ARE truck cap

I ordered and bought an ARE Classic back in 2019 (pre Covid) per the recommendation of my local dealer. Only took about a month for it to arrive back then. The dealer who ordered it also sells Leer, Snugtop and a few others, he felt ARE offered the best build quality and price point. I've had other shells but am pleased with ARE. I am running the factory leafs with Wheelers AAL and Bilsteins. No sag issues at all.

 

TRD Lift should be good for the cap... if it sags, then you can go ahead and replace. First have them place the cap on your bed and see if it sags or not before you spend any more of money.

If you plan to have a popup tent on top of the cap, then you may consider to replace lift. popup tent would weight about 200lbs depending on the materials used.

 

Throw some weight in back. Like 150 to 200 lbs see if it sags. TRD lift is just a block. You may need add a leak of pack.

 

My dealer offered lock on my cap that can be used with my fob.. I rejected the offer but I told him I will come back much later to have it done. I don't trust anyone messing around in my bed if they borrow my truck..

 

my dealer is a friend

 

mine too but I meant I have work tools in my bed which I work for house remodeling/construction. Which is why I don’t want anyone to go in there to mess it around.

 

I'm replacing a Honda CR-V with a Tacoma TRD OR SB MT. I wanted something that would tow more than the CR-V and carry more than the CR-V. Needed a canopy to make everything work.
Looked at the Century High C, but chose the A.R.E MX model. Added some options: Front window open/tilt down (dogs), pet screens (dogs), headliner and twin rope lights that come on when the hatch is opened.
I'm convinced that the layers in the construction and the dead air space will reduce heating in the bed area (dogs again). Hope I'm right.
Prices were comparable between the two (and color matching was included) at just below $3,700.
I was told that the canopy would take 9 weeks. I ordered it 11/22/22 and it arrived 1/9/23.
I pick up my Tacoma tomorrow.

 

Probably. The TRD lift kit is just a spacer lift in back so no added capacity for the leaf springs. I have seen two longbeds sag with factory suspension. Short bed won't be much lighter, but will sage less than LB so poissibly just 1/8-1/4".

 

I also have the ARE CX Evolve on my 2020 with key fob lock. Overall I'm very happy and don't regret the decision but my rear window is full glass and it always looks like it isn't shut properly. I've tried to adjust it with no luck. It is water tight so functionally OK but I hate the look. I don't have a picture available right now. Does anyone else have this issue?

 

take it to the topper dealer and they will fix it for you.

 

I took it back once and they only made it slightly better. I may need to find a different dealer.

 

find another dealer is good idea. If you are talking about gap around the topper edge then it is designed that way and there is waterproof rubber seal behind the glass to keep water out.

 

You are correct about the rear window, but ARE website shows the window fitting perfectly but the end product doesn't and you can many pictures and a video that shows the bad fit.

Mine rear window still has a little more adjustments in the latches, but I will wait for some warmer weather.

PS; posted a review on ARE website

 

here's a video from an outfitter a few years back. go to the 50 seconds mark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wVRAVEbbyI

 

That sucks... Mine is similar but no issue which you described.

Mine is Leer 100XQ:



This picture was taken before Prinsu top rack is installed.

 

I am thinking about returning mine and getting a Lear. But first I am going to visit a second dealer and see what they say

 

That’s good idea. Hope things go well for you.

 

I don’t know if it helps at all but I have the ARE classic and the rear window fits perfectly against the tailgate. No overhang or anything like in your pictures. It looks like something that came with the truck from the factory.

I say that because ARE should fix that for you; that’s not how it should look.

 

today I visited a second dealer and he said that is they way they are, so I used the "Contact Us' form on 4ARE.com and complained about the rear glass fitting. About an hour after sending in the form, I got a reply email for pictures. You might want to do the same.

 

When you get an ARE make sure you remove the ARE logo decal lol

Looks way cleaner imo