I've been weighing the virtues/vices of a roof top tent vs. a fiberglass shell vs. a "softtop type" shell for my 2004 Dodge. I have a camping trailer that we use for real camping trips, but sometimes I'd like to have a place to bunk up while towing the Jeep (tough to bring along the 30' camp trailer AND the jeep trailer). The softtop type camper shell seems to be a reasonable compromise for cost, flexibility and potential use. I might spend 5-10 nights per year in it and use it to haul a few items that I might want to keep out of the weather at other times?

The pros that I seem to like the most about the softtop type camper shells are that they are reasonably easy to fold up if you needed to haul some bulky cargo item. They also seem relatively easy to remove from the truck (and more compact of storage vs. a fiberglass camper) when you don't really see yourself using one for a while.

Cons are the higher likelihood of leaks or damage vs. their fiberglass brothers, less secure storage vs. a fiberglass shell (not that that is impenetrable to theft) I get to maintain another softtop when it's not in use (I stuff my Bestop in the rafters in the garage every summer---I'd imagine I can do the same with the truck "shell"). How "dustproof" are they for gear thats in the back of the truck?

Does anyone have any cool truck bed "bunk" and storage setups that could be removed quickly yet provide clever storage/usability for bunk use?

What about just using something like a roll-n-lock bed cover if you don't need additional height for cargo space? It can stay on the truck all of the time, so if you pick something up you want to secure, you can just roll it shut. For a few nights a year it would be fine to sleep under and keep you warm, dry, and bug-free so long as you don't need a place out of the weather to cook and stuff.

I've got a soft topper on my 4runner.....dust and leaks are not an issue....they are pricey new......I'd go with a used shell....cheaper:D

i really enjoy my softopper. yes a little pricey but you can also look at the bestop truck top that is a little cheaper. i find it weathertight and doesn't flap going down the highway. the rear window attaches to the tailgate with velcro which is kind of cheap but you can add snaps in their place.