You will wonder why you didn't get one sooner after your first trip. Especially when Mother Nature throws stuff your way. It's a big expense but they are nice to have. I've never heard anyone one day in a snowstorm I wish I didn't have this topper! Good luck and send us a pic when you get it!
I won't have a truck without a shell but I also won't have a truck with a shell without a place to take it off and store it. That's the number one consideration.
My features: carpet, win-door (passenger side) and Yakima bars (DIY). It also has the flip down front window but I don't see what the big deal is cleaning the windows. Just take the shell off or squirt some water in there?! I got it used so I didn't have a choice but I wouldn't pay for that particular feature.
After having mostly weatherproof, lockable storage on my current "faux" truck, I can't see myself doing without it. My next one will have a topper like being discussed and I too appreciate all the suggestions. That said, one thing I will be considering is just going with an over topper ladder rack vs. the Yakima style.
I forgot to mention: I've had cab-height and mid-height. I'll never have a cab-height again in a small truck and probably never in a full-size. The 3-4" difference is night and day.
Cab-hi never again, but is what came on my truck. I used to unbolt and slide the canopy back so I could wash the damn windows between truck/canopy. Wall what do you know, the canopy came with a front window that DOES open. I would like to get racks, but have been looking at the low profile ladder racks instead. Decision time it is.
I've had three Lear shells, The best option in my opinion is a removable front window. I think it's a $100 option. When the windows get dirty you just crawl inside and two latches remove the window for cleaning!