ARE Camper Shell price Breakdown AND review

[@wolf-bv6lg]

All of your little “nit picks” are not trivial. All are valid and would drive me nuts. I’d def send them a letter

[@kleetus92]

5:50 doesn't Leer or ARE have a boot kit for the cab to cap rear window opening? I saw a picture of that somewhere... I think it might only be on the fixed window not the one that drops down for cleaning (which is extra stupid, should be on both)

[@tmjoutdoors9486]

Thank you for taking the time to review this topper. It tremendously helps me.

[@the_next_adventure]

Awesome! Glad to hear that.

[@kennyains]

Thanks for the video, very informative! I'm in the early process of researching toppers. My biggest concern is also my dogs. I live in South East VA and it gets very hot in the summer months. We spend a lot of summer time in the Outer Banks, NC. The drive is almost 3 hrs and I just cant see how we would be able to keep our dogs comfortable during that drive. As I type this, its like 100 outside with a heat index of 110 or so. I'd be interested to see how this has worked out for your dogs and what you may have done since uploading this video to make them comfortable.Thanks!

[@the_next_adventure]

We are in South Carolina and heat is the concern as well. If you crack a side window and have the windows of the topper end of the cab of the truck both open cold air from the cab will flow directly back into the topper. We added a small battery operated fan as well to pull air from the cab into the topper that seem to work pretty good. However, we have not had them in the back, when it is 100°

[@stevenpeterson7234]

Awesome bed cap man!! I love the truck!! Im gonna come out with a couple vidoes here soon of my Titan!!

[@the_next_adventure]

We’ll check them out!

[@chainguneffect]

Really nice. I have a '21 Pro 4X as well and purchased a used Leer shell about 6 months ago and absolutely love it. Only difference with mine is that the inside is carpeted, the dome light works with the cab light and the lock works in conjunction with the tailgate lock. I had it painted Gunmetal to match my Titan. Curious as to why you didn't get the shell clamps that attach to the utility track system. Love the wheels.

[@the_next_adventure]

The clamps do connect to the track. The clamps toward the front of the cab were temporary because ARE shorted us hardware so the shop used some they had for those two. However, I actually like them because the track covers up the box light so it’s actually much better lit with those clamps 😂 I chose not to get carpet because I didn’t want it to absorb dog smell knowing they would spend time back there. And don’t really need a dome light because the box lights are plenty bright. I do wish it locked with the door locks, but you have to get the tailgate open to get anything out of my storage compartments anyway so not too worried about it. I looked for a used one for a long time but nothing ever came up so just ordered one myself.

[@chainguneffect]

@@the_next_adventure makes sense. I don't have dogs, but I can definitely understand why you wouldn't want it carpeted. I was fortunate enough to find a used one in fantastic shape, just had to get it painted to match. However, it may be going up for sale soon as I'm possibly looking to trade the Titan in for a 3/4 ton. I had to upsize my trailer due to heavier equipment. A great truck, but I suppose I gotta do what I gotta do.

[@srg_creative]

I had a 2021 titan that was totaled, sadly. New truck is a ridgeline, which I love. But man, seeing yours makes me miss my old truck! It's a great looking truck. The 360 camera and cooling seats were awesome. In the market for a cap and this one looks really nice on the truck with the black and white styling.

[@the_next_adventure]

Thanks for checking in! Sorry your Titan got totaled!!

[@NorCalSaint]

I just traded my 21 BE Ridgeline in on a 24 Titan Pro-4x, one of my complaints about the ridgeline is it is REALLY hard to get a cap to not leak in the front because you don't have the space that a traditional truck has between the cab & bed... Ridgeline was a great truck but loving the V8 of the Titan so far

[@waynez1025]

Nice unit. I’m with you about the attention to detail, it should have been tighter.

[@topsiders8388]

I use an inflated truck tire inner tube to create a tight seal between the open sliders of the front window of the camper shell and the rear window of the truck cab. Just inflate enough to hold the inner tube in place and make a tight seal between the windows. Gives the dog(s) a soft cushion to rest their head while looking into the cab of the truck also.

[@the_next_adventure]

@@topsiders8388 that’s a great idea! I’ve been looking for the right thing to use to seal it up. I’m going to try that!

[@stolnpckup]

I am just watching this video. I just bought a used/new truck with a ARE shell on it. The front glass folds down. But i cant get it to slide open. I am thinking it should slide. Cause it has a slide thingy on it.

[@timw3411]

The window on the topper tilts down by the cab but can it be fully removed? Or does it only tilt and stays hinged to the topper?

[@the_next_adventure]

It stayed hinged

[@timw3411]

Thanks. I need a topper where that window can be removed at will.

[@lawrencef3560]

that's the same i got for my toyota tundra, but I got carpet liner for the shell ceiling as well. The price was just a little bit under $3500. Also I requested 4 more "metal clippers" to secure the the shell instead of 4.

[@the_next_adventure]

It’s not a bad idea to get a couple extra clamps. I haven’t noticed it shifting, but once we get off-road a bit, it might be a different story!

[@Ned-p1y]

They make a donut to fit between the windows. I used a small bicycle inner tube before

[@jeremiahalmos2643]

Hey have you noticed a hit in your MPG since putting on the cap?

[@the_next_adventure]

About 1mpg, but it was exactly the same time I installed the catch can as well,

[@jeremiahalmos2643]

@the_next_adventure oh okay I hear on highway it doesn't make a huge difference, sometimes improves the aerodynamics and tail wind pushes due to the increased surface area on the tail end. What's a catch can?

[@the_next_adventure]

@@jeremiahalmos2643 yeah it’s nothing to even worry about

[@otway00]

I sold and installed camper shells for 17 years. I considered Snugtop the very best and ARE the next best. As ARE is now owned by Leer I fear for ARE's quality as we had a real problem with Leer caps not fitting and it got to the point we had to stop selling them. Getting exact paint match is very difficult for many reasons and I always told my customers I never guaranteed an exact match but it would be close. At one point Dodge / Ram had two different grays that actually had 7 variations, all close but different. Had a person who had ordered a Dodge / Ram camper shell in this gray color from one of our competitors and the paint did not match. He said the camper shell had been repainted twice and still did not match. Told him I could charge him a lot of money to repaint his shell but the paint would not match. He decided to not repaint the cap. We found out about the variations in the gray color as we started taking the Dodge / Ram trucks to an automotive paint store we worked with that had a paint scanner. The store would scan several locations on the truck and give us a print out of the paint code and the base and added colors needed to reproduce the color. We would then send this information to ARE for getting the cap painted. Paint match would be closer but still no guarantee of an exact match

[@the_next_adventure]

Yeah paint matching is tough. Coming from years at a body shop, I’m aware of how many variations can be-with some colors more than others. I was actually surprised at how close this white was. I wouldn’t even try with silver or red, especially if the colors were side by side-the black on this shell would help a bit but still no guarantee. On top of that, they are fiberglass which will show color different than a metal panel in a lot of cases as will plastic. Just have to have reasonable expectations. I was pleased in this case.

[@inbox4404]

Just saw your video...I just ordered my 3rd cap from ARE and was wondering how long it took to get? My dealer said it could take up to 12 weeks?

[@the_next_adventure]

About 8 weeks

[@otway00]

Depends on production lead time at the plant and then do they have a truck available to load the cap onto to bring it to the dealer. 12 week wait is excessive. It took our dealership about 3 to 4 weeks to get a cap in once ordered

[@jeremiahalmos2643]

I regret not getting the roof rails. Can i add them down the road through the supplier without voiding warranty?

[@the_next_adventure]

Yes they can be added later but it’s just easier for the manufacturer to up front. Not that big of a deal though.

[@jeremiahalmos2643]

@the_next_adventure thank you!!! I went with the ARE cx classic. I honestly prefer the look the overlander with that rhino line. But my Titan is black so I wouldn't be able to really even see the contrast difference so I went with the classic. Which looks great. Not very sporty though. Maybe the roof racks will help with that aspect.

[@the_next_adventure]

@@jeremiahalmos2643 nice! I agree. If our truck was black, I would have passed on the rino-liner too.

[@otway00]

Yes they can be added latter. We did it all the time at the dealership I worked at. Read the current warranty to find out if adding the rails will void the warranty

[@pickuppalace]

Curious to know how the bedliner coating on the shell is holding up. I always found it hard to clean and it had spray lines after the car wash when it dried. I was also disappointed the it didn't wrap over the top. Btw, it appears that you did not get the heavy vinyl wrapped pet screens and that is just the normal nylon screen material. The overall appearance is outstanding though!

[@the_next_adventure]

The bedliner is holding up well. I haven’t had any trouble with cleaning it up but it isn’t the easiest thing to scrub if you have to. Yeah the place ordered through messed up my order-I had to have the correct window put in the front as well.

[@coziii.1829]

What about the rear view mirror camera Do the have an adapter to patch in .

[@the_next_adventure]

The rear camera is located on the tailgate so this doesn't impact that at all.

[@peterp3809]

Your tail lights look darker, did you tint with film or just the way the video is shot?

[@the_next_adventure]

They have a light smoke vinyl on them yes. Good catch

[@ahohl7972]

Moe, Did u try loosening a rail clamp and adjusting for the gaps on the back window?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Who is your question directed to and what adjustment are you looking for?

[@ahohl7972]

There was an issue with gaps at the rear window. Seems like you could loosen the clamps and adjust it at bed rail for gap adjustment.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

@@ahohl7972 there was no issue with gaps. It’s spaced nicely and fits the bed rails perfectly.

[@ahohl7972]

what did the cap do as far as gas mpg?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

@@ahohl7972 haven’t noticed much of a difference honestly. Maybe -1 mpg

[@parmelee23]

Great video your windows look better with the frames matches the black white theme perfectly

[@the_next_adventure]

Thanks a lot!!

[@williamstormoen140]

Bicycle innertube aired up between truck and topper works great and is removable

[@wasichuwacanta7010]

I had a similar ARE topper on my truck, and those don't look like the pet screens that I had, which were much beefier and not a mesh but a heavy plastic; your screens look like the regular fabric screens.

[@the_next_adventure]

It’s be nice if they were a little more substantial

[@wasichuwacanta7010]

@@the_next_adventure I would check to make sure you got what you paid for, and on second thought, maybe the pet screens were metal, but I can't remember now (I had the topper over 5 or 6 years ago). Either way, from what I saw on your video, all you have are the fine mesh bug screens, and definitely NOT dog proof ones!

[@wasichuwacanta7010]

Just did a build of an ARE topper for my next vehicle (either a Taco or Tundra), and yes, what I see in your video is NOT the dog proof screens, so you got only the included fine mesh bug screen, and whoever you got your topper from owes you the dog proof screens!

[@mrvanquish1119]

What wheels do you have ? ...I wanna get the same for my titan...

[@the_next_adventure]

They are Blaque Diamond bd-o102. Check out @motorsports_la they can set you up.

[@mrvanquish1119]

I will do and thanks for the reply...👍

[@jeremiahalmos2643]

Do you wish you would of got the windoors?

[@the_next_adventure]

No this setup exactly how I wanted it. I love the flush windows, but I needed the sliders with the screens for the dogs.

[@ia6980]

Australian options like Alpha has so much better versions of camper shells, so much more modern and can hold much higher weight on top and much cheaper than ARE camper shells that leak all the time, not 1 shell is perfect, all i hear is leaks from all diff types of models

[@christopherlittle8355]

I purchased an ARE topper and the color did not match the truck using the paint code from the truck. I wouldn't except it they sent to topper back with my gas door to scan to ensure a match.

[@tjyoung4211]

Any regrets in not getting the carpeted headliner?

[@ctclimberguy34]

I dont have a cap yet, but I have in the past & am currently looking. I think, depends on what you are doing for the headliner. I plan on camping in it , the liner looks much nicer, keeps condensation from dripping. It was about a $195 option when i checked today @ my local dealer. I would would totally put it in .

[@tjyoung4211]

@@ctclimberguy34 I ordered my A.R.E. Overland cap ($2,695) last week. I opted for the carpeted headliner ($195), aluminum framed tilt down picture window ($150), and double-t rear window handles/locks ($65). Stuck with the standard sliding side windows and no screens. Paint match, freight/delivery and installation all included at no additional cost. Should be here in 3 weeks or so.

[@ctclimberguy34]

@@tjyoung4211 I was quoted $2920+tx for a ARE MX . Sliding front/side windows... Healiner was extra. RI dealer

[@the_next_adventure]

No regrets. If I didn’t have dogs, I probably would have, or I’d consider adding it just for insulation for camping, but I did not want anything to absorb dog smell.

[@ctclimberguy34]

@tjyoung4211 just got my ARE MX. I went with headliner. Headliner & a bed rug sure makes it cozy in there. I just used velcro on some black/silver blackout fabric. Sticks great to the headliner

[@alpenmusicmontana]

The black liner on the outside is not cut out well. I noticed that in the first video right away. The white contrast really shows where they cut corners, literally...

[@the_next_adventure]

It’s not cut out-it’s taped off. The color match is actually quite well done for going off paint code alone-can’t really cut corners 😂 Its painted off site with no vehicle to spray cars and compare to. Coming from many years at a paint and body shop, the paint match in a white is rather good-better than expected actually. I could have done a better job taping off the liner personally.

[@Mike-te1xx]

I have a Z2 on my 24 F350. Total $5k POS. Supposed to be the top of the line. That fit and finish is crap. Big divets in the paint, cracks, the fiberglass is $hit, all wavy, pock marked, places where it wasn't painted at all, freking window screen wasn't attached in places, they over torqued the window frame and bent the moulding. I can't say enough about the lack of quality with the ARE Z2 topper.

[@BigRichTN]

Appreciate your review I’m buying a LEER then. Sorry the ARE turned out to be so 💩

[@TheEnormasOne]

D.D.W. Distance Does Wonders, from the video it looks great. Very stately with the black and white.

[@the_next_adventure]

Thank you!

[@williamcrawford7982]

What about the crake in your driveway?

[@the_next_adventure]

@@williamcrawford7982 I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re asking.

[@kenj.8897]

I know you would like the top to be perfect but in today's world it's pretty good . Nice looking , smart move with the black border .

[@the_next_adventure]

I’m pleased overall!

[@jeremiahalmos2643]

You got rid of the ARE sticker on rear window?

[@the_next_adventure]

Yes. There is plenty of ARE badging. We’ll be putting our own decals on the rear window

[@TomLeming-u9o]

How much are you paying for a 4 foot bed?

[@the_next_adventure]

I’m not understanding your question. It is a short bed but it’s 5.5’ and does what we need it to do. I’m not hauling lumber or Sheetrock with it

[@HomesteadOverlandVirginia]

💙💙💙

[@tonicamaro8683]

so why didnt you buy it colour matched

[@the_next_adventure]

It is color matched. Like I explained in the video-color matches are never perfect especially in reds, silvers, and whites.

[@otway00]

@@the_next_adventure No guarantee that any color will match. Mast time it will be very close. I found Dogde ? Ram grays the hardest to try and match

[@tambosnipes1652]

Why do tou have a tough truck with a 5fr bed

[@the_next_adventure]

I don't know what you mean by tough truck, but if you get a truck with 4 doors, it's generally a 5.5' bed. King cabs are cross and single cab long boxes are even more gross. And I didn't want a diesel. So there you go lol.

[@ethanedminsten2894]

Dude the base price of this now suuuucks. Over $3K now

[@the_next_adventure]

Oof

[@KrazyKajun602]

You right, they didn't have any issues with the money, I would have rejected it.

[@the_next_adventure]

8 to 9 week lead time after already waiting eight or nine weeks I wasn’t gonna reject

[@Milfordbeach]

👍

[@wipatriot510]

ARE have priced themselves right out of my garage...

[@the_next_adventure]

There prices were lower than the LEER equivalent. Not a ton of options unfortunately

[@jackmehoff6302]

Iwouldnt sign off on those quality issues. Give me break. Are should be better than that

[@the_next_adventure]

Especially having to wait 6-8 weeks for it

[@jeffreymelendez8497]

Your pet screen looks like a regular screen..

[@28_babyshark]

I was looking at them on their website last week. Now I seen this video, I'm happy I didn't buy one. Too many problems for the money they are charging.

[@the_next_adventure]

They aren’t really “problems.” And still a better value than anything similar

[@palusqui]

Buy Expedition.