Bed Cover/Shell

Just got a 2023 5 foot bed. Wondering what the better option is regarding a shell or a flat top cover? Also brand recommendations?

 

Different tops for different needs, w a much different price point.

my quick list, there’s more:

Fiberglass Topper
cons: expensive, heavy, more time to remove and space to safely store
Pros: much deeper storage (the Tacoma box is shallow AF and not tall enough for me under a folder), dryer, doesn’t freeze shut, side access (with windoors)

Folder
Cons: every one I’ve had (and I’ve had A LOT) has eventually leaked and inside foam soaked w water and rendered it useless, bed to under folder height is terrible, leaks a lot, freezes in winter
Pros: cost, easier to remove/store/reinstall, lighter

 

I have a tyger soft roll up. For the price it's awesome. Not as secure as a hardcover but I have zero problems with leaking and it still protects anything I temporarily keep in the bed.

 

i would only get a canopy if you actually need that kind of storage and if you intend to leave it on the truck. taking it on/off is certain it will leak.

as for brands, i would suggest leer. i have an ARE and i am not happy with it. i have owned leer in the past and think they build a better canopy that look better on these trucks.

 

i have this on its a super top soft top

 

Hey everyone, jump in and post what you have!

Chew pretty much nailed the pros and cons of both styles. You'll want to figure out what your needs are.

I went with a tri-fold because I wanted some security but valued the ability to easily remove for when I needed to use the bed for larger objects. I do frequently carry expensive gear in the bed but I almost always park in my garage or secured parking lot at work. If my needs changed I'd look at other options.

 

I went soft topper for now but am thinking of the hard shell soon for added security. Never tried the tonneau cover. I personally love shells for the space and convenience but not so much how they make the truck look. Maybe I should give the cover a go for once!

 

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think for my needs I am going to look at hard covers for the security and since I don't really need the extra space from a canopy.

So, for brands it sounds like leer is a good option, any others?

 

I had the OEM tonneau then went to a leer canopy. I needed the extra storage. The amount of bed space with a tonneau is pathetic.

 

I liked leer xr just can't justify parting with $3.5-4k the way I want it.

 

Y last taco had a 4” hard fiberglass top,
Pro, very safe
Con, heavy
Very hard to remove to carry tall items
Likely crack if you stand on it

tri-fold(hard)
Pro, safe
Easy to remove or fold
Sturdy (200lbs +) can stand on it
Con, not very high clearance

good luck

 

I love my ARE shell. Before the shell, I had the Bakflip MX4 and I loved that as well. Very functional piece of equipment for the truck.

 

I’m not tying to talk you out of a folder, but realize they sit in the bed opening, so something as common as a 60 quart cooler, wouldn’t allow my folder to shut, without pulling the bed mat,,,,, at which point I’d have to tie down the cooler as it would become a 100# hockey puck.

 

I see, that makes sense. I haven't considered how small the bed actually is. I don't have a 60 quart cooler but I get that if I were to put anything large in the bed I would most likely have to strap it down.

 

M Y trifold sits on top of the bed, maybe others don’t.

 

Softopper comes off easy weighs nothing and keeps things covered when needed . Going strong after 3 years love it .

 

Had a hard tonneau cover for the first year, not enough room. Got a Snugtop and no regrets at all. If you go the camper shell route, get windoors and keyless entry for the back glass (in addition to the OEM tailgate lock), so everything unlocks with your key fob (the windoors still need a key tho, but they are so worth it).

 

I've had the oem hard tri-fold tonneau and liked it a lot. Fairly secure, easy to remove & minuscule leaking. Have a Soft Topper (not BestTop) that I think is great...especially when you need the extra room. Had a Diamondback HD and now an SE. Best secure tonneau covers ever, but not inexpensive. HD can hold 1,600 lbs (but probably not your stock oem shocks or tires). The SE is lower rated but one can still stand on it or haul a few hundred lbs on top secured to the included cleats. I think part of the fun of personalizing these trucks is researching mods/accessories by way of Tacomaworld through the interwebs.

 

Damn, she's a beaut!

 

IMO any tonneau cover is in the way more than they help. The cheap ones don't hold up, the nice ones are only a little less expensive than a fiberglass cap which is the way I'd go. Keep your eyes and ears open, they turn up used often at a fraction of the price of new.