why are shells so expensive in CA?

Sellers be like:
-used, old
-wrong color
-beat up
$2500 FIRM

why?
Other states they’re $400-1,000

isn’t a new Leer $2k at a dealer?
Why are secondhand resellers sitting on used shells all day asking new prices?

leer 100xr looks like the best; everything else is snugtop (weird window shape) or no brand name.
Only other good thing seems like alternative styles such as smartcap, etc

 

Demand? I just took a quick look on craigslist. I only saw 1 used one for a 3rd gen.

 

RSI SmartCap BBY!!!

 

Because everything according to California causes cancer

 

Everything in California is expensive. All the more reason to not live there.

 

In your title: remove the word "shells" and replace with "everything". You're welcome

 

Tell me 3 things of significance that you can buy in California for less that other states.

And so the real question is why wouldn't toppers be pricey too?

 

t

They dont make one for the 2nd gen

 

Up in Humboldt County, I once passed a crime scene while listening to some Squeeze. Driving by slowly I noticed Detectives removing the dismembered parts of three body builders from underneath an abandoned pickup cap. They were pulling muscles from a shell.

 

Demand is crazy right now. Prices on shells has gone up just like used values on these trucks. I used to see cheap shells all the time before the pandemic / overlanding craze / used car shortages.

 

well with the whole overland thingy people just want it than ever before. Higher demand. Covid and supply issues leads to higher prices and longer lead time. I bought my hi roof shell for 2300$ and that was with all the options, took delivery in Dec of 2019 just a month away from covid starting. Wouldnt surprise me if the price went up.

 

I always thought he was pulling muscles for Michelle?

btw....thanks for causing the memory of the entire '80's to flash thru my mind!

 

I believe that if you have a permanently installed topper/shell on your truck in California you can register it as a Car (think SUV) and not pay the additional commercial fees. Dealers know that and charge you more?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/camper-shells-on-trucks-and-california-dmv-fees.2530/

Plus #Vanlife and "Overlanding" aka truck camping are so popular now especially in California, especially because housing is so expensive, that shells are in high demand?

 

I've always thought this too. The same reason I still dont have one

 

yup

 

I have had trucks my entire life. I have never owned a pick up that didn't have a shell. Mostly for my Bowser hunting dogs and gear. I went shopping for a Snug Top (my preferred brand) right after buying the Taco 6 months ago and was blown away at the price of what I would usually buy, all the bells/whistles with liner, lights, fold down window, rack tracks, etc. The numbers I got were about $3600!

I still haven't bought one. For that coin, I think I'd rather have an RSI or similar. I can't make up my mind, now so I roll with a tonneau for the time being.

 

You used to be able to score shells for $2-700. I had over 20 and flipped them for fun. Now people just want premium. Good deals exist but get off Craigslist and into FB Marketplace and Offerup

 

At least you can find one. Ive been looking for months. Seen 3 and they were sold within 3 hours of posting

 

Go to where they are most popular that would be west of the Rockies and southern states. Leer used to have a major facility east side of Atlanta Ga. I went there and got close out model and saved a bunch buying direct. Don’t know if it’s still possible but I do know Arizona, New Mexico, Utah etc. have a bunch of used for sale at reasonable prices. Lots of wheel and tire, suspension take offs too.

Eureka Missouri just outside St. Louis has a big retailer there and sells used tops. I missed out on a nice SnugTop at just about half off new. Be willing to travel or pay up and if you live in California good luck