If you really want to protect you gear in the back from theft, the hard tops are the way to go, but you don't want that.
The soft sided covers are nice to keep the weather off and that is about it. they do allow you to run a tool box in the bed, which I would do if I didn't have topper.
That's pretty much what I'm going for. A little weather protection. Easier to clean the snow off in the winter, better visibility too. And for less valuable items, out of sight storage. The toppers are nice and I've almost always had one, but I just don't feel it's needed any more with the extended cab truck. Plus, I usually only run the topper during the hunting season and I think I can accomplish what I want with the tonneau.
All that said, I did find a fiberglass topper used on the local craigslist to fit and match my truck...but he's asking $850. Cheaper than new, but still a lot of dough for a used topper IMO. If it was $500.....I might be talked into that direction.
Thanks for input gentlemen.
Rob
