Truck Cap Decisions

It’s tempting. I think I’m going to go look at it Saturday. It looks like a PIA to do the bedliner myself, I watched a couple vids, lot of prep and could end up looking shitty compared to having the liner sprayed on professionally. It would save me $2k though so still going to check it out maybe make a cash offer that would make the painting of it more reasonable. Also just messaged the ARE dealer and got a confirm I could order over the phone and they would thoroughly inspect prior me driving. Uh decisions decisions. Wife is actually encouraging me to buy new and get what I want rather than “settling” and throwing a cap I won’t be able fully utilize on 40k truck lol. They are just stupid expensive for what you get though when buying new. Only to have it lose about 75% of its value (secondary market) soon as you pay for it.

 

OP, I didn’t read this whole thread but did you get a quote from multiple dealers and have them compete? When I first started looking into my SnugTop they quoted me almost $3800 and after multiple quotes from other dealers I ended up paying 2700, I believe. Might be worth checking. I’m a fan of SnugTop personally but they are all good. I think it boils down to aesthetics and what options you need.

 

Drove 10hrs round trip for mine

 

Yeah I’ve shopped around up near me (Chicago burbs) but everything is about the same with the options I want (around 3200). Dealer a few hours away is shaving the price by about $600.

 

That is steep. Make em stew on it for a while. Then tell them you are going to another dealer and see what they say. Whatever you do, make sure you get windoors and a fold down front window so you can clean it. Those two items are essential in my book.

 

Where are you located would help!

 

I went with an ARE CX Evolve and have not regretted it one bit. It has a carpeted liner, windoors, sliding drop down front window, LED light and rope lights, prop switch, and the upgraded Yakima’s. I was hesitant initially too due to the cost, but it has been 100% worth it for me. You can definitely save a lot of money by getting a used one, but I was unable to find one in my area during my search. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

That would explain the slight difference in my shell vs truck… it low key bothers me

 

Snugtop here. I bought new and got exactly what I wanted. Fit and finish are terrific and I couldn’t be happier. The wife also encouraged me to pay $$$ for new and I didn’t argue too hard. You get what you pay for.

 

You've got a great dealer in Round Lake, I drove 4 hrs to get mine there. The extra height is really nice for bikes and camping.
There is a lot of prep work to seal the bed before install.

 

ARE Z Series with OTR finish.

 

I like this one a lot!

 

had my ARE top put on back in November after i bought this new 2019 SR. i've taken it back to the shop that ordered it and put it on...three f'n times... because it's keeps leaking from the corners of the end nearest the cab. they tell me each time that the new Tacomas are a pain in the ass to get sealed. well, they sure tried to seal it...by slapping silicone all over the spots they think it's leaking from. i could've done a lot better myself, but i felt that they should address the issue considering the $$$. looks like a two year old did it. never had much trouble staying dry in the old ARE top on my 2001 PreRunner.

any thoughts, or anyone else having this problem?

 

That's a common and known problem.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rubber-plugs-for-gaps-in-bed-rail-available-now.420884/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ed-gaps-on-front-of-bed.642647/#post-22231958

You should also seal under the plastic bed rail caps (they just snap off) to keep water and dust from getting in there as well.

 

That's pretty ugly for sure. Sorry to hear and see that. I know you shouldn't have to but might be better calling around to other shops (if you have any nearby) to see if they have more experience with newer Tacoma. If not, I agree, I'm sure you would do a better job. That shop should have at least cleaned up that silicone.

 

Wow. Just wow. @grimrdev

 

Which dealer is that? I’d be thrilled to get a quote from them.

 

Wow looks good from far, but WTF did the shop do with that silicone? Looks like the just shot globs of silicone randomly. How are the reviews for that shop overall?

 

Mine is a ARE V series with a tilt slider, windoors, aluminum insert panels instead of glass, folding T handle locks and roof tracks. $3200 OTD.

For $650 though, you could over look missing a few key features and Rhino line it. I probably would. If you still hate it, Rhino lining it and selling it probably would net you a small profit actually.

 

You look stupid.