In your opinion who makes the best truck caps

Looking into getting a color matching truck cap for a short bed.

I hear wildly different opinions on get this get that in various threads.

Trying to get a consensus on what everyone likes the most.

Quality and durability for what you pay for, and who should I avoid like the plague?

 

That's because there are 1001 caps in every configuration. They are like tires or oil. Pick one, read the reviews, get the one you want.

 

I know my ARE is pretty low quality for how much I paid for it

 

i know nothing about this. but the nice thing about TW is that i remember seeing this today and can share it.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tradesman-truck-tops-commercial-style-topper-shell.504188/

 

And the horror stories of pretty much every cap makers shitty customer service. It’s pretty it or miss.

 

I've read complaints about every manufacturer I've ever heard of, and some I've never heard of.

 

Used one

 

what is a truck cap??

 

kinda like a trucker cap but smaller

 

It's like a hat, but used for fancy things like playing golf.

 

Used is best, pay 1/6 of what some pay new

 

Get a different one if it's bad

 

lol...so...what is a truck cap?

 

In all seriousness, with how established TW is and with the massive userbase, I'd love to see a stickied resource for the various caps/shells/covers for the different generations and bed sizes. Picture heavy, of course.

 

I would look at the Leer XR with Windoors. I have had three on Tacoma’s since 1989 and I recommend. I didn’t do Windoors and that is my only regret. I currently have the XR with headliner and pop out front window with remote lock. (Works with remote to lock cab and shell and tailgate with pop n’ lock I installed). I have a long bed so the Windoors would be nice to access all of bed from sides though not quite as clean looking.
Just my opinion!

 

I've had one back in the early 90's it was a fiberglass Leer. I had it for 10 years and sold it with the truck. IMO great quality.

 

Ive had ARE's on multiple trucks over many years. Had no problems so I order another for my newest truck. Now I'm disappointed. They did a cheesy job with the window install. The window frame looks nicely angle trimmed from a distance. The curve on the frame rear edge is actually black tape/decal over 1/8" foam to create the blended curve. I didn't notice for a couple months after buying and the the dealer wouldn't do anything but say that's the way all of them are. My next topper will probably be a Leer.

 

I bought a Sungtop over Leer and ARE.

 

Avoid “SUV style” flush windows and you’re pretty much good. Those windows always leak, eventually.

 

My Leer 180 has held up for 9 years now, paint looks better than the trucks paint. No cracks or leaks.