Wanting a Tacoma but have questions...

[Owyhee H]

To add to my earlier post. The mounting system on the leeer is MUCH better than the ARE. Both shells use the rail system to mount their tops but the parts and attachment for the leer is much more solid. The leer has mounts that stick out from the track adn the bolts go vertically clamping the shell to the bed. The leer mounts are solid aluminum and never moved on me.

The ARE mounts are horizontal bolts into plastic "crap" in the track. These mounts are cheap looking and break easily. The ARE mounts also dont add downward pressure to the shell to keep it from moving. The first weekend I had the ARE it shifted on me while playing in the snow. I have since made custom brackets to replace the stock equipment and I dont think the shell will be moving again.

I dont think there is really a quality difference between the two shells, they are just different. I traded because i got the windoors and matching paint, the cost difference in the trade was less than painting my previous shell. I am happy with the ARE but would have been just as happy with the Leer if it was the correct color.

 

[deadbeat son]

Well I drove a couple and really liked the 2.7 so I bought it. It has plenty of power and did great on hills plus the 5-speed really sold me on it. I didn't get home until late last night but still took it down my boat ramp and played in the mud some. Prob should have told the detail guy not to worry with it but most of the truck was still shining. Thanks for all of the input and I guess I should introduce myself to the toyota crowd... Hello my name is Jay and I have an 07 Tacoma.

It's been over a week, and still no pics? :coffeedrink:

 

[salve7]

Sorry for the pic situation! Ill add one or two when I am done at work. Can anybody tell me where to find the bed dimensions in exact inches and I found a camper shell from a contractor that I kinda like with locking cabinets on the side but I am wondering how to mount it on the truck. Usually I just used clamps but it looks like it will be a little more difficult with the 2nd gen plastic.

 

[DirectDrive]

Usually I just used clamps but it looks like it will be a little more difficult with the 2nd gen plastic.

It's actually easier now with the OEM bed rails.
Those are the Unistrut-looking rails inside the top edge of the bed.

Caps (canopies) that are made for this new breed have clamps designed to work with the bed rails.....no drilling or C-clamping.
I would try to find a newer style canopy made for the bed rail attachment method.

 

[salve7]

Thanks. After rereading the posts I saw that and it makes sense. Is there any easy way to convert a top to this mounting style? The fellow who has the top had it on a 2005 Taco so I am assuming he has some system if they are the same bed types. He said it is 75" x 62.5" I believe although he called early this morning and I cant remember what I wrote down.

 

[DirectDrive]

Thanks. After rereading the posts I saw that and it makes sense. Is there any easy way to convert a top to this mounting style? The fellow who has the top had it on a 2005 Taco so I am assuming he has some system if they are the same bed types. He said it is 75" x 62.5" I believe although he called early this morning and I cant remember what I wrote down.

2005 is the start of what's called 2nd Generation Tacoma so he has solved the riddle or he has a newer style canopy that is designed for the new rail system.

 

[salve7]

After looking at the listing again it was a 2002 so I'm going to keep on looking. Here is a lot shot of my new truck. Nothing fancy yet.

 

[upcountry]

I like those unpainted.fenders. wish they all were available with that option.

 

[DirectDrive]

After looking at the listing again it was a 2002 so I'm going to keep on looking. Here is a lot shot of my new truck. Nothing fancy yet.

Looks great.

The nice, Fiberglas canopies such as Snug Top and Leer are spendy as you may well know.
Sometimes you can find them used for 1/2 price.....and that equates to about $1000.
The highest volume I've seen is on Tacoma World.....and that volume is not that high, but it's almost nil, elsewhere.
I would suggest posting a "Wanted To Buy" (WTB) ad over there and someone in your area might have one for a 2nd gen Taco.

For comparison I bought a new Snug for mine and it ran me about $2200....it's loaded... keyless, frameless, drop down slider, reinforced, load bearing roof, color matched. (Super Sport w/Sportsman package)

 

[Danimal]

For comparison I bought a new Snug for mine and it ran me about $2200....it's loaded... keyless, frameless, drop down slider, reinforced, load bearing roof, color matched. (Super Sport w/Sportsman package)

Looks fantastic. Have any more photos of the top? I recall seeing other photos from your camping trip shown above, but can't locate them.

Dan

 

[upcountry]

Check out the "vista" product. Mine has held up well. Was around $1k new mounted with windoors.

 

[DirectDrive]

Looks fantastic. Have any more photos of the top? I recall seeing other photos from your camping trip shown above, but can't locate them.

Dan

Thanks.

A few more here :
http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/...012_HM_Steelheader_spotted_on.html#Post713119

http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/...Search/true/Overhead_Rod_Rack.html#Post711343

 

[salve7]

I like the tarp set up. That's more my style. What do you guys think about the canvas, retractable shells? I'm not really concerned with security so that wouldn't be a problem I'm just looking for a place to sleep. I can't remember the brand name but they are from a jeep place and fold back to leave the bed open. I'm a little concerned with how it mounts though. I'll try and find the link and post it.

 

[salve7]

I like those unpainted.fenders. wish they all were available with that option.

Thanks. I like the black flares as well and had them on my rover before I sold it.

 

[DirectDrive]

I like the tarp set up.

I have a 12' x 20' tarp that I will try some time. The 20' end will go over the canopy (takes 18' to get to the ground) and then 12' out which will give me 3' more coverage. I think that this might be the ideal size to fit my needs.