A.R.E. DCU 2nd/3rd Gen compatibility

Hello,

After combing hundreds of topper/build threads, I am nearly ready to pull the trigger on an ARE DCU for my 2020 DCLB TRD OR. I'd love to get in a Tradesman or Alu-Cab, but can't justify the additional cost vs. versatility.

I have 2 questions that I've had little success finding on the forums:

1. Has anyone tried reinforcing the welds on these, or see a need for it? I won't be doing serious wheeling, but need it to hold up on rough forest service roads and similar.

2. Most DCU's in the secondhand market are for the 2nd Gen. I've heard that you can fit these to the 3rd Gen successfully, but am looking for any specific success stories or advice here. Shell interior measurements seem to be fairly close.

Thanks!

 

Hey there! I realize this is a super oldie but I’m looking for the same info and can’t find it anywhere else. Curious what you ended up doing or if anyone else has done this!

 

The tailgate on the 3 gen is curved while the 2nd gen is not. A 2nd gen cap will not fit well at the tailgate as a result.

 

Thanks for the info! The one I’m looking at replaces the whole tailgate section so I won’t have to deal with that! Most worried about the length overall and the opening of the tailgate.

 

Is this the style of cap that replaces the tailgate with doors... like this..



If that is the case, the 3rd gen truck box sides sit 1 inch taller then the 2nd gen truck box. You would have a 1 inch gap between the box floor and the bottom of the topper door.