Pros and cons of a shell?

Hi guys,

I just got a Snugtop Rebel installed on my 15 Taco longbed. I've had it for a week now and so far it's been great. This is the first shell I've owned and was wondering some of the not-so-obvious pros and cons of having it on my truck.

Some of the pros I've found:
-Keeps everything in the bed dry and secure (obviously)
-I can haul a lot more now, and carry stuff in the bed permanently like camping chairs and warm clothes that I normally wouldn't.
-Adds more aerodynamics to the truck. I've been tracking my mpgs with an app called FillUp, and I'm hoping to see an increase.
-Adds to the appearance and
aesthetics of the truck. It really does look good.

Cons:
-Can't haul anything taller than the roof line. This isn't a biggie because I normally don't haul tall stuff.
-Limited rear view mirror sight. I always back into my garage to park, and use a tennis ball to hit my back glass. I've since repositioned it to hit the back canopy window, but it's extremely hard to tell when it hits. Normal driving hasn't seem to be an issue though.
-Removing it can be a pain in the ass. I haven't removed mine, but I've helped others, and they aren't light with only 2 guys, and their awkward to remove. And finding a place to store it isn't easy either. Someone was telling me about a system I could install in my garage ceiling that would remove and raise the shell, so it would be easy to remove and store, and also re-install. I need to look into this.

I want to know your guys thoughts though. What are some of the pros and cons I've missed? The truck is too new to take off-roading, but when I do, do I need to worry about the shell shifting or anything? Thanks.

 

Can sleep in the back.

 

Secure your cargo or risk broken windows. con
A nice cab roof rack set up and cap rack setup can open a world of loading possibilities. pro

 

I think your rig looks great. I've always had a cap/topper on my trucks.
Just had one installed on my 15 TRD OR.

 

pro - good excuse to buy a small trailer to haul tall stuff .
pro - sticky fingers reaching in shell free truck box , and taking fishing rods etc. , Same principle as having to break a window or door for a garage to get in , as compared to walking in an open garage door .
pro - can pack ahead of time for a trip and leave outside , as well as overnight at hotels on the way to wherever .
Cons
con - I was told by a young guy (20 ?) where I bought mine from, ( his wife made him take his off because ) - it no longer looks like a truck . Shells make it an "old mans" truck . I said " well I am an old man ", he he , I'm over it .
con - blind spots while changing lanes and towing .

 

This is true. After getting the shell installed, my wife and I laid down in the back, and with the longbed we can both lay flat comfortably. I can also lock myself inside with the quick release inside the shell.

 

Thanks Dave, yours looks great too. First time ever buying a paint-matched shell and I think they look really good sitting on the truck.

 

the being able to pack ahead has already helped us. We packed last night, had everything loaded, covered, and secured, woke up this morning at 4am and hit the road. It was really nice.

 

Loved being able to sleep in the back and "camp" incognito. I sold it though for a different setup mostly because of dust intrusion, and it was a pain to remove when an open bed was needed.

 

That's the exact same shell and same color that I want for my 2011 PreRunner.

 

Cheaper to rent one from U-Haul when you need a trailer.

I would rather own a SUV before I put a cap on a truck.

 

If you can afford the Snug top, I'd highly recommend it. I've had my Rebel for 3 months now and have been really happy with it. It stays completely sealed in rainstorms and when washing the truck. It's carpeted on the inside and the dealer I bought it from installed a DC LED light (not battery powered). I also added a few options, the window that meets up with the cab can flip down to allow cleaning to the back window. I also got the pet protector screens, which is a hard metal mesh that is mounted over the screen windows; this also adds a layer of security. The best option I got was the pro lock. the stock lock has to pop out to unlock and open, while the pro lock you can lock and unlock with the key, and the lock doesn't pop out. This way I can leave it unlocked without it being noticed.

 

I'll probably go for the SnugTop Cab High. I doubt the wife would be happy to spend anymore $$$, and I want to get the carpet, rack rails, and fold down front widow options. I've had two previous SnugTops and were happy with them.

 

i am 21 and i was told by a guy in his 30's or 40's, that i bought my shell from, that his wife made him take it off because it made the truck look like a hearse. I like the way tacos look w/ a shell, i am going for the "old man" look

As far as cons ive noticed, i also find myself using my side mirrors instead of my rearview mirror now due to the lost visibility out of the shell.

 

Like a black hearse

 

Best looking hearse i've seen..

 

It's my cabin in the woods,set up for camping,love it.

 

This is something i was thinking about using mine for. How you liking the bed rug?

 

Love the bedrug,also have two self inflating air mattress. They fit just right in between the wheel wells,6'2 " long. Real nice to sleep in, no tents for me.

 

Just curious if there is a 3rd brake light available?