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

Have you noticed it getting loud above 60MPH?

 

No I have not...but I will take a listen again. I also have not been in a strong sidewind or head wind which might produce an increase. It seems the topper has greatly decreased the exhaust note that is normally there when accelerating and/or in 5th or 4th gear...it seems much quieter.

I have also noted that the rear cabin and topper front windows do not get a lot of rain drops on them while in a rain storm at freeway speeds which would indicate to me that it is not a down scooper as some tops have been reported.

 

Rain would be a good indicator. I wish i could just take it to a wind tunnel and see for myself. I am new to the forum and I think it is having an enhancing effect on every little problem. Thanks for the quick response.

 

this thread has been enlightening. i started calling around for quotes on a CX but this has changed my mind. A $1500-2k piece of fiberglass needs to perform way better than that. And the price for solid opening windows, not glass windoors, is ridiculous at $225 per side. i may just have to go west of the mississippi for a snugtop or wait until someone finally makes an aero shell like arb does for the hilux

 

Mine is not a '16 but I must say I've had zero issues or complaints with the A.R.E. shell especially considering I understood it would not fit a RC due to the more upright rear cab wall. It just fits. Nice and tight. 5+ years, now.

 

I agree, my first CX fit great on my second gen; but when I purchased the '16 CX for 3rd gen, it was not at all the same experience.

 

My wife took my '16 to the dealer today and had them install an ARE HD Series Cap. This one has all the bells and whistles. I'm out of town on business but I'll report my findings upon my return.

 

Is HD the same mold family as CX?

 

That's my understanding.

 

SO now the decision is what do i get for my TRD ORSB MGM...... A.R.E V-Series or Overland i honestly can't decide I haven't seen any pics of the MGM Color and the overland yet.??????????

 

If the overland is the one with black on it you have my vote. I think the black n grey would look awesome. Unique too

 

This thread gave me cancer.

Are you really expecting to increase your gas mileage with the way the the roofline is on this particular truck? I can see exactly why the cap sits a little bit higher, and ARE is right, it would look weird if it was lower or the same height. The cap is shorter to begin with than the second gen. So you would notice the "V" shape more in the roofline. I'd be willing to bet your main loss of MPG was due to your wheel and tire change. Did you install them after the cap? Or possibly right before? ARE went above and beyond and gave you a full refund and your still rambling on. They confirmed your actual cap was to their spec and that's how it was designed. At this point move to a different series or manufacturer.

As for anyone else interested in ARE, this post should speak volumes about their customer service. I feel they went above and beyond to help this customer. Unfortunately in the accessory world, customers like this exist. You try your best to please them and even then it's not enough. Unfortunately in today's society it's a lot easier for them to destroy a companies name and reputation by bitching online and posting bad reviews. If I was unhappy with any purchase and was offered my full money back, I would simply walk away as if nothing happened and be greatful. Especially if I wasn't charged a restocking fee or had to pay return shipping. Kudos to ARE

 

I was reading this thread last night and beer shot out my nose when I read the first line of this post....

 

I don't expect to increase mpg, but do expect something nearly close to what I was getting before CX install just as my 2nd gen did.
Wheels & Tires were purchased & installed the same week I bought the truck (58miles) in mid-October 2015 (see photos). I weighed oem tires and wheels vs replacements before install too, there was about +1/2 lb difference for replaced wheelset/tire (did not install the beadlock on the Trd wheels to save on weight). Mpg was between 18-21 mpg highway before and after mods. Also spec'd the weights before purchasing to be sure it wasn't going to cost at the pump.
The canopy was purchased/installed (2800 miles) in mid January 2016 (see photos). With canopy for 12 approx days owned (same routes, same speeds, same weather conditions), it dropped to 16-19 hwy max mpg.

After ARE return, researched forum and asked fellow members about Snugtop before deciding to go with a Rebel. Then went to dealer to verify fit before purchase. As fellow members in thread mention, top edges over slightly, but myself and Snugtop dealer clearly saw, not at the pronounced angles as the CX did with abnormal large gap between canopy & shell. Btw due to angle/gap on CX, noticeable paint chip damage from road debris in 350 miles of driving as you may have previously read(see photo, first thread pg 1, toward top left corner of cx).

Since Rebel install, mpg has stayed relatively same (18-21 hwy), though lose maybe about 1/2-3/4 mpg on long hills or grades as the rebel's heavier, which is normal and I'm fine with. Old CX on my second gen Tacoma did same, which I was very happy with and a big fan and advocate of A.R.E.

Photos of all receipts/dates attached regarding your questioning me if I installed wheel mods before or after CX cap install. FTR again, all wheel/tire/suspension mods purchased and installed same week of ownership of the vehicle.

The reason I stuck with this thread is simple: I started it for better or worse with feedback and when questioned would rather be transparent than be a wimp. You're right, ARE was gracious enough to give me a full refund, but (as mentioned in previous posts) dealer was originally going to charge a penalty which inturn then escalated to ARE's upper chain.
I'd have been thrilled to stick with ARE, but dealer unfortunately wasn't good to work with in-the-after purchase customer "got your back" experience to offer any assistance to figure out why the CX was creating a parachute effect. If they'd have given me the time of day(owner couldn't even show up to an appointment I had scheduled with him), perhaps ARE's upper chain wouldn't have had to step into the mix and this thread would have had a better direction.

Thank you Larry for your opinions and sincerely hope you don't get cancer.

Vehicle receipt purchase 10/12
Replacement wheel shock receipt 10/14 same week of purchase

Schwab tire/wheel install receipt date, 58 miles

ARE receipt/install date (2800 miles)

Rebel receipt (3200 miles)

Rebel
Rebel profile

Replacement wheel/tire setup

 

Larry, I hope Chemo is going well. Get better soon.

 

Did you put the 2015 Trd pro suspension kit on your truck? How's it ride compared to stock OR suspension?

 

@pocketsmcaaron I really dislike the overhang effect being more pronounced on the Rebel. I know it's a better option since it's not creating a parachute effect. I still think these Cap Dealers need to put some more Research and Development into these products, especially considering they are almost $2000!!! I'll be on the fence. Thanks for your posts, as they are very helpful in deciding on a solid product that maintains MPG's, which is a important factor.

 

Only drove the OEM suspension for 58 miles, I liked it, but thought it was a little stiff. The TRD Pro '15 suspension is awesome (TRDpart4U $1599, dealer price matched). You'll feel like you're on a magic carpet ride when off-road.

 

Did you have dealer install? What'd it cost?

 

Totally agree Adventure and think these companies could make R&D improvements to fit like the 2nd gens did. If you decide on a rebel, you'll get use to the overhang.