Truck topper question , who has a Tall topper

[CRJR45]

I did a search but it seemed like every thread ended up bad so I’ll start another.
I have a cab height topper now and a platform on one side for a bed .
My question is do the taller models like Leer 122 or Century T Class actually have more usable space?
Pro vs Cons ?
I see one I’m interested in but wonder what the interior bed to ceiling height is and whether it’s worth swapping.
TIA

 

[Sponge]

I had a Frontier with a 6' bed and A.R.E. MX cap that was maybe 6" higher than the cab. Also diy drawers which may be similar height to your platform.
I slept in it maybe a total of 10 nights. The extra height was very useful for that, I could sit upright on top of my drawers/platform without having to crunch over (also, I'm not tall).

You may have run into this with your current cap, but sometimes finagling large stuff in and out can be a pain - a taller cap should help there. As to extra storage space in general, it didn't seem to make much of a difference for me. I guess if you hauled around a lot of bulky stuff it would help.

If I were to get a cap for my current truck it would be a higher than cab model.
Not asked, but I think having hinged side windows is fantastic. Same with a hinged window at the front of the cap, makes cleaning cab and cap back glass very easy.

cons, maybe worse MPG? but we don't drive trucks for their good MPG, right?
You shouldn't run into height restrictions anywhere but the shortest parking garage.

 

[Thinkingman]

I have a standard height Leer X100 on my F150 and have a sleeping platform built high enough that coolers and the ubiquitous yellow and black bins fit underneath.
I can squeeze in with the tailgate up for sleeping but my next canopy will definitely be higher.

 

[Macintosh]

Yep. ARE cap, maybe MX? Sounds right but its been a few years. Depending on what you put in it, it adds a LOT of space. Among other things, I can sit up in bed as pictured. I absolutely cannot in a cab-height one. Any time you actually need to get in the bed or fit anything larger in the bed, its a huge benefit.

 

[7mm-08]

I put an A.R.E. MX canopy on my truck a few years ago and use it a good deal for camping - even in the winter. I, too, have a sleeping platform in the bed of the truck and greatly appreciate the added height for sitting up. I would highly recommend going with added height (if you don't mind looking like you're driving Grandpa's truck).

Edit: I know that lots of guys like the hinged side windows, but I'm altitude challenged and would need to stand on my Yeti cooler to reach into the canopy. Having a hinged front window would be an advantage as well, but I get by with a slider just fine. When you start adding features to canopies, they can really go up in price. Good luck with your decision.

 

[CRJR45]

Thank you everyone, that’s what I was hoping to hear .
In my current topper changing pants was an endeavor . But I’m 67 and 5,10” and not as limber anymore.
And my truck is too tall for me to reach in the windows .
I might do away with the platform and use a cot and air mattress and throw a bed/chair pillow in also .
What about carpet kit ? Anybody have a suggestion there ?

 

[DAOutfitters208]

I have the LEER 122 on my truck. I can sit on my cot and get dressed comfortably. I've only had cab height before, but I do not regret having more room to move around.

 

[Macintosh]

What about carpet kit ? Anybody have a suggestion there

A buddy has a padded closed cell foam/carpet floor liner in his. Its great on the knees. Probably makes sleeping in the corrugated floor more comfortable. I would trash it though, not sure how easy it is to clean.

Re:carpet on the cap itself: im a YES on that. Yes, the bells and whistles add up fast. Imo worth every penny, and the add-ons arent as much amortized over the 10 years or so I own the vehicle. For me:
* side doors on both sides. With sliding vents. Essential for camping in the east in summer—its just too hot and humid otherwise. Also allows access to 3 full-size varikennels in the back, or access to anything stored against the cab. I’m 6’3” so that helps, but imo you’re frustratingly limited without them.
*interior carpet—makes it quieter, no bleeding scalp wounds from scraping your head against the bare fiberglass. And velcro hook-side sticks to it, which makes bug netting for windows easy and seal perfectly.
*flip down front—full size window. Unobstructed vision thru the cap, plus makes cleaning the pine-pollen, dust, etc from the rear windows between the truck and cap possible.