A.R.E. won't give weight rating for truck cap?

Hey all,

I’ve got an A.R.E. CX cap on my 2nd gen Tacoma that was installed by the previous owner. I’ve been trying to figure out its static and dynamic weight ratings since I’m considering mounting a lightweight RTT on it (such as the Inspired Overland which weighs ~80lbs) but I can’t find any official numbers online.

I contacted A.R.E via email and it was a very weird customer service interaction. They first said it has no rating and depends on the roof rack rating, which doesn’t make much sense. If the cap structure itself had no limitations, why would they offer an upgraded “HD” reinforced version? After pressing, they just replied “160 lbs” but didn’t specify if that was static or dynamic. They haven’t responded to follow-up questions.

Anyone know the actual weight limits or have experience running a roof-top tent on this cap?

 

I had the same experience a few years ago. I also have the ARE CX on my truck with the Yakima rack option.

ARE would not give me a number for the load rating either. It was very frustrating because I was trying to figure out how much I could put up there for my long trips.

They also initially quoted me 8 weeks to build my cap and then it took 6 months but that’s a story for another day.

 

Ill see if I can find out what the ratings are. I know the HD version is the best way to go if you plan on putting any decent weight on them. I should have the information on Friday.

 

I’ve been interested in this canopy/camper shell/truck cap load reinforcement system from Milford out of Australia. (I have an ARE CX on my 2003 DC.) I think it’s been talked about over the years on here, probably in the Gen 1 subforum where some have odered it and had it shipped stateside IIRC. Attached for info and to give some ideas.

https://milford.one/products/loadmax-universal-roof-rack-support-system-505500

 

So from what im able to find out without talking to an engineer to confirm, dynamic capacity is 165. Static is 600. I would still recommend the HD or some other support structure if you plan on putting 600 pounds on it.

 

Appreciate it. What about a lightweight tent like the Inspired Overland (80lbs) and 2 humans (~330lbs)... plus a 50lb roof rack (total: 460lbs static... 130lbs dynamic)?

 

Do you know if thats $469 per arm? Or for a set of 4?

 

I believe it’s for the full set. And it’s in A$, so multiply by 0.65 to get US$.

One can see how the structure would mount to a folded metal bed lip, like a Gen 1. Later beds with C-channel, like a Gen 2, I dunno. Fabricating some brackets might be needed unless the company has thought about this already.

 

Should be ok. One of the guys that I work with knows people that haul 350 pounds kayaks on an are cap with a rack no no supports.