Best Topper (+ related question about factory tonneau)

I've read through a lot of the topper threads and I've seen the various debate about the quality control measures that some members have had. Now that toppers and the trucks have been out for a few months, which one is the best bang for the buck? Mine will primarily used for random overnight camping trips and keeping my dog in the back, nothing too extreme. I'd like to create a basic sleeping platform, but I don't want anything with the extended headroom above the top of the truck.

On a related note, I have the factory tonneau. If I get a topper I may sell the tonneau. Can I swap bed rails with someone who does not have the factory tonneau? If I decide to keep the tonneau, will the bed rails I currently have impact the installation/functionality of the topper?

Appreciate the intel everyone!

 

Best is subjective. Bang for the buck is probably the cheap aluminum canopies, but the look is atrocious (IMO). As for the tonneau, swapping with someone who doesn't have the tonneau works, that's what I did with mine. Took all of ten minutes to do the complete swap, but a month to find someone to swap with. The tonneau pins and bedrails likely won't have an impact on tonneau, but that really depends on the canopy, I would think there's a small chance that the pins could interfere with the clamp system.

 

I left my pins in and had no trouble with the install of an ARE V series. The clearance is really tight, but there is no interference.

 

Good to know. Do you like the fit of the V-series? What did it cost all-in?

 

I've been super happy with it so far... have had it for about a month. I went with the vented side windoors, carpeted interior, sliding and fold down front window, top tracks, and 12v hatch light and it came out to just over $2400. There is a bit of leaking in the front corners but I can see light through the bed below the cap, so pretty sure the issue doesn't have anything to do with the canopy other than perhaps causing rain to run over a different area of the bed. Overall the fit seems to be very good.

 

Looks great! Would you mind posting pics from a rear quarter angle? Curious to see how it looks from the back.

 

Here ya go. Snapped a quick pic at lunch - can take one in better light later if you want. Also included a shot of the pins from the inside.

 

Perfect, thanks @skiermatt2

That's a great looking topper. I think you just helped me make up my mind!

 

Thanks @ryanhodo

One thing I should mention - when I ordered it the dealer initially had trouble ordering the vented windoor on the short bed - apparently the window they typically use does not have the middle screen section (which I wanted for the dog). He called up ARE and they had no problem doing an "engineering deviation" to use the window that they typically put on the longer bed. Not sure if you are interested in the windoor option with the vent, but if you want the exact same thing I got you may have to talk through that with the dealer... ymmv.

 

Thanks for the heads up...I do in fact want that same set up for my dogs, so I'll keep that in mind.