Tacoma Topper Recommendations?

[Dave Bennett]

Please provide your input on what topper/cap you have on your 05+ Tacoma.

Value, price, fitment (sealing), durability, strength, all these issues are a concern.

I'm currently researching Snugtop, ARE, and Leer models, preferably with windoors. I'm sure there are others.

I will be moving my fridge to the bed and freeing up some cab space with the addition of this topper due to the addition of our new little one. The rack will go into retirement and be for sale as we will ultimately be moving towards a trailer.

Help me shop for a new topper!!!

 

[Dave Bennett]

I really like the commercial application toppers, and the windoors with toolboxes have obvious ExPo appeal.

http://www.snugtop.com/products/snugpro.php

 

[ksj]

I have a Snugtop Supersport that I'm really happy with. The windows only open a little, but it lets in enough air for the pooch. No issues with fitment or leaks, and it looks great IMO.

Another to consider is Raider, who I've heard good things about.

 

[DesertBoater]

I've been very happy with my Century cap. It's the cab-high model, sliding windows on three sides, single handle lock. I've been moderately happy with it. Having installed my thule rack on top, I've also added a rub-patch between the two bars so that I don't scuff it up too much loading my sea kayak by myself. The only two downsides that I've got about the cap are A) the latch knob handle thinger works, however the lock is frozen solide...i've sprayed it multiple times with WD40 and PB blaster without success. My other complaint (if you can see it as one) is that it is a "skirted" cap. This means that there is a fiberglass flange that hangs down the outside of the bed about an inch and a half below the bed-rail. This allows the seal between the cap and the truck to be totally waterproff/bombproff even if the clamps aren't tight, but unfortunately doesn't allow one to install a construction-type over-cab roofrack without serious modification/mounting brackets. Aside from those two things, I've been super happy with mine and have been living out of it for the past 2 and a half summers. I've been meaning to put up my own photos, but haven't had time yet.

Cheers,
West

 

[laxtoy]

http://www.brandfxbody.com/gemtop-site/Commerc_Prod.html

weight may be a concern, they are heavier, but the construction is very solid. i have a friend who has one on his chevy, and it has an integrated rack (essentially two aluminum bars bracketed to the canopies walls) that will hold 1000 lbs, very stout. it has many options in terms of windows, including sliders, top hinged windows or locking steel doors. the price tag is higher than a fiberglass shell, but comparable, and you might be able to find one on craigslist for cheap

 

[atavuss]

my 04 Taco has a Snugtop SL tonneau cover, I have the same thing ordered for my 09 Taco. I had a Snugtop XV (Xtra Vision) on a Dodge Dakota, I did not like that it was hard to see out of even with all the windows. the tonneau cover does not block your vision at all, but limits what you can carry. the tradeoffs for the tonneau cover make it worth it for me. I ordered the Yakima rails on the new tonneau cover so I can carry extra gear on top of the cover.
with the cover on the 09 Taco the side tiedowns will not be useable, only the front rail will be useable for the factory tie downs.
I like the SL tonneau cover also because it is just like a trunk, one lock, then when you want to close the cover you just slam it closed like a trunk. you don't have to lock it, it locks when you close it.

 

[Jive]

I've got the Raider Vagabond. So far so good. Carpet, sliding side windows and folding front window all were standard features. (I'm sure these are standard features in all)

I couple my topper with a pull-out rolling cargo bed, and I never have to crawl inside the back of my truck on my bony and aging knees...

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

Congrats on the new Overlander! When's the delivery date?

 

[heeltoe989]

I've had good luck with my Leer, Has windoors, front pullout window over head storage, and carpeted inside.

Hasn't leaked yet with the help of foam tape on the bed rails of the truck.

2300 bucks CAN. I wired the back light myself with a connector in the bed so when I pulled it off I can just disconnect it from the truck.

A few pictures for you.

Congrats on the new little one, as my wife is expecting the next Toyota owner in November!

 

[Super Doody]

Please provide your input on what topper/cap you have on your 05+ Tacoma.

Value, price, fitment (sealing), durability, strength, all these issues are a concern.

I'm currently researching Snugtop, ARE, and Leer models, preferably with windoors. I'm sure there are others.

I will be moving my fridge to the bed and freeing up some cab space with the addition of this topper due to the addition of our new little one. The rack will go into retirement and be for sale as we will ultimately be moving towards a trailer.

Help me shop for a new topper!!!

Snugtop fits the best because they work with Toyota on the design. I know because I have couple friends that work at NUMMI. I have a Snugtop which are also stronger (and more expensive) because they use a honeycomb construction. Leers are cheaper and they flex more. A sales person did a side to side comparison by pressing down on the middle of the shell.

One regret is I didn't order my with windoors. For snugtop they can't be added later because the windoor sliders openings are a litter smaller than the regular sliders. I know Bajataco has thoroughly tested his ARE camper. Looks like you can order a customized commercial grade cap from ARE :

http://www.4are.com/product/dcu/features.php

 

[Rexsname]

Why not a Flip-Pac? With the sale of your Rtt and rack it should be close to affordable. Add an Eze-Awn awning and screen room for a shower/toilet room and you would be all set!


REX

 

[Martinjmpr]

I've owned two Raven toppers (made by Glasstite) as well as a Glasstite and liked them all.

One thing I'll say is that if you're planning on using the back of the truck for sleeping you should seriously consider getting a high-rise. I got a cab-high when I got my Taco and found it totally inadequate for camping. I guess if you're solo camping and sleeping on the floor (as opposed to on a platform above the wheel wells) a cab-high might work but if there is any kind of platform, it's like sleeping under a bed.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Congrats on the new Overlander! When's the delivery date?

She's already here!

Introducing... Savannah!!!

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26702

 

[Gear]

I would call AT and look at the new flip packs they are selling. Very nice!

 

[salsataco]

I have owned a leer on my 02 Taco and an ARE on my 06. Upgrades that I made to the ARE were a carpeted headliner, Folding front window, and windoors. I feel that the leer had a better fit. It also had 2 locks on the rear window vs 1 on the ARE. Felt more secure, but I had to worry about 2 locks freezing in winter instead of one. The gasket on the rear window of the ARE leaks after 3 years and the seal around the bottom of the rear window is worthless. I keep anything that is dust sensitive in the cab with me. As other have mentioned the seal at the front leaves a gap, which was filled succesfully with a butyl rubber? if I remember correctly. My overall impression is that these workers do not care too much about the fit and finish of their caps, both Leer and ARE. After both purchases I was upset to has spent so much money on a half a**ed product..... But they do get the job done. Leer was a 100r and the ARE is a CX I believe. I am a fan of the cab high because I carry kayaks more often than I sleep in the back of my truck.