Which cap seal should I grab?

My truck: 1999 Tacoma Xtracab
My new-to-me purchase: A.R.E CX Classic camper shell
My question: I've never owned a camper shell before, but I'll be buying one second-hand very soon and I wanted to see if anyone could help me figure out which width of cap seal I should be buying. I emailed the company and they haven't replied, I tried calling their number and my calls won't go through. Do I go with 1.5' or 2"? I can't really find a good reference for how to tell which one I should get. Thanks for any guidance!

here are pics of the shell I'll be buying.

 

I’ve gotten the stuff from Home Depot for sealing garage doors and it’s worked fine - far less expensive than “purpose made” products.

 

Fair enough, but my sole purpose for the shell is to make it into a little camper, to sleep in and hopefully stay relatively dry in through all kinds of Colorado weather. I don't mind paying a little more for something that might work better. In any case, I still have no idea which width would work best, was hoping maybe someone here would

 

It’s more about where and how you apply it than how much you pay for basically the same product. Take measurements and focus on where it’s leaking using a hose to stress test.

 

I won't be able to measure anything on the shell until I pick it up next week. And I'm stuck working 12s until then so I won't have time to spend with the truck (which lives in my detached garage during my workweek), so I figured I'd lean on the folks here as surely I'm not the only person who's ever put an A.R.E shell on a 99 Taco.

 

You can just use whatever until you get a chance to properly take a look at the most effective approach - I’ve put 3 camper shells on my truck and never needed an expensive product.

The most doable part for now is to get pics from the seller and measure your bed rails - anything wider won’t be worth it as it’s only the pressure of the shell and the rails being clamped together that will make anything waterproof.

Also check to see if there are uneven levels between the bedsides and front of the bed and places where water could go into the corners - that’s where the most likely places are to miss a spot. You can always put a dab of silicone / rtv if needed for places that won’t stop leaking or only leak in strong wind / rain.

 

I mean... on a camper shell that retailed for around $3000 new (I'm lucky enough to be grabbing it for a fraction of that) I don't think a $60 sealing kit to make sure I'm warm and dry is expensive or unreasonable. I'd rather buy it once and not have to worry about it, than buy several different kinds and waste money and effort there. But thanks for the input!

 

I get your concern. Been there myself. But it’s been several iterations of camper shells since then for me.

You won’t have to get it the first time - it’s four bolts and just do one side or corner once you figure out what is leaking. Never had an issue I couldn’t address with Home Depot generic material so idk what an advantage would be of buying “purpose designed” stuff that’s probably the same thing.

 

https://amzn.to/3GKrQuU

I went with this one. The company actually contacted me after they found my post talking about how I liked it on here and offered to send me a tailgate seal for free.

 

Aren’t the regular cab shells different than Xtracab? I’d look into that before you buy this if you haven’t because it will be a weird fit at the back window. I have no good suggestion for brand other than to expect some sort of leak. It seems rare to have a perfectly water proof seal with these things.

 

I also went with the ESI seal.

$36 ESI Super Cap Seal XL 20 FT (2 1/8" Width x 1/2" Height x 20' Length) EPDM Rubber for Caps Over 200 lbs

This one. They have a couple different options that are rated for more weight. I went with the XL because I've got a big roof rack on my cap so it's all pretty heavy. I'm happy with it so far.

 

Perfect - thank you so much. How are you liking the tailgate seal?

Sweet - I'm glad to see a few folks using this brand.

 

Yes, the rear of my cab is sloped slightly different from the reg cabs, but it's not severe enough for me to care. There will be a small gap at the top, but for the price I'm paying, I don't care. It still fits where it counts.

 

I ordered an A.R.E. "V" for my 2023 Access Cab.
I bought it from the same dealer that sold me the last cap for my '91 truck some 31 years ago.
Delivery time is about 8 weeks, and ARE will paint it in Toyota 040 Ice Cap white to match my truck.
I ordered it without side windows... here in CA that is one less thing to smash and grab.

 

WHAT A FINE LOOKING MACHINE...... BEST COLOR EVER!

 

Denvermoto what tires are you using?

 

These came from Les Schwab Tire - Back Country AT/2. I'm super happy with them, they hook up real well and are surprisingly quiet on the road. I think they're manufactured by Dean tire, if I'm not wrong? But for the price, they're working great.