Hesitant to purchase a topper

I would have one, if I could get a deal like I did with my 2nd gen used for $800 ARE Z series.

 

I prefer the looks of without, but my lifestyle (And GSD) precludes me from being without one. Tacoma's thankfully are one of the best-looking trucks with them though.

 

I prefer the look of the truck with a tonneau cover, but a cap makes the most sense for me. I haul canoes a lot in the summer and a system like a Retrax tonneau with a rack limits the usable bed space, and isn't any cheaper than a cap. The cap gives you so much more space to keep things out of the elements.

This is an ARE CX classic. I've had a few caps in the past, but this is my first with windoors. The windoors are worth the price, and I can't imagine going back to a cap without them.

 

Same boat here. Whatever I put on the truck lives there forever. LOL I am not opposed to using my utility trailer for stuff that won't fit with a rack/topper. Did it with my Tundra even when I didn't have a rack because it is easier to load on the trailer than into the bed anyway.

 

I don't care what my truck cap looks like, can't see it when I'm inside driving.....

I have an ARE CXHD. 500lb payload capacity. 95% of what I haul either goes up on the rack or on a trailer anyway. I also can put chairs and sit on top at races or when I'm doing wildlife surveys for work. Get windoors so you can get stuff out from the sides.

 

My wife had similar concerns about the way a cap looks. We fought about it for about 4 years. When we finally got the cap and she realized how much, dry, lockable space the truck had shes been in love with it ever since. The modern fiberglass caps look sleek to me and don't take anything away from the looks of the truck.

 

Snugtop Sport Hiliner

 

I have a 2015 TRD OR and American Bulldogs. I love my snugtop Rebel and so do my dogs. I love the look but what is important also is that it keeps my Dogs, gear, and other items dry and locked up when needed. The Snugtop Rebel has pet windows and the front opens and folds down. It is awesome to have. I have a Bed Rug in it so it is softer for the dogs.
I recommend leaf packs to help with the extra weight, it makes the ride much better and is safer on and off the road. I had AAL's but it sagged to much. I have Bilstein 5100's OME 885X's and OME Dakar CS047R Leaf Packs and OME CB drop kit. 2 1/2" in front 3" in back. I purchased my Snugtop Rebel used for $1300.

 

Man I miss the desert!!

 

Those grey wheels look fantastic on your truck. I've been thinking of getting black ones but will have to rethink after seeing these.

 

I love them. Everyone has the black!

 

Function always comes before form, but I like the look of toppers.
Don’t buy a Snugtop. The dealer told me they are consistently arriving damaged, whereas the AREs are in great shape. I bought an ARE and it works well and looks great. You will wonder how you got by without being able to securely store items under a locked cap.

 

Put on your cement goggles. Paid $1800 cash a few months ago from a guy on CL.

 

Is the consensus that, "I love the look of the topper most of the time, but I would like to be able to take it off easily as needed," or is it, "I like the look without a topper, but want one at certain times, i.e. camping?"

I came across an inflatable truck topper, https://getflated.com/

I also like the Air-Carrier instead of a Thule box when you need it. It's a cool concept that seems to hold up well, at least according to their Instagram page.

 

Now that I've experienced it, I doubt I'll ever have a truck without a topper again. I also love the look which helps.

 

My wife and I car camped in our 5th gen for 2 years but was tired of keeping the rear seats folded down and lack of space due to having a rear drawer set up. We sold it and are waiting for a 3rd gen DCLB. I plan to get a RSI SmartCap so that we can still stealth camp/ boondock during road trips.

I have a daily driver 1st gen without a topper that I can haul stuff with when needed.

 

I think the general consensus is "I love the look all the time, don't care about taking it off, I'll get a hardshell topper", "I like the look, need to be removable, I'll get a softtopper", or "I hate them altogether, I won't get a topper."

 

The only thing I regret about my topper is- not getting one sooner. I got the right color, and bought it much cheaper than new,,,, but if I had to do it all over, I would have rather spent the money on new and had since day one,,, not 3.5 years later.

 

Mine was purchased with it.
Always did the tonneau but I like it a lot.
Until I need to remove it.

 

Nice truck! 285's?