Truck Caps ?'s

My after i got mine my father-in-law bought an 09 TRD off road and is going to buy a cap...but keeps asking me questions...I have never owned a cap nor do i want one, so i thought i would ask you guys?

Any advantage to going with a higher cap?
Or
Just the cab high cap?
Anyone actually needed a higher one or have specific uses for the higher caps?

any advantages to doing the bed rug on the inside of the cap?

 

On my tundra, I had a higher rise cap mainly for the larger door opening in the back. You can put a trash can standing up and larger boxes/furniture. Also head room when moving stuff around inside. Mine was an A.R.E. MX series and it gave a little window in part of the step up which made it a little more light inside.

 

I've always owned a cap on my trucks, mainly for hauling my dogs. I have also slept in them, moved all my belongings in them etc. I guess it depends on what you want to use it for. Once they are on, its hard to remove and replace them without leaks etc. I currently have one for dogs, and my wife is an artist so I transport her paintings to galleries etc. What will you mainly be using it for?

 

I assume you're aware of the obvious pro/cons:

you can fit taller stuff under the taller caps

vs.

cab height will have less air drag and not cause problems in garages with low clearance.

Other than that, I'd imagine it's really a matter of preference and personal taste/aesthetics.

the rug should prevent scratches to whatever it's covering and will give some protection against dings if you're hauling furniture frequently. Other than that it's probably just a little more weight.

 

Main uses will be hauling Mtn. Bikes, Kayaks, ski equipment...Also camping/sleeping quarters when out on the river...Most likely adding a bed rug...maybe carpet the cap as well?

Anyone notice significant air drag resulting in MPG loss??

 

I have never noticed a change in MPG on any truck I installed a shell on. I calculate the mpg on every tankful on every truck I have ever owned*. I have had 3 different style shells (medium, high, low) and different trucks (Ford, Dodge, Toyota) and I have never noticed any change up or down.

I always hear the factoid that a shell or tonneau cover improves mileage but I personally have never seen it.

* (Dodge's computer mpg readout actually reads 10% better than actual mpg if you actually check it with a calculator - I am pretty sure they do that on purpose to make you feel better about driving their truck)

 

Based on the intended uses I would suggest the taller shell because the added interior space. Unfortunately, the cab highs look better IMO.

My advice don't get their carpet kit because you are going to get dusty inside. And it is hard to clean out. I like to take a hose and washout the inside and if you put carpet on the inside the shell you cannot do that or it is hard to get it to dry out if the hatch and windows are closed. Just use an indoor/outdoor carpet from Home Depot for less than $20. You can remove it and wash it.

Final tip - get the flip down front window in the shell. I bought my last SnugTop with it and it is the greatest invention ever because you cannot clean the back window of the truck with the shell installed. Previously when I wanted to clean the back window I had to slide the shells back just reach in there.

 

I've always had a cap (until this truck) and never saw a decline or improvement. I'm getting the itch to get one but I'd prefer to get an ARE MX style with taller rear so that my bikes can fit with the seatpost/saddle still on. If the tall cap doesn't decrease MPG then that really is good news.

 

I had a cap on an old truck, my .02 is that for bikes caps stink, it is hard to wrestle them around under the cap, best bet is to get a roof rack for the cap and put the bikes up there. Save the underneath for your sleeping quarters and camping gear.

I think sometimes I would really like a cap, I like the way they look on a white truck as well. The times I don't need it really outweight the needs though. If I was too find a really cheap one in a few years I would pick it up, but I cannot justify 1000-1500 for a new cap.

 

i have an ARE on my current truck. first cap i have ever owned. i'm on the fence with this. the PO took it on/off, so i have noticed a leak when i wash the truck. i have a bunch of yard cleaning coming up, so taking it off to haul yard debris is an unknown. i guess i need to call a friend.

in 3 weeks i am taking the truck to AZ for deer hunting, and i suspect the added security of having all my stuff under cover is a plus. i dont know what will happen if i kill a deer. i guess i just stuff it in with my gear.

mine is cab high...i bought a mountian bike for the wife, and it is a pain to slide into the back.