Let's See Your Caps

Sort of correct. So the truck I bought in 2006 in NC and then brought it with me when I moved to TX. The topper came off of a kid's truck he picked up in CA and then drove it back to TX where I bought the topper from him. The deal just sort of fell into my lap and I am ever grateful for it.
There are decent toppers on marketplace from time to time. I see them for the 1st gen just as often as for the 2nd gen. Not sure if the 2.5 has different bed demotions than its previous generation. They are out there. Sometimes you just need to be willing to travel. We have a topper thread going on the 1st gen sub forum where guys will post ads when they pop up. Might be something to look into for the other gen sub forums or maybe I'll throw a link up in this one when I see one. such as one in TX or even one in OK.

 

Unfortunately, the Gen 2 and 2.5 toppers are not cross-compatible.

 

Good to know.

Here are the 1st gen cap measurements. Just leaving here for future. More info on 1st gen caps found HERE.

• Double cab hunting for 75-76" length (i.e. 67x75 or 68x76)
• Access cabs hunting for 77-78" length (i.e.67x77 or 68x78)
• Regular cab hunting for 100-101" (i.e.67x100 or 68x101)

 

I've posted up stuff in that 1st Gen topper thread and have also seen a lot of good deals in there. That's a great idea about getting one going for the other gens. Also thanks for filling in the details of how your truck and topper came together. With prices sky high these days I always look for used when I can.

 

I went through the same ordeal, except here in Hawaii, I could not find anything new or used specifically for a 2014 DC. My only option was to have a new one shipped which would have cost me north of 4500, probably around 5500 when all was said and done, and that was with only one windoor. So I found a used shell off a Dodge and made it work. I don't think I have that much in the entire setup now. I am slowly adding the whole process in my build thread here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/red-tundra-camper-build.140610/
Scroll down to post #4 for the beginning of the shell build.

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Anyone seen this yet?

 

That's pretty slick, not gonna lie. But with the cap and lack of hitch rack I'm extremely curious how the folks in the video got their dirt bikes out to the campsite

 

ARE fiberglass shell on my 2018 Platinum Tundra.

I used to bad mouth camper shells/toppers big time, but since having a baby this thing has really proved it's worth for putting strollers, shopping bags, etc in it, all while keeping the cab uncluttered.

 

Definitely looks cool. Can't imagine how much extra time your spending rigging all that weight while sideways though.

 

I could see this used for a spare tire.

 

24 tundra with a ARE Evolve on it.

 

Genius.

 

I considered one of those until I watched a guy with one really struggle to get everything secured with the rack laying darn near vertical like that. I used to carry a 6' ladder for strapping down paddle boards on my extra tall cap and it was annoying.

Then I discovered these and bought two (one for each door), works great for getting on the roof:

$35 Rightline Gear Moki Ascent Folding Vehicle Door Step for Car Roof Access As Seen On Shark Tank, 8.75 by 3 by 5.25"

https://www.amazon.com/Rightline-Ge...13454066&sprefix=moki+ste,aps,322&sr=8-1&th=1

 

I'm super skeptical of how much weight those support.

 

I was too, but so far haven't had an issue. I'm 200 pounds. The step is strong and the u-bolts for the door latch are definitely strong enough, but where the step contacts the door jamb of truck was what I was concerned about. I have not dented the sheet metal yet.

You definitely need to be fairly limber to use them though, it's a tall step up.

 

I'm definitely more concerned with that as well.

 

#dadsht

 

Placed my order for an A.R.E MX on Saturday! Projected lead time was 5-9 weeks. I am stoked!

 

Nice purchase!

 

Just ordered a Rhino Rack track system with 65" vortex cross bars for my A.R.E. MX topper. Once installed I'll update with some pics. Can't beat their price at retail compared to others but I happened to find 40% off to sweeten the deal. Thanks https://www.expertvoice.com/

 

Here's mine, a Snug-Top.
So, here is the problem I'm having.
The tailgate doesn't close flush on the right side, someone rear-ended me, and it wasn't ever repaired correctly.
As a result, the rear window of the cap doesn't close correctly on the right side and whenever I drive down a dirt road dust enters the back of the cap.
I've tried adding all sorts of weather stripping, but I just can't seem to figure it out.
I'm hoping someone on here has some ideas that I might not have thought of.
About the only thing that I know for sure would work is to duct tape the window around the edges before going down a dirt road. That would be a major pain.
Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Can we see a pic of said gap at the tailgate?

 

The first picture is the left side, and it is closing normally.
The second picture is the right side, and there is a gap, which in turn keeps the glass window from shutting completely.
At the bottom of the tailgate, down at the corners, there is kinda sorta a hinge. I'm wondering if it is a matter of adjusting the hinge on the right side.

 

I've never tried to adjust a hinge like that. If you're inside the bed and everything is closed where do you see light entering? If you see it from the tailgate this is likely also your problem. The dust is entering where your tailgate is lined up properly.

another thought I had was that toppers with just one t handle to close the back window sometimes get misaligned where the mechanism isn't working properly and the metal bar doesn't catch against the plate to keep the door closed snug enough.

 

My truck hasn't been in a collision and I can see light between the tailgate and the bed sides. So I don't think you'll ever keep dust out of the bed.

 

For tailgates to seal, you need to add weather stripping. Especially the gap at the top 3" or so.
This is what I used, the large piece works sell at the top.

$29 ESI Ultimate Tailgate Seal with Taper Seal 10ft for use with Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Tai...&qid=1717787066&sprefix=esi+ul,aps,150&sr=8-3

 

Exactly why so many fab shops make bed stiffeners. I don't use them myself but do use something like @JMB mentioned instead.

 

Cap came in!