2022 Topper/Canopy/Shell

Thanks so much for this information. I’m looking at my ‘22 TRD Pro, which has DECKED installed and the OEM tonneau (which has been recalled). I’m trying to figure out how to accommodate larger items, like suitcases, for the occasional road trip.

I originally went with the DECKED because I thought the drawers would be more convenient than the sportsmen boxes I had in the bed to hold fishing equipment, recovery gear, etc. They are really nice, and function well, but I now regret the purchase. Mainly because the DECKED reduces vertical capacity in the bed (to the bottom of the tonneau cover) to about 9”, which isn’t enough for suitcases, boxes, or even groceries.

I need more storage, but I want to keep the functionality of the rear cab window, cameras, etc. I also like keeping the weight down (due to TRD soft rear) and having an incognito look (not wanting to advertise ‘hey here’s a bunch of camping, fishing and overland gear you can try to steal’).

Having looked at a number of toppers and racks, I am gravitating toward getting rid of the DECKED system and just going back to a couple of Plano boxes so I can haul stuff AND people at the same time.

Really love the look of the RSI Smartcap, but I think the weight of that plus the DECKED will be too much for my rear springs and I’ll have to look at upgrading suspension components (and losing the soft ride).

 

With the right springs for the weight load, they will maintain the same smooth ride. My truck rode like crap with extra weight and the base dobinsons springs, but once I got the proper ones it cushier than stock!

 

Johnnieboy… is there any part of the fiberglass touching the body with this shell or are the clearances pretty good. I am really interested in this shell and I need someone to tell me this was a great decision so I am comfortable with the purchase. Thanks

 

It was a great decision.

 

Thanks for the info. The leer dealer is offering keyless lock… do you have this and exactly how does it work?

 

I don’t have it because it’s like a $300 option and I didn’t think it was worth it. If it’s free then of course I would do it. The only downside is that it doesn’t pop the window open. You still have to twist it, which kind of makes it not worth it IMO. But free is free.

 

This was the email I got from my leer dealer today.

The Leer 100XR starts at $2695. We have a100XRpromo package at $2995 which includes a Carpet Headliner, Keyless Entry, Dome and Brake Light, Tinted and Sliding Side Windows with Screens, and painted to match. Leer is currently running 3-6 weeks on delivery.

 

That’s a good deal in Nevada.

 

doesn’t touch the body at all on mine, has plenty of room to flex off-road.

keyless entry is awesome, it integrates into the factory remote so when you hit unlock it unlocks everything. Working on a kit for the struts to pop the window open when you hit the tailgate button.

 

Took delivery of a GFC platform camper today. Lead time was around 3 months.
Now I just have to figure out how to wire this 3rd brake light harness..

Anyone care to give some insight if they know how, or can talk me through it?

Also using the @GG.Offroad camera relocation kit to move the truck bed camera to use as a makeshift rear view camera.

 

Went with an ARE Overland. Great fit. I’ll be turning the back in to a camping space.

 

Leer 100xr and Front Runner canopy installed today.

 

this is fire. thx for the pics and inspiration. still trying to sell the 3rd gen tacoma/leer bedcap in my barn haha

 

I had a topper on my 2016. Absolutely loved it. But 2023 had two cameras I would lose. Went with diamondback cover and Yakima DeepSpace. I already had the bars from my 2016 topper. If I need more space I'll get another Yakima. I only need the extra space when we go on trips.

 

is the superpacific the only topper allowing the stock camera to see inside the shell?

 

I didn't look into it. I was more concerned about the rear view camera. I didn't even know it was there for a week until I flipped the mirror lever and I went bonkers for it. It's so much better than the mirror.

 

with the @GG.Offroad you relocate the stock cameras and they work just fine fyi

 

Understood. The last year I had my 2016 I was taking the topper on and off monthly. And while that wasn't much of a project, it was taking up a lot of space in the garage. Before I bought the 2023 I was already thinking about an alternative to the topper. So the cameras just gave me the nudge.

What Toyota should have done is put a camera port in the bed like the 120 outlet. Then worked their software to recognize the cameras were in different places.
Plug and play for cameras and brake lights to any topper or even racks with a built in camera. I would have ponied up the bucks for it and I think a lot of others would have, and surely the topper market would offered built in cameras.

I also have to wonder what other areas relocating the two cameras effects like the camera melds and the visual sensors on the screen. I wouldn't think any of that would line up.
I am glad it's available, but it's just not for me now, but that could change.

 

Decided to go with the 100XR. Windoors are awesome. I like it alot. Looks good but not incredible in my opinion. The white brakelight is horendous (going to put a smoked out sticker on it. Functionality is great. Did a bed rug and an led strip in the middle. Will look much better when I put Sherpa Equipment racks on both topper and truck.

 

Looks nice!!! I wish I had done the wind doors sometimes!!!

 

Alu Cab 270, shower cube, hest Dually mattress, decked, and hopefully setup and breakdown at camp is going to be easier… especially once I put the table underneath the rack.

 

Dream set up for light camping. Well Done.

 

Leer 180

 

That mid height canopy looks good!!!

 

thanks. Wasn’t sure when I ordered it but it looks good. I love the large door and extra room.

 

@GG.Offroad kit in use today

 

How do you like it so far? I got the same setup minus the box sitting on bars. still undecided which box to go.
Been looking at https://yakima.com/products/grandtour-16?_ga=2.13701751.1353153791.1687971003-381064976.1687971003

Looks great, I got diamond back but sometimes I wish I had gone cap.

 

I had the rack set-up from my topper. I'm going to get round bars so I can open the back of the DB more. Right now I can lift it maybe 6 inches the the bike rack on.

We just took a trip and I managed to fit everything without the Yakima. Being able to get to the front of the box makes packing so much more efficient. I like the DeepSpace box but it's a total pain to put on and take off. Like 15 mins but it has to be done after the box is packed. I wanted to take the first trip without the box to see my mileage. But it really got tight with space so next time I'll put it on.

When not on trips. The DB is so much better than a topper. I bike weekly and I miss have it hidden in the topper but it's insured. Otherwise I don't miss the topper.

I was split between just mounting the landing pads to the DB or getting tracks. Glad I went with tracks. I've had to slide the bars a couple times.

I have a giant cooler and if I throw that on the DB I won't need the extra storage. But it's hard enough to get that into the bed when fully packed. And while they say it supports 800 pound I'm concerned 100+ pound cooler over 12 hours might warp or damage the coating. Some of the roads are rough.

I got the DeepSpace because if I need more space I can get a second one and still fit my bike. Also it sits higher.

 

What is everyone using to seal around the tailgate to prevent dust and water from getting in?

 

Tried the Flated inflatable topper for a weekend.
Pros: Very easy to take on and off the truck. Was solid once installed. Lots of headroom. Good ventilation. Keeps the dogs cool with the windows open.
Cons: Pricey ($1,800). Looks big and bulky on the truck. Can see gaps all over the place where possible water can get in. Luckily I'm in SoCal so it doesn't rain often here. Doesn't lock so your stuff can be stollin easily. Not sure how long the glue holding the pvc will last before it needs to be resealed. Paranoia thinking someone will just slash it up.

Returned the Flated and bought a Leer 100R.
Pros: Kids love it. Dog friendly. Clean look that's not bulky. Locks so your gear is somewhat secure. Windows open up so it has good ventilation. Got a good deal on mine. $2,300 installed. Came with carpeted headliner, sliding/drop down front window. Sliding side windows with screens. Wired brake light.
Cons: People can look inside. Makes the vehicle look like an old man creeper vehicle that some chester would drive. Not as easy to take on and off if needed. Seems more water tight than the flated. Wife thinks the truck now looks like an old mans car. Kids said it looks like a van.

Bak MX4 Tonneau
Originally had this on my truck for almost a year.
Pros: Great cover. Easy to put on and take off. Locks keeping stuff somewhat secure. Was pretty much water tight for the weather around me. Makes the truck look like a young mans truck and not like some old guy creeper vehicle. People can't see what's in the bed. Affordable at around $1,200.
Cons: Lack of storage in the bed. Can't be closed with anything that's taller than the truck bed. Not pet friendly since dogs can't ride in the back unless you leave it open.