We won’t comment on topping brands or manufacturers, but we will mention that costs might differ greatly from one merchant or installer to another. Additionally, while some brands are quite simple to research online, others are not.
Following is a list of popular topping manufacturers and the pricing ranges we discovered online:
- A.R.E ranging from $1,199 for aluminum to $3,600 or more for fiberglass
- $1,675 to $2,375 Century
- Ranch, Jason, and ATC
- Prices not provided
- Leer from $1.999 to $2.933
- RaiderNo listed prices
- SmartCap stainless steel, $3,195 to $3,895
- Snugtop
- Prices not provided
- $1,095 to $1,415 in uninsurance
These brands can range in price, as you are aware from reading the remainder of the text above. Some will cost roughly $1,000 for a straightforward, no-frills topper, while others would cost two to five times that amount.
Whatever truck topper you choose, keep in mind that when you replace your truck, both the truck topper AND the truck bed liner can be reused or resold. There’s a high possibility you can transfer your topper from your previous truck and put it on your new truck if you choose a basic vehicle color (such black, white, silver, or tan). Most truck beds don’t change in size all that frequently.
Since our bedliners are compatible with the majority of the most popular truck toppers available, you can probably do the same with your DualLiner bedliner as well, which is fantastic news. The ideal method to strengthen your vehicle’s structure and improve its appearance while preserving a greater long-term worth is to pair a high-quality topper with a DualLiner truck bed liner.
In This Article...
A truck canopy: Is it worthwhile?
Truck caps will increase your truck’s height and give it an SUV-like appearance even though a truck topper should be level with the cab. A truck cap can enable you to go camping and spend the night in your truck’s bed.
The large cargo space can be protected by truck tops, keeping it waterproof. Giving it the ideal defense additionally safeguards whatever you can be transporting in the truck bed. Therefore, the cap can also protect any objects you are carrying, such as tools or even groceries.
Therefore, if you’re thinking of purchasing a truck cap and questioning, “Are Truck Toppers Worth It? Think about your other plans besides camping, food shopping, and covering your bed and cargo from the elements.
- What does a vehicle load rating of 2000 pounds mean?
- Why are there flaps on the exhaust of semi-trucks?
- What’s the thing on the truck’s back called?
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!
How much does a Toyota Tacoma Snugtop cost?
I made the decision to purchase a cover for the bed of my 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 many months ago. I made the decision to visit my neighborhood camper shell dealership after conducting countless research on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to determine what characteristics I would want.
I left with a SnugTop Super Sport on my truck after a brief sales pitch from the salesman and some good ol’ fashioned haggling, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled!
Features:
- glass pop-out side windows without frames;
- carpeting inside
- with a front window that slides and folds.
- Check Prices for SnugTop Super Sport Truck Bed Cap
Among its numerous applications, this cap provides a further safe and lockable storage space, a canopy over your head when automobile camping, and the opportunity for additional roof rack space.
Since 1965, SnugTop has provided a selection of truck caps and tonneau covers, so I felt confidence in my choice when I purchased my shell. For the past three months, I have driven the Super Sport on my double cab short bed (DCSB) on everything from long highway journeys to sleeping in the back to light off-roading.
Check out our review of the Softopper Soft Top if a hard shell topper is not for you. Check out Daniel’s instructive essay if you want to understand more about your alternatives or if you’re deciding between campers, bed racks, and camper shells.
When looking for the ideal cap for your truck, the sheer number of shell manufacturers (SnugTop, Leer, Century, among others) and the numerous variants they each provide with different features can rapidly become overwhelming.
This is especially true given that hard shells aren’t exactly inexpensive; it is simple to become preoccupied with each individual feature and whether or not they are worthwhile.
- Side Windows with All Glass in a Flush Mount
- Rear Side Windows That Extend
- Interior Shell Headliner SNUGRUG
- Tailgate made entirely of curved glass.
- Various Roof Rack Choices
- Fuel-efficient Aerodynamic Design
- Single-Piece Design (Fiberglass)
- Lifetime Warranty on the Structure and Paint
This is obviously a lot to take in. Let me now outline what I believe to be the most crucial factors for you to think about before purchasing a cap for your Tacoma.
Windows
The Super Sport has pop-out parts in the back of the side windows that let a little bit of air pass through the sleeping area.
These just have the portions that open toward the back of the window and lack sliding windows. Reaching in through the side windows is crucial and not a choice with this model if you anticipate needing to access stuff towards the front of the bed.
Height
There are two height categories for hard shells: cab-high and high rise. Cab-high, as its name suggests, corresponds to your cab’s height (as the Super Sport does). High-rise caps have a higher height than the cab, giving the bed extra room.
Although I personally enjoy the cab-high design’s sleek appearance, I have had a few terrible experiences when camping where I have hit my head on the roof, which wouldn’t have happened with a high rise.
Price
Prices can vary depending on the business and type you choose. Although generally speaking, I would say the cost is between $1900 and $3500.
Although it depends on how much your neighborhood dealership charges for it, the Super Sport is in the top of that range. It’s a good idea to seek for a used shell on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to save some money.
PROS & CONS
The Super Sport’s sleek and modern appearance is what I appreciate it most. This cap has a style that avoids any bulk or extraneous elements because of the frameless windows. Personally, I think the cab-high shell looks much nicer than the others do.
The interior of this cap has carpeting, which I have grown to like. The Super Sport’s carpeted inside offers a strong layer of insulation. This is especially crucial if you’re camping because it will significantly improve interior temperature maintenance and eliminate any chance of condensation buildup. It works great with velcro if you wish to attach anything to the inside, such as DIY mosquito screens.
The security was one of the main factors in my decision to go with this shell rather than a soft topper. You can put anything in your bed knowing that it won’t be easily taken because you can lock this shell.
The robust shell’s ability to withstand the elements is the last benefit I want to discuss. This has significant advantages since it prevents everything you place in the bed from getting wet when it rains or snows. One drawback of using a rooftop tent on bed racks for camping is that if it rains, all of your essential stuff must stay in the cab with you. If you are traveling between distant locations, the hard shell also enables simple and pleasant stealth camping in the occasional Walmart parking lot.
Even while I could go on and on about how wonderful this shell is, not everyone will find it to be ideal.
The SuperSport’s major flaw is its high price. An estimate of $3400 was given to me by a nearby dealership. It’s difficult to swallow that bitter pill! By pure coincidence, the dealership I visited had already ordered similar cap for a different customer who had a third-generation Tacoma short bed in the same color but had backed out, thus the dealership deducted $1000 from the price.
If I’m being really honest, if there hadn’t been such a significant price reduction, I doubt I would have purchased this model. If you’re desperate for this item but aren’t able to spend that much money, I recommend keeping an eye on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other websites that sell used goods.
The fact that the side windows do not spring out is the only other significant issue I have with this SnugTop. This implies that I have to climb into the bed and pull anything small that slips all the way to the front. It would be ten times simpler to do this if the side window on the sliding door could pop out. I created some drawers for the tiny objects so that I could pull them out and utilize my bed fully, which makes this problem quite simple to resolve.
The weight is a small point to keep in mind. Your Tacoma’s back end will sag somewhat, just like it would if you put anything substantial in your bed. When I first bought the shell, the front featured a two-leveling kit. My truck’s back end started to dramatically sag after the cap was put. I reasoned that now would be a good moment to lift the rear, so I am now level once more, but weight is something to take into account.
I can’t say that I would suggest this choice to every vehicle owner I know because of the cost. However, if you’re seeking for a reliable option for covert camping or secure, weatherproof storage space under your bed, this is a terrific productas long as you can afford the steep price or find one used.
Overall, I am completely delighted with my decision to purchase the SnugTop Super Sport. I can say that I have no regrets about buying this cap because I have used it both on and off-road and slept under it numerous times.
Toyota does it produce camper shells?
For the most affordable costs, turn to California Camper Shells for the best camper shells for your Ford vehicle. Our selection of camper shells features products from renowned companies like Snugtop, LEER, ARE, and many others. Our company is aware that your truck is more than just a car. It is your personal space, toolset, andmost importantlycarryall.
Only at California Camper Shells can you choose from the best Ford camper shells for your truck. We provide:
Truck Caps are they waterproof?
Although a lot of businesses assert that the truck caps are completely waterproof, this is not entirely accurate. Through the tailgate gaps and other intrusive areas, the cap can still leak water. Although buying weather-resistant headwear is preferable, there is no assurance that they will be weatherproof.
Do truck tops raise their worth?
From a straight-out-of-the-factory appearance to tough outdoorsman styling, your truck will stand out from the crowd. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that having a topper increases the resell value from both private parties and dealer trade-ins. A lot of individuals use their topper as a place to carry their pets. To ensure the happiness and safety of your dogs, a pet screen is an optional feature. Getting your dog from the house to the park in a safe and secure manner while keeping your cab clean is precious for the dog enthusiast who knows their dog loves to get messy. Numerous benefits, both aesthetically and practically, come with a pickup truck topper! There is undoubtedly a topper out there that will meet your demands given the variety available.
- Ranch This business is an expert in fiberglass units.
- Snugtop
- For all of the major truck brands, you can purchase caps, tonneau covers, and accessories here.
- Unicover
- This business provides a wide range of aluminum and fiberglass shells.
Why are camper shells placed on trucks?
A camper shell is a tiny enclosure or rigid canopy used as a pickup truck or coupe utility item. It is also known as a canopy and goes by the names truck topper, truck cap, bed cap, box cap, or simply shell.
The enclosure is mounted on top of the pickup truck’s rear bed and is often made of fiberglass or aluminum, though occasionally wood or canvas is used instead.
Since it typically fills the full pickup truck bed and is big enough to be used for camping, the car qualifies as an RV. Most of the time, the top of the camper shell is equal to or higher than the top of the truck cab. Although camping may have been its original usage, it currently seems to be reserved mostly for utility and storage needs, especially the defense of cargo against the elements and theft.
Can you get asleep in a short Tacoma bed?
Both a short bed (60.5 inches in length) and a long bed are available in third-generation Toyota Tacomas (from 2015 to the present) (73.5 in. length). HEST mattresses can be used in a Toyota Tacoma short bed with the tailgate down (see photographs below), or in a Toyota Tacoma long bed with the tailgate closed.