked window from will slow them down or hopefully deter access to the bed.
Keyless entry is just as nice to the bed as it is to your cab.
Adding 12 volt lighting and power saves about 2 hours of mods. Battery power light suck.
If you don't go for the tilt front window you will regret it forever.
Finding a used one for $600 negates everything above.

 

I love my leer so far, and i got it used.

 

That was another point i was going to make but forgot to. The guy I usually buy new caps from is not a fan of the frame less windows for a good reason. They are stupidly expensive to replace if/when some dickhead decides he wants what is in the bed of your truck. If you end up buying one out of pocket, they can be north of $500.

 

Check this http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/13598-show-me-your-shell-3.html

 

I'm happy with my leer. Wish I would have opted for the windoors but other than that, no complaints.

 

Leer XQ here a little on the spendy side (about 2200 otd) but its nice and looks great.

 

Thanks for all of the input and suggestions. I' looked at Leer, Century, Ranch, & ARE. Ended up ordering the Ranch "Sierra" also added the slider tilt down front window, A carpeted headliner interior andan interior roof mounted cargo net for the smaller light stuff. Installed & out the door will be.$1240 - I know they depreciate like crazy but looked & could not find anthing on the used market. Will get a pic up once it gets in & on/

 

Nice.
Depreciation does suck on these. I paid just over $2200 for mine, got $1400 out of it when I sold it.

 

see: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/258264-snugtop-vs-leer-vs-r-e-verdict.html

 

If you want vented windoors cheap, you can go with an ATC. They are in that price range you said earlier, but are not as nice as the snugtop and are z series

 

I went with the Z series and I have no complaints. The quality is very nice. I looked at the Leers but I felt the A.R.E.s are crafted slightly better but I think the Leer looks sharper on the Tacoma.