Here is a pro of one of your cons. I never take mine off and people don't ask me to haul stuff on weekends.

I saved a hell of a lot of money on hotel rooms. Been sleeping in my truck with a Leer cap since 2006 while on over night fishing and hunting trips. Very comfortable with an air mattress and a sleeping bag. I run a small fan on a power inverter on one of my deep cycle batteries when it’s hot.

My neighbor riged up a system with pulleys and climbing line in his garage. Lifts the cap right up and holds it there. A one man job!

I love my cap, it's my little home. I have a nice house, but spend the majority of my time in my cap. The tail gate is my dinner table. The truck bed is my bed.

1. Buy a small trailer 2. You have to arrange what you need in order. 3. Your number 4 makes 3 superfluous. Buy secondhand and take your time. 4. You keep it as long as you own the truck or sell it with the truck. Always have a shell with my truck....they’re great.

Another Con: Debris will get stuck in between the truck cab and the topper. As the leaves fall in autumn they just get stuck in that gap between the two. I always had to use the high pressure wand at a self serve car wash to blow out the debris. You can get a inflatable doughnut for lack of a better phrase to fit in between the two. Leaves usually didn't get stuck and if you had a pass-through windows it keep that passage dry. You could turn up the heat and let it go into the bed when you had to put your buddy who had a bit too much to drink that night when you were rolling him home. Another Con 2: Since the truck bed and topper aren't heated in snowstorms snow and ice would accumulate on the rear window blocking your view. Sometimes you had to get out and brush so you could see out back. I had both a topper and a tonneau cover on my old 94 Ford Ranger. I liked both, but each had pros and each had cons. If I ever buy another truck again I'm seriously thinking of a topper that goes about 3-4 inches above the cab so I could build some platforms and have a camping setup in the back. Sometimes I just really hate dealing with a tent.

To get to that stuff in your truck bed up against the cab… Get yourself some thick walled PVC or conduit and cut it to just under the length of your truck bed. Add some sort of hook to the end and now you won’t have to climb in to the bed of the truck to get to that stuff that’s out of reach. This will save your back, your knees and be a lot less frustrating. Thanks for the video. 🙏

Thank you. My husband is lòking at these for camping nice to know this info.

I'm looking to get one for my truck. Thanks for this video! Your cons aren't really issues for me (I dont do lots of work, I really just want one for looks), so if these are the worst things someone with your experience can come up with, seems like I should get one!

Still have my shell on my truck for over 20 years, filled it with dirt, helped people move , refrigerator in it stove, bed , all while shell was on, still get in and out the back of it, all with on complaints , I am a happy camper.

Found a color matched leer cap topper for my pickup for 1000. Been searching for a used one for a while and finally found it. Like a lot of people I won't have many problems. Great video and I'm going to watch the pros of having one as well.

I am really glad I saw this video. I never even thought about what to do if I wanted to buy a new or different truck and then my topper wouldn't fit. 🧐 Thanks!

Researching the (nearly infinite!) options for storage and a topper is definitely a big one that I’m considering! One big con for me, that others have shared: it’s hard to carry mtn bike over the gate (which is pretty popular way to carry them here). I’m keen to get away from roof racks and hitch racks and look forward to putting bikes over the gate, lol! But I do like how much more stuff you can safely and securely carry - camping trips will be much easier (and I’ll have to use a hitch rack for bikes then).

Fellow Coloradan here! Thanks for pointing this stuff out. I am looking at toppers, but my truck is a very distinct blue. If I get a shell painted to match and decide to sell my truck down the line, I'd have to include it with for a very low return or struggle to sell it on its own.

Lol I actually forced a cap off a 2004 dodge ram onto my 2000 silverado. Wasn't quite right, but hey, $250 for one of those utility caps with the tool boxes built into the side with side door access, I'm happy. Especially with an 8' box, its hard to find stuff that fits the box, and if you can they are normally expensive. Love that cap, I can fill the toolboxes with edc tools, and still have an empty bed

Thank you,getting ready to move and buy a used truck, but haven't picked out the year of the used truck.

All the pickups I have owned the past 35 yrs have had toppers. I love them. I use my trucks for mostly hunting and fishing, you can keep all your expensive gear secure (guns, etc), protect your dogs from the weather, and even sleep in there. When we go on out of state hunting trips that bed is loaded to the top with coolers, decoys, kennels, etc. Could not do that with a cover. I personally can't see any advantage of a cover.

You are right about it will take longer to sell because certain shells are designed for proper fitting and also especially for color matching as well. I saw a blue pickup with red camper shell. It looks awkward. It will cost more to have it painted to match, so a number of prospective buyers are limited.

Great rundown man! Keep it up

We bought our 07 dodge 4x4 just for camping & traveling, we wanted a crawl thru an found Breezer Windows, i'm a skeptic but i couldn't be more pleased, the whole back window pops out giving us a large area to crawl thru an it does NOT leak.

Weather strip between bed rail and the topper. Have had a topper for 15 years. Eventually the seal will give out or if not installed correctly, you can get water inside during a rain. Sucks to pull everything out and dry it.

Buying used is a massive advantage. If you live somewhere populated chances are pretty high somebody has what you want it just might take a little time to find it. Bought a fully decked out work topper with boxes light's carpet the whole 9 for $800 an it was in mint condition. Same one new would be $4000.

Gotta have one! Keeps snow out in the winter, and I sleep in bed of my truck on my hunting trips. I wish mine was a little taller but it works fine.

Morning Brian. Xlnt point on specific camper shell for specific truck. Can't tell you how many people I've seen adapt shells to fit their truck. Doesn't look too pretty but probably not very safe? May I mention those fiberglass bed covers that are flush with top of bed, might be an option for some folks? Have a good one

Fair points, well argued, great video.

Also rear visibility is reduced somewhat, and fifth wheel/gooseneck towing is out.

I’ve seen toppers with shocks that lift it straight up so you can get to mist anything a little easier, I’m sure it’s pricey

Very helpful video. Thanks

You know you can rent a truck from Home Depot if you need to haul anything that won’t fit under your topper. Used to be $20 a day, probably more like $40 a day now. But still might be a better option than taking off the topper and putting it back on.

I have used a tonnaeu cover ($700 cnd) on my truck since brandy new for 7 years. Sometimes I do want a truck topper but its price turns me away. I do still want one from time to time though. lol

Someone on KZfaq did a cool way to remove the topper using 2 x 4's and a winch inside the garage. He would elevate the topper up to the ceiling and leave it there until he needed it again.

In terms of resale, try finding a local partner for one of the manufacturers (Leer, ARE, snugtop). Most of their partner retailers will buy and resell used ones!

I delivery and pick up mail for businesses. I drive a F150 with a topper. I keep it super clean but I'm having a hard time cleaning in between the cab and the topper. They made it where you can't get in between it to clean it. It drives me crazy. I take a long gaff hook to reach my mail trays in the back.

The thing to keep in mind is that once you decide to install/use a topper.. than thats it! plan for how many years your going to need it/use it before it's removal. (If a person has strong ready and available hands at their disposal to help whenever needed to remove than it's a different story altogether ..also consider the weight of your topper and ease of removal.) To solve to many of your problems .. simply invest in the appropriate sized flatbed trailer for your needs/wants. Also if trying to put your topper (a used one in this case) on a a different truck.. and the fit is fairly close than there are modifications to be used to adjust the fit. (maybe some cutting/drilling of bolt holes etc) Interesting obvious points tho. Now i'm thinking of buying used..

I have an ARE topper for an F150, opens like a hatchback and looks like a dog catcher or an ice cream truck lol. I bought a $20 tarp and bung it down with the hooks to whatever it hooks to. Airflow check, and then shut it up at night. so easy.

Is visibility also a con? Do you feel like the blindspots created by the cap are significant when backing up or just driving in general? Im considering one so really curious

I have had toppers on every truck I have owned since 1969. They double the amount of stuff I can put in the bed. Whatever is in the bed is protected from wind and rain and theft. When I need the full bed as when I owned a slide-in camper, I go to the Snugtop dealer where I bought the cap and they take if off the truck and store it for me until I return and have them put it back on the truck. They charge me $20 per month for this service. There is no secure storage in a pickup truck without a topper. Everything in the cab is in plain sight and cabs are very easy to break in and steal stuff. No worries with everything in the bed out of sight. Add in a locking tailgate and thieves are going to look for easier targets. Each time I sold my truck with the topper it was a package deal and I have not had a problem selling the two together. Having the matching color for the truck and the topper makes them look like they belong together.

You can use a rake to get hard to reach things out of the back.

Can I install a 99 Chevy canopy on my 2003 ram3500? Both 8 feet

I figured out a really slick method to gain a grip on cargo loaded toward the cab. Just carry a long-handled garden hoe. Hook he blade over what ever you want to pull toward yourself by the tail gate.

Where’s the best place to buy used topper for 2014 Toyota Tacoma prerunner 4x2 , in Fayetteville Nc

Thank you, informational video. Okay when hauling lumber, plywood, sheetrock, but when you need to move appliances or like you said haul rock or sand. Think of these things when watching MAV camping in the back of truck and all the fishing gear and cooking gear he is hauling. I do see old toppers all over for $50.

Great video

I like my gear dry and locked up. I've driven open beds for 30 plus years. Simply don't buy one if you don't want one! Cheers!

It's not that it just fits certain model pickups; It also will be less than terrible if it matches the color preference of the prospective buyer. If you put a blue topper on a green pickup, it can look pretty chintzy.

lol I only got a truck topper because I’m tired of my dogs dirtying up my interior of my truck every time we go to the park so have them get all the way in the back l😂

Very helpful, thanks. I don't even like keeping my tonneau cover on the truck bed cause it mostly just gets in the way. I've been contemplating more travel/camping and trying to figure out what purchases to make, if any. I've been leaning toward only a topper, but can see myself spending closer to $4-5k for lighting/carpeting/plush/etc. By that time I'm close to what I could get a used trailer or van for.

For gear accessibility, add a "Bedslide"

I'm having a hell of a time finding a used topper for my 07 f150. 78" bed.

If I ever take mine off.... ill convert it for my child to play with as a fort or something.

Can you help me to find one for my Gmc 2019 Sierra double cab ?

I bought a small trailer and found a pick up is way better for home remodeling than a van !! My side tool boxes and ladder rack for tools and home made slider which I painted with duration paint.. The trailer is for large items and when I finish a job and have tons of garbage . The small trailer has a ramp and is open so easy to throw stuff inside.. , saves my back!!

Yep iv sold 3 toppers. never got more then $500 for current model year Silverado. All $2k+ new and in as new shape.

Ram 8' beds are hard to find used toppers for. I've been looking for years

I have had a hard shell, a tonneau cover and always had to take them off for something. I am going to get a soft top, they fold down easily and don’t take 3 people to take off. I used to think the soft top wasn’t secure but with a hard top a thief just needs to break the window.

Thanks for the info. I have my first pickup and Im looking at a fiberglass canopy for the shortbed. How much do you think they weigh? Its a 98 Chevy so I can only get a used one. I cant find any specs online. Thanks so much have an awesome day

My ARE topper leaks along the truck bed inside. Cannot store anything that can’t get wet. The edge of the truck bed has rusted badly from the topper. WTF

I have a trailer so my stays on, plenty space for my hunting gear plus free space on the cab for the kids

I’m looking at one for my truck it’s $2900 leer xL

All 4 reasons in addition to having to paint it most of the time to match your truck means this is a no for me. Number one con is the biggest. that said, I'm a week away from ordering an inflatable made by Flated. I'm impressed.

I bought mine at a junk yard for a hundred.i painted it in the back yard.looks great

I'm looking go buy a top for 2003 ram 1500. I'm in Atlanta Ga

Yes or not topper goes by personal choice after you have considered it appeals to own versatility.

Average one bedroom apartment rent, in Boise,...$2000! I think we can overlook a few things, to keep our topper right now, but thank youuu.

Love to get one

I never have to take mine off for larger items since I had a trailer for that.

They damage the bedrails of your truck. Also the paint inside your bed will be less faded than the paint on the rest of the truck where the topper does not cover when you take it off - if you take it off. You may as well keep it on if you plan on getting it and keeping it on for the life of the truck. The locks on most of them can be "Bump Picked" in about 30 seconds just like 90% or more American deadbolts and front door knobs. Get custom locks and if you want more security, get an alarm system that has the sensors for the topper windows and back door/back window.

I've Never seen anyone giving one away wish I did I'd grab it an sell it!

Just got mine was like 4 grand. Thankfully its not my money, and bc the company paid for it. Some cons are wait times, right now the fiberglass ones have a 4+ month wait time. I was told thata bc the manufacturer changed resin providers and they didn't order enough. I ended up getting the heavy duty aluminum one instead and even that was a 2 month wait. So far it looks nice, but its squeeky AF. If anyone has any ideas on how to quiet that, I'll take em.

I've had terrible luck with my ARE toppers. The last 3 I've owned on 3 separate trucks the was always get in during even a simple rain. I'm sick of them

is there a lot of audio pops and click in this video or is it my computer?

What about a small trailer utility stuff that doesn't fit in bed

A topper with a retractable roof would be just the ticket!

The only thing I don’t like about my truck topper is the look. It reminds me now of a suburban.

I am Also researching THIS accessory.....thank you again

Another con is prices have gone way up. An ARE CX Classic with basic accessories is $4,100 installed. An ARE Z2 with keyless was over $6k.

Yep its 4.6k USD with few accessories for small A.R.E cx revo for 5ft bed

I love the idea and look of a topper, but Con #2 accessibility is a deal-breaker for me. Too many memories as a kid of crawling into my dad's truck to drag stuff out from the front of the bed.

I am going to make my own topper by welding a simple frame and then make the top and back removable. Then I can just swing the rear cross bar out of the way and carry a fridge or use an A frame for carrying sheets of glass or put my bikes over the tailgate. I don't have a garage so I can't easily remove a topper.

Are you still trying to sell your topper? I have an 06 long bed and I have been looking for one to buy.

Does the topper bring your mpg down? Some say yes and others say no... if it did bring it down, how much. Thanks for the information

Cleaning the outside of the two windows that face each other between the cap and cab is difficult, I find.

I keep a hitch and a trailer available. :)

Solution to #1 - Tow a flatbed for moving items or bikes & etc.

I had a love hate relationship with my cap for the same reasons you mentioned. Now I’m in the trades and just have a cross bed tool box. I wish I had a cap on the truck I have now.

4:58 Truck specific and color match. So even if it fits your specific truck it may not match, And would need to be painted.

My F250 with a truck cap, if I want to load in something huge and tall, I pull my utility trailer.

What kinda truck you have and what size box?

Not being able to use an in bed tool box

Do you still the topper. I'll buy it, do you live close to Detroit?

Are you still trying to sell this topper?

Toyota Tacoma with a Top vs Toyota 4Runner? 🤔

Luckily I have a U-Haul dealer close by, so if I need to haul large, dirty, messy stuff I rent one of their open utility trailers.

Get a softopper and solve most of the issues you mentioned

I bought my topper mind you needs TLC like seals and a actual window which I just bordered up with the piece of plywood that meets up with the cab couple of screens that's about it I bought that off of my insurance lady for $100 and that's all she paid for it but Heck what can I say

Everyone is selling there pickups for lifted 4x4 Suburban’s with trailers now a days.

Also when you are hooked up to your camper it’s not so easy getting in from the back, your tailgate will hit the tongue Jack, I have a tonneau cover and I can just tri fold it back to get access to the bed.

If you drive a 2 wheel drive it adds weight’

Added weight, reduced visibility, more glass to clean.

15 minutes ago I thought I needed a topper. 😂