Show me your shell!

Hey guys,

Posted this on another thread but didn't get as many responses as I was hoping so figured I'd try here and then call it quits. Thanks in advance!

I've got a 2011 DC SB and I'm trying to pick out a cap/shell/canopy. I've read the "show me your shell" and all the other threads in this category and it sounds like there are lots of options out there. I'm in Canada so our options are slightly different in terms of brands. Here's what I'm looking at using it for and maybe that might help with selection. My questions for the manufacturers have gone pretty much unanswered and even the sales people are somewhat dubious when I ask.

- mounting roof top tent
- carrying equipment, jerrycans, shovels, etc. (high weight capacity/durability)
- accessibility and increased cargo capacity
- ability to accessorize in the future

Here are the caps I've looked at so far:

Raider
- Vagabond
- Vagabond CC

Leer
- 100R
- 100RCC

Range Rider
- Cruiser

ARE - the dealer is a bit of a dud so I've kind of abandoned this option. Also, I'm finding it confusing as hell sifting through all their choices/models.

Accessories:
- Front window: removable front sliding
- Side windows: windoors on both sides (sliding if available)
- Back: double t-handle locking

Here are my questions:
- Do you have any pointers on picking one out?
- Do you have experience with any of the ones listed?
- Is it just me, or do some models differ just by back/side/front windows?
- Does anyone have information/experience with commercial vs normal caps?

I'm wondering if I'm going overkill by looking at the commercial caps or if putting that much weight on the top warrants considering them.

Thanks so much for your time, everyone!

 

I love mine. It was probably the best truck related thing I own.

 

I got mine fairly inexpensively - 800 installed new - because they mis-ordered for someone else. It is the lowest level ARE, with sliding windows and the folding front window. I'd have liked to add the carpet kit inside and maybe upgraded to one which could carry a load without concern - but I like it, it looks good and does it's job. Plus, I can adjust for whatever amenities I want. Already put in hangers and lighting. Advice? Figure out where what you want crosses with what you want to spend and do that.

 

buy a good one, don't be cheap. i have a snugtop a.v., renforced top.ya kmia racks. the windoors are great, wish i got them. i use my cap alot for camping,use truck instead of tent. caps are not built as well as your truck, so better quality; more money. the cap dealer is key,what material they use to seal it ,the electrical hook up,that kind of stuff. taco's are hard to seal, bed rail cap to bed front panel theres a 3/4 " drop, hard to keep water out. a good install and a good cap should'nt leak in the rain. a car wash is a differnt story. get some tailgate seal ,your cap dealer should sell it,3m tape w/rubber gasket.it goes around the tail gate,alot of water and snow can get in there. good luck.

 

I have posted my cap photos on here before, figured I could post that I am currently selling gym LEER 100lx super white in the 2nd gen market place.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leer-100lx-superwhite-pa.399345/

thanks

 

look what came in today!

 

Looks good! There's a front runner/cap runner going on that too, right?

 

Nice, how is the overall quality? I may get the highest one they have (36") to make into a camper...

 

Century ultra sport with keyless entry


and bedrug

 

Coming along.....

 

What are the dimensions of the cap rack?

 

1165(w)x1358(L)mm or 46"(w)x54"(L)

The cab rack and shell rack have the same exact dimensions.

 

hehe your neighbor has a taco too

 

Damnit damnit damnit I really want a Bedrug!

 

Just picked my shell up from the paint shop.... Total investment for a nautical blue metallic shell is at 640 for paint and shell... Need to order the tracks for the Thule rack and I'll be at 880 total with the Thule rack setup included...

 

Someone on here was selling a used Thule rack system. Might wanna search it up.