Camper shell brand comparison

[DaveM]

I'm looking for information (opinions) on the various choices for a basic camper shell for my 2004 DC Tacoma. I've looked into ARE, LEER and SnugTop but don't know much about how they really compare to each other, and prices are impossible to find online unless you request a quote.

Below are the features I want. I'd love to hear from forum members who are familiar with the various brands about which might be the best fit for my needs:

Price: I'd like to keep it below $1500. I may be able to make up some of the cost by selling my Thule Pro Truck Rack, but can't count on it.
Side windoors: seems like they all offer this
Rack mounts and the ability to handle around a 250 - 300# roof load at least
Carpeted interior

Any info on the relative merits of the various brands, suggestions on brand I don't know about, or other criteria for picking a shell that I may not think is important until after owning one are all welcome.

Thanks guys,
David

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

If you're looking to by new, your budget is a little low. I just opted for an ARE, after reading many comments on all brands, they seemed to be the most consistently recommended. They are very proud of their products and price them accordingly. I got windoors on both sides, drop front slider (at first didn't think it was worth it but to be able to get to the rear truck window makes it a good option to add), Yakima racks and cross bars, carpeted interior, LED interior light with pin switch (turns on when rear is opened). After clamps, install, and of course everyone's favorite taxes, it was just south of double your budget.

The build quality seems real good, color match was spot on. So far real happy with it but have only had for a week. This was for a shortbox Superduty, not sure how much $ difference for other truck/bed sizes.

 

[DaveM]

Any idea how much you might save using the boot instead of the drop down front window? I'd prefer not having the interior window so was thinking boot only. That's certainly more than I can spend right now. I'd be more than happy with used but it seems hard to find anything of quality nearby on CL.

One other variable is how much the tax man gives me this year, if anything. My budget might go up a bit. but not double : (

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

If I remember, the front drop down added about $100. It's also a slider so I'm planning on getting a cheapy inflatable boot at some point. Figured it would probably be easier to position and deal with with the drop down.

I started looking through CL and saw nothing in my area that would work. As it's a new truck, figured invest the money and get something that will stay on the truck and look right, and hopefully last.

 

[MotoDave]

I just picked up an ARE V series with vented win doors, tilt down front window, and carpeted interior for my Tundra. I compared the big 3 (ARE, Leer, Snugtop) and found that seeing them in person at the local dealer was worthwhile. My notes on each:

Leer: Lots of choices but the windoors aren't available on many of them. the vented windoors are a different design than the other two, the window is split in half horizontally, and half of the upper portion slides open. I was actually discouraged from this shell by the local dealer who said he has had issues with the vented windoors leaking. Also the latch mechanism on the model I saw was cable actuated, not with rods like the other two.

Snugtop: I liked the styling On these shells the best. The higher end models with the 1 piece rear window (all glass) looks great and has a very nice latch mechanism that works like a typical door latch. A downide to this latch for me was that the t handle is designed to be flush, and pops up when unlocked. I tend to leave the shell unlocked unless i have valuable gear in the back, and the thought of having to unlock the shell every time doesnt fit my use. I had concerns over the durability of the 1 piece rear window and cost to replace it if needed. The Snugtop windoor option is the same as the ARE (sliding section in the middle of the window). The latches on the cheaper (framed rear glass) versions are the typical center mounted single t handle with two rods that catch on either side of the frame. Snugtop was the most expensive of the quotes I got, but not significantly.

ARE: I thought ARE had the clearest site, they made it easy to figure out what options are available in the different shell models. I went with the cheapest model shell because I also felt like it was the most robust, with surface mounted framed windows and a more square design that doesn't cut into interior space. The vented windoors have the sliding portion in the center of the windows, and have a good latch mechanism to hold them closed. The latch is the typical t handle with rods to catch the frame. There is a handle on the inside as well.

Honestly I think all 3 are constructed very similarly, with just minor differences in the hardware used. I wouldn't have issues with any of them, just figure out which options work for you and what you like the look of best.

 

[MotoDave]

Another note since I see you're interested in racks: I was quoted $330 to have pre installed rack bases, which I found pretty steep. I will likely install them myself at some point, they can be bought much cheaper individually and do not seem challenging to DIY.

I haven't heard anything positive about boot seals, and would have major concerns with paint damage where the boot contacts. I had a shell on my old t100 that didnt have the drop down front window, and cleaning the windows was a pain.

If I was putting a RTT on it I would opt for a commercial shell that is rated for higher roof loads. They are a fair bit more expensive and not as many options can be spec'd. I would consider a contractor style rack that fits around the shell.

 

[SilverBullet]

I have a used SnugTop Xtra Vision with the 21" tall side windows on my truck. I love the big windows with the scale of the 2006 Superduty, the small windows didn't look right.

Also, I heard from not only the dealer but also people with experience, the boot will allow dust between the cab and the boot, rubbing off clear coat very well and marking up the truck. I don't have experience with this as my used one had the flip down window.

Watch Craigslist and you will find a deal, just have to be patient.

 

[rotti]

I haven't heard anything positive about boot seals, and would have major concerns with paint damage where the boot contacts.

I'll second avoiding boots between the shell and truck. The constant vibration will rub the paint off in no time.

 

[DaveM]

I'm convinced on the boot issue, just trying anything I can to make it cheap enough to buy. I requested a quote from my local ARE dealer, with pop in front window. CL continues to be disappointing. I think I'll have a hard time finding what I want used if only because I absolutely have to have the side window doors, don't even really care if it color matches.

Just need to keep looking I guess.

 

[blackdmax15]

I have been really impressed with my A.R.E. Z-series cap. I got the fold down front window and the built in roof rack and this thing is burly. I actually had three kids from a guy in my squadron climb on my truck and jump up and down on the roof last Saturday and while I was super pissed, I held my composure. The cap is just built really well. Fit and finish as well as color match was perfect. I will be a repeat customer.

 

[SilverBullet]

One thing to consider is with the side window/doors, can you really reach in there? On a superduty, the bed rails plus lower window frames make the reach over a wall nearly 5 feet up... even standing at 6'3" myself, the reach was not worth the cost.

I know the Taco sits lower,but put a 2x4 on your bed rail and see how much you can reach over it before you go spending that kind of cash.

 

[DaveM]

One thing to consider is with the side window/doors, can you really reach in there? On a superduty, the bed rails plus lower window frames make the reach over a wall nearly 5 feet up... even standing at 6'3" myself, the reach was not worth the cost.

I know the Taco sits lower,but put a 2x4 on your bed rail and see how much you can reach over it before you go spending that kind of cash.

That's a good point, I should give it a try, but I think I'll want it regardless. I am constantly getting at stuff in my bed over the side rails, I usually step on the top of the wheel to reach way in and assume I would do the same with the cap. I think the benefits to access are huge and would only forego the side doors if I found an otherwise great deal on a used cap.

 

[Sock Puppet]

I'm a fan of the Win-Doors (as A.R.E. calls them). I wanted the access doors, but still wanted the sliding window/screen section for the dogs. The F-150 bed sides are fairly tall, and I'm only 5'8" and use them without issue. A lift kit might make them a little tougher to use, but I would still want them. When I bought mine last April I think the adder was $130 each over the standard windows, but I may not remember the exact number. Regardless, I would certainly order them again even after my issues with A.R.E.

 

[robert]

I wasn't impressed with the Leer shells when I was looking. Snugtop seems to be the best quality, but they aren't common on this coast. I went with an ARE and have been pretty happy with it- I really, really wish I had added the sliding windoors and drop down front window. If you can't afford the drop down window at least get it with a slider. if you plan to sleep in the back be sure whatever side windows you get have screens. Also think about how much headroom you want/need; if I were to buy another I'd get the version that is slightly taller than cab high so I'd have more room to move around.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I have had three shells from the Glasstite company and they were all excellent. The last two were Ravens. Very nice fiberglass shells with flat rear windows.

The flat window is something you might want to seriously consider. Yes, the curved, all-glass rear windows look good, but if they break it is costly to repair/replace. I actually got a nice Leer shell for $150 because the back window was broken. My cost to replace was about $250 and that was after shopping around (quote from the place nearest to me was in excess of $400 to replace.)

Of course, $400 for a Leer is still a pretty good deal, so I won't complain, but it's something to consider if you drop $1000 on a new shell and then a parking lot mishap has you looking for an expensive new window. By contrast, the flat panel windows in my Raven shells would have been significantly cheaper to replace.