Tacoma Camper tops

When I bought my Toyota Tacoma I needed a camper on the back to haul my hunting and camping supplies and often times my bird dogs.

I checked around and I looked at different brands of campers before settling on a Snugtop brand camper. The Camper looks good with the rest of my vehicle. That was a couple years ago and I have had nothing but bad experience with the use of the camper.

Every time the temperature drops below freezing here in the Treasure Valley where Boise, ID. is, the mechanism on the back window of the camper shell freezes up solid and there is NO opening it!

One thing that sometimes works is to pour hot water over the latch.

Been to the dealer twice and he wouldn't admit there is a problem with the product and he couldn't do anything to fix it.

I want to warn everyone about Stucktop, I mean "Snugtop Campers"! Don't get one! You are throwing your money away. I have had live animals stuck in that camper all night when the temperatures are down well below freezing.

That is unacceptable. I paid top dollar for what I thought was a good product choice. It was NOT the cheapest option out there either!

Any suggestions?

 

Subbed.

 

Light oil to prevent freezing, blow dryer to thaw when it does...

 

I have a Leer that did this last week. I don't think there's too much to complain about really, we've had a pretty up and down winter so far temperature wise- everything from 50's to single digits, sometimes back to back. so the heavy moisture for a few days then a quick freeze will make those locks freeze up a bit. I'm not saying its not annoying, but I'm not certain any of the other brands would perform any differently, seems they use the same style handle/ locks generally. Maybe I'm wrong. I was able to get mine open eventually but if its a real problem maybe keep de-icer with you.

 

I don't know what style handle your top has but I should clarify mine has two separate T handles- one per side, each independently lockable. Some have the single handle in the center that opens both sides....I steered clear of that style for various reasons....

 

Lmao. I'm pretty certain all brands would have this problem with temps dropping below freezing. I'm just curious as to why you would leave live animals in your camper all night with temps below freezing?

 

At least they were in a shelter of some sort. No different than animals being outside with just a dog house or half shelter at those temps. I believe his point was it was frozen and he couldnt get it open without breaking it.

 

Sorry that you've had these issues. Latches on most campers are not that robust. I think your blame is a bit misplaced. Mother Nature is who you should be posting about.

 

@joninboise
Did you try deicer spray?

 

Thanks for that input! Mine has the single handle in the center. I will try some "light oil or a "de-icer spray" or possibly some heating device tho I know that may not be practical when I'm out away from access to electricity.

 

No, but I will get some and give it a try. Thanks!

 

I'm going to get some, thank you!

 

My Leer freezes up sometimes too and it's just the 90 degree turn T handles. I've had good luck getting the key halfway in and pouring a cap full of rubbing alcohol onto the key. A couple of jiggles and it's good to go for a few days. A bit of silicone spray on all of the rubber seals around the hatch or windoor helps keep the rubber from freezing to the door.

 

I agree. I have had two previous SnugTops and now I'm currently on my third. I love mine, but I don't live where it gets that cold and have never experienced that problem. I feel sorry for the poor animals. They should be somewhere warmer.