Best Camper Shells For Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is an incredibly versatile mid-size pickup truck loved by many for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and spacious truck bed. Whether you use your Taco for work, outdoor adventures, or just daily driving, adding a camper shell can unlock even more utility and convenience. But with so many options out there, what are the best camper shells for the Toyota Tacoma?

The top camper shell options for Tacomas include the LEER 100XR, Snugtop Rebel, A.R.E Z Series, GFC Platform Topper, and inflatable models like the Flated Air Topper. Each has its pros and cons in terms of price, features, security, and off-road usability.

This in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect camper shell (also called a truck cap) for your Toyota Tacoma. We’ll explore the different types, top brands, key features to look for, typical costs, and real-world use cases for camping and overlanding. Let’s get started!

What is a Camper Shell for Toyota Tacoma?

A camper shell, truck cap, or topper is an enclosed cover that fits over the bed of your pickup truck. It provides a secure, weatherproof storage compartment while also enabling gear hauling and even camping capabilities when paired with a sleeping platform or roof top tent.

For Tacoma owners, a well-chosen camper shell offers immense versatility. You can securely stow tools and equipment for work, load up camping and overlanding gear for adventures, haul home improvement supplies, or even create a cozy camping setup inside the truck bed.

Beyond utility, camper shells enhance aerodynamics which can improve fuel efficiency. The rigid design also protects your cargo from weather extremes and potential theft compared to a soft tonneau cover.

Types of Camper Shells for Tacomas

When exploring camper shell options for your Toyota Tacoma, you’ll generally find four main categories based on materials and design:

Fiberglass Camper Shells

Fiberglass shells from brands like LEER, Snugtop, and A.R.E. are among the most popular choices. These rigid one-piece covers are durable yet relatively lightweight. Many integrate insulation for temperature control and can accommodate window/door options for cab access.

Aluminum Camper Shells

Aluminum shells like those from GFC and Go Fast Campers use the light yet sturdy metal to create unique lifting or pop-up designs. These allow full truck bed access while still enabling roof mounting for tents or gear.

Soft/Folding Camper Shells

The Softopper is a great example of a soft folding shell made from aluminum frames and weatherproof fabric. These models collapse down for maximum hauling versatility or can be deployed quickly as a camper setup.

Inflatable Camper Shells

One of the newest innovations, inflatable shells like the Flated Air Topper maximize portability and storability. When deflated they pack down into a compact bag, but inflate in minutes into a sturdy weatherproof chamber over your truck bed.

Cab Height vs Raised Height Shells

Another key distinction is whether the camper shell sits flush and level with your truck cab (cab height) or rises up a bit higher (raised/high-rise) to provide extra headroom for standing.

Cab height models blend in more seamlessly with your truck’s profile, while raised shells maximize interior storage capacity at the expense of a taller profile that can impact parking garages or drive-thrus.

Top Camper Shell Brands for Toyota Tacoma

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some of the top camper shell options and brands for the Toyota Tacoma:

LEER Camper Shells

LEER is one of the most well-known manufacturers of fiberglass truck caps in North America. Their lineup includes cab height, mid-rise, and commercial duty shells in varying styles and sizes.

A popular LEER model for Tacomas is the 100XR which offers features like:

Insulated roof and walls for temperature control
Sliding front window and rear door with cab access
Optional interior carpeting and LED lighting
Ability to add roof rails/racks for gear hauling
Typically priced around $2,500

While not the cheapest, the LEER 100XR provides a very practical and durable fiberglass shell for work, daily use, and even basic truck camping.

Snugtop Camper Shells

Based out of California, Snugtop has been a camper shell innovator for over 60 years. Their diverse lineup includes seven different shell models to fit virtually any full-size or mid-size truck like the Tacoma.

Two great Tacoma-friendly options from Snugtop include:

Snugtop Rebel – A stylish yet budget-friendly full fiberglass shell with dealer-installed options like pet screens, side windows, and keyless entry. Usually $1,500-$2,000.

Snugtop Cab-Hi – This cab height model is designed to fit all Tacoma cab and bed configurations cleanly. It features reinforced panels and optional roof racks. Around $1,500.

A.R.E Camper Shells

Another major fiberglass brand is A.R.E. (A.R.E) which manufactures shells for work, recreation and commercial use cases. Some of their top Tacoma models include:

A.R.E Z Series – A premium yet still affordable fiberglass shell with frameless sliding side windows, LED lights, and available aluminum racks. Expect to pay $2,500-$4,000 installed.

A.R.E CX Classic – A more budget-friendly classic fiberglass look with optional sliding front window. Usually $2,000-$2,600.

While pricier than some alternatives, A.R.E is known for quality construction and lots of practical features like rear door accessibility.

GFC Aluminum Platform Topper

For a very unique camper shell design, check out the GFC Platform Topper made specifically for Tacomas. Rather than a traditional solid shell, this model features sturdy aluminum sidewalls that pop up from the bedrails.

This allows the back and sides to open for full truck bed access, while also enabling you to mount an integrated roof top tent or rack system up top. The base model starts around $4,000.

The GFC topper transforms your Tacoma into a legit mini truck camper with an off-road ready sleeping quarters while still maintaining daily practicality.

What to Look for When Buying a Camper Shell

With all those options to consider, here are some key factors to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect Toyota Tacoma camper shell:

Proper Sizing – Double check the shell is designed to fit your specific Tacoma cab configuration (Access, Double etc.) and bed length (5ft or 6ft). Proper sizing is crucial for seamless installation and functionality.

Access – Clamshell or rear door entry is very handy, as are sliding/removable side windows to access gear. Front sliding/removable cab windows also maximize versatility.

Roof Mounting – If you plan to add a roof top tent or cargo boxes/baskets, make sure the shell can accommodate appropriate roof racks.

Insulation – For camping, you’ll appreciate shells with insulated walls and roof to moderate interior temperatures.

Security – Locking rear doors and security cable/clamp attachments will help deter theft.

Color Matching – Many brands offer color-matched shells to blend seamlessly with your truck’s paint.

Weight – Pay attention to the installed weight of the shell itself, as this can impact your truck’s payload capacity if hauling lots of gear.

Budget – Shell prices can range from $1,500 for basic models up to $5,000+ for high-end options with lots of features before installation.

Installation Costs – Many owners choose to have shells installed by the dealer or shop which adds $300-$800 in labor fees.

Using a Camper Shell for Overlanding/Camping

One of the coolest features of a truck cap is the ability to transform your Tacoma into a complete camper for weekend adventures and longer overland journeys.

With the enclosed and lockable truck bed area, owners can build out custom camping setups with features like:

Sleeping platform over the wheel wells with a mattress
Drawers/storage boxes along the sides and front
Roof top tent mounted on racks
Camp chairs, tables, cooking gear neatly stowed inside

Furthermore, the shell protects all of your camping gear from weather, dust and potential theft when leaving the campsite for hiking or exploring. It also adds a level of safety and security compared to just using a bed tent or sleeping under the stars.

Having an integrated camper shell makes the entire overlanding and truck camping experience much more comfortable and enjoyable. You essentially have a cozy cabana or home base to retreat to after a long day on the trails.

Many seasoned Tacoma overlanders rave about the convenience and utility provided by a quality camper shell setup. From organization to comfort to security, it elevates your truck’s campability dramatically.

Pros and Cons of Camper Shells on Tacomas

To summarize some of the key advantages and drawbacks of adding a camper shell to your Toyota Tacoma:

Pros

Secure lockable storage for valuables/gear
Protection from weather extremes like rain, snow, sun
Improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency
Enables building out a comfortable truck camping setup
Ability to add roof racks/baskets for hauling extra gear
Potential for insulation to moderate temperatures
Deters potential theft of items in truck bed

Cons

Limits ability to haul oversize or tallcargo that sticks up above bed walls
Adds substantial weight that reduces payload capacity
Can be very expensive, especially with lots of added features
Rear window visibility is obstructed by the shell itself
Could impact accessing a truck bed toolbox depending on the design

Even with some potential downsides, the benefits of a camper shell make it an extremely popular accessory among many Toyota Tacoma owners.

Cost of Camper Shells for Toyota Tacoma

One of the biggest factors in selecting a camper shell is going to be your overall budget and price range. Costs can vary significantly depending on the brand, materials, size and features.

On the very low end, basic fibreglass shells like the Snugtop Rebel start around $1,500. Most mid-range models from LEER and A.R.E. will run $2,000-$3,000 for a well-equipped fiberglass or aluminum cab-height shell before installation.

Premium raised-height shells with lots of bells and whistles like built-in roof racks can push $4,000-$5,000+. The unique GFC Platform Topper for Tacomas starts at $3,995 for just the basic aluminum shell.

Then you have the new inflatable and pop-up camper shell concepts like the Flated Air Topper at around $1,800 or the Go Fast Campers V2 Platform from $4,695.

In addition to the actual shell cost, you’ll need to factor in professional installation which can add $300-$800 in labor fees depending on your location.

So on average, expect to budget around $2,500-$4,000 for a good quality fiberglass or aluminum camper shell installed on your Toyota Tacoma. Prices can certainly go higher if you want the fanciest feature-loaded models.

Comparison of Top Camper Shell Brands/Models

To help summarize and compare some of the top camper shell options for Toyota Tacomas, here’s a quick breakdown:

Model	Material	Height	Price	Weight	Key Features
LEER 100XR	Fiberglass	Cab	~$2,500	120 lbs	Insulation, front slider, roof rails
Snugtop Rebel	Fiberglass	Cab	~$1,800	130 lbs	Stylish, options like keyless entry
A.R.E Z Series	Fiberglass	Mid-Rise	$2,500-$4,000	210 lbs	Frameless sliders, LED lighting
GFC Platform	Aluminum	High-Rise	$3,995+	350 lbs	Pop-up side access, RTT ready
Softopper	Aluminum/Fabric	Low-Profile	~$850	45 lbs	Collapsed for hauling, easy setup
Flated Air Topper	Inflatable	High-Rise	~$1,800	70 lbs	Compact for storage, inflates in 10 mins

So in summary, if you’re looking for a great value fiberglass shell, the Snugtop Rebel is hard to beat. For premium features and construction, LEER and the A.R.E Z Series are compelling options.

The GFC Platform and inflatable models are ideal for camping thanks to their pop-up designs for easy truck bed access. And the lightweight Softopper provides a nice middle ground for daily usability.

In Summary

A camper shell can truly unlock the full utility potential of your Toyota Tacoma for work, adventures and everyday tasks. Whether you need a secure weather-tight storage space, plan to build out a cozy camping setup, or just want improved mpgs, a well-chosen truck cap delivers immense versatility.

This guide has covered all the key details to consider like cab height vs raised shells, top brand offerings, must-have features, typical pricing, and specific real-world use cases. With so many quality options from LEER, Snugtop, A.R.E., GFC and others, you can absolutely find a camper shell setup that meets your needs and budget.

Prioritize factors like cab/bed size compatibility, security features, and accessory mounting points for any gear hauling or overlanding you plan to do. And don’t forget to factor in the costs of professional installation.

With a camper shell properly dialed in, your Toyota Tacoma will be ready to take on work duties during the week and epic outdoor adventures on the weekends. The only limit is where you choose to point your rig’s tires!