School me on truck toppers/ truck capa

[2ski]

Forgive me if this has been asked. Just picked up a new truck. First things first will be getting a Decked system. Then in the spring, probably, will be getting a topper/cap/whatever you want to call it. I always called them toppers but I've had more car salespeople think I'm talking tonneau covers when I do.

So I have some questions.

Difference between having soft/steel/fiberglass/ aluminum? Besides the obvious of not being secure with soft.

How much is gas mileage should I expect to lose?

Any brands to steer clear of?

What other things should I keep in mind?

Ideally something to keep geat out of the elements, and then put the dog back there sometimes. So ventilation and access to be able to open the dog crate are important to me. I got a 6.5 foot bed so I could sleep in it some too.

 

[longrangelead]

we run a topper on the wife's truck for those reasons. Two so far, fiberglass w/carpet inside so it doesn't get the condensation drip.
We also get the side windows that open for access which is priceless when the bed is full.

We got the low top so it's even with the truck cab and haven't really seen a quantifiable change in fuel economy. Tires has had more effect so far.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

I have the decked system and got a leer 180 midrise with a windoor on the drivers side. Wish I would’ve got a windoor on passenger side as well. I did get a sliding rear window as well. I also have the 6.5 bed and got the midrise in case I want to sleep in it. With a cot in there I can still sit up just fine. My only complaint so far is dust. I’ve tried to seal the crap out of the rear and dust still gets in.

 

[Mtnmilsurp]

I bought a new ARE topper 3 years ago and it is junk. The piping has cracked and peeled away from the bottom edge, whatever they put between topper and truck rail bed is disintegrating and sliding out, the gas strut to keep the door open has de pressurized and it’s attachment point has loosened up. Most of the screws fell out of the window that abuts the cab and all the windows leak pretty badly. I have the large hatchback door that replaces the tailgate and the little crawl through door randomly opens itself while I’m driving if it isn’t locked. Speaking of locking, one of the four side window locks is keyed different than the other three and they never gave me that key. This topper was good for about 18 months. Unfortunately I have no time in my life to inquire with the company I bought it from about getting warranty service so I don’t know if any of this was covered but if so that would have been another significant hobby to bring thing in every time something broke. I did read up on the warranty and it says the only thing covered is the gas strut.

 

[NMNomad]

I have a Smartcap and have been very pleased with it.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

I bought a new ARE topper 3 years ago and it is junk. The piping has cracked and peeled away from the bottom edge, whatever they put between topper and truck rail bed is disintegrating and sliding out, the gas strut to keep the door open has de pressurized and it’s attachment point has loosened up. Most of the screws fell out of the window that abuts the cab and all the windows leak pretty badly. I have the large hatchback door that replaces the tailgate and the little crawl through door randomly opens itself while I’m driving if it isn’t locked. Speaking of locking, one of the four side window locks is keyed different than the other three and they never gave me that key. This topper was good for about 18 months. Unfortunately I have no time in my life to inquire with the company I bought it from about getting warranty service so I don’t know if any of this was covered but if so that would have been another significant hobby to bring thing in every time something broke. I did read up on the warranty and it says the only thing covered is the gas strut.

Yes. ARE is trash and spare parts can only come through a dealer vs direct - super PITA to work with.

I will be replacing the ARE with a Go Fast Max next year and never buying ARE again.

 

[jdmaxwell]

If you go with a topper always get a high rise model. You will never regret extra height inside.

 

[naked wombats]

My buddy has a soft top that has been working out well for the last few years. I will likely get one coming up.

The thing I like best is that it folds down and back up pretty quickly. With an 8' bed getting used for construction material, animal feed and landscaping supplies loaded with a skidsteer, the ability to cover and uncover on the fly is awesome.

I wouldn't sleep in it during a hurricane, but it has done well enough in moderate rain while camping inside.

 

[OldGrayJB]

I have been shopping for a topper for my new truck too. I wanted to like the soft toppers because it's so easy to move it out of the way, but I've got to have something that locks for my hunting trips. After looking at a few different models, I'm leaning towards the Ranch Icon.

 

[ThorM465]

I've got a Smartcap Evo Sport at the bodyshop being paint matched as I type this. Needless to say I don't have any answers to your questions. I debated between Smartcap, Leer, and ARE. I went with the smartcap due to the durability, modularity, and how much quicker I could get it. I believe the Smartcap is the only one with a built in vent.

I've gone back and forth on the decked drawers. I'd be interested to here what you think about them once you get the cap installed.

 

[naked wombats]

Something to keep in mind with the decked drawers, if you have a ford, the tailgate is easily opened when locked, and it does not trigger the alarm when opened.

 

[WyldGoose]

I have an ARE Z-series shell that’s been on my 06 Duramax for 19 years. Worked great until seals started leaking at around 14 years old. The gas struts I buy off amazon and get replaced every couple years.

If I get one for my Tundra I’d definitely want side windows that open up.

 

[Weldor]

Pro topper here, cab high. It's a sb diesel so fuel eco the same. Product support is bad with the big fiberglass company's. I managed to break my rear window, they can't even get a new one. All parts outsourced on my brand. Glass companies a no go also to much work for them. Other than that I like having the security to lock my gear up. Buddy just busted his side window, same drill not available. I'm thinking about getting a modular shell, they look interesting.

 

[TSAMP]

I've got a Smartcap Evo Sport at the bodyshop being paint matched as I type this. Needless to say I don't have any answers to your questions. I debated between Smartcap, Leer, and ARE. I went with the smartcap due to the durability, modularity, and how much quicker I could get it. I believe the Smartcap is the only one with a built in vent.

I've gone back and forth on the decked drawers. I'd be interested to here what you think about them once you get the cap installed.

I have decked drawers and a topper and would only reccomend them if your absolutely terrible with carpentry. And id never buy new in that case. So many examples of folks making their own wood drawers for sub 300 bucks. The decked system might make sense if you didnt have a topper, but as soon as you add that it makes no sense to spend 1800 bucks on a plastic water resistant tub. You lose nearly 3 inches of height due to the structure of the decked mold compared to a typical sheet of plywood right over the wheel wells.

 

[LookinforDirt]

I had my Leer 180 XR (mid high roof) installed on my F150 in October 2023. My truck sits outside year round. So far it has held up pretty well. I had them install removable sliding front window, sliding opening side windows, carpet lining, tube lights, and Thule roof rails. About $3950 before tax.

My needs were dry and secure gear storage and using it for truck camping. The main issue I’ve had to deal with is keeping water out. It leaked in at the front window in the bottom left corner. I was able to seal that fairly easily with gasket sealant. The side windows let a little water into the window frames. I sealed some of that but still dealing with it. The rear window seal was done by an idiot. I think they cut the seal to short and had to stretch it tight to get it to fit. It pulled off the upper left corner leaving a near 1” gap. It separated from the upper right corner too but left a very small gap. I think I sourced a replacement seal but I ended up filling that gaps myself with a liquid sealer and spare sealing material I had laying around.

The rear window seal is a channel design meant to run water off from top down and exit at the bottom of each window corner. But there are big gaps at those corners and water tends to pool up on the tailgate and eventually spill into the bed. Not a lot of water but some. I need to come up with a fix for that but it is so little I haven’t yet been motivated to do it.

The struts are a weak point and I’m sure will need replacing at some point. Pretty sure those can be found cheap off Amazon.Window frame workmanship is layman but they work. Sliding glass is very stiff to unlatch and slide but, again, they work. And Leer keyed the side window locks different than the rear window lock, SMH!

The good is overall it works and meets my needs pretty well. Paint job is nice and is a good match to the truck paint. I’m happy with the features I got and use them all. A removable front window, inconsequential as it may sound, allows you to give it a good cleaning (I don’t have a rear sliding window in my truck cab). And I like to slide it open when camping to allow ventilation close to my head. I open the side window sliders too (they have screens to keep bugs out).

I like that the cap adds some permanent weight to the rear helping with 2WD traction. I lost maybe 1 mpg having it on there. Mid rise for me is without a doubt the right thing to get if using it for sleeping. I’ve gone on a few multi day truck camping trips and the setup has worked really well for me. It’s held up to some mild off-roading where the bed has been contorted some. I imagine too much of that or more serious off-roading may cause some issues. Not sure.

I’d be more irritated about the leaks than I am but I had low expectations going into buying one of these after reading reviews to help decide what to get. Poor workmanship is the main thing to watch out for. Check it out good before you drive away from the installer. Get the features you want. You may regret not having them later.

 

[Tilzbow]

I think Snug Tops are the best fiberglass shell made. One trick I’ve learned is to leave the sliding front window open. That’ll pressurize the shell and help minimize dust from entering through the back end of the rig. I’ve tried tailgate seal and that doesn’t work well nor does it hold up.

 

[TaperPin]

Heavy old school steel shells are pretty well liked for those who have them. If you’re in the rust belt or drive a half ton they may not be a good choice, but I’d love to have one.

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[Backyard]

On my 3rd ARE. Never had a single issue with any of them. Mileage is better than without or tonneau cover.


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[iamthenick]

Took me about a year on fb marketplace to find a color / model match for my 2016 f150. Paid 500 bucks for an ARE. Haven't had any issues, love the look and security or keeping stuff back there.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Had a ARE made for my tacoma.
Paint matched pretty good.
I would carpet the inside and wind doors are a must.Led lighting and drop down front window.