Best Tacoma Topper?
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Looking for opinions on toppers for a Tacoma regular length bed. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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). 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. |
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Awesome, thanks for the input so far. |
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Kirk |
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My suggestions for purchasing a camp-worthy shell are less brand-specific but should ideally include the following items: |
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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. |
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How about this? |
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Dave- what color, size, model? |
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By the way ChanVan-- you would never make it through the state of Utah in that thing. I suggest a new paint job. |
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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. |
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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 |
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My topper is not a Raider. Leer. I think you might have my response mixed up with the one prior to me. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Are you the Dave who's been bouldering at BRC on weeknights a bunch lately? |
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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. |
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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. |