You’re considering getting a truck camper for your mid-size Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. It’s not just you. Many other people have bought or are considering buying a camper to mount on their Toyota Tacoma pickup. If you already have a “Taco, your decision was wise. The Tacoma has been the most popular mid-size truck over the past ten years thanks to its rugged good appearance, dependability, and features. With a potent 3.5L V6 engine that produces impressive 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, a brilliant six-speed automated transmission, an unmatched OEM suspension, and a substantial payload rating of up to 1,620 pounds depending on options, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma maintains this perfection. We rank the top 6 truck campers for the Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup truck in this article.
Even better, the Tacoma 44 TRD variants are more suitable for off-road excursions. Bilstein shock absorbers, Crawl Control, an electronic locking rear diff, Multi-Terrain Select, 16-inch wheels, Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-line off-road tires, and unique fender flares are all included in the Tacoma TRD. Despite the Toyota Tacoma’s availability in 5-foot and 6-foot beds, we advise purchasing a 6-foot bed model because it provides greater room and a better payload rating, both of which are crucial considerations for people looking to purchase a small camper. Keep in mind that this thorough, well-researched list was published here first, long before Internet imitators published their own, nearly similar lists. Here are the top 6 campers for the Toyota Tacoma without further ado.
In This Article...
A Toyota Tacoma can what size camper?
Amazing short bed trucks with a lot of power in their little frames are Toyota Tacomas. The Toyota Tacoma family has a number of various varieties and models, and each one has a distinct payload and towing capacity. Choosing the ideal camper for your Tacoma can be challenging as a result.
Here are some basic data on the various Toyota Tacoma models and the types of campers they can pull for comparison’s sake.
Only the base models of these various Toyota Tacomas are covered by these characteristics. Each of these subclasses contains a wide range of options, upgrades, and unique features. Visit Toyota’s Tacoma website for more details on each category and a comparison of all the models.
For the majority of camper types, the towing capacity is the most crucial criterion, however campers like fifth wheels will also need to consider the payload. Towing capacity for Toyota Tacomas currently range from 3,500 lbs. to 6,800 lbs. This is a fairly broad spectrum that includes many various camper types, sizes, and forms.
Does Toyota produce camper trucks?
Toyota trucks are popular vehicles among overlanders, and Toyota is aware of this. As a result, the Japanese manufacturer will unveil Tacozilla, a new custom camper, at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2021.
Can a Toyota Tacoma with four engines tow a camper?
The Tacoma’s ability to tow differs depending on the engine options, bed configuration, and powertrain setup. This might make it challenging to discover the ideal Tacoma for your unique needs, as Camper Report notes. For your viewing enjoyment, they also conveniently included a comparison of all available Tacoma models’ payloads and towing capacities:
As we can see, the four-cylinder Tacoma has a maximum payload capacity of 3,500 pounds, and when the V6 engine and four-wheel drive are added, the maximum payload capacity increases to 6,800 pounds. What does this mean, though, in terms of towing a camper?
The size of the rig you intend to pull will once again determine this. For instance, the weight of a pop-up trailer can range from 600 to 4,000 pounds, the weight of a fifth wheel from 2,400 to 20,000 pounds, the weight of a teardrop trailer from 520 to 2,000 pounds, and the weight of an Airstream from 2,500 to 4,000 pounds. This indicates that the Tacoma has sufficient pulling power for a camper of reasonable size, but you must exercise caution.
What is the cost of a Tacoma camper shell?
If you’ve looked into fiberglass camper shells (also known as truck tops or truck caps), you’re probably aware of their price and aware that they’re not exactly inexpensive.
However, there are other variables that can increase or decrease the price of a specific shell. My LEER 100R is what I like to call a “grandpa shell” because it’s excellent but not overly sophisticated, and it’s so far fit my needs wonderfully.
I knew when I acquired my Tacoma, coming from Toyota SUVs (particularly the FJ Cruiser & 4Runner), that I would want a camper shell for a number of reasons. The main justification was that I needed the extra room to store items safely and dry. The absence of weather protection and potentially secure storage is perhaps the largest drawback of a truck bed.
I transport groceries, photographic equipment for work, my dogs, and everything else I could need for a project around the house in my truck because I use it every day.
Price for LEER 100R Truck Cap
It’s crucial to remember that LEER does not publish pricing information online; you must speak with your neighborhood dealer.
A fully and thoroughly equipped shell should cost around $3500, with the base model costing roughly $1800.
Features
Your individual needs and/or budget will have the biggest impact on the LEER 100R’s features and available alternatives.
Although the LEER 100R may be regarded as the entry-level LEER choice, the price might soon rise if you start searching beyond the basic capabilities.
If you are fortunate enough to have a dealer nearby, I suggest visiting them to learn more about the many alternatives you might be interested in and to meet with them in person.
I myself did not enjoy that luxury. I called the store numerous times before placing my order and did a lot of my own research to find reviews and images of various camper shells.
Standard Features
These are all the features that a LEER 100R will have, at the very least.
- Personalized Design
- Framed back door with two T-handle locks
- Screened 50/50 Sliding Side Windows
- Dome Light Interior
- Distorted Glass
- LED Third Brake Light, Recessed
- Front Fixed Window without a Frame
- Base Rails Made of Fiberglass for Structural Integrity
- Installation Pockets for J-Clamps
- Bulb Seal for Installation
- Color-Matched Paint by Axalta (includes touch-up paint)
- Lifetime Limited Warranty on Color and Structure
Although adding features will increase the cost of the camper shell, they might also increase its appeal to you or a potential buyer if you ever decide to sell it.
Optional Features
There are many extra features available; I’ll highlight a few below. I’ll also outline the exact choices I made based on my own requirements.
- Carpeting inside
- Front Sliding Window with Removal
- Detachable Front Window (without slider)
- 50/50 Sliding Side Window Pet Screens
- Folding clothing hanger
- Angler’s Rod Holder
- Net for Overhead Cargo (requires Roof Rack Tracks)
Optional Feature Breakdown
I chose the carpeted interior over the bare fiberglass because I believe it gives the shell a more finished appearance when seen as a whole. Additionally, it ought to provide some insulation when I and the dogs are sleeping inside.
I chose roof rack tracks because I would rather have them and not need them than the other way around. One thing to keep in mind is that by choosing the roof rack tracks when ordering your shell, you will avoid voiding your structural warranty and putting the shell at danger of damage by having them installed at the factory.
As you may think, there are a lot of options for how to decorate the roof of your camper shell. You might affix crossbars or a canopy rack for a rooftop tent, for instance, or transport mountain bikes, kayaks, or extra stuff for prolonged camping trips.
When I ordered my camper, LEER was providing a coupon to upgrade the fixed front window to a removable front glass (with a sliding center piece). I had to get this update because it was free.
When the side windows are also open, the sliding component of the window allows for ample of airflow. This is a great perk for me and my dogs when we go camping (when I actually make them ride back there). The ability to remove it for cleaning the camper shell window as well as the windows on the back of the truck cab is another significant advantage. When ordering a LEER camper, do yourself a favor and make sure to check with your dealer to see if a discount coupon is available.
Pros & Cons
There are always positive and negative qualities, as there are with many aftermarket components. Naturally, these are subjective, so your results may differ.
- Aesthetics/design
- very good color matching
- Simple and effective
- a safe and dry cargo area
- Waiting time (8 weeks for mine)
- limited capacity for hauling because of height
- not waterproof, but weather-sealed
- Fiberglass is vulnerable to scuffs and chips.
- The top of the bedside decals is just touched or covered by the side skirts.
Final Thoughts
Although owning and purchasing a camper shell has some disadvantages, I think they are outweighed by the benefits. I wasn’t interested in or able to afford a “fancy or more expensive camper shell.
I was looking for a reasonable solution that will perform the work and be attractive in the process. The LEER 100R has so far worked well for me whether I’m camping in it, lugging photographic gear for work, or just taking the dogs for a trip.
The SnugTop Super Sport Truck Cap and the Softopper Soft Top Canopy are only two of the different bed topper options and viewpoints available. Here, you can also descend the rabbit hole of entire campers, bed racks, and camper shells. Finding something that will meet your needs now or in the near future is crucial given the variety of options available.
I hope I was able to clarify any doubts you may have had about this specific setup, or at the very least provide you with a solid starting point to make your purchase decision a little bit simpler!
A pickup camper can a Toyota Tundra transport?
A truck camper can be transported by a Toyota Tundra. Tundra can tow 10100 lbs (on the SR5 model) so it will do just well with a fully loaded camper.
The Toyota Tundra has great handling and steering. The steering is precise and solid. A good turning radius on the pick-up makes maneuvering simpler. Both acceleration and braking are solid and effective.
For a pickup in this class, the ride quality isn’t terrible. However, the trip is rough. Actually, to some extent, this applies to all pickups of this size. If you have never owned or operated a car like that before, that is something to take into account. Even while the Tundra isn’t necessarily worse than the competition in this area, you should consider this when choosing your next car.
Going camping with a Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra provides a dependable ride, and it has a fantastic reputation for the durability of all its cars as well as a high reliability rating. This is not any different in the Tundra. Compared to most pick-ups in its class, it does better in this category. A Tundra should have a long lifespan and consistently reliable performance.
It also has a number of technology features, such the rearview camera described earlier that improves visibility when backing up. To warn of obstructions, the sensors and warnings also have an auditory component. JBL audio system with 12 speakers, a mini-jack, a USB port, an AM/FM radio with a box for 6 CDs, and an MP3/WMA player.
Additionally, it has an integrated navigation system that displays data on a crystal-clear, high-definition 7-inch touch screen. The average speed and fuel economy are displayed on a separate, smaller display in the center cluster.
Another factor that makes trucks appealing to consumers is their off-road ability. Due to its power and torque, which can propel the Tundra over difficult terrain with the help of the suspension system, this pickup is more than capable of leaving the paved roadway.
To top it all off in terms of safety, the Tundra performs admirably in crash tests, giving you peace of mind that it will be a reliable and secure car if you are ever in an accident. It received a perfect score of five out of five stars in the side-impact, side barrier, and pole crash ratings, while it received four out of five stars in the frontal crash testing.
The exterior of the 1794 Edition has been improved with features like a protective plastic box cover, an integrated front bumper made of chrome steel and gloss graphite plastic, a separate rear bumper made of body-color steel with anti-skid, and side mirrors with memory and electrical adjustment that are chrome-plated, power-fold, and electrochromic.
Can a Tacoma from 2021 tow a camper?
Therefore, a camper with a payload rating of less than 1,155 pounds is acceptable for the SR trim. Get started on your new journey by climbing into the Kimbo 6 (1,100 pounds loaded), which was designed exclusively for the Tacoma, the Scout Yoho 6.0 (913 pounds dry weight), or the compact Four Wheel Camper Project M (425 pounds).
A camper can a V6 pull?
Travel trailers that are lightweight, like the Scamp, weigh between two and four thousand pounds. Lightweight trailers can be up to 30 feet long, yet 6-cylinder automobiles can still tow them. The majority of the more recent versions have complete bathrooms and appliances that rival those seen in larger recreational vehicles. They have enough room and comforts to create a cozy, short-term home away from home. Their fuel-efficient design makes them more efficient.
A Toyota Tacoma is a half-ton vehicle, right?
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are quarter-ton, light-duty trucks according to the literature. These platforms can accommodate a range of lifestyles and uses because they are offered in single- and crew-cab configurations and with a choice of short or long boxes.