Mid-rise or standard height shell for camping? Experiences/Input appreciated

Went with a Leer 180 with a sliding windoor on the driver side only, headliner, and Thule roof rack. Thanks for the input guys!

 

I have had nothing but problems with my new Leer 180... all leaking windows, jagged metal, missed drill holes from factory, none of the molding was seated properly, so many issues! (just purchased it in mid-April 2018 for $2,300. Here are some pics. I really wish I kept my Snugtop! Leer dealer keeps saying bring it back and we'll fix it. They won't let me return it or refund my money. It's only one week old.

 

Why not let them fix it? Leer has a 1 year warranty and most dealers (that I've talked to) have a 30 day labor warranty. Sorry to hear that you are having problems though. Bummer. I wanted to go with a midrise snugtop but just couldn't get into how they look sitting on a 3rd gen. Good luck sorting your shell out.

 

I think I'd talk to a lawyer if they wouldn't take that back; that's ridiculous and never should have left the factory. If you paid on your charge card you may have some recourse through them also.

 

I would prefer to have a mid rise cap, but I got mine for cheap enough to put up with it. With a sleeping platform it's pretty cozy with the cab height, and if you plan on spending any time in there other than sleeping i'd go with a mid rise.

 

Looks like you've already pulled the trigger but a few things I'll add anyway:

I've got the 100XR (cab height), I do camp in it on my sleeping platform and it's fine for that. Some more headroom would of course be nice, but let's face it, I don't live in the thing. So for the handful of nights (hopefully more this year) I spend in it every year, I can survive without the extra headroom, I only notice it getting in and out. If there is inclement weather or something, I just change clothes in the cab. I like the looks of the cab height shells much more, my last 2 trucks had mid rise caps and they looked kinda goofy (but were also 20 years old).

If you are worried about locking from the inside, look into the 180XR, it has the same locking mechanism as my 100XR (and with the help of my pop-n-lock) I can lock the shell and the tailgate with my fob from the inside.

Get EVERY option you think you might ever want. I got:

• Carpeted Headliner (Free, DO THIS)
• 12v Powerblock
• Thule Racks/Tracks (If Leer does this at the factory it is guaranteed against leeks)
• Sliding/Removable front window (makes cleaning a million times easier)
• Pet screens
• Keyless entry (only available on rotary handle models, which the XR series is)
• Clothes hangers (I hang keys and dog gear from here while sleeping)

I did NOT windoors because I had read that they are prone to leaks, but from what I have read since, that might have been an isolated case. If I could do it over again, I probably would get the windoors/sliders.

As someone else mentioned, I would look around here for advice on where they usually leak on tacos (front, cab-side corners and maybe under the bed rails) and do EVERYTHING YOU CAN to minimize this BEFORE you get it installed. I wish I had siliconed under the rail caps, but it doesn't seem to be a huge deal on mine. Also look into tailgate seals, you can do these after install.

Sorry, that was much longer than I anticipated. Happy to answer any other questions you have.

 

The 180XR is not available yet for the 3rd gens, or I would have gotten it. I couldn't wait either, as I am moving this summer and need the shell to help with the move (plus, summer camping needs to get done).

I already talked to the dealer/installer about sealing up the front side-caps. They are also going to install tailgate seals.

I am curious about putting silicone under the rail caps though. Could you link me to some more information about this? I haven't heard of that being done or being necessary before. What does it entail?

 

I didn't do it so I can't comment for sure, but I think you just pull up the plastic rail caps, lay down a bead of silicone and put the caps back on.

These are the first two threads I found but if you just search this forum for something like "Cap Seal/Install" etc. you'll find some stuff

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ail-caps-before-installing-your-shell.482934/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rior-to-cap-install-used-what-sealant.431102/

 

Thanks. What did you end up doing about the front, side-cab corners? My dealer/installer said they would use silicone but I am curious how yours got handled? Any experience with leaks on your shell so far?

Also, if I did run a silicone bead under the bedrail caps, what kind of silicone would you recommend?

And I must be one of the only people that prefers the mid-rise, grandpa shell look, LOL.

 

Form over function my man.

I used

$11 Dap 00694 2.8-Ounce Silicone Rubber Auto/Marine Sealant, Clear

DAP for all of my water sealing needs. My installer ran silicone under the front bulkhead of the shell before he installed it which prevented a lot of issues. There were still some smaller holes (in the corners and the drain holes in the bottom of the bed) that I've just hit with DAP when I see them and it's about 99% water tight. I had some other small gaps in the bed near taillights that I've also had to remedy on my own with DAP.

When I got the shell, it also leaked from the 3rd brake light, but I made my dealer fix that. I was told they will fix any Leer issues, but not any Toyota issues. Which is understandable, but frustrating. You would think they (Leer AND Toyota) would have getting the bed/shell water tight by now.

 

I didn’t do under the side rails and haven’t had any leaks. The 180 hangs over the rail a fair amount. I think that stops it from coming in. Hope anyways. Only spot on mine where water gets in is the bottom of the door each side has a little gap.

 

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I think it will help those of still debating this. What is the interior height of the mid rise shell vs the cab height shells?

 

I believe it was 34”. 5’7” I had to tilt my head slightly when sitting up. With a sleeping platform installed. Had a 3” foam mattress and a 3” memory foam mattress.

 

If you could choose the height: How much taller than the cab would you like the cap to be?

 

The mid rise was perfect. Didn’t feel claustrophobic with sleeping platform and I loaded two kayaks on top. The windoors were awesome! Never order another with out them. The wife likes it as well. Spent two weeks camping in it! The height was I believe four inches above the top cap! With a two step stool I was able to load the kayaks.

 

Mine is cab height. If I had to do it over again, I would get a mid-rise. With a sleeping platform it makes it tough to do anything but sleep in it.

 

What he said is exactly how I feel. Ive always had cab-high shells and my last truck came with the higher one and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. Yes the extra space was nice for the 5-10% I use it that way. The other 90% of the time I preferred not to have it.

Several reasons why...
-Back racks much higher than if I want to add cab racks- I used to carry long surfboards or even surf ski's and considered adding racks to my cab to allow more coverage points. I wouldn't be able to do that with a higher shell.
-Parking- my truck was tall enough without adding a higher shell and racks
-Looks- for me I didn't like the look. I have seen really good looking setups but for me I preferred the look of the cab high

 

I have a Cab-height and want a mid rise. Anyone want to trade? Mine is the Snugtop GB Sport in silver. Would trade for a leer 180 in silver. Mine is sportsmen package rated for 500 poounds.

 

I went cab high canopy. Owned it now for 2 years. And now I am ready to have an open truck bed again. The cab high was nice and cozy for camping in, it would have been nice to have the extra room of the taller canopies, I was not a fan of them sticking over the cab.

 

You're already driving a brick. The difference is negligible, unless you're going to go all "overland" and strap a bunch of crap on the roof.