Show me your shell!

All about dat shell life

I just added a custom roof basket to my cap. It's a 4'x5' aluminum frame with a steel floor. Worked out great for a recent trip to Vermont I went on. It holds my ARB awning and was carrying 2 kayaks, firewood, and my Rotopax 4gal. fuel can. I plan on adding reverse lights soon.

 

Nice rig you got there! How much did you pay for your ARE shell? I've been looking at Leers and Snugtops, but that ARE looks pretty nice.

 

Question for all you shell/topper guys what are these wires to. Since I've owned this the previous owner didn't have a clue what they were run to I'm sure one is 3rd break light and interior light and a auto lock/unlock but what goes to what? All I really want to hook up right now is 3rd break light.

 

What are u guys usually doing just drilling a small hole and tapping in that way?

 

There should already be a hole cover with a grommet or button. If there's 2 sets of wires one is the 3rd break light and the other is the interior light, if that cap has one.

 

Ahh this hole?

 

It is a HC from billy over at brute force fabrications.

Thanks!! The shell is a ARE CX series with the headliner, windoors, side vents, and dual rear handles. I think i paid 2100 for it brand new. I have been extremely pleased with it. The leer, snug top, and ARE are all top notch. Its really just about what features and look you want.

 

Love this truck dude!! that basket came out sick bro.

 

With a shell on a lifted taco do you guys experience sagging in the rear? If so what did you do to remedy this problem. I have an aal in the rear.

 

All pro expo springs

 

Had this bad boy on for a while, just getting around to posting it
Snugtop Rebel w/ fold down window, carpet and bed rug, pet screens


Before I put a bunch of ish in the back, the boy loves to ride in the back now

 

Ughhh so jelly... like seeing them in black to relate! How much did you pay if you don't mind?...

 

For fold down window, pet screens, carpeting/bedrug, Yakima racks, I think it was $2,500 OTD. Needed it asap, due to having a baby and my dog goes everywhere with me, needed the backseat for the carseat. Seemed like a good deal for brand new.

 

Man... I found a snugtop shell (model unspecified but sliding windows) used but seemingly in good condition on craigslist in my color and bed length for $500. Only posted 5 days ago; I called em up: Sold. Gosh these things go fast!

 

Like someone mentioned you will need some type of expo leafs. Dakar, allpro, deaver, etc.

 

Probably going to bring this one home with me tonight. Its for sale a little distance away and have yet to see it in person, but can anyone tell me what type of top this one is before i go look at it. I cant tell in the pictures what the name of it is, or even if its a quality brand... If you recognize this one, will i have issues with it? Thanks in advance

 

That's a Snugtop. Dont know the exact model. Snugtop is one of the big name brands, along with LEER and A.R.E. You probably wouldnt have any issues with it, but I can't speak from experience (I have a LEER)

Looks nice though

 

snugtop supersport.

 

Even though I switched to tundra, I think you guys have a lot more experience.

With a newborn and 2 dogs it's time to expand my truck's cargo capabilities. I'm torn between the ARE x series, Snugtop rebel, or ExtraVision.

Leer is out right now because I didn't really like the only local dealer very much.

The ARE/Snugtop dealer says Snugtop has shoddy customer service so if parts are needed it's kind of a PITA. And the lead time is 5-6 weeks vs 2-3 for ARE.

The rebel and X-series are about the same price BUT the XV is a last minute contender mainly because it has larger windows and sliding/removable screens which will be a huge bonus for my dogs. Additionally, Snugtop has the gas prop front window so you can raise it and leave it open rather than folded down and flopping around. And the XV is ~$600 more than the rebel...

I think I'm leaning towards Snugtop so can anyone vouch for them? I know the quality is there but the salesman kinda spooked me. The cost isn't holding me up really but I want to be sure I'm gonna be happy if I have to wait 6 weeks.

 

Snugtop to me is a better build than ARE, as I looked at both. I didn't think the extra money for the xtra vision was worth it, as the rebel has sliding windows that open up pretty far, and it's not like im sitting in the back and need that extra window space. I took the money I saved and put it towards a rack/bed rug instead.

My dog stays pretty cool with the front slider open and two side sliders open. When it gets super hot I may build one of those bucket fans and plug it in to the outlet if I'm doing a long trip with him in the back.