Diamond Plate ARE Commercial Cap as a budget Alu-cab?

Westernhorses

New member
Hi all. My first post. I am about to embark upon a cap build for a 2.7l Tacoma and plan on using a commercial style aluminum cap instead of a fiberglass. I bascially want a budget verion of an Alu-cab type cap. My questions are these if anyone wants to offer some input:

1. Compared to a sleek fiberglass cap, do the commercial style caps and their awkward gaps between the cap and the cab cut down on MPG? Does anyone have any experience with this? The local ARE dealer had absolutely no input to offer.

2. I am strongly considering the Diamond Plate DCU model. Has anyone had any luck using Diamond plating as a cap material for overlanding? Are they like staring into the sun? Will the finish need to be constantly rebuffed (or matted down to begin with). I orignally thought this would be a strength/durability factor but I'm starting to think that a painted cap might make more sense.
 

Kingsize24

Well-known member
I ended up with a DCU MAX which gives you the stronger aluminum sheets like the Diamond Plate versions, but is smooth and painted white.

1. I didn't see any difference in the MPG, and I actually think I would have gotten better mileage if I wouldn't have ordered it with the HD roof rack.

2.After owning many Diamond Plate tool boxes, there is no way I would want uncoated aluminum for the entire topper. Unless you love polishing.

20181231_110552.jpg
 

Westernhorses

New member
That looks awesome and exactly what I am after; thank you. I think I'm going to either not get the rack or plan on taking it on and off a lot. It seems like it will eat up a least a few Mpgs. I don't mind polishing but I could see how it could become a full time job. I'm also debating on a single side tool box vs fully open. It would be great to have a dedicated spot for recovery gear and what not, but not sure if I want to loose out on the interior camping/sleeping space once I put a platform in. Does they feel like they eat up the space?
 

chet6.7

Explorer
I get a leak in mine where the screws holding the rack on penetrate the shell,I put silicone on the screw heads once a year.
 

Kingsize24

Well-known member
That looks awesome and exactly what I am after; thank you. I think I'm going to either not get the rack or plan on taking it on and off a lot. It seems like it will eat up a least a few Mpgs. I don't mind polishing but I could see how it could become a full time job. I'm also debating on a single side tool box vs fully open. It would be great to have a dedicated spot for recovery gear and what not, but not sure if I want to loose out on the interior camping/sleeping space once I put a platform in. Does they feel like they eat up the space?

It only eats up as much space as the wheel wells already eat up. Me and my two small boys camped in it during new year on a full size mattress pad and we were comfortable. Not intrusive at all IMO.

20181231_123854.jpg

I get a leak in mine where the screws holding the rack on penetrate the shell,I put silicone on the screw heads once a year.

Yikes! I hope mine don't do that.
 

Westernhorses

New member
That looks very spacious; especially in a Ram. I'll have to break out the tape measure to do the math on how it will measure out in a 6' midsize bed. Thanks for the ideas; I be sure to post up my final product.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
189,887
Messages
2,921,889
Members
233,084
Latest member
Off Road Vagabond
Top