2016 A.R.E CX Canopy- design, mpg issue

Last week received and had installed my A.R.E Cx "redesigned for 2016 Tacomas." And well, I'm not very happy.
Reason being, mostly front end top rest higher/protrude extend out above my cab's roofline creating drag, resulting in about 1.5/2 mpg loss. Also paint is getting chipped on top of shell. I had one on my 2nd gen which sat inline better than the new '16 ARE's do without mpg loss, actually gain.
As a temporary fix, wedged some foam carpet in the abnormal large gap between cab & shell which seems to decrease the parachute effect and am now getting better mpg, but for $1800+ shouldn't have to do this.
Left message with ARE and dealer, hoping to return or find legit fix. Any suggestions/comments/advice for your fellow Taco brother are welcome.

 

Keep us posted on the outcome.. My A.R.E. overland is in at J&R canopy, hope it has a better fit than your cx.

 

Overland fits great

 

I have an A.R.E. V-series topper and it sits proper in relation to the cab roof.

 

Is there an issue with your Overland? I just ordered my V-Series today, which is basically the same as the Overland (sans the protective coating). Is there anything I should double-check before or during the install?

 

I suspect they sent you a cap for a second gen truck with the rear window trim for a 3rd gen. I'm pretty sure CX, V and Overland are all from the same mold and it is a very similar mold to that of the 2nd gen truck. Main difference between the two being that the 2nd gen caps are an inch taller and the back hatch trim is different to properly match the new tailgate profile.

 

Hey OP, can you post a picture from the side?

 

VERY suspicious that's a second gen cap.

 

Not likely as the rear would not fit at all.

 

Sub'd!

I just put in an order for a new A.R.E. HD series cap for the 2016 TRD OR that I don't even own yet. LOL!
The HD caps can be built in either CX or MX. Mine is a CX. Now I'm worried...

 

my century ultra sport,,,hope they make things right for you man,,,

 

Your more than welcome to measure as soon as I take delivery of my tacoma.. Its looking like Jan. 27 will be the big day.

 

Agreed. My understanding - I'm no engineer - is that the 3rd gen bed sides are about an inch or so taller than the 2nd gen. That would explain the height difference. I wouldn't keep it as it clearly doesn't fit properly - in my honest opinion.

 

Op do you have a pic of where the cap meets tailgate ?

 

That looks great. Good choices on color and topper.

 

Not. it would fit, just be higher. Bed LxW interior dimensions are same--my custom bed platform from old 2nd gen fits perfectly in my 3rd gen. However cab height on 3rdgens is less than 2nd gens and bed height is more, I'm leaning toward this is to why there's a problem. Perhaps (as a member has already commented) they shipped a '16 A.R.E designed for a 2nd gen?

 

I questioned some of the posts in the "Show Me Your Shell" thread with the CX on 2016 models and they fit flush with the cabin top. One member noted that it may be the size of the bed seal used. This would be easy for you to check just by laying inside the cap and looking at the distance between the cap and the bed rail. Let us know.

 

Yeah, OP, please show us a profile shot of your truck/topper.

 

The bed seal appears thin, I don't think it would off-set the measurement. I am removing the CX shell tomorrow with the dealer. They have a Overland V-series '16 in their showroom which measures top to bottom at 19.5", my Cx measures in at 21" top to bottom. However, I measured it on my truck which makes it more difficult for accuracy, so don't quote me yet. Perhaps it's a design issue? The shell will be removed tomorrow so I will update this thread to confirm these numbers. Regardless of measurements, this CX is costing me 1.5-2mpg ( hwy miles).

 

Re: loss of gas mileage, I am both surprized, and not. On one hand, the canopy is weight (180 lbs +/- as per the ARE Info booklet ), on the other hand, a canopy which is level with the roof of the truck offers the ultimate in aerodynamic clean up, except for the abrupt drop at the arse end of the truck/canopy. So it's a wash....loss vs gain.
I'm looking forward to getting my topper next week.