Truck cap

[sodaksooner]

The smart caps look good. Kind of a modular unit you mix and match. Look sturdy. Saw one in Boulder a few weeks ago and they look stout, but pricey.

 

[roadrunner]

I wonder where the cutoff is between those who still refer to them as "camper shell" to those that call them "caps"?

Just curious.

 

[Tod osier]

I wonder where the cutoff is between those who still refer to them as "camper shell" to those that call them "caps"?

Just curious.

Don't forget the topper crowd.

 

[Pn8hall]

Got an ARE on my 8ft bed 2021 Tundra. Army green paint match is perfect. This is my 3rd ARE. Have had a few other brands and they all sucked. Get the windoors for sure and an Led light inside the shell also. I got a 3ft strip down center and it lights it up like a champ. Also the fold down window against the cab to be able to clean it would be awesome. I did not get that option and wish I did. For roof rack i went with the tracks and the Yakima Jetstream crossbars which were an upgrade. They remove from the track with a key which lessens the worry when going thru a carwash. When I ordered my shell in December of last year the lead time was 16 weeks. Hopefully that time has been shortened now. As for the bedslide check out the thread of DIY decked on here. You can build something for a few hundred bucks with basic tools. Good luck on your quest.

 

[RAPTOR]

I've had ARE Z series, and two CX. I like the utility and price of the CX but miss the power locks on the Z series. I also had windoors on my last one. Used them twice I think, they're not a necessity for me. Right now, the CX has sliders with pet screens, fold down sliding front window, carpet interior, cap pack (which I just recently took out to fit furniture..need to reinstall), led strips, and I use the tracks with Yakima bars and a megawarrior basket.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I can tell you what not to buy

1) “Ranch” mines junk(seals are terrible, and roof is bubbled)
2)sliding side windows-(get fold out)

 

[roadrunner]

Don't forget the topper crowd.

I almost said "lids", but I think that's a hat. Flat brim even...

 

[Dos XX]

I wonder where the cutoff is between those who still refer to them as "camper shell" to those that call them "caps"?

Just curious.

I am on the camper shell side of that cut off.

 

[Marble]

Two things to also consider

1. If you get the windows the open all the way up, get a full length side rail/step in order to reach into the window.

2. Cut a piece of 5/8 plywood or something similar and put it inside the lip of the bed/shell. Make it the width of the bed by about 3' depending if you have a long or short bed. It acts as a shelf, increasing storage and makes grabbing gear easier. Keeps it nice and dry in case the shell ends up leaking. My dogs like to ride up there too.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

 

[kuhn4]

I've had my ARE Z series for 20+ years. It is still holding up very well. I'm on my fourth or fifth set of shocks for the window, but basically no maintenance or repairs on the cap itself.

 

[sf jakey]

Owned several Leer in the past. Have Snug Top now. Leer sucks in my experience. Lots of leaks, crappy hardware.

 

[elkyinzer]

I wonder where the cutoff is between those who still refer to them as "camper shell" to those that call them "caps"?

Just curious.

Think it's more of a regional/local thing. I've never heard them called anything but caps in Western PA.

 

[Crusader]

Where I grew up they called them "camper tops"

 

[ConradD]

I believe they mean this is a window that opens up for access. IE a hatch.

Thought it was worth specifying. I have a "high end" leer with solid glass windows that open up as the whole window, basically they tilt 2 inches. Air flow sucks. I got it used and learned the lesson. Cheap model with slider or as above a full hatch is the way to go. I'd also go with the above cab height for my next one.

I learned the same lesson as TSAMP. Full glass windows that only open 2" = No Bueno. I can't count the number of times I wished I had sliding windows on side of canopy. Won't buy another one without them.

 

[Dos Perros]

The ones with one mechanism in the middle of the rear window seem to never work like they should, so I prefer the ones with two latches, one on each side.

I like my ATC, no complaints. I just have sliding side windows. It would be nice to have windows that lift open so you can get to a cooler or something way up by the cab.

I mounted a Yakima Megawarrior (nearly) directly to the roof. I did put 1" aluminum square tubing on first, drilled holes and sealed with that foam tape stuff. Works great and is pretty low profile.

 

[Dos Perros]

 

[Marmots]

The only topper I could find for my new truck was a mid-rise ARE MX.

I was hesitant at first, but I don't think I'd ever want a level roof again. The mid-rise is so handy for hauling stuff and sitting in.

I thought it would be a problem mounting a canoe on a mid-rise topper, but it's not.

Like others have said, side opening windows and individual latches at the corners of the window are good features.

Here's a handy trick if you're in the market for a used truck cap: exploit the regional name differences.

Type every combination of
<your truck> + topper, canopy, shell, cap, camper into Craigslist, and you'll often find obscure listings made by someone who uses different language on account of being older or from some other part of the country.

 

[Tod osier]

The only topper I could find for my new truck was a mid-rise ARE MX.

I was hesitant at first, but I don't think I'd ever want a level roof again. The mid-rise is so handy for hauling stuff and sitting in.

I thought it would be a problem mounting a canoe on a mid-rise topper, but it's not.

Like others have said, side opening windows and individual latches at the corners of the window are good features.

Here's a handy trick if you're in the market for a used truck cap: exploit the regional name differences.

Type every combination of
<your truck> + topper, canopy, shell, cap, camper into Craigslist, and you'll often find obscure listings made by someone who uses different language on account of being older or from some other part of the country.

Mid rise is sweet, Leer was the only option at the time, I have one for my F250, lotta volume there.

 

[colersu22]

Growing up I always referred to them as canopies but have heard them called all the previous mentioned names.

I bought a used ARE z series this spring for my F350. It doesn’t have the fold up side windows like others mentioned but more of a wing window that cranks out. Mine does have the fold down front glass but also has the slider in the front glass. Mine does have the power locks which is super nice. When I bought it I had to buy a new harness and wire it j to my third brake light and door locks but that was only about an hour of work and a quick google search for a wiring diagram for my truck. I also have the led tape lights and rear light which is set up on a switch on the strut so they automatically come on when the back glass is about 1/2 way up.

I got the canopy for a steal at $500 and it was even in the tuxedo black that my truck is so that made it even better. I want to add rails to it so I can haul my kayak and put my roof rack on top for extra storage.

 

[Jmort1754]

That's what I want something like that