Leer 122 or ARE TW vs LEER 180 or ARE MX

So I've got a DCLB OR coming my way and I want to get a topper for it. My primary use is truck camping, and I don't want to feel like I'm in a coffin, so I was thinking 122 for max headspace and light, but I have a bit of a conundrum.

At some point I will want to bring my mt bike along, but I know you can't mount them on top of a 122 (nor would I want to - I'm definitely not tall enough!). For this reason, the 180/MX is probably a more practical, more flexible choice, but I imagine it doesn't feel as nice to be inside....? Am I being unrealistic to think that I could kick back with my dog in a 122 and read a book without discomfort? Would it look really wonky/drive horribly to have a 122 with a bike mount on the cab? Or a pinsnu rack with a bike rack attachment - if that even exists!

I also might want to do an ARE awning, too...not sure how that impacts the choice.

Another consideration is security - solo woman and dog.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated...

 

Whoops, no TW for Tacoma. Scratch that.

 

I like my ARE MX and I sleep in it.
The tent in this pic is someone else's.


Here's a couple good threads that I follow:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-your-shell.13598/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...eping-platform-drawer-storage-systems.424709/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-whats-in-your-camper-shell.325674/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/255-85-r16-owners-experience.155849/

 

Thanks!

 

I have the ARE MX with the carpet liner and a platform in the back. I'm about 5'6" and sitting on the platform I'm just barely too tall to sit fully up right by maybe a 1/2", my girlfriend who's 5'2" has the same problem. Sitting on the wheel wells without the platform in I can fully sit up all the way. So far the only issue I've had with the ARE, is the bevel that goes around the bottom started to separate behind the cab of the truck about two months in. I eventually had it warrantied. Since then, about 8mo ago, I've had no issues.

 

Same deal here.

This is my Leer 180 (sprayed with line-x) on my DCLB OR 4x4

 

Sounds like those with the Leer 180 / ARE MX cannot sit upright whilst on a sleeping platform? I'm assuming any thickness of a mattress would just make that even worse?

 

Entirely depends on the height of said sleeping platform...

I just measured 41" between the floor of the bed and the ceiling in my carpeted Leer 180

 

I would be able to sit up right with my platform if I had made it flush with the top of the wheel well instead of having it sit on top of it. But I'm pretty short, and that would probably also depend on how firm your "mattress" is.