Cap or Hard tonneau?

[chasespeed]

Okay, I'm not all for asking anyone elses opinion on my junk.... but....

I have a cap, and I am just plain.... over it... but, I need to have some sort of dry secure storage for the bed....

SO.... those that HAVE had both.... please, chime in....BUT, all thoughts welcome.

The particular cap I have, is a utility cap with the barn doors... its taller than the truck.....

I would like to slim it down a little.

I think a hard tonneau, might be more what I am looking for.... I can lock it, and put stuff on top.... and I am not talking about one of those fiber glass ones... I was thinking about making one outta steel or aluminum...

Insight please....

Chase

 

[mtnbike28]

I have both and....

I always want the other one on the truck....

I have the ARE fiberglass flat cover and a cap, the cap is, as you said, I am over it, but damn it is so convenient , and mine leaks at all the windows.

I prefer the flat cover, it looks better, and no one can see what I have under it.
It can be tough to get the bike under it...

In other words, I am no help, but I feel your pain!

 

[chasespeed]

hahaha, yeah. I hear ya....

I actually have in mind, something just about the same as Phil's aka, StreakerFreak had made on his Taco......

Toolbox up front... and hard cover over the bed.... would still allow me to fit 4x8 sheets underneath.....

Anyway.....

Anyone else?

Thanks,
Chase

FWIW, as of now, right now, my MAIN complaint with the cap, is the HORRID visibility, or lack thereof.........and several others from there....

 

[gearbox]

I know you asked for opinions from those with experience with both, but maybe my 2 cents is worth a penny.
I prefer a cab-high top because access is easier, it's still secure, and it's more versatile.
You can order them without windows; you can use the windows to access tools if you're so loaded up that tailgate access is difficult; some options put a toolbox in the window for the best access and security.
You could add tint to windows if you want more security, but clear glass is preferred for easier visibility when doing those 7-point maneuvers that some obstacles require. The better solution, in my mind, is to add drapes/blinds for usage around town (or when sleeping in the bed). Just sew some velcro to some semi-opaque light-weight cloth and it should stick to the carpeted interior.
You'd be accustomed to your above-the-cab height, which is an enviable accessibility feature but it screams "old man truck," as my girlfriend phrases it. That extra height is undesirable in certain circumstances, especially with a roof basket. My truck's not that big but at a parking structure I wouldn't have cleared with more than a basket up top.
Still, I think when all facets are weighed the tonneau doesn't lend itself to expo uses as well as cab-high tops or purpose-built solutions.

 

[chasespeed]

Well, that is what I have, an alumium cap, no windows, to side access doors, with one going to a toolbox...and, as states, the visibility sucks....... I like the barn doors, but, as of right now, that is about the only thing I LIKE...

Chase

 

[ETAV8R]

Hi,

I've had a hard cab high shell. I didn't like the increase in blind spots and the feeling it gave when driving such as listing to the sides in a turn. On my second truck I went with a fiberglass tonneau and it worked well. It was heavy to take off but I figured out a method to do it alone. Now on my third truck I have an Undercover tonneau. Much cheaper and lighter than the fiberglass one. They offer security and no blind spots plus can be removed fairly easily should I need to use the truck bed for carrying larger items.

I'm currently thinking about also getting a softshell for camping. Not sure it will work with the Undercover hardware. We'll see. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[jagular7]

Here is an idea for you to consider. I don't know if it is a mfr item or custom build. But it is listed on KCs CL.

Another one listed as well with an overrail tool box and a soft tonneau. It looks to be a mfr item.

 

[Maximus Ram]

Had a shell, didn't like that it took 3-4 people to remove when needed.
Now have a soft tonneau that lifts. Found a tool box for a mini truck that fits under the cover and snug to the front. Still have space to haul stuff, even larger stuff when the tonneau is rolled up and the ability to lock up tools, recovery gear.

 

[CYi5]

Had a fiberglass tonneau cover, and it did not work out when 4wheeling. It moved around so much that the latch eventually ripped out of the cover. Definitely go steel/aluminum like you suggested if you are going to do the hard cover.

 

[robert]

I prefer camper shells as I find them infinitely more useful for me. My current Tacoma had a Leer tonneau on it when I bought it- it's been sitting in a friend's yard since about a month after I bought it. If you have a late model Taco I'll sell it to you cheap.

Visibility out the back was good with it and it looks nicer and was more secure, but every time I needed something it would always be slid up to the front- the camper shell is easier to climb into (I should have gotten windoors but didn't think about it at the time). I also seemed to always need just a little more height with it. I put a rack on top of my camper shells and that makes it even more versatile for me. My shell now is cab high, but I wish i had gotten one that was a little taller for more headroom. See, no matter what you get you'll always find a reason why something else would be just a hair better. :snorkel:

 

[James86004]

I have a Pace-Edwards retractable tonneau, and I really like it. It gives me the convenience of an open bed or a covered one on demand, and it has held up a lot better to the Tucson sun than soft tonneaus.

http://www.pace-edwards.com/jackrabbit.html

 

[wcdu]

I have the roll up and lock-able cover. I thought it would give me secure space when I didn't have the 5th wheel on. I put a luggage rack cross-ways on the bed behind the crew cab. I feel like I have lots of flexibility as I have carried water and fuel cans on the luggage rack as well as an extra spare tire, tow rope, hi-lift, ice chests, etc. I end up with protected storage from the weather that is somewhat secure from 2 and 4 legged intruders and exposed bulk cargo space.

Having said that, I am thinking about a fiberglass shell that is cab or slightly higher to go on the bed. I rarely tow the 5th wheel and I would like the additonal room that is protected from the weather. I could put the luggage rack on it for lighter stuff and quite possibly keep the roll-up cover for a bunk with the storage below. I have had wood / aluminum and fiberglass shells before with no complaints. One thing I have in my favor is a garage that I could do a pulley rig so that I could remove the shell and leave hanging from the rafters of the garage. If it would install with some specialized "C" clamps, I might give it a try.

I guess I was absolutely no help. I do enjoy reading what others think about.

Steve

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

I use a DiamondBack Cover. It will hold 1600 on it and has lash down points all around. It is pretty weathertight and I like how it works. Here is a post showing it installed on my Tundra.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=259297&postcount=19

I get to keep the visability. the top locks and I can take it off in about 10 minutes. Either of the covers will fold back flat so that I can carry a tall object. I am planning to build something to help organize the big empty space and make it easier to retrieve gear.

 

[chasespeed]

With all this, yes, I would love to find a fiberglass cap.. but, at least in my area, when I was looking, they were non existent used.... and now, I cant spend the money.....

Hey Nuke....THAT is the ticket....what did it cost ya?? Thats perfect... and if cheap enough, I wont bother to build one....

Nuke... Pmouth,Va.... what breed of Nuke are ya?

Chase

 

[Cackalak Han]

How much storage do you need?

Had a Leer cap. Wasn't bad, but wasn't a big fan, either. Seemed like I had to remove it about every other week, due to moving furniture, dirt, mulch, etc. in it. I sold it, but I would still like some sort of storage. For me, I think a tool box is the ticket. Since I have a double cab (i.e. short 5' bed), a slimmer version. I don't need to store too much stuff, but a tool box with a lock would be very handy.