Camper shells

Are the camper shells worth it? Does the 2nd gen camper shell will fit the 3rd gen?

I am considering on buying one and I prefer the high rise but also like the regular height.

 

2nd gen does not fit 3rd gen beds. The dimensions are a little off and they don’t sit properly! If you are going to sleep in the back/camp back there I would recommend the midrise or hi rise shells!
Ranch Skyline Midrise shell

 

That totally depends on how you would use it…I think it’s the most useful thing I’ve purchased for the truck so far besides tires.

 

They are worth it. Kiddo and i camp in mine. We have a 5ft bed so I sleep sideways. 2nd gen will not fit 3rd gen.

Eta. Make sure the seals are good and be ready to caulk areas.

 

For what I do they are necessary. I've had a cap on every truck since the 1970's.

I don't use my truck as a motorized wheelbarrow, but primarily as my camping/hunting/ travel rig. I've made close to a dozen 4000-5000 mile road trips to camp/hunt in many parts of the country, pulling a travel trailer on several trips. Dozens of shorter trips. Being able to keep camping gear dry and secure important. For me a Crew Cab truck with a shell is the most versatile rig I've found. I have slept in the back a few times, but I'd rather put up a tent that I can stand up and walk around in.

I could use a SUV, but unless a 3rd row of seats is necessary, they cost much more than a comparable truck. They don't tow as well and are less capable off road. And I can, and do, haul stuff in the bed that is easy to hose out, couldn't do that with a SUV. If something won't fit in the truck with the cap on it that is what the 6X10 utility trailer is for.

Which style is personal preference. Most of mine fit flush with the cab. I had one wedge style on another truck that was 2' or so higher in the back. I never needed the space and I hated the looks. I've seen some that were a few inches taller than the cab and I like that look. Just be aware of costs.

Caps have gotten crazy expensive. I paid $700 for the one on my 2007 Tacoma. The one on my 2014 F150 was $1500 and I don't think you can get one under $2500 today. Maybe closer to $3000. I was never interested in the fancy stuff. Both of mine are basic Leer caps. Even the 17 year old one on my Tacoma is in great shape. I did have to replace the pistons on both a couple of years ago

 

"worth it" is subjective, as everyone's situation is different. I love mine, but it does have it's drawbacks: additional weight causes weak OE springs to squat, MPG's will most likely take a small hit, cargo height restriction or the need to remove, store, reinstall.
Like @Marshall R, I don't use my Tacoma as a dump truck, I use it to haul cargo I want semi-locked, dry, and out of sight,,, and for that it works perfectly.

 

I can’t live without it.

 

I would never go without one but I bought mine used. They are very expensive now. Just like everything else.

 

Worth it? Like others have said, it depends on how you are going to use your truck bed. I have had fiberglass caps on my last two Tacomas. I like keeping my belongings in a secure place, and having a cap on my truck allows that.

 

Crazy ‘spensive! So are the resale prices too!
I looked on and off for 3 years before I found a used with correct color for what I thought was a “normal” used price, struck a deal via FB with the owner on Friday afternoon, woke up at O Dark 30 Saturday morning and drove 8 hours one way to snatch it up.
Fortunately the guy was a standup man and turned down other people bidding up, because we had a deal. That’s a real damn man right there. Cool part was; I was able to reciprocate and cut him a deal on my tri fold, I didn’t even know he wanted one until he helped make the swap in the parking lot.

 

Happy with mine… bought used from a fellow TW member years ago. Safe storage for things in the bed and they stay dry. Worked wonders when driving cross country from FL to AZ wi5 a bed load of stuff… dry and locked up overnight etc.

Stupid prices are oem S2000 hardtops… don’t get me started.

 

I have a 5 foot truck bed and so far the ones I've been seeing online are crazy expensive like in the $3000 to $6000 range. I have a 3rd gen and wanted to get the bed cap but for a reasonable price.

I know they are about 180 to 200lbs. Did you lose/gain any mpg?

Which is heavier, regular or the high rise?

 

Not sure there is that much difference in the weight of them. I haven’t seen any MPG loss personally. But you don’t want sag you might want to upgrade suspension a little.
Yeah I bought mine new for $3600

 

I got a leer 100r with carpet, not to fancy but love how it sits.
I have some sumo springs coming this week and will be ordering bed stiffeners soon.

 

as most others that purchase and install a canopy, i needed one for work and play. i have had 5-6 of them on different trucks in my lifetime. i like the cab high models, and not those that are taller than then the cab.

the one i purchased for my tacoma is an ARE CX. the carpet liner was a free upgrade so i got it. it was just under $3K.

no question getting it to seal and be watertight was much tougher on the tacoma than on any other truck i have owned in the past. it is still not watertight but close enough.

i have owned mostly leer, this is my first ARE. i will get another leer on my next truck.

edit: my fuel mileage was not affected and the rear was about 1/2 inch lower from the added weight. so far i have not done anything with the suspension but suppose i will have to at some point. just one of my dislikes about the tacoma, the weak suspension.

 

I am assuming that you just upgraded the rear suspension?

Can one person install the camper shell or it is too heavy?

 

Thanks, so the water still gets in using the camper shells?

 

It depends. Bought mine in the hopes of keeping dust and water from getting in. Many years of sealing crevices and tight spaces but I still get the occasional dust and water. Also, gives me peace of mind that it’s locked up and secure when I have equipment in the bed.

 

Shells definitely have their purpose. But what a pain in the ass they are to remove, store, and reinstall when you need an open bed.

 

Not super easy to take off. I am upgrading my suspension but that’s also cause I will have a constant heavy load in the truck and go off road often enough that I can justify spending the money. I know plenty of people that didn’t upgrade the suspension and they are happy as can be.