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Looking for camper shell 18 TRD Crewmax..NEED INPUT PLEASE

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by kilo9, Aug 6, 2018.

  1. Aug 6, 2018 at 11:08 AM
    #1
    kilo9

    kilo9 [OP] New Member

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    I want a camper shell, undecided on where to start as I've never had one. Is there a difference in brands (ARE, LEER, SNUGTOP, etc) Any others to look at? The choices are over whelming, I don't need a top of the line one. Really the only options I would like are 12V outlets and maybe some LED strips. Any help is appreciated.
     
  2. Aug 6, 2018 at 11:18 AM
    #2
    KnuckleHD

    KnuckleHD New Member

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    I’ve always had snugtop. Not the cheapest but you definitely get what you pay for. I’ve found their fit and finish to always be best. Also, not sure what all you need but they can pretty much build it anyway you want. I had carpet, LED lights, pet screens, fold down mirror, upgraded locks, roof rack, etc. If not snugtop, I’d go Leer.
     
  3. Aug 6, 2018 at 11:20 AM
    #3
    nk1794

    nk1794 Always torque to spec

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    SnugTop, TRD Catback, DECKed Storage, TRD Sway Bar, ESP Under Seat Storage, Blackvue DR750S-2CH Dashcam
    I love my Snugtop.
     
    Grumpy Uncle likes this.
  4. Aug 6, 2018 at 11:21 AM
    #4
    mtTundra

    mtTundra New Member

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    Longer list than the wife needs to know about....
  5. Aug 6, 2018 at 11:24 AM
    #5
    Grumpy Uncle

    Grumpy Uncle Pushing string down the hall SSEM #10

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    4:88s and Auburn LSD, dealership faux Pro, 35" BFGs on XD wheels, OME Lift with Dakars
    I have had A.R.E and SNUGTOP. I like both of them, but if I was to choose one, it would be the SNUGTOP. I currently have the SNUGTOP XTR 1st gen, I think the lines follow the Crew Max really well. Mine has the re-enforced roof, USB port outlets, LED interior lights, carpet lined, fold down front window and pop out rear side windows.
     
    kilo9[OP] likes this.
  6. Aug 6, 2018 at 11:51 AM
    #6
    nk1794

    nk1794 Always torque to spec

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    I envy you!:D
     
  7. Aug 6, 2018 at 12:07 PM
    #7
    Grumpy Uncle

    Grumpy Uncle Pushing string down the hall SSEM #10

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    4:88s and Auburn LSD, dealership faux Pro, 35" BFGs on XD wheels, OME Lift with Dakars
    Thanks nk1794! I hope I don't sound dickish, not my intent. I was trying to give the OP options to consider when he finds the topper he wants.
     
    kilo9[OP] and nk1794[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Aug 6, 2018 at 12:09 PM
    #8
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

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    I say figure out which dealer will give you the best support and go with them. All manufacturers offer pretty much the same product with a few minimal differences (SnugTop fold-up front window, for example). I'm overall happy with my Leer but I did have a few issues. However, my dealer was awesome about getting them fixed ASAP. When getting quotes I wasn't too impressed with the ARE and SnugTop dealers in my area so that definitely played into my decision.
     
    kilo9[OP] and Grumpy Uncle like this.
  9. Aug 6, 2018 at 12:28 PM
    #9
    nk1794

    nk1794 Always torque to spec

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    No, you didn't sound like that at all. That's all good information.
     
    kilo9[OP] likes this.
  10. Aug 6, 2018 at 12:34 PM
    #10
    Grumpy Uncle

    Grumpy Uncle Pushing string down the hall SSEM #10

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    4:88s and Auburn LSD, dealership faux Pro, 35" BFGs on XD wheels, OME Lift with Dakars
    @kilo9 whatever topper you decide to go with, my one suggestion would be the fold down window. It makes it so much easier to clean the glass on the back window of the cab and the inner glass of the topper.
     
    RoscoePico and kilo9[OP] like this.
  11. Aug 6, 2018 at 12:38 PM
    #11
    nk1794

    nk1794 Always torque to spec

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    SnugTop, TRD Catback, DECKed Storage, TRD Sway Bar, ESP Under Seat Storage, Blackvue DR750S-2CH Dashcam
    That's the one feature I have and it's a must-have. :thumbsup:
     
  12. Aug 6, 2018 at 12:43 PM
    #12
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

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    Agreed. On that note, Leer has an actual removable front window, so in the summer you can just remove it and roll down your rear window and have a huge opening into the canopy. Our dog loves it!
     
  13. Aug 6, 2018 at 2:59 PM
    #13
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

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    Toytec -Duratrac -Expedition One-Fab Fours
    Side opening windows are my must have I have owned one Leer and two ARE tops. The ARE 's had better fit, finish was about the same. Check my build link at the bottom for pics if mine.
     
    Lake.Life24 and kilo9[OP] like this.
  14. Aug 24, 2018 at 12:38 PM
    #14
    geddylee2112

    geddylee2112 New Member

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    ARE CX Series, Line-X, Husky Xact Contour Floor Liners
    I have an ARE CX Series. I have the fold down front window with a slider in it, too. I also have the vented Windoors. They are awesome to have so you can get to the entire bed without climbing in it. I also have the carpeted roof.

    I have no complaints with mine. Fit and finish seem fine to me. The ARE dealer near me seemed much more helpful than the Leer dealer. Price was very close. There is not a Snugtop anywhere close to me so that was out.
     
  15. Aug 24, 2018 at 2:17 PM
    #15
    Beetlespin

    Beetlespin New Member

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    Be prepared for sticker shock. They are not cheap.
     
  16. Aug 24, 2018 at 2:24 PM
    #16
    smslavin

    smslavin Behind a lens...

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    I went ARE Z topper. Only option I got was the rack rails. I added LED strips on my own. Super easy and probably the cheapest add-on I’ve done to the truck.
     
  17. Aug 24, 2018 at 2:31 PM
    #17
    Spitfire

    Spitfire New Member

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    Add that century and leer are the same company.. I also read all windows come from same place regardless of shell..
    I have a century ultra spot windoors removable slider, power block which I love, and the auto lock feature..
     
  18. Jan 2, 2019 at 9:12 AM
    #18
    Jleebo77

    Jleebo77 New Member

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    Found a used Leer on my Tacoma. It was loaded with every option...bought it for $1000 since the guy didn't know what he had. I sold the truck 4 years later and sold the shell for $1500. Loved that little leer on the back of the Tacoma.
     
  19. Jan 2, 2019 at 10:09 AM
    #19
    mountainpete

    mountainpete Explore more

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    Function before sparkle.
    Snugtop is generally unavailable in most of Canada, but I LOVE my ARE Z series. The color match paint is perfect, the power rear is beautiful and generally the construction is excellent. Put it side by side with a Leer and it's obvious the ARE is made better.

    But... the ARE is stupid expensive.
     
  20. Jan 2, 2019 at 10:29 AM
    #20
    PKFan

    PKFan my pronouns are (she/it) - c'mon, say it fast

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    My experience with Snugtop was not like the others. Mine leaked like a sieve (not good in the Pacific Northwet) around the rear brake light and the machine work on the fold down front window had sharp edges everywhere. It was sent back to Snugtop twice and still leaked, so I would have to assume they never water tested it. On one of my visits to the Snugtop dealer, the Snugtop rep was there and he actually argued with me about my issues (how can you argue with a leak? It's not like it's an opinion). Didn't leave a good taste in my mouth.

    If I get another, I'll be checking out ARE.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  21. Jan 15, 2019 at 7:07 PM
    #21
    MGM

    MGM New Member

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    We have to remember the people assembling these shells are making like $12/hr. You paying $2,000 for a top of the line has no bearing on the finish, you pay for namebrand. My snugtop on the inside basically looked like what you would expect from people making minimum wage. It is what it is. Took it to the dealer to fix issues. Not impressed at all. On the outside it looks great. Then you start looking on the inside and yikes. I’m sure they are not all like that and some are assembled with care. My 2 cents.
     
  22. Jan 15, 2019 at 7:14 PM
    #22
    ProtoJ

    ProtoJ New Member

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    Do you have any details on how you added the strips?
     
  23. Jan 15, 2019 at 7:17 PM
    #23
    ProtoJ

    ProtoJ New Member

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    I like my ARE Z series a lot. Fit and finish is perfect. It is a little hard to see out the back....that is my only complaint. Probably typical of all toppers although I didn’t notice it to this extent when I had a topper on my old Gen 2 Tacoma.

    3DD754FB-47F1-494A-9144-47CDE2F9FFB8.jpg
     
  24. Feb 8, 2019 at 2:52 PM
    #24
    Cjdave72

    Cjdave72 New Member

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    Considering buying a magnetic gray 2016 platinum crew cab. It has ARE shell with the windows and full carpet. Looks to be very nice. I may sell the shell. Anybody need it? What is a fair price? Located in Arkansas
     
  25. Feb 22, 2019 at 4:07 PM
    #25
    mlfarm

    mlfarm New Member

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    What is the model of ARE? I have been looking for a used/good condition cap for over a year. I am not paying for a new one. I couldnt believe the price when I looked into ordering one. I have a 2016 Crewmax and I am still looking for one. I was willing to drive to St.Louis from Indianapolis to get one that I had found for sale, but the guy is never available when I am. Let me know!
     
  26. Jun 24, 2019 at 4:17 PM
    #26
    Toyota Flyguy

    Toyota Flyguy New Member

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    I am new to this forum and was looking to sell my Sungtop shell and came across this thread.
    I have a like new white Snugtop shell (approx. 500 miles) with pet screens on the side windows for sale. It currently sits on a 2016 Crew Max 5.5' bed. I purchased this shell brand new but rarely drive my Tundra (less that 2000 miles on it) since it is my third vehicle. Are you still looking to buy a shell?
     
  27. Jun 24, 2019 at 4:22 PM
    #27
    Toyota Flyguy

    Toyota Flyguy New Member

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    I am new to this forum and was looking to sell my Sungtop shell and came across this thread.
    I have a like new white Snugtop shell (approx. 500 miles) with pet screens on the side windows for sale. It currently sits on a 2016 Crew Max 5.5' bed. I purchased this shell brand new but rarely drive my Tundra (less that 2000 miles on it) since it is my third vehicle. Are you still looking to buy a shell?
     
    mlfarm[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Jun 25, 2019 at 7:24 AM
    #28
    mlfarm

    mlfarm New Member

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    YES! I have been patiently searching for a shell. Where are you located though??? I am in Indianapolis but willing to drive.
     
  29. Jun 25, 2019 at 8:00 AM
    #29
    Toyota Flyguy

    Toyota Flyguy New Member

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    Thank you for your reply. I am located in California, sorry, I should have said this before. If you like, we can exchange phone numbers and discuss possible options though. Let me know what you think. Thanks again!
     
  30. Jun 25, 2019 at 8:08 AM
    #30
    mlfarm

    mlfarm New Member

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    well thank you! yeah, I am not driving to Cali anytime soon! Good luck, Im sure youll sell it locally
     

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