Camper Shell- A.R.E Z series, CX or MX

LOVE IT! Going to parts shed and see if I have the crap to make one now lol.

 

This should be the start of a new thread - "Toyota Fine Art Gallery"

 

I'm just a simple 2nd gen but here is my .02

ARE MX


Sliding side and front windows
Single latch in rear
Carpeted headliner

Was quoted $2600 new.
Found for $800 used, drove 10hrs round trip to get it.

I like the additional clearance provided by the larger rear hatch.
Have two friends with traditional(cab height) shells and the way their back hatch is they actually have a smaller opening due to the slope of the shell at the rear.

The headliner is very much appreciated if you have to crawl around in there for any reason.

You can save some serious $$ if you are patient and willing to put in a little work.

Also note... if you put a roof rack on the cab it will help reduce the "humpback" look.

 

CX series on mine. I really wish I'd gotten the MX though since I camp out of mine a lot. Get the sliding, screened windoors, drop down sliding front window (otherwise you have to take it off the clean between the cab and shell) and carpet headliner. You can install your own roof rack, lights, power outlets etc, easy enough and save a lot of money.

 

^^ This. I have a Z Series (came with my truck, I wouldn't have picked it) and the rear opening is reduced even more by the heavy duty hinges which are unique to the Z Series. They really restrict rear access and limit the size of things you can put in back, even if they would otherwise fit under the cab-high shell. Plus the slope of the back window also shortens up the space available, particularly bad if you have an already-short DCSB. Bad design all around.

 

What should I be looking for if the goal will be to sleep in the back when camping?

 

Do you want a little more room to crouch down inside when getting in or do you want something that is a little bit lower and i think looks a little better and aligned with the cab