1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Tradesman Truck Tops commercial style topper/shell

Discussion in 'Product Reviews' started by Toynado, Aug 4, 2017.

  1. Aug 4, 2017 at 7:48 AM
    #1
    Toynado

    Toynado [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2015
    Member:
    #166816
    Messages:
    1,393
    Gender:
    Male
    SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD OR DCSB Quicksand
    EXTERIOR: Toytec Boss 2.0 Dakar CS047R Leaf Springs Tailpipe chopped Pelfreybilt Front full hoop front bumper w/ Pelfrey fairlead Pelfreybilt Rear standard bumper Pelfreybilt Aluminum IFS, Mid, Rear (exhaust reroute) & Gas tank skids Pelfreybilt Fuseplate w/ 12 circuit fuse block All-Pro Apex Sliders ProComp 7036 17"x9" -6 offset BFG 275/70R/17 KO2's Warn VR10000-S winch Baja Designs S8 light bar & Squadron sports amber pods in front bumper Baja Designs S2 flush pods in rear bumper Baja Designs Squadron Pro amber pods on Caliraised ditch light brackets @rrentrop reflective black tailgate inserts RSI LED's for regular & high beams Prinsu Cabrac Custom Tradesman Truck Top by Access Manufacturing w/ Powertank 8"propane tank mount & Yakima tracks on the roof INTERIOR: Warrior Products door sill protectors Husky Weather Beater floor mats front & rear Coverking arid multicam seat covers in the front Midland 75-822 CB w/ 4' Firestick antenna on C4 Fabrication tailgate mount Consolevault Hondo Garage iPhone mount
    FullSizeRender 21.jpg I had a tonneau cover which worked great but then my needs changed and I started looking at doing a topper/shell/cap, whatever you want to call it. At first I looked at ARE, Leer, and Snugtop. I then went out to Extreme Outback Products in Vacaville, CA and the owner showed me his custom Tradesman Truck Top an immediately knew I had found what I was looking for. After swapping some emails I drove out and finalized the design. Some of their welders/fabricators have been with them for over 40 years so Tradesman Truck Tops can make it if you can dream it!

    My design centered around the idea of wanting to build a sleep platform with storage underneath. Because of this I chose to have it built 26" above the bed, insulated, carpet lined and a vent put in the roof. They offer several vent options but I chose a basic vent. One nice thing about the basic vent is that without a fan in the way it cranks open wide and doubles as a stargazing window at night. IMG_5887.jpgIMG_6046.jpg FullSizeRender 8.jpg

    For the sides Tradesman can do windows, no windows, full length lift doors with windows (windoors) or w/out windows, or side lift tool boxes. On mine I chose for the driver side split in half with one windoor and one toolbox. The windoor has a sliding window with security mesh and the tool box has an internal shelf and dividers and a fold-down shelf that's all carpeted. I've turned the toolbox into my kitchen. On the passenger side is a full length windoor with two sliding windows with security mesh. The windoors, tool box and rear door open wide and I had mine all wired such that when they open they turn on interior LEDs. There is a LED strip inside the top and one LED strip inside the toolbox.IMG_6038.jpgFullSizeRender.jpgIMG_6055.jpg

    Attention to detail is shown in the reinforced points on each door. If you somehow manage to turn the T-handle when the door is open and then try to close it, the locking rods won't damage the top. Additionally, the locking rods on the T-handles are stout and the reinforced point mean your gear is secure. IMG_6043.jpg

    Another thing to mention is their proprietary door hinges. They are actual full length hinges, not just an open channel that can spread with time & use. FullSizeRender 16.jpg

    Tradesman's has various options for the rear - single cargo door, double (ambulance) cargo doors, Full lift door, or half door w/ glass. But here is where their ability to customize made my topper unique. I went with a half door with glass & security mesh and diamond plate panels on each side. On the driver's side I installed a Powertank mount that holds a 8" propane tank and haven't completely decided on what to mount on the passenger side - maybe an on-board water system??IMG_6160.jpg

    I also opted for what they call their Municipal Equipment upgrade that adds reinforced gussets in the corners and extra roof ribs. This upgrade was recommended for off-road use and since I plan on keeping my truck for years I wanted my topper to last as long as my Taco.

    Like with the rest of the topper the front wall has a variety of options: a solid wall, a solid window, a sliding window, a fold-down EZ clean window, or what I went with which is a fold-down EZ clean sliding window.IMG_6054.jpg


    Other upgrades I went with are the ungraded D-gasket seal, a LED third brake light, and extra strips of aluminum running the length of the roof to add strength to a set of Yakima tracks I had installed. IMG_6048.jpg

    I mailed them the side mirror cover and the color matched the topper perfectly!

    I've had a couple weekends out with it now and can say I absolutely love it! All the doors seal up tight and it got really dusty so the seals got tested. On my second outing I added a small brush to my toolbox kit so that I could dust off the back door before opening it to keep the inside sleeping area clean. Having the quick access close toolbox is a huge plus. Tailgate cooking couldn't get any easier than having the mounted propane tank and kitchen toolbox. IMG_5900.jpg

    I'm 5'9" and my girlfriend is 5'2" and I naturallly sleep with my knees bent on my side so we sleep comfortably. And there is enough room between the top of the platform and roof to not feel coffin-like. Actually plenty of room to rest on my elbow and change clothes. Additionally, I made my platform so that the center can be pulled out and placed on the bed to make a large area to chill in if the weather gets bad.
    FullSizeRender.jpg

    IMG_6040.jpg
    IMG_6039.jpg
    FullSizeRender 11.jpg
     
    Ngneer, captrussia253, tpa3 and 99 others like this.
  2. Aug 4, 2017 at 9:04 AM
    #2
    omaguz

    omaguz Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2014
    Member:
    #136202
    Messages:
    669
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Omar
    Puerto Rico
    Vehicle:
    2016 4Runner Trail Edition, NON KDSS, Pirelli Scorpion's ATR 265/70/17 E Load, Canvas Back, BROG Built Roof Attic, Thule Roof Rack and a few other stuff!!!
  3. Aug 4, 2017 at 9:34 AM
    #3
    urbncby

    urbncby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2014
    Member:
    #130612
    Messages:
    95
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Pittsburgh, pa
    Vehicle:
    '20 TRD Off-Road
    Ironman 4X4 Foam Cell Pro stage 2, 33” MT’s, Victory 4x4 winch bumper.
    Fantastic!
     
    Ngneer and Toynado[OP] like this.
  4. Aug 4, 2017 at 5:11 PM
    #4
    Greenbean

    Greenbean B.S. Goodwrench

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2012
    Member:
    #84332
    Messages:
    3,253
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zack
    Western NC
    Vehicle:
    2015 AC 2.7L 5-spd 4x4 Utility Package
    Dude that's so rad!

    Reminds me of some of the builds the guys in Australia are doing.

    Nice work!
     
    Ngneer and Toynado[OP] like this.
  5. Aug 4, 2017 at 5:24 PM
    #5
    Cazzwell

    Cazzwell The Circuit Rider Signman

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2016
    Member:
    #200651
    Messages:
    446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Vehicle:
    2018 Silver Sky DCSB TRD Sport
    Stock.
    The way that roof was made, it almost looked like a smoked lexan window with a pull back blind, which would be great for star gazing.
     
  6. Aug 5, 2017 at 5:55 AM
    #6
    BloodyTaco

    BloodyTaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2010
    Member:
    #44470
    Messages:
    105
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luke
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    17 TRDOR DCSB
    Great write-up! Love those LEDs. Definitely a unique topper that should last as long as the truck.
     
    Ngneer and Toynado[OP] like this.
  7. Aug 11, 2017 at 9:12 AM
    #7
    Islandchanel

    Islandchanel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Member:
    #165317
    Messages:
    249
    Would you mind telling me how much a build like that would cost for the camper. Pm me if your more comfortable
     
  8. Aug 11, 2017 at 10:46 AM
    #8
    Toynado

    Toynado [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2015
    Member:
    #166816
    Messages:
    1,393
    Gender:
    Male
    SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD OR DCSB Quicksand
    EXTERIOR: Toytec Boss 2.0 Dakar CS047R Leaf Springs Tailpipe chopped Pelfreybilt Front full hoop front bumper w/ Pelfrey fairlead Pelfreybilt Rear standard bumper Pelfreybilt Aluminum IFS, Mid, Rear (exhaust reroute) & Gas tank skids Pelfreybilt Fuseplate w/ 12 circuit fuse block All-Pro Apex Sliders ProComp 7036 17"x9" -6 offset BFG 275/70R/17 KO2's Warn VR10000-S winch Baja Designs S8 light bar & Squadron sports amber pods in front bumper Baja Designs S2 flush pods in rear bumper Baja Designs Squadron Pro amber pods on Caliraised ditch light brackets @rrentrop reflective black tailgate inserts RSI LED's for regular & high beams Prinsu Cabrac Custom Tradesman Truck Top by Access Manufacturing w/ Powertank 8"propane tank mount & Yakima tracks on the roof INTERIOR: Warrior Products door sill protectors Husky Weather Beater floor mats front & rear Coverking arid multicam seat covers in the front Midland 75-822 CB w/ 4' Firestick antenna on C4 Fabrication tailgate mount Consolevault Hondo Garage iPhone mount
    PM on the way
     
    Quadabaum likes this.
  9. Aug 15, 2017 at 2:40 PM
    #9
    Pirhett

    Pirhett Instagram @pirhett_ship

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2015
    Member:
    #147498
    Messages:
    5,219
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rhett
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 TRD Sport 4x4 DCLB MGM
    Stock...
    can I get one too!
     
    Ngneer, ChemDawg and Old Marine Cal like this.
  10. Aug 15, 2017 at 2:40 PM
    #10
    Pirhett

    Pirhett Instagram @pirhett_ship

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2015
    Member:
    #147498
    Messages:
    5,219
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rhett
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 TRD Sport 4x4 DCLB MGM
    Stock...
  11. Aug 15, 2017 at 5:09 PM
    #11
    Old Marine Cal

    Old Marine Cal Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2017
    Member:
    #213937
    Messages:
    6,001
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2015 MGM DBLCAB
    I too would like a pm concerning the price of this dream home....
     
    Ngneer and Quadabaum like this.
  12. Sep 1, 2017 at 7:02 PM
    #12
    Tibetan Nomad

    Tibetan Nomad Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2016
    Member:
    #204436
    Messages:
    905
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    2016TRDOR:DCLB:JBL
    Vehicle:
    NitroGear5.29,B6112,.25"spcr,SPC:UCA,Diff-drop,ECGS
    B5160,Dakar-HD-leaf-pk+OL,UBolt-Flip,33s,Superbumps
    Wow This is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!
     
    Toynado[OP] likes this.
  13. Sep 3, 2017 at 8:12 AM
    #13
    Toyo_newb

    Toyo_newb Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2017
    Member:
    #222193
    Messages:
    334
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matthew
    Vehicle:
    2017 DCLB TRD OR 4x4 QUICKSAND
    Damn..... This thing is awesome. I wish I wasn't so tall!!!!!
     
    Ngneer and Toynado[OP] like this.
  14. Sep 3, 2017 at 8:20 AM
    #14
    Toyo_newb

    Toyo_newb Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2017
    Member:
    #222193
    Messages:
    334
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matthew
    Vehicle:
    2017 DCLB TRD OR 4x4 QUICKSAND
    Agreed. Unless you got a discount for some reason.
     
  15. Sep 6, 2017 at 1:37 PM
    #15
    ETAV8R

    ETAV8R Out DERP'n

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Member:
    #4832
    Messages:
    4,792
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    MGM 09 AC 4WD V6 TRD-OR w/ Tradesman Shell
    Just the basics
    Great build!
    I've been eyeing these shells since I saw the red one on their site. Yours looks almost the same but 3rd gen and different color. I'd like to know the price too. While I have a FWC Finch a lot of the time I think about how much weight could be saved with a similar set up. It is very nice to stand up in my pop-up but the weight is a big factor and mine is only a shell model. I really like how you did the "kitchen". Does the fold down counter/tray fit inside when the door is closed? In my planning for a Tradesman shell I never wanted a side tool box since it cuts down on the sleeping area width but the way you have yours kitted out could cut down on having a kitchen tote.

    Looks like you have only had a chance to take this out this summer. What is the coldest temps you've been in so far and how well did the insulation work? Any water leaks?

    You mentioned dust. Dust was crazy when I had a Flippac no matter how I tried to seal the truck bed. You don't get dust inside? Not even under the sleeping area?

    How tall is your truck at the highest point?

    Did you paint the vent cover or request it to be painted? I've got one vent and one fantastic fan in my camper and like having the smoked covers. I can still see stars at night, the moon, etc.

    Could you remove the security screens without compromising shell integrity? I like the idea of having them but would also like to be able to take them out when not needed.

    Here are a couple of other interesting Tradesmans: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/iggys-1-taco.368214/
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/overlanerds-home-away-from-home.487366/page-8

    Only problem with those are the height which is the same as my FWC. So my three primary concerns are weight, height, and dust. If my camper is on my truck I can't get in the parking garage at work. Thankfully I have a DD and don't have to worry about using my truck to commute too often.

    Thanks much!
     
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2017
    Ngneer and Toynado[OP] like this.
  16. Sep 6, 2017 at 2:17 PM
    #16
    ETAV8R

    ETAV8R Out DERP'n

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Member:
    #4832
    Messages:
    4,792
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    MGM 09 AC 4WD V6 TRD-OR w/ Tradesman Shell
    Just the basics
    They can be ordered cab height too. The extra height makes it far more comfortable inside. Looks different but function over fashion.
     
    Toynado[OP] and Toyko Joe like this.
  17. Sep 6, 2017 at 2:21 PM
    #17
    Toyo_newb

    Toyo_newb Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2017
    Member:
    #222193
    Messages:
    334
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matthew
    Vehicle:
    2017 DCLB TRD OR 4x4 QUICKSAND
    Yeah, but at 6'8", even your taller model would be cramped for me.
     
    gunn_runner and Toynado[OP] like this.
  18. Sep 6, 2017 at 2:37 PM
    #18
    ETAV8R

    ETAV8R Out DERP'n

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Member:
    #4832
    Messages:
    4,792
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    MGM 09 AC 4WD V6 TRD-OR w/ Tradesman Shell
    Just the basics
    :eek:
    Hell even my camper wouldn't be tall enough.
    :tumbleweed:
     
    Toynado[OP] likes this.
  19. Sep 9, 2017 at 1:58 PM
    #19
    Toynado

    Toynado [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2015
    Member:
    #166816
    Messages:
    1,393
    Gender:
    Male
    SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD OR DCSB Quicksand
    EXTERIOR: Toytec Boss 2.0 Dakar CS047R Leaf Springs Tailpipe chopped Pelfreybilt Front full hoop front bumper w/ Pelfrey fairlead Pelfreybilt Rear standard bumper Pelfreybilt Aluminum IFS, Mid, Rear (exhaust reroute) & Gas tank skids Pelfreybilt Fuseplate w/ 12 circuit fuse block All-Pro Apex Sliders ProComp 7036 17"x9" -6 offset BFG 275/70R/17 KO2's Warn VR10000-S winch Baja Designs S8 light bar & Squadron sports amber pods in front bumper Baja Designs S2 flush pods in rear bumper Baja Designs Squadron Pro amber pods on Caliraised ditch light brackets @rrentrop reflective black tailgate inserts RSI LED's for regular & high beams Prinsu Cabrac Custom Tradesman Truck Top by Access Manufacturing w/ Powertank 8"propane tank mount & Yakima tracks on the roof INTERIOR: Warrior Products door sill protectors Husky Weather Beater floor mats front & rear Coverking arid multicam seat covers in the front Midland 75-822 CB w/ 4' Firestick antenna on C4 Fabrication tailgate mount Consolevault Hondo Garage iPhone mount
    So those looking for price I've told everyone they are pricey with all the options I went with but it is worth it for the customization ability and superior craftsmanship. I've been out in it a few times now and each time I get more stoked on it.
    IMG_6622.jpg IMG_6623.jpg

    Think about what you need/want and drop Maria an email for an exact quote is best:

    Maria@accessmfg.com

    IMG_6619.jpg
     
  20. Sep 9, 2017 at 2:04 PM
    #20
    rollin904

    rollin904 Feather Slinger

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2011
    Member:
    #54724
    Messages:
    2,342
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    TJ
    Greenville, SC
    Vehicle:
    '14 DCSB 4x4
    Beautiful truck, loving that cap design. Wish I had seen this a few years back before buying my overpriced Leer
     
    Ngneer and Toynado[QUOTED][OP] like this.
To Top