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Topper vs cover

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by Rockanock, Jan 24, 2019.

  1. Jan 24, 2019 at 10:22 AM
    #1
    Rockanock

    Rockanock [OP] 21 Chevy 2500

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    Got a 17 tundra SR5 4x4 short bed I am trying to figure out what to do with. I initially thought about putting a bed cover on it but now I am considering a topper. I have never really liked the look of toppers until I started seeing how good they can look on this forum. I am a big outdoorsman and a lot of the time I haul my dog with me in her dog box. Having a bed cover would be a pain because of having to fold it up every time. Having the topper would allow her to be out of the elements and also keep my box from gettin stolen. Both options would allow me to keep everything dry and away from prying eyes. If I have a topper and need to haul something tall then that won’t work well but with the cover I could fold it out of the way. I guess I could just always use a trailer but that isnt always necessary. I guess I could camp in both but wouldn’t be able to sit up with the cover. I don’t know. I keep going back and forth over different things.
     
    Notachickmagnet and Black Wolf like this.
  2. Jan 24, 2019 at 11:07 AM
    #2
    k9shag

    k9shag New Member

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    Sounds to me like you just said the topper will work better for your needs.
     
  3. Jan 24, 2019 at 12:27 PM
    #3
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    2"CB shackles, bushings and 1 shim, lockerdown console vault, rear folding seat back mod, snugtop shell with opening side windows, 46g fuel tank, SDHQ sliders and hidden winch, Decked Drawers, Alcan leaf springs and got rid of the interior chrome
    With my fused back and knee replacement, climbing in and out isn’t a good option.
    With side opening windoors and the Decked Drawers, I can reach everything from outside, standing up.
    In a pinch, I can throw a pad and sleeping bag in there and crash.
    Works fine for me.
    B2392BC8-6BDD-44BC-99A6-7F84702B05B6.jpg42C32583-C542-4292-AF56-90505CBC086D.jpg
     
  4. Jan 24, 2019 at 12:37 PM
    #4
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    I love my Bakflip but if I were you I'd get the topper, based on what you wrote...
     
  5. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:18 PM
    #5
    Rockanock

    Rockanock [OP] 21 Chevy 2500

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    That’s kind of what I am thinking. I like that topper. What did you go with ?


     
    Notachickmagnet and Black Wolf like this.
  6. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:21 PM
    #6
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Best of both worlds

    IMG_2693.jpg

    IMG_2696.jpg

    Security is obviously a challenge with a soft cover.
     
    Sas, saybng, Notachickmagnet and 2 others like this.
  7. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:23 PM
    #7
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I like @gosolo 's topper side windows too. I have an ARE with side sliding windows. OK but I like the ones that open up I supposed I could convert. Had a nice tonneau but topper suites my needs better.
     
    Notachickmagnet and TXMiamiFan like this.
  8. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:24 PM
    #8
    Juddrussell

    Juddrussell New Member

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    BAMF Bedrack, 295/70/r18 General Grabbers, Bedslide, Weathertech floor mats, and Tepui Autana Sky RTT.
    So sexy, I am a huge softopper fan.
     
  9. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:25 PM
    #9
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Thanks. Hard cover has limitations as I discovered when I had one on my taco. So went soft this time so I can remove as needed.
     
  10. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:27 PM
    #10
    Juddrussell

    Juddrussell New Member

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    BAMF Bedrack, 295/70/r18 General Grabbers, Bedslide, Weathertech floor mats, and Tepui Autana Sky RTT.
    I completely agree. I have considered making a soft cover to mount to the BAMF full bed rack, just havent done anything about it. Got pricing on military canvas, just gotta talk the boss into doing some heavy duty sewing for me!!!
     
  11. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:33 PM
    #11
    Notachickmagnet

    Notachickmagnet New Member

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    Looks good !
    I really like that
     
    TXMiamiFan[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:35 PM
    #12
    Capt J-Rod

    Capt J-Rod New Member

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    Husky Floor Mats, Diamond back lid, Coverking seat covers, More gas.
    I went with a diamondback aluminum tonneau. I have a crewmax with a power rear window. I usually use a topper, but that kinda killed the whole cool power rear window thing. The cover can hold 400# on top (270 Model), and it is the right height that I can pop out the headrests in the back seat, cover it and haul longer things sticking through. It also locks up pretty well to keep the honest a little more honest. It also looks pretty badass. I get a lot of compliments on it. It is black rhino lined.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  13. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:36 PM
    #13
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I am too...was seriously considering it but got my matching color used topper off Craigslist for only $200....! Had to replace drivers side sliding window for another $140ish installed otherwise I'd have the soft topper. Maybe.....
     
  14. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:38 PM
    #14
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Saw a lot if those up in AK. Strong enough for snowmobiles and reasonably sized atv's.

    oh....and motorcycles too.
     
  15. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:48 PM
    #15
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    2"CB shackles, bushings and 1 shim, lockerdown console vault, rear folding seat back mod, snugtop shell with opening side windows, 46g fuel tank, SDHQ sliders and hidden winch, Decked Drawers, Alcan leaf springs and got rid of the interior chrome
    This is the 3rd Snugtop I’ve had. Been only good experiences.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  16. Jan 24, 2019 at 2:50 PM
    #16
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I bet...but you get crabs...a lot...wink!
     
    gosolo[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Jan 24, 2019 at 3:25 PM
    #17
    Rockanock

    Rockanock [OP] 21 Chevy 2500

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    What did that snug top run ya?
     
  18. Jan 24, 2019 at 3:38 PM
    #18
    TundraXPLover

    TundraXPLover New Member

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    I've had them all... Leer, Ranch, ARE shells... ARE is my fav...

    Had soft roll ups, hard fold, and painted to match bed covers that raise up by small shocks...

    Have the Rugged Cover 2 hard fold on my 18 CM. Will be getting the ARE Z series with fold up side windows soon. True camper shell... Can't beat them!

    Ranch is terrible to deal with if buying a topper. They look nice, but they will not send you a replacent window if one happens to get cracked, even after my insurance paid them in full for the window, they would not ship it until their company delivery truck came back to the dealer where I purchased it. It took 10 weeks to get my window replaced.
     
  19. Jan 24, 2019 at 3:44 PM
    #19
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Thanks!
     
  20. Jan 24, 2019 at 3:51 PM
    #20
    saybng

    saybng Just a member.

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    I really like that too, been searching craigslist for awhile now...
     
  21. Jan 24, 2019 at 5:02 PM
    #21
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    2"CB shackles, bushings and 1 shim, lockerdown console vault, rear folding seat back mod, snugtop shell with opening side windows, 46g fuel tank, SDHQ sliders and hidden winch, Decked Drawers, Alcan leaf springs and got rid of the interior chrome
    965AF062-0D95-4C23-90C8-31F97DAAAA69.jpg
     
  22. Jan 24, 2019 at 5:05 PM
    #22
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    It’s pretty pricey, I seem to recall it was about $2,700.00.
    Make sure you get a fold up or down window for behind the cab. Otherwise you can’t wash either window.
     
    TXMiamiFan likes this.
  23. Jan 24, 2019 at 5:13 PM
    #23
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    ...Orygun ....Dungeness.....the best .....IMHO...
     
    gosolo[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Jan 24, 2019 at 5:17 PM
    #24
    Moon Puppy

    Moon Puppy I'm not new!

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    Does that fold down to the bed rails also?
     
  25. Jan 24, 2019 at 5:22 PM
    #25
    Danimal

    Danimal New Member

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    Fresh Dungeness looks good. Ever since I moved away from the pacific coast I have to have my friends ship them overnight.
    Frozen Dungeness sucks!
    I can dive for bugs 6 months out of the year though and they actually freeze well for up to 60 days
     
    gosolo and Black Wolf like this.
  26. Jan 24, 2019 at 5:32 PM
    #26
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Yes sir. It closes like an accordion towards the cab.
     
  27. Jan 24, 2019 at 5:44 PM
    #27
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I love CO....but no ocean....sigh...going to Orygun this summer to stay with my brother for a week..
     
    TXMiamiFan likes this.
  28. Jan 25, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #28
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    Are you talking about mud-bugs?
    4D575562-AFA0-4CA8-83EF-A62B41D7A2E0.jpg
     
    TUNDRA375 and Black Wolf like this.
  29. Jan 26, 2019 at 12:20 PM
    #29
    Danimal

    Danimal New Member

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    Not those. P-Argus (Spiny lobsters)
     
  30. Jan 26, 2019 at 12:36 PM
    #30
    Sas

    Sas Humor is everywhere

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    Lost track after #1.
    I'm looking strongly at the Decked system as well. If I put a cap on the bed though I'd want a bed slide system on top of that Decked system. I wouldn't mind losing the ammo cans if necessary. I wonder if that combo is possible?
     

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