DIY: Installing a new camper shell

Hi guys,
I just got my 2021 SR5 in cement. Placed the order for a Snugtop today and opt to install it myself. I see the camper attach to the OEM bed rail system with 4 C-clamps.
Is anyone have gone this route could recommend what I should watch out ? Tip and Trick welcome?

As you can see my kid was stoked hopping in the truck.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/plug-and-play-brake-light-taps.707529/

 

Bed stiffeners and possibly will need to add a leaf pack if you start seeing sagging. Depends on the weight of the snugtop and how u will be using the truck .

 

1. Seal the bed before installing the shell. That means pulling off all 3 of the plastic bed caps and putting silicone sealant underneath. Also pay close attention to the front corners. Toyota makes rubber plugs for the corners ($32 each) that normally come with factory-installed tonneau covers.

2. Bed stiffeners, as has been mentioned.

3. The clamps that tie into the OEM bed rail system are not really C-clamps. They're straight bolts that thread into T fittings in the rails. IMO this is inadequate. Get 4 more actual C-clamps.

4. The wiring will depend on the interface that comes with the Snugtop. My Leer cap has a fuse box that the truck-side wiring just plugs into. Leer makes a truck-side wiring harness that avoids the need to tap into the existing wiring. Perhaps Snugtop offers something similar.

Do you have a fork lift? That's what the dealer-installers use to get the cap into position. Otherwise, do you have about 4 strong guys to lift it? IMO this is not a DIY job. The cost savings are just not worth it.

 

Thanks for the info.
I’ll do #1 soon. My camper will come in 8 weeks. can you link those corner rubber plugs?

I don’t have a lift, but the dealer will lift it to the bed for me(I confirmed that before making the deposit).
I’d rather save the $200 fee. I am handy enough to do this.
Yes, I am getting a bed stiffener too.

edit: found the plug. Dang they are expensive for rubber pieces.

 

Yes, they are. Also, the (side) plastic bed caps have to be trimmed so that the plugs will fit. But this is still the best way to seal the corners neatly.

Also, I forgot to mention that there should be a bulb gasket along the bottom of the shell, where it sits on top of the bed caps. Normally this is something that is included with the dealer installation.

 

Chet_t Congrats on your SR5 & incoming Snugtop

I'll agree that a couple on hun-skies is a lot, however my Snuggy dealer spent over an hour
with the complete install and I'll have recourse for any warranty issues that they might
say ' It Was Installation Related '

My dealer charged just under a $100, have your son write a nice note to the dealer stating
My Daddy is Great with referrals...Ya never know