AluCab Contour Canopy - Installed

[KrucksGarage]

Cool! Alu-Cab definitely makes a quality product, I'm happy with mine as well. I also went direct to OK4WD Taking the time to do the install and wiring correctly certainly paid off for me too, very wet climate and doesn't leak a drop. I ordered the SmartCap third brake light T harness, and extended the rear gate struts to lift it up higher than stock.

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[Keithz24]

Cool! Alu-Cab definitely makes a quality product, I'm happy with mine as well. I also went direct to OK4WD Taking the time to do the install and wiring correctly certainly paid off for me too, very wet climate and doesn't leak a drop. I ordered the SmartCap third brake light T harness, and extended the rear gate struts to lift it up higher than stock.

Hello. I'm looking into getting one of these for my truck.
It looks like the filler kit is almost coming into contact with the spoiler. Is that a trick of the camera? Just curious if body roll/flex will be an issue with set up. Thanks.

 

[StreeTaco]

Yeah, it doesn’t touch it.

 

[JeffTaco]

Got tired of waiting for the OVS Canopy, so went ahead got the one I originally saved up for instead. OK4WD is a great company to buy from.. Shipped from NJ to TN in 4 days. Opted for the model with windows on the side doors. Very high quality, easy installation with two dudes. Took my time and weather sealed underneath plastic bed caps and dammed up any larger gaps with supplied butyl rubber tape. Wired up third brake light, and wired up the included interior lighting to operate when doors are opened or switch is operated. Love it, highly recommend.

Looks great. Have one on order that will be installed on my new TRD OffRoad by a local Alu-Cab dealer. What exactly did you do to seal beneath the bed rail caps prior to install? My installer doesn't plan to do any sealing beneath caps. On my 2016 Tacoma the bed rails were a major source of leaks and a known issue that had to be addressed in advance of any topper install.. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

[JeffTaco]

Looks good.. Have similar on my TH.. Like that you got the lock covers. I had my bed camera and Digital Rear view mirror camera relocated to back of canopy.
love it so far.. My lights inside are independent so can turn each one off or on as needed.

I really like how your two relocated cameras are mounted back to back. I'll be doing the camera relocation myself using the GGOffroad kit. I want to use the bed camera to get a better view of my trailer hitch when hitching and it looks like I'd get that with your setup with the hatch door open if I can aim/shim the bed camera correctly. Do you think that would work? My trailer has a LocknRoll hitch that's a PIA to align using the off-center tailgate camera. Lastly, how were your camera wires routed inside the bed and canopy? A photo or two would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[StreeTaco]

Looks great. Have one on order that will be installed on my new TRD OffRoad by a local Alu-Cab dealer. What exactly did you do to seal beneath the bed rail caps prior to install? My installer doesn't plan to do any sealing beneath caps. On my 2016 Tacoma the bed rails were a major source of leaks and a known issue that had to be addressed in advance of any topper install.. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

I used adhesive foam weather stripping tape from home depot. 5/16” or 3/8” tall by maybe 1/2” wide. Two strips under each bed rail, applied adhesive to metal and then applied cap on top.

 

[Mini2nut]

For those on the fence Alu-Cab aluminum shells are currently on sale:

https://ok4wd.com/contour-canopy-for-5-2024-toyota-tacoma/

 

[JeffTaco]

I used adhesive foam weather stripping tape from home depot. 5/16” or 3/8” tall by maybe 1/2” wide. Two strips under each bed rail, applied adhesive to metal and then applied cap on top.

Thanks. Very helpful.

 

[Mitch33]

Where did you tap into the brake lights to wire the topper brake light, and where did you tap into the bedlights?

I second this question. Looking for a good solution to wire a 3rd brake light.

 

[StreeTaco]

I second this question. Looking for a good solution to wire a 3rd brake light.

I think I tapped in to the right brake light wire harness behind the actual taillight housing. This was the simplest way to do it,, but the 3rd brake light does blink when the turn signal is applied... A downside of not having a dedicated blinker bulb in the housing. You could also tap into the back of the 7 pin trailer wiring harness behind the bumper, but I think you’re gonna get a blinking one there too. To get a true third brake light that won’t blink, you’ll need to run a lead from the oem 3rd light, which seems like a beeotch but doable.

 

[TrailAdventurer]

Had an Alu-Cab Contour canopy installed in May, and we've been very happy with it. From my perspective, the build quality, construction, and styling are all excellent. I was particularly drawn to the one-piece design, lighter weight, and strength. The appearance, while obviously subjective, was another selling point.

During installation, I had the interior lights wired through an sPOD. I like being able to turn them on and off from inside the cab. Of course, I can also leave the sPOD circuit on and operate the lights using their individual switches.

The canopy itself has proven watertight. We did notice a drip in the front-left corner after the first rain, but it hasn't reappeared, even after several subsequent heavy rains.

Unfortunately, the Tacoma's bed isn't airtight, so a day of driving on dusty roads results in a fair amount of dust getting inside. Alu-Cab promotes its positive-pressure air vent as a solution, but in my experience, it's ineffective. The forward-facing vent is designed to direct air into the canopy while driving. Unfortunately, it's almost completely blocked by the truck's cab, which sits less than two inches in front of it.

Some sort of air scoop might help reduce dust intrusion, but there's still the large gap around the closed tailgate to contend with. I'm debating how to address the problem while still opening the tail gate a dozen times a day. Dust intrusion is really my only complaint, and that's largely a limitation of the Tacoma's bed rather than the canopy itself.

Overall, my wife and I are very pleased. I've even added hooks to the interior so we can hang plants when visiting farmers markets or making similar trips.

Before the nine-day trip we just returned from, I added a cupboard with a MOLLE panel on one side. It held all my camera gear and related equipment. I deliberately chose the canopy without windows. Besides saving some weight, I didn't want someone to be able to shine a flashlight through the glass at night and see exactly what we're carrying (after dark, the tinted glass may as well be clear if you're using a flashlight). The cupboard also provides a separately secured storage compartment, adding another layer of security beyond the main bed area.

At the time of installation, I also added a Baja Designs chase light bar. We've encountered situations, particularly in blizzard conditions, where we've lost sight of the vehicle ahead of us. I wanted the additional lighting for safety, especially to help drivers behind us maintain visibility in poor conditions.

All things considered, we really couldn't be happier with the Contour. Setting aside the Tacoma's poorly sealed bed, the canopy has met or exceeded our expectations. It's dramatically improved the utility of the truck bed and made the Tacoma considerably more versatile.

 

[Mini2nut]

Great to hear about your positive experience. The only negative I can find is the $5k price point.

I don‘t want to block the excellent factory rear cameras and third brake light so I am leaning towards a Diamondback tonneau cover. I have been performing a daily search on Diamondback’s outlet store for a slightly blemished cover.

 

[Mitch33]

Had an Alu-Cab Contour canopy installed in May, and we've been very happy with it. From my perspective, the build quality, construction, and styling are all excellent. I was particularly drawn to the one-piece design, lighter weight, and strength. The appearance, while obviously subjective, was another selling point.

During installation, I had the interior lights wired through an sPOD. I like being able to turn them on and off from inside the cab. Of course, I can also leave the sPOD circuit on and operate the lights using their individual switches.

The canopy itself has proven watertight. We did notice a drip in the front-left corner after the first rain, but it hasn't reappeared, even after several subsequent heavy rains.

Unfortunately, the Tacoma's bed isn't airtight, so a day of driving on dusty roads results in a fair amount of dust getting inside. Alu-Cab promotes its positive-pressure air vent as a solution, but in my experience, it's ineffective. The forward-facing vent is designed to direct air into the canopy while driving. Unfortunately, it's almost completely blocked by the truck's cab, which sits less than two inches in front of it.

Some sort of air scoop might help reduce dust intrusion, but there's still the large gap around the closed tailgate to contend with. I'm debating how to address the problem while still opening the tail gate a dozen times a day. Dust intrusion is really my only complaint, and that's largely a limitation of the Tacoma's bed rather than the canopy itself.

Overall, my wife and I are very pleased. I've even added hooks to the interior so we can hang plants when visiting farmers markets or making similar trips.

Before the nine-day trip we just returned from, I added a cupboard with a MOLLE panel on one side. It held all my camera gear and related equipment. I deliberately chose the canopy without windows. Besides saving some weight, I didn't want someone to be able to shine a flashlight through the glass at night and see exactly what we're carrying (after dark, the tinted glass may as well be clear if you're using a flashlight). The cupboard also provides a separately secured storage compartment, adding another layer of security beyond the main bed area.

At the time of installation, I also added a Baja Designs chase light bar. We've encountered situations, particularly in blizzard conditions, where we've lost sight of the vehicle ahead of us. I wanted the additional lighting for safety, especially to help drivers behind us maintain visibility in poor conditions.

All things considered, we really couldn't be happier with the Contour. Setting aside the Tacoma's poorly sealed bed, the canopy has met or exceeded our expectations. It's dramatically improved the utility of the truck bed and made the Tacoma considerably more versatile.

I used this to help seal up my tailgate along with the RokBlock product they offer. It's not 100% airtight, but it's a lot less dust than I was getting before without it installed. Could be worth a shot if the dust is an issue for you.

 

[TrailAdventurer]

Thank you for the pointer. Going to investigate. One question, first glance looks to be attached with adhesive.

If I may ask:
* where do you live (climate question);
* how long has yours been installed; and,
* how well has it remained adhered?

Again, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Mitch33]

Thank you for the pointer. Going to investigate. One question, first glance looks to be attached with adhesive.

If I may ask:
* where do you live (climate question);
* how long has yours been installed; and,
* how well has it remained adhered?

Again, thanks for the suggestion.

I'm in the Pacific Northwest and I've had them on a year now with no issues at all. No peeling or lifting on the adhesive anywhere. They come with good 3M adhesive along with some adhesion promoter that you can apply beforehand. It seems like if you follow their suggestions and apply when it's above 55F they should hold up well. I've heard the Bedrug can also help cover some of the gap, but I didn't want to go that route in such a wet area.

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