Bed caps options?

[AKcam]

Hello Everyone!

I was looking for bed cap options for the gladiator. New is quite expensive, so I was looking at the used market. Up here in AK there are a lot of tacomas with the short bed so there are also bed caps that come up form time to time on the used market.

are there any other trucks that share WORKABLE dimensions for fitting a cap? or do I really need to get one that the manufactures say is a guaranteed fit for the gladiator?

Thanks everyone!

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[cuellar13]

Years ago, I worked in truck accessories, and toppers (caps) were a large part of our business. You quickly learn that cab angle, rail dimensions (tapering, thickness, etc.) and height play a HUGE role in how it's going to fit and look. If you have a JT, I don't recommend trying to make another model's topper fit because it will make your awesome truck look like shit, even if it's painted to match. I just ordered an ARE CX for mine this morning. Lead times in FL are 11-12 weeks, and you just pay the deposit up front. I'm out the door right at $2300 and don't have the worry about the other $1800 until May. If you're gonna do it, I say do it the right way. If not, you may be finding yourself with a topper you hate. Here are things to consider with a topper from another model:

• Overall appearance
• Different cab angles between the topper and the truck (the gap will look odd)
• Topper rails that are too wide (overhang) or narrow (don't cover enough)
• Difference in overall topper width
• potential issues sealing out the weather
• potential issues in the rear glass door locking (when you make another model's topper "fit" your truck, there is often times some finessing that has to be done, which results in the fiberglass flexing in a way that it was not designed to be- not only can that affect the rear door, but the side glass and could also cause cracking at the fiberglass in the top corners)
• Overall rear door issues due to the difference in exterior tailgate shapes

 

[dcmdon]

Years ago, I worked in truck accessories, and toppers (caps) were a large part of our business. You quickly learn that cab angle, rail dimensions (tapering, thickness, etc.) and height play a HUGE role in how it's going to fit and look. If you have a JT, I don't recommend trying to make another model's topper fit because it will make your awesome truck look like shit, even if it's painted to match. I just ordered an ARE CX for mine this morning. Lead times in FL are 11-12 weeks, and you just pay the deposit up front. I'm out the door right at $2300 and don't have the worry about the other $1800 until May. If you're gonna do it, I say do it the right way. If not, you may be finding yourself with a topper you hate.

I agree with your general opinion.

But it sounds to me like he doesn't care about appearance. If he doesn't, can you provide some input on function? Since you obviously have much more experience on this than I do.

What other trucks have beds of similar enough dimensions to ours to put a cap on. Assuming the OP doesn't care if the roof lines line up or anything like that.

Lets pretend he is looking for a topper in the $400 range. Which is what a ratty old Leer is worth these days.

 

[cuellar13]

I agree with your general opinion.

But it sounds to me like he doesn't care about appearance. If he doesn't, can you provide some input on function? Since you obviously have much more experience on this than I do.

What other trucks have beds of similar enough dimensions to ours to put a cap on. Assuming the OP doesn't care if the roof lines line up or anything like that.

Lets pretend he is looking for a topper in the $400 range. Which is what a ratty old Leer is worth these days.

I edited my first response for some functionality input. As far as bed sizes that are "close" I believe new Rangers and Tacomas have 5 foot bed options, though I don't know the exact dimensions. The Colorado and Canyon are right at 5'2", I believe. Not sure about widths on any of these. Also, if the cab angle is too far forward, the topper won't work because it will hit the cab. I've see that quite a few times on trucks. Disclaimer, my work in this area was 20 years ago, but talking to the guy that I ordered mine from, not much has changed.

 

[AwesomeDad]

I was trying to do the same thing, and found out real quick not all 5ft truck beds are created equally. Most of the issue is dont expect a good seal at the tail gate. you would have to find a topper that measures 62" long by 62" wide if you want specific 63.66LX61.82W from ARE. I have found most short bed toppers are 58"LX60"W.

 

[cuellar13]

One more thing I would add- maybe look into aluminum "work" toppers, if you really aren't concerned with overall appearance. They used to be a fraction of the cost of a new fiberglass topper, and can be built very quickly, and function perfectly to keep things dry and somewhat secure.

 

[Cobalt2014]

Look at the Tyger T5

 

[dcmdon]

Look at the Tyger T5

We're talking about caps / toppers. Not toneaus

 

[Alaskantinbender]

Hello Everyone!

I was looking for bed cap options for the gladiator. New is quite expensive, so I was looking at the used market. Up here in AK there are a lot of tacomas with the short bed so there are also bed caps that come up form time to time on the used market.

are there any other trucks that share WORKABLE dimensions for fitting a cap? or do I really need to get one that the manufactures say is a guaranteed fit for the gladiator?

Thanks everyone!

Have you talked to these guys in Palmer?

https://www.cachecamper.com/

With the supply problems getting a topper for our gladiators I regret not having them build one for me before I drove the truck down to Arizona last year.
I foolishly figured there was some manufacturers down here that could do the same for a reasonable price. Turns out I was wrong.

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