What Size Truck Cap Will Fit In A Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab: A Comprehensive Guide

What Size Truck Cap Will Fit In A Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab: A Comprehensive Guide cars.truckstrend.com

The Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab, known for its versatility, reliability, and robust performance, is a popular choice for adventurers, contractors, and everyday drivers alike. While the open bed offers immense utility, many owners seek to enhance its functionality, security, and aesthetics with a truck cap, also known as a camper shell or truck topper. However, the seemingly simple question of "What size truck cap will fit in a Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab?" is more nuanced than just measuring the bed. It involves understanding your specific Tacoma model, bed dimensions, and the various types of caps available to ensure a perfect, secure, and functional fit.

A properly sized truck cap transforms your Tacoma’s bed into a secure, weather-protected cargo area, a comfortable sleeping space for camping, or an organized mobile workstation. Conversely, an ill-fitting cap can lead to leaks, security vulnerabilities, diminished aesthetics, and even damage to your truck. This comprehensive guide will delve into all aspects of selecting the right truck cap for your Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab, ensuring you make an informed decision.

What Size Truck Cap Will Fit In A Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Your Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab: The Foundation of Fit

Before even considering cap styles or features, the absolute first step is to accurately identify your specific Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab configuration. The "size" of the truck cap isn’t a universal measurement but rather a specific model designed to integrate seamlessly with your truck’s unique dimensions and contours.

1. Tacoma Generation: Toyota Tacomas have undergone significant design changes over the years. The most relevant generations for truck cap compatibility are:

   • 2nd Generation (2005-2015): While visually similar to the 3rd Gen, there are subtle but crucial differences in bed dimensions, tailgate curvature, and cab line that make caps non-interchangeable.
   • 3rd Generation (2016-Present): This is the current generation, with its own specific bed and cab dimensions.

   

   • Why it matters: A cap designed for a 2nd Gen Tacoma will not properly fit a 3rd Gen, and vice-versa, even if the bed length appears similar. The differences in rail width, tailgate shape, and front bulkhead profile are enough to cause significant fitment issues, including gaps, leaks, and an inability to secure the cap properly.

2. Bed Length for Crew Cab (Double Cab): The Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab (referred to as "Double Cab" by Toyota) is primarily offered with two bed lengths:

   

   • 5-Foot Short Bed (approx. 60.5 inches): This is the most common bed length for the Double Cab, offering a good balance between passenger space and cargo capacity.
   • 6-Foot Long Bed (approx. 73.5 inches): While less common for the Double Cab, a 6-foot bed option is available on certain Double Cab configurations, especially in the 3rd Generation.
   • Why it matters: This is the most critical dimension. A 5-foot cap will obviously not fit a 6-foot bed, and vice versa. Always measure your bed length from the bulkhead (front of the bed) to the inside of the tailgate.

   

In summary: To find the correct "size" truck cap, you need a cap specifically designed for your Toyota Tacoma’s generation and bed length. For example, a "2018 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 5-foot bed" requires a cap explicitly made for that configuration.

Crucial Measurements and Fitment Points

Beyond the generation and bed length, a perfect fit relies on several other precise measurements and design considerations that manufacturers incorporate:

• Bed Rail Width and Profile: The top surface of your Tacoma’s bed rails isn’t perfectly flat or uniform across all trucks. Tacoma-specific caps are molded to sit flush and seal properly along these contours.
• Tailgate Contour: The rear of the cap must match the curvature and dimensions of your Tacoma’s tailgate for a tight seal and aesthetic continuity.
• Cab-to-Bed Gap and Cab Height: For cab-high caps, the front of the cap is designed to align seamlessly with the height and profile of your Tacoma’s cab, minimizing wind noise and creating a sleek look.

Types of Truck Caps Suitable for Toyota Tacoma Crew Cabs

Once you’ve identified your specific Tacoma configuration, you can explore the various types of truck caps available:

1. Cab-High Caps:

   • Description: These caps are designed to be flush with the height of your Tacoma’s cab roof, creating a seamless, integrated look.
   • Benefits: Excellent aerodynamics, sleek appearance, good cargo protection without significantly altering the truck’s profile.
   • Ideal for: Everyday use, light cargo, aesthetics, improved fuel economy (minimal impact but positive).

2. Mid-Rise Caps:

   • Description: Slightly taller than the cab, offering a modest increase in interior volume compared to cab-high models.
   • Benefits: More vertical cargo space (e.g., for taller coolers, gear bags), still relatively aerodynamic.
   • Ideal for: Camping (more headroom), carrying slightly taller items, recreational use.

3. High-Rise Caps:

   • Description: Significantly taller than the cab, maximizing interior cargo volume. They often have a raised roofline.
   • Benefits: Maximum vertical cargo space, excellent for larger gear, potentially more comfortable for sleeping/standing inside (if tall enough).
   • Ideal for: Overlanding, extended camping trips, professional use requiring tall storage.

4. Commercial/Work Caps:

   • Description: Typically made of aluminum, often with side access doors, internal shelving, and heavy-duty construction. They prioritize utility over aesthetics.
   • Benefits: Extreme durability, easy access to tools, customizable interior for organization, enhanced security.
   • Ideal for: Tradespeople, mobile service providers, anyone needing robust, organized storage.

5. Materials:

   • Fiberglass: Most common for recreational caps. Offers smooth, paint-matchable finish, good insulation, and diverse designs.
   • Aluminum: Common for commercial caps. Lighter, very durable, often more affordable, but less aesthetically refined.

Practical Advice and Actionable Insights

• Always Measure Your Bed: Even if you "know" your truck is a 5-foot bed, take a physical measurement from the inside front of the bed to the inside of the tailgate. This confirms your exact length and can help avoid errors.
• Verify Generation: Double-check your truck’s model year to confirm its generation.
• Buy New vs. Used:
  • New: Guarantees a perfect fit for your specific generation and bed length, comes with warranty, and allows for custom features (windows, racks, interior lighting, carpet lining, color match).
  • Used: Can save significant money, but finding an exact fit for your Tacoma generation and bed length can be challenging. Inspect carefully for damage, leaks, and proper clamping mechanisms. Be prepared for potential color mismatch.
• Professional Installation Recommended: While some DIY installation is possible, professional installers ensure proper sealing, electrical connections (for third brake light, interior light), and secure clamping to prevent issues like leaks or cap shifting.
• Consider Your Primary Use:
  • Daily driving/security: Cab-high fiberglass for aesthetics and basic protection.
  • Camping/overlanding: Mid-rise or high-rise fiberglass for comfort and gear.
  • Work/tools: Aluminum commercial cap for durability and organization.
• Factor in Accessories: Think about roof racks for bikes/kayaks, interior lighting, 12V power outlets, carpeted headliners for insulation, and pet screens. These add to the cost but enhance utility.
• Weight and Fuel Economy: Truck caps add weight (typically 150-250 lbs for fiberglass). While generally minor, this can slightly impact fuel economy. Cab-high caps are often more aerodynamic than driving with an open bed.

Challenges and Solutions

• Water Leaks: A common issue with poorly installed or ill-fitting caps. Solution: Ensure professional installation, proper weather stripping, and periodic checks of seals.
• Mismatched Generations: Trying to force a 2nd Gen cap onto a 3rd Gen (or vice-versa) will result in poor fit, gaps, and an inability to seal. Solution: Only buy a cap specifically designed for your Tacoma’s generation.
• Finding Used Caps: Locating a used cap that perfectly matches your Tacoma’s generation, bed length, and desired features can be a hunt. Solution: Be patient, check local marketplaces, and be prepared to compromise on color or features, or invest in professional paint matching.

Price Guide for Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab Truck Caps

The cost of a truck cap for a Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab varies widely based on brand, material, style, features, and whether it’s new or used. The table below provides estimated price ranges for new caps, excluding installation unless specified. Used prices are highly variable.

Cap Type/Material	Description	Estimated Price Range (New)	Key Factors Influencing Price
Fiberglass Cab-High	Sleek, flush with cab, good aesthetics.	$2,000 – $3,500+	Brand, paint match, windows, basic features (e.g., interior light)
Fiberglass Mid-Rise	Slightly taller than cab, more cargo room.	$2,500 – $4,000+	Brand, paint match, window options, roof rack compatibility
Fiberglass High-Rise	Maximum vertical space, raised roof.	$2,800 – $4,500+	Brand, paint match, additional structural support, advanced features
Aluminum Commercial	Durable, utilitarian, side access options.	$1,500 – $3,000+	Gauge of aluminum, shelving options, toolboxes, ladder racks
Premium Features/Add-ons	Roof racks, carpeted headliner, 12V outlets, LED lighting, remote lock, pet screens, sliding/vented windows	+$200 – $1,000+ (each)	Specific brand options, complexity of feature
Professional Installation	Labor for mounting, sealing, electrical hookup	$150 – $300	Shop rates, complexity (e.g., wiring for power locks)
Used Truck Caps	Varies greatly based on condition, age, brand.	$500 – $1,500	Condition, fitment for specific generation/bed, accessories included

Note: Prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on market conditions, regional differences, and specific dealer promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I put a truck cap from a different make of truck (e.g., Ford Ranger) on my Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab?
A1: Almost certainly no. Truck caps are highly specific to the make, model, generation, and bed length of the truck. The bed rail width, tailgate contour, and cab line vary significantly between manufacturers, making cross-brand compatibility virtually impossible for a proper fit.

Q2: Will adding a truck cap affect my Tacoma’s fuel economy?
A2: The impact is generally minor. A properly fitted, aerodynamic cab-high cap can sometimes even improve fuel economy slightly compared to an open tailgate, by reducing drag. However, the added weight of the cap (150-250 lbs) might offset this benefit slightly. Taller or less aerodynamic caps may lead to a very minor decrease in MPG.

Q3: How long does it take to install a truck cap?
A3: Professional installation typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of electrical connections (e.g., third brake light, interior lighting, power locks) and any additional accessories being installed.

Q4: Can I paint a used truck cap to match my Tacoma’s color?
A4: Yes, most fiberglass caps can be sanded and painted to match your truck’s color code. This adds to the overall cost but ensures a cohesive look. Aluminum caps can also be painted, but the finish may not be as smooth as fiberglass.

Q5: Are truck caps removable?
A5: Yes, truck caps are designed to be removable. They are typically secured with clamps. However, due to their size and weight, it often requires two or more people, or a specialized lift system (like a garage hoist), to safely remove and reinstall them.

Q6: Do truck caps provide good security for cargo?
A6: Yes, most truck caps come with lockable rear doors and often lockable side windows, providing a significant level of security against theft and protection from the elements. For enhanced security, some caps offer additional locking mechanisms or reinforced designs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right truck cap for your Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab is an investment that significantly enhances your truck’s utility, security, and appearance. The key to a successful purchase lies in understanding that "What size" truly means finding a cap specifically designed for your Tacoma’s generation (2nd Gen vs. 3rd Gen) and bed length (5-foot vs. 6-foot).

By accurately identifying your truck’s specifications, exploring the various cap types and materials based on your needs, and considering crucial factors like installation and desired features, you can confidently select a truck cap that will serve you well for years to come. Whether you’re seeking protection for tools, a comfortable space for camping, or simply a sleek, integrated look, a perfectly fitted truck cap transforms your Tacoma into an even more capable and versatile companion.