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Best Tacoma Topper?

Original Post
kirkadirka · · Down there somewhere · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 115

Looking for opinions on toppers for a Tacoma regular length bed.

Primary use will be for car camping. I plan on building a car bed with storage underneath.

I would also love to see your bed design if you already have a nice setup.

Thanks for your suggestions.

GLD · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 83

I have a raider topper with a platform underneath and it works really well, tons of room and lots of compliments. It is one of the toppers that does increase with angle so the rear is taller than the front of the cab. I probably don't need that much room but it's nice when you're back there.

boo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 0

I have had two toppers for my Toyota. (Leer and ARE) The Tacomas are easier to fit than my truck, which is a great thing!

I prefer the lo-high models. If you sleep, travel, camp in your pickup, this gives you some extra head room to sit in the truck, comfortably. Especially when the weather is crud. That said, the ARE I had was more generous.

I have awning windows on either side to get into the bed of the truck easily, and I wouldn't do without them. (Both make these)

The window into the truck cab itself....there are two kinds. One folds down and stays in the sash (ARE). The other style unlocks and lifts completely out (Leer)

I had a hell of time getting the ARE to sit on my truck bed and not leak. I eventually had to get them to take it back. I preferred the features of the ARE (one toggle handle for opening the rear, fold down window into the cab, single lock keys all the way around). However, being weather proof is top priority. The Leer fit my truck better.

Whether you're buying it new or used (there seems to be a guy in Denver on 70 who has a healthy supply and reportedly is good at installation), think about the features you want. Narrow down the toppers that have those. Then move on it. I've been satisfied with the customer service I received from Leer, subsequently.

camhead · · Vandalia, Appalachia · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 1,240

I'm happy with my platform, but would get a better shell if I had to do it over again for my 2wd Tacoma. My shell is aluminum (cheap, noisy in the rain, no insulation, and not much headroom). I did use adhesive velcro strips on the ceiling to fix some removable felt cloth up there to catch condensation, which is key beta if you're going to be spending time in the humid East (not a big deal in the West).

Here are some pics of my platform, which I will probably keep even after my truck passes on.



Platform. Some lost space around the wheel-wells, but I've never missed it. The "floor plan" fits four bins in the front, and two more near the tailgate.





Finished platform. The panel that is closest to the tailgate is removable, but has some deadbolts underneath for locking into place. The cool thing about it being removable is that you can slide it up when you have to put something bigger (cooler or water jug) in the back. It also doubles as a table.

Not shown is the carpet. I laid down about 1/2" of foam, then covered that with classroom-style carpet. That itself is soft enough to sleep on in a pinch, but the whole platform also perfectly fits two Metolius boulder pads for really cush mattresses.
kirkadirka · · Down there somewhere · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 115

Awesome, thanks for the input so far.

I think being able to sit up in a bed AND have some storage underneath is going to be important for me.

boo- do you know what model Raider you have?

camhead- nice setup. I'd like to see some from more folks!

John- The snug tops look nice too. Is the +4 model the same as their Sport High Liner?

I looked at Leers, didn't see the +4 but the model 180 and 122 look nice.

Here's another question-- For folks that have a topper that is higher than the top of the truck, what kind of gas mileage declines do you see?

Dave-o Friedman · · Fort Collins · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 5

Kirk
I have a topper for sale in Boulder if your interested in checking it out! I am asking $600 for it, she is in great shape!!

Dave · · Tahoe City · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 200

My suggestions for purchasing a camp-worthy shell are less brand-specific but should ideally include the following items:

1. Tall height
2. Felt insulation
3. TWO locking latches

Having two locking latches on either side of the folding door is less mechanically prone to fail than having one center latch (which I've had to replace mine). Additionally, the two locking latches are more secure. Unfortunately my Snug Top doesn't have these.

Note: the bed is completely covered with 1/2" plywood, foam padding and indoor/outdoor carpet. Yakima bracket bolted to the plywood to carry a bike upright with the seat in place and only the front wheel removed. Still enough room for sleeping bag and pad next to the bike.

Lastly, if you have a nice, new Tacoma then spend the money on a nice, new shell.

Snug-Top Hi-liner

JVW · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 80

I had an ARE for my tacoma and whichever you choose definitely opt for the flip windows on the sides, it makes it so convenient to get stuff out of the truck.

Chandler Van Schaack · · Pine, CO · Joined May 2006 · Points: 750

How about this?

Future ChanVan?

kirkadirka · · Down there somewhere · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 115

Dave- what color, size, model?

JVW- I will have to check out AREs

ChanVan- is that YOUR ChanVan? Is that where the magic happens?

kirkadirka · · Down there somewhere · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 115

By the way ChanVan-- you would never make it through the state of Utah in that thing. I suggest a new paint job.

Adam Sanders · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 150

i'll second ARE. They make a super solid product. You don't see them much, but spending the extra to get side windows that open up completely is SO worth it. Then you don't always have to climb halfway in to access things near the cab. If you have a platform, put trap doors at the cab end and you can access stuff on the lower level through those windows.

Adam Leavy · · Asheville, NC · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 150

2000 tacoma. Callen Camper Company out of southern california. they are expensive. got mine used for 800 bucks. Custom made for any truck you throw at them. Solid steel frame and everything. just gotta build anything you want back there. suprisingly light, you can get it on and off with three guys

this...

and this

boo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 0

My topper is not a Raider. Leer. I think you might have my response mixed up with the one prior to me.

I'm glad folks are repeating the awning windows. It's really nice to be able to get into.

My Leer is higher than the truck cab. I dropped my tire size from 33s to 31s and I'm getting 16-18 in town and consistently 20 hwy. But I drive a LOT on the highway.

Oh, and I opted against the roof rack on the topper. Being a wee-thing.....I'd never be able to get a bike up there. My roof rack, which I use a lot, is on the cab.

boo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 0

And I would second the carpet lining on the interior. Either brand it ran about $100. But it helps manage the condensation very well and does take the chill of freezing temps off a bit.

Dave-o Friedman · · Fort Collins · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 5

My topper for sale is silver, for a the 6 ft. bed and has the liner on the inside. It is a 2009 ARE bought in Denver. I will be at the BRC tonight from 6-8pm if your down to come and check it out.
Dave

kirkadirka · · Down there somewhere · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 115

Are you the Dave who's been bouldering at BRC on weeknights a bunch lately?

I'll be at BRC later as well so I'd like to check out the topper.

Kirk

Peter D. · · Fairfield, OH · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 25

I had a tacoma but long bed, made some boxes and set the platform in between. My wife and I used this set up for a while until we got tired of climbing into the back of the truck on rainy nights. Then it just happened a friend was selling his pop up camper that was fantastic. There was another thread about camping in an SUV. It really is all relative to age for one thing 18 to 28 single sleep in car, 30 to 40ish back of truck, once you hit 50 you gotta have a bed to crash out on, especially when climbing all day at Indian Creek with partners half your age that are kicking your ass. In years past my first car was a 1963 VW Microbus paneled interior, spent the month of October of 1978 in Yosemite. Other climbing vehicles that were comfortable - Toyota Van, before the Previa 4 wheel drive version shift on the fly, then a Subaru Legacy and the first night I spent in that I wanted my Toyota Van back, next was the Tacoma first with the topper and then with the Pop up camper. With the Tacoma gas mileage went down by 1 mpg on the highway. Had a sink with 10 gallon tank, gas stove, gas heater, and ice box ( had to use block ice was not gas). Great rig.

my sweety

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camped near Bridger Jack

camper on jacks

full height

inside

Micahisaac · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 80

I used Malcom's beta to build out my truck. It's super simple and I use an extendable painting pole with a hook to get stuff out of the back (it converts to a stick clip too). I've never regretted not getting the pull up "contractor" doors. I have an ARE topper on my Ranger. I'm incredibly happy with it and I'm glad I didn't settle for one of the cheaper brands.

Link to Malcom's beta

My rig

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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