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A.R.E. MX cap inside height for '09 DCSB

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Crom, Jul 23, 2012.

  1. Jul 23, 2012 at 10:26 AM
    #1
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    I have a question for you guys with an A.R.E. MX topper. What is the inside height from floor to ceiling of cap? I have done an exhaustive search and I'm hoping someone can help me out. Thanks.

    Here is a picture of the MX cap.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Jul 23, 2012 at 10:44 AM
    #2
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Sub'd. If you don't get an answer by tonight, I can measure mine. I have an ARE MX series on a DCSB.
     
  3. Jul 23, 2012 at 1:42 PM
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    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    Thanks Mike. :)
     
  4. Jul 23, 2012 at 4:29 PM
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    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    OK, here's what I came up with:
    From the bottom of the bed to the top at the opening - 38"
    From the bottom of the bed to the top of the shell - 42"
    The shell curls down slightly toward the edges, seems like 1/2" - 3/4" drop from the middle to the edges. I've got a carpeted line in my shell so there might be a slight gain from the carpet and there feels like some padding but not much.
    FWIW, if you use the ridges in the bed of the truck to make a platform and then a 3/4" platform, the platform is 10 3/4" from the bottom of the bed (just in case you were looking to build a sleeping platform).
     
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  5. Jul 23, 2012 at 8:57 PM
    #5
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    Thanks Mike. Rep sent. :) I'm inching towards my shell purchase. I was leaning towards the leer 180 but A.R.E. seems the better route. A.R.E. now offers vented windoors for the MX shell. I like the single handle design and I really want the extra room. Going on what others have stated here, the MX shell gains us an extra 5" of headroom. That's going to be really nice. I plan on using mine to transport family camping gear and I may on occasion sleep back there. I think I'll spring for the roof rack as well as it will come in handy for transporting long things on occasion.
     
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  6. Jul 23, 2012 at 9:47 PM
    #6
    monkeyface

    monkeyface Douchebag, or just douche if we're friends

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    Just measured the 2012 Leer 180 for comparison, it is:

    From the ridges on the bed to the top at the opening - 37"
    From the ridges on the bed to the top of the shell - 41"

    ARE seems like it might be the better setup with the single handle, those are pretty stout. Roughly similar, though. I've come to like the narrower vertically but longer horizontally slider windoors on the Leer. Reason being my knuckleheaded Black Lab can't get her whole body through, just her head. The ARE is pretty nice from what I've seen.
     
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  7. Jul 23, 2012 at 9:51 PM
    #7
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Crom , just incase you hadn't considered it , I actually decided against side windoors for my cap after my experience with my old truck and it's crossbox style toolbox .

    The sides of the truck got scratched to rat shit from buckles , tool belts , tools etc while accessing the toolbox lids

    Just food for thought
     
  8. Jul 24, 2012 at 4:38 AM
    #8
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    If you spend any time sleeping in there or even loading/unloading, the extra head room that comes with either the MX series or the 180 is really nice! Even with the platform I built, I can still comfortably kneel on it to load and unload camping gear and building supplies. I ended up buying mine used from another member and, so far, have been very happy with it. One thing I've noticed about the ARE though is the screws around the windows seem to get loose over time. I didn't notice until I found one rolling around the bed. I took 20 minutes one day, loosened them all, loc-tited them and tightened. No problems since.
     
  9. Jul 24, 2012 at 6:24 AM
    #9
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    All the comments are welcome and appreciated.

    Monkey, thanks for doing the Leer. Very helpful indeed.

    Oz, I've seen you mention that before in the "Show me your shell thread." I traced that thread out a dozen times over. It was super helpful. Since I'll be using the cap for primarily recreational purposes I don't think the windoors will present a problem. For what its worth my paint isn't exactly perfect. I've done a number of tight trails and the desert vegetation is harsh. I have permanent pin striping on both sides of my truck. Washing and waxing helps hide it but it's there. :D

    The only thing I am not crazy about on the MX cap is the vista glass. However looking at pictures over the last few months it's kinda growing on me.

    I've been watching craigslist for about 3 months and no dice so far.

    A.R.E. caps ship from Ohio and I'm a long ways away, dealer said 6 week wait. Leer has a plant in California, somewhere in the midwest and I think on the East coast. Sungtops are made about 2 hours away in Long Beach, CA. Snugtop makes fine shells, but they do not make a mid-rise cap for the DCSB which they call the "V-bed."

    A.R.E seems like the logical choice for me.
     
  10. Jul 24, 2012 at 8:29 AM
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    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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  11. Jul 24, 2012 at 8:45 AM
    #11
    shawnd2

    shawnd2 Well-Known Member

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    I have the ARE MX.
    One thing to point out that you may or may not already know is the Vista Glass is just that, a decorative piece of tinted plexiglass that is just for show on the outside "ramp".
    I think it looks good, but is not functional.
    When I bought mine a few years ago they actually showed this piece as a through window, but apparently due to leakage issues they changed it to a none functional piece.
    I complained to ARE, and they gave me a free roof rack to compensate for the change.

    I also have the vented windoors and love them. They make getting accesss to the cap so much easier, espicially when lifting in heavy items, you can open them and lift by the sides.

    Overall quality wise I think the ARE is similar to my old LEER. I do feel for the amount they charge for these caps they should be more automotive quality with hinges, door latches, and trimming of the edges etc.

    Just my 2cents worth.

    Shawn.
     
  12. Jul 24, 2012 at 8:55 AM
    #12
    shawnd2

    shawnd2 Well-Known Member

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    Here are some pics I found I my phone incase you are interested.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1343145022.494955.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1343145050.955404.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1343145072.705709.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1343145106.819415.jpg

    Oh and I too got the MX for the extra height, it's great for sleeping in and I was even able to take home a buddies fridge the other day, that he couldn't fit with his cab high cap.

    Shawn
     
  13. Jul 24, 2012 at 9:28 AM
    #13
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I've got the tilt out windows (they don't really open, just tilt out at the rear) but I think the glass follows the contours of the shell better than the doors. All the pictures I've seen so far have the doors or sliding windows. Here's the other option:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  14. Jul 24, 2012 at 10:02 AM
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    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    Love the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

    To my knowledge I've never actually seen a picture of an A.R.E. MX shell with vented windoors on a Double Cab Short Bed. A.R.E. apparently never offered it as an option until recently. If I get them I'll be the first one on TW with them I think...

    I 'shopped this vented windoor to visualize what the truck would look like.

    ARE%2520side%2520profile%2520with%2520ve_f3485c04f32c34988dccc919f2bf8c576bcd915f.jpg

    I want the vented windoors to allow my cargo to breath a little bit while traveling through the thermonuclear heat while in the desert.
     
  15. Jul 24, 2012 at 3:53 PM
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    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    I ordered the shell today. I am very excited and look forward to its arrival. :) Dealer gave me an option of using cap tape or double bulb seal on the cap. The A.R.E. shells usually use cap tape and the Leer usually the double bulb seals.

    The double bulb seal is good for taking the cap on and off, where as the cap tape makes an incredible tight seal and is very strong and securing the cap, but not so good if you want to remove and replace the cap.

    Hmmm...
     
  16. Jul 24, 2012 at 4:51 PM
    #16
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I'm just using some foam weather stripping I picked up and Home Depot... :anonymous:
     
  17. Jul 24, 2012 at 4:54 PM
    #17
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    lol :laugh: Awesome if it works. :thumbsup: I drive a lot on dusty trails so I may do the cap tape thing. The owner of the shop said it made for a great seal, but it's a mofo to remove if it's been on the truck for more than 1.5 years. I did manage to find the double bulb seal online for $1.00 per foot. Not bad. :)
     
  18. Jul 25, 2012 at 12:13 PM
    #18
    monkeyface

    monkeyface Douchebag, or just douche if we're friends

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    I'd go with the bulb seal myself. If you got the tape, would that eliminate clamping to the bed rails? Or would they use both?

    And one thing since you mentioned dust, the front of the bed is not as high as the bedrails, so they'd have to use something to fill that gap in. Maybe check with them to find out if that gap is accounted for with the tape. I imagine it is, but nevertheless . . . .
     
  19. Jul 25, 2012 at 12:27 PM
    #19
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Dust entry is worst around the tailgate itself
     
  20. Jul 25, 2012 at 12:48 PM
    #20
    monkeyface

    monkeyface Douchebag, or just douche if we're friends

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    Sure as hell and taxes it is. Have to do some creative work with weatherstrip. I hate dust in the bed. It's not all that difficult to fill in the gaps, though.
     

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