New bed cap suggestions.

I'm getting prices on a 2014 Tacoma DCLB and want a cap to go with it. Mostly I want the cap to look sporty, match the truck's style and color and to keep my gear dry. Most of the dealers seem to have local vendors that they work with but I'm not sure if it makes the most sense just to arrange a cap purchase when I buy the truck or if it will be cheaper and/or more convenient for me to buy one on my own. I can't imagine that it would be more convenient but I suppose it may be less expensive.

Can anyone give me some suggestions about what a nice looking and functional cap would be for the Taco longbed and what I should expect to pay for one if I buy it from the dealer at the time of the truck purchase?

 

I am partial to Snugtop, but Leer makes a good product too. You didn't say where you're from, but Snugtop is hard to get if you're east of the Mississippi.
I paid $2200 for mine after I bought the truck. My dealer doesn't offer shells.

 

Ive had 4 toppers on 4 different trucks over the years. A Leer, ATC, Raider and now an ARE. The leer was the nicest, but also the most expensive. The ARE I have now is real nice, and its the first one Ive had with side windows that open up. I never cared for the look, but now I have them I wont go back to the slider window option. It provides easy, much needed access to the bed.
Ive never purchased one from a dealer, but plan to spend $1500-2500 depending on options.

Good luck.

 

OK, thanks for the info guys. I'm in northern Pennsylvania for what it's worth and I had presumed I was probably looking at $1500-2000 for a decent cap but wanted to verify that and get some suggestions.

 

I use an Access cover. It's not a solid top but will do the job to keep things dry. Advantage is it can be rolled up on the bed if you need to get something instead of having to drive home, take the top off, come back to pick up you item, drive home, put the top back on...etc. Sure saves time when you're 300 miles away. Downside is its a vinyl top. Yeah, it only keeps honest thieves out but a solid top is just as easy to get into.

 

No way that this would be GG from Coudy on UJ would it?!

I agree that the ARE Windoors are great, will never go back to anything else. I purchased mine separate from the truck and paid $2300 for it. Have had a lot of trucks and caps over the years and am more interested in function than looking sporting. But still have to look good I went with the ARE MX which is above cab height because with a platform in the back I want room to sit up. And always having extra room comes in handy. Great choice in a grouse rig. Also works well for phez in SD and as a DD.

 

I can't go anywhere without being recognized. Thanks for the advice, I had already looked at the ARE MX series and will definitely consider it.

 

My cap came with my DCLB when I bought it used, so I can't comment on pricing. However, my cap is a Leer 100 XQ and I think it looks really good. From what I've read online you should be able to buy one of these and stay within your price range. Leer customizes the 100 XQs for each truck model. So a 100 XQ on a Tacoma will look slightly different than it will on an F-150. For the Tacomas, the shape of the side windows has a similar shape to the rear windows on our double cabs. The side windows do open, but not very much. They sort of pop open at the back and only open about two inches. If you need to access the bed of your truck from the side, then skip over the 100 XQ. For me, this cap works and I don't care about not being able to access the bed from the side of the truck. Here are a couple pictures of what it looks like on a DCLB. If you want any more detailed pictures let me know. Good luck with the hunt!