Camper Shell brand opinions

Toy Collector

Toy Collector

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So... we go to Yosemite a lot these days, as well as other National Parks far more than Glamis. I adopted the "IFLY and Scat" way of life, apparently.

I'm looking to put a Camper Shell on the Tundra. Seems the options these days are A.R.E., Snug Top and Leer.

Anyone have experience with any of those? What do you like/dislike about what you bought?

A.R.E. seems to be the leader right now. This is based upon Customer Service and rear window Hinge quality, from what I see. As well as having a couple more options than the other two.

Last note: god damn these things are pricey, now. o_O
 
Go Big or Go Home!

With all the Overland stuff these days, why would you not get a Topper type?



Unless this is just security for storage of yore stuff.
 
Shells are big dollar and don't hold value at all. Buy used or bend over.
 
Crusty said:
Go Big or Go Home!

With all the Overland stuff these days, why would you not get a Topper type?



Unless this is just security for storage of yore stuff.
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The whole roof top tent thing is underrated. I used to laugh but honestly since getting mine I've never been out so much. Just pack a duffle bag and some food and I'm out

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Crusty said:
Go Big or Go Home!

With all the Overland stuff these days, why would you not get a Topper type?



Unless this is just security for storage of yore stuff.
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We stay in Hotels, Pal. 🤣

This is purely for hauling and storing the all bags and Stroller, security and weather purposes. No camping in it, whatsoever... unless it's an emergency. The 4Runner fills up fast and while it works, it sucks to have the Tundra available with more room and comfort.
 
MWB said:
Shells are big dollar and don't hold value at all. Buy used or bend over.
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I agree however; I have a unique truck model that doesn't seem to hit heavy with the Used Shell market. I've seen a few in different states but they are a different color usually... that is highly unacceptable (green shell on a white truck isn't happening) and once you get a quote to repaint, might as well get a new one.

If I was someone else on here, I'd get a used one and take it to my brother... have him repaint it and do nothing to return the favor.
 
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Toy Collector said:
I agree however; I have a unique truck model that doesn't seem to hit heavy with the Used Shell market. I've seen a few in different states but they are a different color usually... that is highly unacceptable (green shell on a white truck isn't happening) and once you get a quote to repaint, might as well get a new one.

If I was someone else on here, I'd get a used one and take it to my brother... have him repaint it and do nothing to return the favor.
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I do have to laugh at the random pot-shots being taken in almost every post... I do hope someday you'll be able move past your vendetta for people whom you perceive to have wronged you.

Good luck in your search!
 
You will never go back. I bought a used truck with a shell on it and made a joke with the guy that I would pay more to not have to take the shell.... I felt like a dick just a few days later when I realized how awesome it was. Since then I have picked up a couple more - sold the one that came with it, bought a color matched one used that was really tall (no car washes or parking garages with that one), moved that one over to a different, newer truck after old one was totaled, then bought another one made for my model year, in silver. New truck is brown. I just do not care about color as much anymore.

If you set alerts on whatever apps you use to shop used on, one might show up. If you have to have new, I think the top two or three brands are all fine. Too expensive, but they are all good. Consider your side windows - if you won't be "living" in the thing (I sleep in mine sometimes) then maybe you don't need sliders but instead could use the style that flips up. Makes its easier to load/unload or snag certain items in there. Although some of those smaller trucks have even smaller beds so that might not be an issue. I made a little hook for my long bed that is about 90" long. I can snag anything I want from the tail gate and pull it back to me. For sure get one with a flip down or removable back window (actually I guess its the front window on the shell) so you can clean the rear window of you truck.

I think they are great and are really handy especially when traveling. Keeps my stuff protected and dry. Cant put a dirt bike in the back of my truck, but I either ride from the front door or trailer it when needed. Livable.
 
Finding a used one for a Tundra will be near impossible as most Toyota owners go the roof top tent route.

My nephew as a Snug Top on his truck and no issues. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the brands. Just find a dealer near you and go have a look at them.
 
RideSand said:
You will never go back. I bought a used truck with a shell on it and made a joke with the guy that I would pay more to not have to take the shell.... I felt like a dick just a few days later when I realized how awesome it was. Since then I have picked up a couple more - sold the one that came with it, bought a color matched one used that was really tall (no car washes or parking garages with that one), moved that one over to a different, newer truck after old one was totaled, then bought another one made for my model year, in silver. New truck is brown. I just do not care about color as much anymore.

If you set alerts on whatever apps you use to shop used on, one might show up. If you have to have new, I think the top two or three brands are all fine. Too expensive, but they are all good. Consider your side windows - if you won't be "living" in the thing (I sleep in mine sometimes) then maybe you don't need sliders but instead could use the style that flips up. Makes its easier to load/unload or snag certain items in there. Although some of those smaller trucks have even smaller beds so that might not be an issue. I made a little hook for my long bed that is about 90" long. I can snag anything I want from the tail gate and pull it back to me. For sure get one with a flip down or removable back window (actually I guess its the front window on the shell) so you can clean the rear window of you truck.

I think they are great and are really handy especially when traveling. Keeps my stuff protected and dry. Cant put a dirt bike in the back of my truck, but I either ride from the front door or trailer it when needed. Livable.
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Thanks for the feedback! This is the build I have put together so far... still debating the side windows as I can see increased access as a significant value. We don't plan on camping in it but I am adding in the carpet and headliner features in case we would ever need to...

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Pretty sure I can source the Bedrug and Roof Basket for less and they won't be needed immediately. That should cut some fat off of this pig.
 
Sand Shark said:
Finding a used one for a Tundra will be near impossible as most Toyota owners go the roof top tent route.

My nephew as a Snug Top on his truck and no issues. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the brands. Just find a dealer near you and go have a look at them.
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I have found some Facebook groups that do have them, but nothing local (mostly East coast). Additionally, there ARE a lot of shells available for the Tundra... just not MY model year Tundra... 🤣 .

I found "Camper Shells for sell for under $1,000" on Facebook. I'd be set if I had a damn F150.

I know they are out there...
 
Add the roof tracks and basket later if you really them, dang! Also save on the bed rug in my opinion - those three bring it down a lot. Headliner is good though. I like the rest of it for what its worth.
 
I have a LEER on my F-350 and it has help up perfectly since 2017. Also put a LEER on my son’s Tacoma a couple years ago and been good.
 
I have a snug top on my f350 with roof racks sliding front and side windows and flush rear window that opens from outside and in it also has led lighting and carpeting. The carpeting helps absorb noise quite a bit. The roof racks are great for surfboards or kayaks. They lock on and slide with a key so they arent super easy to steal. The windows are nice it doesnt go against the cab which is great for keeping paint nice but on dirt roads dirt can get between both windows but hasnt been a big issue. I bought it used at a snugtop dealer while getting a wuote for a new one. The Guy was returning it after a month to get one of the taller ones. I really like it. Its great for road tripping. List was about $3500 new i paid $1200 (back in 2021) right place right time deal

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If you have a shell on your truck go to AAA or DMV and have it inspected and register as non-commercial It saves a ton on your registration each year. I did it with my 3500 dually.
 
RIDERED said:
If you have a shell on your truck go to AAA or DMV and have it inspected and register as non-commercial It saves a ton on your registration each year. I did it with my 3500 dually.
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Excuse me what!? I will be looking into this for sure. Good tip
 
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