Will a camper top / shell from a 2nd gen fit a 3rd gen double cab?

I'm finding conflicting information. I've seen caps listed that cover years for both 2nd and 3rd gen but also finding posts that say a 2nd gen cap won't fit right.

Someone not too far has a good deal on one from their '05 double cab. Before I drive 1.5 hours and put them through the hassle to "try it on", if they'll even let me, does anyone know for sure?

It's an ARE cap.

 

Nope. not going to fit. The front and back areas of the box are way different. Also the bed on a 3rd gen is about an inch taller so even if you managed to clamp it on it would stick up above the cab.

Be patient.

 

Appreciate it. Was a good deal for $500 but the wait goes on

 

You are not alone. I have a 2019 SR5 4 DOOR WITH A 5 FT. BED. I am looking for a decent looking cap because I am going to retire at the end of the year and want to go out west. I need a cap for the storage space and something that is secure. I gather my Tacoma is 3rd gen. What is the first year for 3rd generation?

 

2019 is 3rd gen

 

Agree - I am in the same situation, coming across some good deals on 2gen caps. Too bad they are so different. Big bucks for a new 3rd gen cap.

 

To answer your question 2016 is the first year of the third gens.

 

If you’re looking for a really cheap alternative that fits but not perfectly this is a topper from a 2008 Chevy Colorado 5’ bed on my 2020 Toyota Tacoma 5’ bed. It was not perfect but absolutely worked for the time being, no longer have it installed but it worked. I relaxed it with a LEER 100XL for a 3rd gen Tacoma.

 

How good / bad of a fit was it?

 

Get the vin# and contact manufacture to see get measurements ..really one one way to find out is trying it on..if you want to save money due diligence is required ..my first s&ll I picked up for $350..replaced gas shocks and locks ...sprayed the outline of door (rattle can) sold it for $750 ...upgraded to Leer..

 

Thanks for the advice

 

For what it's worth the fiberglass Leer caps for a Colorado won't fit on the tacoma... Leer makes there caps to drop over the bed rails not sit on top so fit has to be exact or close to it. Aluminum ones are more forgiving depending on how desperate you are.

 

Thanks, trying to do some research before the truck comes next month. Not that desperate yet and will keep the info in mind.

 

Apparently not all third generation caps are interchangeable. When I was looking for one, I noticed that some were specified for specific years. I figured it had to do with the shape of the tailgate.

 

Third gen is 2016-current
Second is 2005-2015

 

The Tailgate is the same on all 3rd Gen's, maybe they made an error on the website you were looking at.

 

You tell me from the photos, it made a seal all the way around and if I had took the proper steps to seal the side rails, tailgate, and front bed corners I don’t think there would have been water leaks. I only had it on for a few months a couple years ago and from what I remember it was not perfect but it worked. I think it was maybe half an inch short on each side width wise and the roof lip was slightly taller than the cab on the Tacoma.

Yeah I never thought about that, the one I picked up was an ARE high top and it worked but I see what you mean. My Leer topper now drops over the sides and I’m not sold on that design, Leer looks much better in my opinion but the rough cut fiberglass dropped over the sides has already damaged my paint on the bedside and rear multiple times. It gets frustrating when you remove it and see a new deep scratch or paint chip.

 

Appreciate the info

 

Appreciate the input. I ended up buy new. with options is came to $3200.00, but I got what I wanted with options. Noe I am looking for the graphics that go on the bottom of the doors with the mountain range. It covers a 12" high by 72" long area. I have seen it in black but I need it in white since my Taco is charcoal grey. Any suggestions ?

 

Pics in here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-truck-cap-on-a-3rd-gen.499732/