BUYING ADVICE--CAMPER SHELL TUCSON

Funny - I'd like to do the same for the same reasons as the OP (just not a photog).
Yesterday this hit my feed. Title is somewhat click-bait-ey. But you do get to see a lot of different shells and how they sit.

https://youtu.be/-oc31QEmvVU?si=M5YMv1h_-DofiZzU

 

GFC topper (camper shell) 130lbs Works for me

 

That shadowtop is intriguing. Could help reduce neg pressure space behind the truck to help with mpgs. I would think it would be easy enough to make some tent walls to leave it open and sleep inside.

 

I got my contour on in December and had it installed by the ordering company. Haven't had a full summer with my rtt on but am expecting it to run well

 

Nice setup!

 

Thank you appreciate it

 

I have my rooftop locked shut from the inside with a bracket I made, since I have no use for that feature with my setup. Though, it did come in handy when I was installing things in the bed.

For the standard topper, I don’t see why one couldn’t make some tent walls for the pop-up roof. I’d think the same would be the case on the shadowtop.

Unless it’s an attempt to not dissuade people from buying the camper model, I’m not sure why they don’t sell fabric walls as an add-on.

They do sell overpriced side door window/screen inserts already. But, no walls as far as I know.

 

Welcome to TW. There are existing threads for this that contain much more information:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-your-shell.13598/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-those-alu-cab-setups.560930/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rsi-smart-cap.679267/

 

Sliding windows open from inside; doors do not open from inside (I’ve never tried)
Front cab sliding window does open
Clamps came with the Contour shell, the place I purchased it from were the ones who mounted the shell it (cost $200 for them to mount)
The locks are only a pain in that there are two of them on each door-that has not been an issue for me. I did purchase the optional rubber lock covers because I heard there have been issues with the locks icing up in bad weather.
External roof top Longitudinal mounting rails (channels) are included as part of the standard shell construction. Mounting bars are optiona
Internal lateral mounting rails are included as part of the standard shell construction.
Light weight relative to a fiberglass shell is a plus.
The big opening side doors are a huge plus for me…packing is so easy.

 

Joined FB group RSI smart caps and seeing many posts about
-people figured out how to add mesh and fan
-water leaks
-paint coming off in 4mo

and saw this
Behold, “GoXplor”, in French, from Canada
Cheaper. Might have windows. Exposed hinges suggesting Chinese

website suggests $2300 or less (if CAD to USD), no idea what shipping costs



apparently mesh for Softopper is possible

 

Thanks a bunch. I think you just solidified my decision.

 

I had a SnugTop on my 1995 SR5 for 25 years. It leaked but otherwise held up very well. I currently have an ARE CX Classic on my 2020 TRD Sport and it has not leaked after 3.5 years or so.

 

I assume you have the standard? I like both options, but curious if that shadowtop does help with mpgs (not that it really matters, but an mpg saved is an mpg saved). The space you lose from the slant is space I wouldnt really use anyways when closed, but it's kind of a gamble if I want to try one out because if I don't like it I feel thats going to be far more difficult to sell.

 

Have windoors on my Leer 100XR, they leak, tried some silicone grease to no avail.

 

I would recommend that you get a reinforced shell like the ARE CX HD, i know leer has one too, i got a basic shell (ARE v series) and so i cannot put too much weight up there without risking cracking the shell.

Also forget snugtop, the way it overhangs the bedsides looks weird. My ARE has stood up to a ton of abuse and looks better.

If you plan on sleeping back there get a mid or hi-rise shell.

Last get windoors! They’ve been the best thing ever

 

https://overlandnorthoutdoor.com/product/eze-topper/ found this the other day. Lots of compromises but interesting for sure. Likely not for most people but for me with a pile of older Toyotas and cummins Rams trusty but beaten ( just like myself) this could be a real good way to go

 

Whatever option you choose, windoors are a must IMO. After not having to crawl up in the bed to get something that slid to the front (or you left in the front) you will be thankful.


As far as options go….RSI, Alu Cab, and GFC would be my suggestions for aluminum and Snugtop would be my suggestion for fiberglass (though they are all only marginally better/worse than each other, I just think Snugtops look the most streamlined).

 

Correct. I have the standard one.

The shadowtops must be relatively new, at least in the US. I don’t think those were available when I got my topper about a year ago. And, I’ve definitely never seen one in person.

 

I installed the Alu-cab contour canopy 6’ with no side windows and the construction is great! Ive scoured all alucab related posts on TW and yet to see anything remotely negative regarding the construction or it not holding up.

I will be power washing it this week to see how well I waterproofed the seams and see if any water intrudes.

 

it’s been reported this can be fixed by replacing gaskets with matching ones from specialty hardware store

the gaskets may somewhat match but be longer and simply need shortening cut to length to match old one

hydrating product onto them may also help seal better
GummiPflege type stuff, etc

that or just garden hose sprayer or car wash which more realistically replicates natural rain that doesn’t come at high pressure