Shell Questions

I'm currently preparing to order a camper shell (either LEER or ARE depending on final pricing) and have questions about a few features.

I know I want the vented windoors, roof tracks, carpet headliner (free for now with coupon, and sliding window.

Are there any other features you guys would recommend? Spending this much money I want to make sure I know for sure prior to ordering. Main use will be transporting my dogs in the back, keeping my stuff covered, and a sleeping area for weekend camping trips. I was looking at adding lights after I get it, but can't decide on whether the fold-down Front Window is worth it and if there are any features I may be missing. Thanks!

 

Fold down front window is worth it just for cleaning purposes.

 

Is there any higher chance of a leak with the fold down window? I'm guessing the weak points for water are where the shell meets the truck and not the windows themselves?

 

There is always custom... Tradesman Truck Tops
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tradesman-truck-tops-commercial-style-topper-shell.504188/

 

It's. So. Amazing.
I don't think I have the $$$ for one of those quite yet!

 

Dang man that's awesome.

 

Just my two cents, but I had a terrible customer experience with ARE. The local dealer and the manufacturer both said essentially I was out of luck even though there were a number of manufacture defects and mistakes. I have heard good things about Leer though and they have a higher weight capacity rood as well.

 

Thanks for the insight? Do you have to know the roof weight capacity? ARE told me 150 for the non-reinforced models which I would be getting close to busting with two kayaks and an ARB awning

 

If I remember it right, the reinforced version of the Leer was 400lbs. I also was able to go back and forth between the two manufacturers to get a better deal. Wish I went with Leer obviously but had similar prices once I negotiated a deal/some acc.

 

Also, there's the expensive but pretty rad AluCab option too.

 

Love my windoors! Great when ya need 'em.

 

I bought my 3rd gen used and it came with an ARE Z Series. I've posted elsewhere my dissatisfaction with this top's design for my usage, but it sounds like you're not looking at a Z Series since it's not available with windoors. It is stylish, the fit and finish are quite good and color match and paint quality (silver) are excellent. Mine has the flip down front window and I've flipped it down once or twice in over a year just to figure out if it was leaking and add some weatherstripping. But I suppose if you keep your rig very clean or have different road or weather conditions it may be handy for cleaning. I also have the reinforced top and rack tracks and it held up well to thousands of miles with a rooftop tent mounted up. The biggest problem independent of brand is getting the bed sealed up ... either by you or the installer, before the cap is added. Lots of info here on TW on where to look for gaps and how to seal them.

 

The Alu-Cab is not that much more when you add in all the extras you pay for on the other tops. $2800 from TAV in NM. The Snugtop with roof rails and side doors was going to be $2500. And you get a much better stronger top that weighs considerably less.