Shell and Roof Top Tent FAQ

I'm constantly asked about my shell, the roof top tent, and the pros and cons of the setup. I figured I may as well make a video on the subject. Hopefully it'll help someone who's considering a similar setup with their decision. It's not the greatest, and I'm no expert so take it all with a grain of salt and go easy.

If you liked the video please like and subscribe as well as visit some of the groups supporting Tres Amigos Offroad Club.

Companies that are supporting Tres Amigos effort to support FirefighterAid include...

GovX.com

[erichouston]

Bought this same canopy really based on this thorough review. I have to say, if Leer is watching, I would full reimburse this gentleman. He had made you a lot of money...

[Deerfish]

I just got new shell and I’ve noticed on really rainy days it takes on water not bad but it dies leak right were you pointed out! So I don’t feel so bad the hear that they all leak👍🤣

[GreyWolfe]

I just ordered a 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro. I really like your set up. I'm considering a Decked system. Great video.

[mattinthehat]

Thanks for going over the actual features of your shell. So many videos don't get into that. You're gonna LOVE that window to access the cab. Plus, with the rug liner, you could run the truck for heat briefly to warm up in the morn if you were sleeping in there (not for long without an exhaust snorkel). FWIW: I think your shell is pretty well water proof, just the Tacos have gaps for draining water if submerged. Rubber covering the gap between the bottom of the tailgate & bed is a great idea. It wouldn't look great, but maybe a magnetized rubber strip down the sides of the tailgate if you're going to run a dusty trail (or thru heavy rain). Take'em off when the weather dries out or you're back on pavement. $2300 for the shell with the roof rails and carpet liner in '19 means it's going to be $4k+ now - LOL!

[ALEX-tspb]

Just bought my wife a 19’ RAV4 love the way it drives and never owned a Toyota before took it off road in search of a Christmas tree. Cannot wait to purchase a Toyota Tacoma I can only imagine the capabilities I’m barely finding all these videos now

[Unstoppable]

Nice taco. You can replace the wood 2X6 with aluminum rectangular tubes so you won't need to worry about future cracks or need a center support beam.

[geoknee]

I’ve had two shells personally, and my dad have 3. I have never had a leak, ever!

[tedspirakis]

I just purchased a new TRD Off Road similar to yours only white, and found your video really was informative in my selection of a camper top. Nice set-up! Thanks!

[iTrove]

Really nice review. Almost enough to put the aging Taco back into consideration when the day comes. Nicely done.

[treasurethetime]

The lack of security was one of the things that bothered me when I owned a truck. There was this huge Walmart an hour away from our big camping trip we always stopped there after driving many hours. I hated having to worry about my grear in the bed. Nothing was ever taken, but you never really can relax. I guess that's why I got a 4runner.

[davidwood]

My topper is waterproof. I camp in it and leave gear in it year round in Montana. Never had a problem with water. Great video though. Love your setup and the tan Tacoma is awesome as always.

[dswguitars]

Great Set up. I have to tell you though I have an F150 with a Snug Top. My Shell is 100% water proof. I've had it 2 years and have NEVER had a leak anywhere including any of the areas you describe. I even had someone try to break in by trying (unsuccessfully) to pry the back window open and they jacked up the fiberglass at the bottom of the window. Still no leaks.

[oot-n-aboot]

Nice overview and assessment, mate! And great looking rig. Love that you make sure folks understand the difference between dynamic and static weight. And you're right, truck shells are *not* water proof. A quality one is incredibly water tight, however. I've spent many a wet days and nights in pretty thick storms without any leaking in my Snugtop. Something I've learned over the years to keep an eye on is the shell brake light. I've found is that I have to retighten the light retaining bolts every year since they loosen with all the bouncing around and vibration from driving off road. And because of that, small amounts of water can find their way through the seals. But it's an easy thing to manage. And thanks for showing the Mountain Hatch board. Hate that ribbed slick tacoma liner. Gonna head over there and place an order right now. Cheers!

[ChristopherSeaDawg]

Thanks for your review. I’m going to get one! Was looking at the ARE but I like this one better!

[angiesparks]

Great video. I came away with some ideas for my Frontier. My Leer will be ready in August. It will have two functions. 1-it’s going to be a living room away from home. I commute to work. Drive a school bus. I have way too much time between my runs. So, I making myself a place to retreat to. 2-camping. I can take out the lounger and make a bed, carry gear etc, and camp. Your tape at the tailgate is great 👍🏻 I will be doing that.

[slickflyguy]

What I did to secure my cap to my long bed Tacoma was running basically 6 foot long strips of hardwood on each side and then clamping on top of that hardwood to distribute the down force of the cap to the sides of the bed. I have had no slippage or problems on some pretty rough trails in Colorado and no water leakage at all.

[thebigempty_]

I had a 17 nearly identical- no bed cap- funny thing is I bought for better mpg compared to my 99 LX470 - by the time I finished adding stuff to the Tacoma, the mpg were about 13-15....exactly the same as my Lx470 haha- sold the Tacoma. Plus, the LX(land cruiser) has tons of room for storage and IS waterproof!

[paulbickley]

I liked your additions, I sent a revision to the dealer for mine. Which was twenty weeks out. 🤔 That's how far behind they are. Leer I mean. I added the wind doors and carpet to mine straight from their factory.

[rexmago]

Thanks so much for doing this video. I too have a 100XR on my taco and I’ve Been holding back on purchasing a rooftop tent because I wasn’t sure on structural integrity with added weight on top.

[johnberry]

I just got my top from LKQ junk yard for 245$ ! And it’s a Leer, I love it fits my Dakota quad cab perfectly n it doesn’t leak.