Topper or No topper

Debating on taking my topper off. It does look good with it on tho + it matches the hood. Thoughts?

 

Skip the topper

 

I bought a topper for mine. Used it three times. It’s sits in the garage. Skip it.

 

Put it on if you intend to use it -- I've always had one, keeps tools and crap secure in bed. Trash doesn't blow away when I go to dump...

 

I would never consider having a truck without a topper. Nobody’s business what I have in back of my truck! And, I think that mileage is better, and it doesn’t fill up with snow!
I do take it off when necessary to carry larger things, compressor, new washing machine, etc

 

Trucks look better without a cap
But I want the dry storage, so I put on caps

 

I've had one on every truck I've owned since the 1970's. Back when I was using 50 lb aluminum caps that I could put on and take off with no help I would use them as needed. Since going to fiberglass they never come off. About 2 times a year I loosen the clamps to slide them back a foot or so to clean the back window of the truck and front of the cap.

Keep it and keep it on the truck. If you didn't already own one it might be a little harder to justify spending the money for one. But you already have it and they don't sell for much used. It's cheaper to keep her.

My Tacoma has been on multiple cross country road trips to camp and hunt all over the country. It's nice to be able to keep gear locked inside and out of the weather. I can still haul wood or anything else I need in the bed and hose it out. You're not going to put much in the bed of any Tacoma, even the ones with 6' beds. If I need to haul anything of any size or weigth that is what the 6X10 utility trailer is for. I can haul more weight and volume in it than I could fit in a 3/4 ton with an 8' bed. Plus it makes a great place to add a roof rack for carrying kayaks or long stuff.

 

Indeed, racks on caps not just for Kayaks -- long stuff too!

Guy at lumber yard called it a "redneck move" but whatever... 20' culvert

 

How is that a redneck move? More like a pro move to me.

Redneck move would be culvert sticking out the back, with a hand truck tied on the end so it doesn't drag.

 

Both. They're removable. Use them as you want. I like being able to switch up the utility and look.

 

I like the look of them but they are aggravating when trying to use the bed. Also make the truck more difficult to see out of.

 

It depends what you use it for. I need covered locking storage. If you don’t need covered locking storage take it off. Aesthetics has nothing to do with it.

 

Comes down to the use. If you need a topper (area safe from elements for gear, transporting dogs/animals, carrying ladders or other longer components ontop), use the topper. If you are having the topper as an accent to the hood, ditch it is my $0.02 as it looks better without.

They make great hoist systems that can hold it in the air for when you need to use it and leave it off for the daily if thats an option too...

 

Thats a tough one, your truck looks bad ass either way! Did you spray liner your cap? I like mine but getting some sun burn on both top edges I want to address. Really want an aluminum tonneau cover but not before new rims and tires along with a lot of other stuff. Probably take it off to replace the old cap seal and clean up the bed soon.

 

I've had a topper on both of my Tacomas and wouldn't consider going without one at this point. I love the convenience of throwing stuff in the back and not worrying about theft. I also prefer the look. Best bonus of having a topper... when friends ask you to help move big stuff, your response: "sorry, can't fit much in the truck with the topper on it".

 

Softopper

 

Get a hoist and put in on / take it off as you feel necessary. I got rid of mine and regret it.

 

I don't like the look of a topper. If you don't need it, lose it.

 

Very common, alot will ditch due to the size or inconvenience and then immediately have x10 uses they need one for that following year

 

Welcome to TW . . .

Security reasons mentioned, depending on where you live, it may be wise to keep it, not that it will deter the more motivated. Otherwise if you don't use it, lose it. :-D

However . . . if you're in CA (and possibly other states,) with a shell you can register it as a passenger vehicle instead of a commercial vehicle, the registration fees are significantly different. A pickup truck is (ridiculously) considered "commercial" in that state, which means (as I recall) you get to park in some spaces passenger cars can't. It must be permanent so if you register it as a passenger vehicle and remove it later you can get ticketed. Always something.