What are the key benefits of having a camper shell on a Toyota Tacoma?

What do you think are the main advantages of having a camper shell on a Toyota Tacoma? I’m currently looking for a camper shell for my 3rd gen DCSB, and I’d love to hear what you all recommend that’s both budget-friendly and functional. I’m particularly interested in features like venting, sliding windows, windoors, and maybe a hinged or removable front window to easily clean both the truck’s rear windshield and the shell’s front window. I don’t do hardcore off-roading, but I do explore the backcountry in AZ. Any thoughts?

I’ve got the LEER100XR that I bought back in 2019 and had delivered in 2020. Mine’s a long bed and cost me around $2800. It includes all the features you mentioned, like windoors on both sides. I’d say the windoor is a must and totally worth the extra $500 I paid for it. Unfortunately, prices have gone up quite a bit since then, so finding something budget-friendly might be tough unless you’re open to going used. When I was shopping around, I got quotes all over the place, with some hitting $4K including installation. Definitely shop around and find a place that doesn’t tack on unnecessary fees.

I’ve been on the hunt for a camper shell for a few months now, hoping something used would pop up. The quotes I got for the LEER 100XL and ARE were both around $4K. Haven’t pulled the trigger yet because, man, they’re expensive.

I found a Jason brand camper shell on Facebook Marketplace for $150 after months of searching. It was actually at a used car lot, and they were selling it because it was a silver topper on a blue truck. It fit my 2014 Tacoma long bed perfectly, which felt like hitting the jackpot. Just keep looking, and you’ll find something eventually.

I managed to snag an ARE camper shell for my 21 OR long bed. It doesn’t have windoors, which would have been sweet, but beggars can’t be choosers. I searched on Marketplace and Craigslist for about 2-3 months until I found a used one for $1000. It came off a 2016, so I think the seller based the price on what they originally paid, not realizing that most used ones are going for $2000. The shell has been a game-changer for me, great for camping, keeping my gear secure, and giving my dogs a comfy spot to ride. I even put a roof rack on top for kayaks and other long gear. Definitely adds to the versatility of the Tacoma.

I’ve got a LEER 180 on my 2013 TRD OR SB that I bought new back in 2017 for $2300, installed. I went for all the bells and whistles: carpeted headliner, drop-down front slider, windoors on both sides, Thule channels with load bars, LED bar lighting, and a full-frame rear door. It also came with a built-in third brake light. I love the extra height, it makes hauling furniture and tall items a breeze. To keep the truck’s rear from sagging, I added an extra leaf spring, which solved that problem.

I’ve got the LEER 100XR with roof rails, windoors, and a removable front glass. The rear glass is keyfob lockable, and the interior’s carpeted so I can stick all my patches from places I’ve been. I also built a DIY drawer system out of aluminum with plastic panels, so it’s fully water-resistant and easy to dismantle if needed. It’s been perfect for camping and hauling gear. I’ve also got a setup with solar panels on the cab that power a fridge and other camping gear. It’s been a solid investment for outdoor adventures.

I’ve got a Century base model with windoors on both sides and roof rails. The color matching is spot on, but it didn’t come with any auto-locking features. I got it for $3500 total. Same shell as the LEER, just different branding, but I’m happy with it.

I’ve got the LEER with the same features, but mine came with auto-unlock for about the same price. I was lucky to get it during a promotion, which knocked off $500.

Nice! I didn’t really care much about the auto-unlock, though.

I used to have a LEER 122 with all the essentials: windoors, removable front window, and double latches on the rear. It was perfect for my 1st gen, although it did affect my gas mileage a bit. Windoors are a must, in my opinion. They make everything more accessible, and the removable front window is great for cleaning and even for unlocking the cab if you get locked out. I paid for a few extras like carpet and wiring, but I realized later they weren’t really necessary. Sadly, I rolled the truck, and the cap got twisted, so I had to let it go.

I found a Snugtop Rebel on Facebook Marketplace for $1200, and it came with windoors and a Yakima rack. It was originally cement grey, but I had it Line-X sprayed to match my truck. The guy who sold it to me had originally paid $3600 for it. If you’re patient, you can find good deals on used ones because paying $3K-4K for a shell is just crazy in my opinion.