Camper Shell/Overland Bars/Bed Rack?

[Cdaug]

I drive a 2nd Gen Toyota Tacoma (2013, Prerunner, 6ft bed) and the primary reason I do any extended camping/traveling with it is because I have an ARE camper shell. Before the camper shell, I had to get everything up in the cab before going out on a hike or leaving the campsite to have everything locked up. I got the camper shell from a family friend almost brand new for $200. I like the camper shell because it's pretty much weather proof and I'm able to store and secure more for extended trips. We camp directly in the camper similar to some other resources on the interwebs and don't need to run (or buy...) an RTT. We also primarily do established camping closer to what you might use with a camper van. Attached pictures of the truck and our DIY drawer storage/bed setup. Fits two adults and a 40 lb pup.

Since joining OB, I'm seeing more rigs with overland bars or a full bed rack and wanted to ask more experienced overlanders if I'm missing anything just looking at the camper shell (or help inspire another viewpoint!)

Pros/Cons if you run a camper shell, standalone overland bars, or full bed rack?

Camper Shell PROS
Availability Second Hand
Weather-proof
Securing gear inside
Can run a second roof rack if needed
Don't need an RTT if camping inside (less $$$ overall)

Camper Shell CONS
New cost more expensive than overland bars/bed racks
Need a rack to mount an RTT (more $$$)
Assuming fiberglass isn't as strong as steel/aluminum for pure offroading
Less stock mounting points for traction ramps, recovery, etc
Takes away from stock function of truck bed if daily driver for non-overlanding truck use

Pictures at Black Canyon Gunnison Ntl Park and Cheyenne Mountain Colo State Park

 

[Canadian Joe]

Aluminium camper shell, my wife and have from coast to coast (Inuvik to Newfoundland) in this

 

[Cdaug]

Aluminium camper shell, my wife and have from coast to coast (Inuvik to Newfoundland) in this

Hey Joe, I really like the camper shell you guys have! Any idea what brand? Mine is cab height and we use that space for sleeping, I like that yours has more head room haha

 

[Canadian Joe]

My camper shell is a ARE DCU , you can get 23,29, or 36 inch height .Mine is the 29 inch. It's just tall enough to sit up in there .

 

[Mojavewanderer]

I run a shell too. The aluminum ones hold up pretty good , mine is over 30 years old and still weather proof and solid. And I think it looks pretty good too!

 

[Plasmajab]

I dont have a taco, but I do have a camper shell. I think its a lund. Keep an eye on your local classifieds, (Kijiji, Craigslist?, facebook marketplace, and you can find them pretty cheap for a hundred bucks or so.)

I think camper shells are the ultimate deal to be honest. You can sleep in them. Store tons of crap, put roof racks on them and then you have storage on top. Really IMO the camper shell is the endgame.

The only downside of course is you loose the ability to haul tall items.