ARE V Series. Kind of Disappointing

I love my ARE but $$$ and fit and finish are really crude.

 

Hard to see the detail, but yours looks much better than mine.

 

It’s a nice topper. Just the window frames get over tightened from factory and get distorted. The rear overhead light switch feels like a 25cent part

 

The window frame over tightening bugs the hell out of me. Its like hitting your wheels with 4 "ugga duggas" instead of actually torquing things down properly. My cab side window frame has all sorts of distortions from them just jamming a screw in there

 

I feel your pain considering how much we paid

 

Dealer emailed me back, basically asking me to come back when I can to take a look at what warranty will cover and what is "typical for a man made product"

 

That's why we have credit card charge backs!

 

I got it about 18 months ago. Took about 6 weeks to get here.

 

I have a pretty basic ARE CX, and I do note the same fitment, rubber seal, and sloppy interior latch as you are talking about.

 

Love my ARE Overlander. Dealer did a great job installing it too... nearly 2 years, zero leaks. All the bells and whistles for $2400 otd.

 

I have had fiberglass shells (from the top brands) on all my trucks over the years. Had the same complaints as everyone and these were different manufacturers.

For the Taco decided to get the RSi EVO Sport. Liking it so far but I've only had it a month.

 

Why are you guys still purchasing fiberglass canopies? If it’s because they are cheaper than the stainless and aluminum ones, well as soon as you drive off the lot any money you saved in the initial cost is lost in depreciation immediately afterwards.

The aluminum and stainless steel canopies offered by all sorts of manufacturers now have sooo many advantages over fiberglass that I can’t see one reason why someone would choose a fiberglass cap over an RLD, RSI, Alu-Cab, or any of the other metal caps most other countries use for their canopies. In fact I can’t think of one item made of fiberglass that is used for trucks or even any kind of accessories for trucks. Even cars aren’t made using fiberglass anymore.

So why would you want a fiberglass cap over a metal one?

 

My Snugtop was about the same price and I feel like it could be better also. The LED dome light is slightly crooked, a window latch already broke, the rear trim on the glass is noticeably thicker on one side so it appears to be crooked when looking at the back of the truck. Mine also has the factory installed tracks and the roof leaks (although a periodic tightening of the hardware fixes it). All in all the top is decent and I’m probably being more picky than anything but for 2,800 I’d expect a little more attention to detail.

 

I doubt many people are buying a topper with resale value in mind. I sure didn’t. Being this is my first truck cap and TW was barely on my map, a fiberglass cap seemed like the go-to. But than again, I have no complaints with mine. I like the look of some of the aluminum caps, but I couldn’t justify the extra cost for something that will do the exact same thing, my more affordable fiberglass cap does.

 

I like the look of the V series on the DCSB, though it does look a little unconventional. I think the prinsu rack helps balance it out and a lift/bigger tires will make it even better. Age like fine wine. How can you not love that roof height in the back???

Took this earlier today but lookin for new wheels/tires/lift options.

 

Honestly...literally just price. I did take a look at RSI but it was really stretching my budget at that point. Plus I wasn't a fan that it was just black and no paint match. If it was a few hundred more I think I would have gone that route or alucab.

 

What roof rack are you running and what kind of MPG hit did you take when you put the carrier on top? I’m looking at putting on the same setup for a big trip I’m taking.

 

I, as well, just recently got my A.R.E V series installed back in February after a long 14 week wait. I was quoted 8-10 weeks. So once week 11 came, I stared asking my dealer what’s going on. You wouldn’t believe the amount of BS excuses and lies that were fabricated. Some laughable. Here’s a few examples: “The factory is only working 1 shift”; “backlogged” (ok that I understand); “once your shell leaves Ohio, it takes 8 weeks for transit to destination” LOL; “No way to track your order”(even though they can with the serial number); “Karen in the front office waited a few weeks to submit your order and she entered it wrong”.
This was all A.R.E. Customer service responses not my dealer. They felt bad and refunded me a nice amount back in return because they as well never heard of such responses. At the end of the day, I’m happy with the product. Do I think it’s worth $2,500. Nope sure don’t. Sounds like yours though has some lazy workmanship. Maybe yours was built on a Friday afternoon lol. Anyway, I hope they make it right for you! Here’s a pic for reference. Take care.

 

There is nothing wrong with a fiberglass camper shell and depreciation is a ridiculous argument for any after market auto enthusiast. I'd like you to make a list for us of the " sooo many advantages " of non glass shells. Most of the metal shells are just horribly styled and look like a cheap boxy pieces of crap. Before you throw out the " function over form " argument first there is no reason in this day and age why a metal shell could not be styled to match the lines of the truck better and second - again let's see your list... All of the metal shells are so insanely overpriced and everyone just keeps just because of the overlanding trend. I've been running a Snugtop for 15 years with zero problems, loaded roof rack on it and without exaggeration probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000 dirt miles on it. No cracks, no leaks, very little dust, no condensation problems - all of which my buds with $5k+ metal shells have.