Camper shell discussion

I have an ARE Overland on order and should be receiving it soon now. It'll be my first cap so I can't comment based on years of experience, but as an afterthought, I called the dealer a few days after placing my order and changed the front window from a simple slider to a slide and fold window. It occurred to me that it will be nice to be able to fold the whole window inside the cap so I can clean the exterior of the rear truck window. Just something to consider.

 

Nice rig!

 

The overland would be the front runner but I know they can be very pricey. I’ll wait til more guys get em and talk about them on here before I decide.

 

I put on a SnugTop Rebel w/ sportsman pkg and I definitely notice a difference in MPG / rear sag, and also wondering what to do to gain back the slight rake of the truck. My only regret is to not have gotten a shell that added a touch more height so one could sit up easily, or build a lifted sleeping area.

 

I'm a fan of the Overland but I'm in the exact same boat as you. I've already priced an Overland in our color, and get ready to spend $2000 before the paint match.

Damn if it doesn't look nice, though

 

What did they quote you for paint match? Was that base model or any upgrades?

 

So I just looked and ARE sent me quotes for a 3DL for the tacoma and an Overland for an F150, which is definitely a mistak . I quoted an Overland for the Taco just now but I'll have to wait, as they're closed.

Base was right at $2,000 for each, before tax. I didn't request paint match.

I did price a Perragon tonneau cover for reference, and that was $900 base before tax, and $500 for the cavalry blue paint match. I expect the full cap to be more

 

What’s your full suspension setup? And tire size?

 

I have same setup but also with a Prinsu rack and RTT. I am now looking at upgrading the leaf pack and suspension to the Dobinsons kit. The back sags quite a bit and I am frequently bouncing off of the bump stops.

 

I have the ARE Overland. build is top notch. 3+ years so far, no issues.

With that said, the one thing I wish it had was auto lock/unlock. Paired with a pop n lock for the tailgate, it would be WAY more convenient. I tend to get lazy with the keys and underutilize my truck bed.

Other things to consider:

- If you think you may want a rack on top in the future, you can have ARE install tracks on the roof. You can always do this later, but drilling into finished paint is kinda scary.

- If plan to haul pets, sliding windows are a must. Also, if you have pets, I don't recommend carpet. vacuuming would be a bitch.

- This is important: when you have the dealer install, make sure they install with proper padding between the cap and the truck bed rails. Cheap dealers will skip this. You will prematurely wear out key parts, including paint finish.

- Have an LED lamp installed, with the cheap component that automatically switches the light on when you open your cap. super convenient and cheap.


good luck.

 

Honestly the front fold down window is the only must have option- for cleaning! I saw no point or purpose for me to add a slider to that window. As for Windoors, again you have to think to yourself if access from the sides is necessary- for me with a sb I saw no point or need for them and I haven’t regretted that decision either in the last 8 months. If you don’t think you’ll need that don’t spend the money despite the comments of a must have cause it’s really not.

The are cx and vx are only 170lbs. The z I believe is 190ish. The foam tape used when installed are garbage. I personally didn’t want half ass work with junk material so I picked my cap up on a trailer and installed myself. I used the es something bulb seal. Triple on the sides double on the front header rail. I have pictures if you want to see.

Don’t trust the pictures on the build your cap on are website. I did and was/am not happy with my cap like I should be.

 

Ordered mine 2 days ago, paint matched , Toyota clamp kit...…. $2100
Then added fold down front window, carpeted, Yakima roof rail system
New truck arrives 7/18, ARE order comes in the next week, plus the Line-X rockers , grill , running boards

Overland Model

 

Which model cap?

 

Interested in seeing this...

 

I have an ARE CX HD being installed next week and have no clue what to look for. What do you mean by padding and anything else I should make sure they do?

Thanks

 

I would like to see since I have an ARE which is set for installation next week and have no clue what is proper or not.

Thanks

 

It took me over two months to get an ARE CX HD.

 

Can you post more pictures with the camper opened up please?

 

It was esi super cap seal- double & triple bulb. I’m not saying it’s the proper way (or only way) but I think it’s the best option available for seals (you get what you pay for because it’s not cheap compared). I did triple on the sides because of the wide side rails we have and only a double on the header rail. The xl is advertised for heavier caps but I rather have more cushion and covering a larger area on the side rails

I should of moved the double closer to the outer edge but it still sits on the front header rail just not fully (maybe 1.5 of the bulbs). I’ll replace it when I take it off just because ocd but this seal should have no problem lasting repeated on/offs whereas the foam tape is not as thick and wouldn’t last as many before being flattened.

The only thing I used included in the install kit provided was the foam squares for the header rail. I also have the over priced oem bed rail plugs I’ll install when I take it off next too which should completely seal the front gaps. Most people squeeze a tube of silicone in the gap but I have no intention of doing that


The seal is thick so it does sit higher than if using the foam tape. I say a pro- keeps your cap away from your paint (I don’t have a roof rack btw). The more weight you add to the cap the more cushion you’ll want imo. I also have not had any cap shifting issues (can’t speak to off roading)

I personally hate the cx recessed side window and those fake stick on corner fascia. The leer has a recess for the side window that’s the same shape of the window which looks better imo.

Also stock suspension. Would like to do something with the rear leafs eventually. I think it sags slightly but have no idea how much or what it was prior

 

This is the BEST way to have installed.