A.R.E. Truck Cap Review and Walkthrough

[@raptorrob2686]

Good review. I've got the ARE cap also, with a Bed Rug liner, best liner I ever had. Easy on the knees also ;-)

[@raymondj7588]

Nice video...I'm looking to soon make the switch from a Suburban with rear barn doors to a pickup with a topper just like you reviewed. Currently I like the convenience of being able to just swing one barn door out and get what I need. I hope I will be able to transition to what seems to me more of a hassle having to open a topper + potential gate to just grab a quick item.

[@nonrevhogan8938]

Great review. Couldn’t tell exactly but it looks like the topper window comes over tailgate. So you couldn’t open tailgate without opening topper. Is that the case? I’m hoping it is so. I am one of the ones that had the tailgate open when not suppose to. Did the recall but a couple times did , so had to put a little lock across top to never have that happen again. And piece of mind. Nothing like walking out from a store and yep , its open. So little lock stopped that. So you see with topper no more little lock , so hoping that it won’t open with topper closed. If so another rig will have to happen . Thanks…. Looking forward to getting mine. A 3 to 4 month wait. But will have for next fishing season.

[@domenic4368]

I ordered an ARE shell six-weeks ago..The dealer called and said it was damaged during shipment. Then called back to say ARE spotted a bubble in the paint and will need to be repainted? Another six-weeks to receive what amounts to a used shell. I could have bought a used shell for $1500 less! Do yourself a favor and avoid ARE

[@MC-tl7mj]

Well atleast they are doing quality control instead of actually having you one with a dent or bubble. Seems like to me they are on-top of wanting to give you quality. Although the time frame does sound like it was a shitty wait lol

[@shawnlipetzky5501]

Thank you for the review, good point with security.

[@Wired2Fish]

You bet Shawn, still going strong in late 2016 with no deficiencies - Ryan

[@devildog8084]

Ordered my A.R.E shell back in the beginning of Feb. right after receiving my new Silverado, and I just received it earlier this week (over 20 week wait) was told several times that it was being built and and that it would be shipped. Original time frame I was told was 10-12 weeks. After that just plan on getting the runaround. I even offered to drive up to Ohio and pick it up when they told me it was a shipping issue, only to find out that it hadn't been built and that it was just another line of BS they were coming up with. On a good note only 2 of the 4 windows leak....I like the function of the vented windoors but they leak pretty bad. Not looking forward to taking it the dealer, I'm sure they will make up some crap. Paid $3350.00. I recommend going with Leer (I have one on my Ram) it's been on for 12 years and have had NO issues. If I hadn't spent so mush I would take it off and use it for target practice then burn it to the ground. (With the so called fiberglass shortage) you can tell that the shell is much more flimsy than the older style. Have a nice day

[@michaeljmctifue]

I heard the leer leaked too

[@espeterson522]

Why can you not transport bait in the boat? I'm struggling to conjure up what could possibly be an issue with that.

[@oldcarpenter2372]

What is A.R.E.'s specified weight rating for their topper? (not the Yakima parts,)

[@mpg0211]

Good review. I am interested n a top but wld only want it for camp and fishing days. Are tops easy to take on and off at home. Or is it pretty much a everyday driver due to weight?

[@Wired2Fish]

mpg0211 You can remove them but it will take some effort. They are pretty heavy so you'd probably want to store it flat when it's not on the truck.

[@medical4855]

Great video! I live in MN and was curious where you had your topper installed? I'm looking at the z series for my 2018 F250. Thanks!

[@Wired2Fish]

Hey bud, Ryan here. I purchased and had it installed at the Body Works in Brainerd. Professional operation although I'm sure there are many others in the state. Excellent cap -- going on 5 years for me without issue.

[@mikemantan]

thanks for the review, looks awesome, I'm a fisherman and want to use this to sleep in...my question is what do you sleep on? like do you bring a cot or something?

[@Wired2Fish]

Hi Mike, I personally use a Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad (amzn.to/2iyZOFm). These things are built for the hiking and climbing community - they pack down tiny, then self inflate with air - plenty comfortable too. If you're looking for something bigger and perhaps a little more plush, a standard twin size air mattress does the job too. I then use the DC power in the back to inflate using an electric pump. Cheaper than a hotel room for sure, plenty comfortable, and builds a stronger bond with your vehicle too ; ).

[@robfisher9517]

I bought an ARE from R&S truck caps in Akron, oh. It came with 4 inch holes cut in the bulkhead. Perfect placement for rain running off the cab. My options were to return the cap for a $1000 restocking fee or let them put putty in the holes. Always pay for these things with a check so you can stop payment! Bothe ARE manufacturing and R&S of Akron were proud of their junk product and installation and refused to fix the issues. Buyer beware… buy a Leer!

[@villanoegmail]

is the cables or connections come with price of the shell or you paid extra , im talking about that you can open the back of the shell with the truck remote , i had a 2015 tundra crewman and im asking because im planning to buy a shell and the one you had on your truck looks awesome , please send me a bit more info regarding to the back of the shell been open by the truck remote . thank you

[@Wired2Fish]

Hi Noe, the remote entry was an extra, as was the LED lighting and DC outlet. I shopped all caps and gotta admit that vanity played in a little here. The A.R.E in my opinion fit the lines of my Tundra the most seamlessly, and the build quality is excellent. Nothing against LEER or the others, but I was particularly fussy on fit and lines. Was my first new truck and intend to put a good 12-15 years on it.

[@Caseysmith146]

I bought an ARE Z series from Barrett Auto Accessories in Cleveland Ga in May 2018. As I write this it is August 11, 2018 and I do not have a cap on my truck and my wallet is nearly 3K lighter. The cap was delivered with a myriad of flaws and went back to ARE. it’s already been returned to the dealer and the flaws were not addressed. Additionally and most importantly, the cap scuffed the hell out of the bed of my truck. ARE quality control is crap and apparently their customer service is about as bad. I’m seeking a full refund from the dealer at which time I’ll buy a Leer. I’ll likely have to get an attorney involved which sucks. I’ll never buy another ARE product. Every dealer I’ve talked to says ARE has gone downhill over the past year or so.

[@MrBrandonshayna]

Awesome truck cap

[@ramiroarambula589]

No

[@ramiroarambula589]

Hi

[@fit4ya1975]

Thank you buddy, great review..

[@Wired2Fish]

Appreciate it, and the topper is still going strong. - Ryan

[@michaeljmctifue]

Hpw has it held up with water

[@ppger44]

Is your truck geared to sleep in it? Lets see a video on the inside.

[@TheNiuhuskies09]

That came with the plug ins? That's nice

[@Wired2Fish]

Hi Mr. Huskies, it was an optional product from A.R.E, but slick if you have a use for power under your cap.

[@ctscantechnologist]

How much money should one expect to pay for a Z series topper? Very good review...

[@Wired2Fish]

John Thornton Hi John, I went premium throughout and this topper with all accessories was about $3,000. Thanks for watching!

[@fit4ya1975]

Holy cow, $3,000? Well looks like I'm sticking with the bed cover i already have!! haha

[@randycowles9858]

every ARE z cap I have seen has a molding at the bottom of the cap but yours does not. Did you take it off?

[@Wired2Fish]

You have the option to get it without the trim which I chose to do for the more seamless look. -Ryan

[@randycowles9858]

+Wired2Fish thanks!

[@jacewolden8899]

Hey if you don't mind me asking were did you get the mud flaps??

[@Wired2Fish]

Hi Jace, they're Rock Tamers. I can't recall if it was a local retailer where I live, but amazon.com is a good option.

[@rowdy.247]

why doesnt it line up at the taillight? .26

[@Wired2Fish]

It lines up perfect at the base for mounting, but that back corner shape is slightly swept back, much like the lines on the new Tundra body.

[@knollie81]

Where did you buy the AC/DC plug @1:02? Did you install it yourself or have a dealer do it?

[@Wired2Fish]

It was a dealer installed option from A.R.E. - Ryan

[@knollie81]

Wouldn't it actually be a DC/AC Inverter though?

[@rastarob01]

What is the wattage on the power outlet plug in system

Why can't you haul bait in the boat?

[@Wired2Fish]

It's the regulation in the state of Minnesota and relates to reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

[@mikelp8265]

I love ARE tops . The one on tundra is number 4

[@Hi-xi6bu]

What sizes bars are on top? 50" or 60" ? Looks great!

[@Wired2Fish]

Sorry for late reply. Just measured and they're ~ 58'' - Ryan

[@Hi-xi6bu]

Thanks Ryan your truck looks great!

[@b.b.5048]

I''m not happy with my ARE. I have a 2015 Ram 6'4 bed. The design to keep water out of the latch/tailgate area is horrible. They run the rubber weather stripping long, so every time I shut the tailgate it smashes the weatherstripping. If you cut the weather stripping short it's not waterproof. For a brand new $2000 canopy it should work flawless. My coworker has a snugtop for his Ram, and he loves it. Much better design.

[@TheEvilganon4]

Is your tundra the 6 or 8 foot bed?

[@Wired2Fish]

It’s a 6.5’ bed. We also have a company Tundra with an 8’ bed (extended cab)

[@TheEvilganon4]

@@Wired2Fish Yeah I've got a extended cab tundra with an 8' bed that I ordered an ARE shell for. I'm trying to find a video that shows what one looks like.

[@Wired2Fish]

One of the Wired2Fish owners has an 8' bed Tundra with an ARE cap. Hit us up with an email here and I'll send you a few pics ([e-mail]). - Ryan

[@MadMax-tf4gc]

Well I have no loyalty to ARE canopies, this is my review. The ARE canopy, same style as this one is on my 2011 Dodge ram 3500. I have owned many trucks and always have purchased canopies for all of them, well I must say that I am not very pleased at all with this ARE... following reasons... 1. High priced for what you get 2. This thing leaks terribly in the front and mainly at the rear. 3. This is the only canopy I have ever bought that came with no interior lighting. 4. The latch for the rear window never works and only seems to close on one side and yes, I have spent plenty of time adjusting it. 5. Doesn't fit the bed of my truck properly. Basically this is the worst canopy I have owned and will certainly not own another unless the make some big improvements.

[@dinarchoudhury2047]

Mad Max toyota tacoma 2012 silver colar

[@hse-eh9mg]

Where in Minnesota do you live?

[@ryandechaine2291]

Hi Brayden, just moved to Grand Rapids MN from Brainerd.

[@hse-eh9mg]

Thanks, I live in Duluth and was just wondering.

[@SemiReTired]

I bought an MX series,,,, 3 of the 4 windows leak like crazy. no gasket whatsoever. fit to my chevy is poor. tailgate hits the fiberglass, blemish in paint,,,, just garbage

[@MarioSilvestriIII]

nice vid

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks, it remains a solid topper for me, no faults since I bought it in Dec 2013. -Ryan

[@4X4DMAN]

I am Totally Disappointed, Bad Quality. The Handle gets cracked every winter, The side window fell off and I called A.R.E. and they sended me to another company. What a Shame!

[@Wired2Fish]

That's too bad. I haven't had any quality control issues with the one featured in the video yet (2014 model). -Ryan

[@reelnature5971]

I have had the same problem with my handle I am on my third one in a year and a half.

[@solaryang3219]

I live in the mid west

[@whereru43]

Congratulations

[@DRDRYWALL1969]

Garbage company 4 year old cap discontinued they no longer supply parts leaving my cap worthless customer service said sorry about your luck and hung up on me don’t purchase ARE they will leave you helpless

[@lindafisher6171]

I just got my ARE cap and I’m very disappointed. Please do not invest your money in them!

[@donaldholobeny6601]

I WOULD NEVER AGAIN BUY A A.R.E. PRODUCT. IN MY OPINION THEY HAVE A DESIGN PROBLEM. A $3.00 PEICE OF METAL BREAKS THAT HOLDS THE LATCH, AND IT CAN NOT BE REPLACED, GLUDED TO WINDOW,YOU NEED TO BUY A COMPLETE WINDOW AT $750.00. THAT SUCKS.

[@jib151515]

+Donald Holobeny I don't work for the company but I don't believe your story. ARE is talked about very favorably to work on from Camper shell places. I noticed that you joined you tube to only commented on this review and nothing else. I believe this is just a disinformation comment. ARE is the best shell I've owned but I have had several other that were good also.

[@17320508don]

+jib151515 I agree. I have one and it's great.

[@Wired2Fish]

+Donald Holobeny I've been very very happy with the one featured in this review thus far.

[@donaldholobeny8515]

[phone]don Just wait

[@donaldholobeny8515]

[phone]don just wait