Trucks are very useful and they can do a lot of different things for us. With a truck topper though, a truck can even become something more. Whether or not a truck topper is worth it will depend on a lot of factors, however. Let’s look at some of the considerations and factors to take into account.

Why do you want one?

Generally speaking, people who buy and use a truck topper all want the same thing, according to DualLiner. They want to convert the large cargo area that the pickup’s truck bed provides into a weatherproof cargo area. It’s a perfectly good idea too, as most pickup trucks will have a very large truck bed. 

Some people want to get a truck topper in order to actually live in the truck bed. This isn’t a bad idea either as many truck beds are long enough to accommodate a human person as well as spacious enough for them to sleep in. No matter the reason why you want a truck topper though, there are several considerations you must make, according to DualLiner.

The first consideration to make is whether or not you’ll be carrying around anything tall. There are so-called high rise truck toppers available, but if you get a truck topper, then you’ll be setting a height limit for whatever cargo you want to carry. For most situations, that won’t be relevant, but there are a few situations where something may be too tall for your truck topper.

Other considerations

If you want to use your truck topper to store stuff, you’ll also want to increase the security of your truck, too. According to DualLiner, a regular truck topper doesn’t have that many security features, so you’ll have to upgrade it.

If you plan on sleeping in your truck bed, then there are other considerations you’ll have to make on top of that upgraded security. DualLiner recommends getting a lined truck topper as that will insulate the space and keep it warm and quiet. 

Furthermore, color is another consideration to make. DualLiner mentions that certain types of truck toppers will come in different colors, so in order to match your truck’s color, you might have to pick a different kind of material for your truck topper. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from having a truck topper that has a different color than your truck does.

Price and value of truck toppers

Ultimately, the price of a truck topper can vary based on the material used and the vendor you choose. How many features it comes with, such as an upgraded security system, will also bump up its price. DualLiner says that there are three common types of truck toppers, and each has its pros and cons. 

An aluminum truck topper is the cheapest and lightest option of them all. Starting at about $900, aluminum truck toppers tend to not look good, according to DualLiner. But, it’s very light compared to other options.

Fiberglass is heavier and is generally better looking than aluminum truck toppers. DualLiner says that fiberglass truck toppers can cost up to $2,000. Finally, composite or plastic truck toppers are a good compromise between aluminum and fiberglass truck toppers. They’ll cost about $1,500, according to DualLiner. 

Whether or not those prices are worth it to you will depend on what you’re ultimately planning on using your truck topper for. The stuff that most people put on their truck beds won’t stay there for very long, so weatherproofing your truck bed with a truck topper likely isn’t necessary.

However, if you want to camp in your truck, then a truck topper acts as a cheap way to do so. A pickup truck camper, which is essentially a more luxurious and spacious truck topper, can cost far more than what a simpler truck topper will cost.