Gen 2.5 2021 6.5ft bed camper topper options?

Hi gang i just bought a 2021 tundra limited 4 door 6.5ft bed. Im trying to find a camper topper. I live in Miami Florida. As i read many companies don't make compatible toppers for this truck?: how much does a higher top then cab high change mpg? I bought a white truck because it's hotter then hell here 364 days a year. I imagine the black stainless steel or aluminum tops are not a option? What fits my truck and would be best temperature inside option? I want to be able to sleep in bed overnight or nap between crazy hours i work in busy season 20 plus hrs day sometimes so i might be trying to sleep in middle of the day in high temperatures. I have a icy breeze cooler i use camping in the boat i waa thing would help with some fans. Thanks for your help and guidance from a toyota newbie.

 

Where did you read that? Most major cap manufacturers make one for that truck. I've had Leer, Century, ARE, and Jason toppers over the years on various trucks. My opinion is that all the major fiberglass manufacturers are essentially the same quality wise and you're best served by finding a reputable dealer/installer that can install correctly and willing to help you through quality control and warranty issues. I personally find the quality of fiberglass toppers to be lacking given the prices they charge. You can get better quality with a high end manufacturer (Go fast campers, Spacekap, Smartcap, etc.) but you certainly pay for it.

I have a Century High-C (rebranded Leer 180) and basically the same truck as you. It's ~4" higher than the cab and definitely nice for moving around in, I don't think it affects the fuel economy much. My Fuelly app shows me averaging 16.5 mpg over the last 24k miles on an otherwise stock truck, 80% of that driving is interstate at 70-75 MPH. Minimal in-town running around, some long trips at 85 MPH where I usually get ~14 MPG or less depending on the head wind. It generates a little more wind noise at 75+ MPH so it's adding a little drag.

If it's hotter than hell outside, it's hotter than hell inside the topper. I slept in it in the summer in Big Bend National Park and it sucked even though I was somewhat used to the heat from working in the oil fields. You're probably gonna want some sort of fancy portable air conditioner or cooler to make it bearable to sleep in in the heat. I've never tried this personally, but it's not a huge space to cool and I think you could make it work with the right equipment.

@Wallygator has a well documented build with a commercial aluminum topper, it seems like a good option if you want to insulate it which would certainly help your hot camping situation but only if you had a way to cool the inside.

 

Thanks for your reply it's good information. I read on other posts on here that it was hard to get options for tops.

 

My mileage didn’t change much either. I love the setup I have now. In my opinion it’s the best way to travel and camp.
You should be able to find plenty of options for tops. As @Tbrandt says, spend some time finding a good dealer. My dealer sucked and eventually I just stopped going back to them about issues and fixed them myself. Having a good dealer that cares about its customers will make a huge difference.
Camping in the heat in the top is really no different than camping in a tent in the heat. However the insulation I put in made a big difference. I have a battery system, and the ability to have shore power if it’s available, so I usually have a fan going in the heat. In the winter I like to use shore power with an electric space heater but I do have a Chinese diesel heater if needed.

Ok good luck with your search and please post what you decide to get. Then please make a build thread!​

 

Build a platform over the rear bench (you have a DC, right) and sleep there with the engine/AC running. I have a wooden tote in bed under Leer cap, I prefer the one in cabin in hot days. Passenger seat goes all the way to front and 5'10" of me can lay diagonally with legs stretched.

 

The back seat is what i have done for years. I like the idea of the bed vs cab for more room.

 

I recently went with a Ranch brand top for my Tundra and I'm very pleased by the build quality. It came with a sliding/fold-down front window and a carpeted headliner. I could have spent more money on other brands but didn't see the point in doing so.

 

hello sir i have a 2017 crew with 6.5 bed.what size or model number is that cap.i like it a lot

 

If you are referring to my pictures, it is a Ranch Sierra Xtra cab-high model. I like it and it has a lot of nice features for the price. I recommend getting the optional tip-down front window to make it easier to clean the rear window of the truck cab.

https://ranchfiberglass.com/truck-caps-and-tonneau-covers/sierra-xtra-truck-cap/

 

good advice on rear window. thanks

 

Looks great .What is the general price range on those?

 

Nice boxes. You built a living room. I see you bought the lined cap.

 

You can actually buy mattresses that fit around the wheel wells.