Let's See Your Caps

Looks awesome! PITA to install?

 

Thanks. My local ARE distributor installed it for me. They are easy to take on/off, 3rd brake light has a quick connect plug.

 

@Grumpy Uncle

 

Just ordered a V myself. Had trouble deciding between the V and CX. Dealer told me the only difference was the recessed windows. Any other differences you found?

 

No. I think the recessed windows is the only difference. I think the cx came with free carpet headliner tho. I love mine so far. Just went on a camping trip to the mtns and everything stayed nice and dry.

 

I am torn between the ARE and the Leer. The ARE dealer here in Charlotte told me they could not guarantee it would not leak. (said it was a case by case basis). The ARE is $100 cheaper than the Leer (apple to apples) and will take a few weeks longer to come in. I found a Leer XQ about two hours away paint MGM but he is asking close to retail. I made a fair offer and received crickets. So new is probably the best way for me, just have to decide which one.

 

Unfortunately used shells on Tundras seem to be hard to find at a good price. Back in my Tacoma says i could find a colormatched shell for a decent price, usually within a couple hours from home....the tundras, not so much. If you're gonna keep your tundra for a long time, u might aswell spend the money and a get a new one and have it spec'd out how u want it. As far as Leer vs ARE, its 6 one/half dozen. Ive owned 2 Leers, one leaked bad, one didnt. I love my new ARE and my local distributor ia great. My Local Leer dealer sucks and is over priced. Made my choice easy.

 

Thanks @Heeler13, I called two different ARE dealers in The area one installs for free and the other wanter $300.00. Both said to expect some type of leak. The Leer dealers (leonard) charge $79 for the install and state they will address leaks should they occur. I plan on keeping this one for several more years and will get it just the way I want it. both toppers make it easy because I want sliding windows and not pop out.

 

Wow they actually said expect some kind of leak?!! Thats crazy...but not as crazy as installing for 300$., i can't even believe that.. Sounds like ARE has some bad distributors in certain places. My ARE dealer went out of the way to provide good service and tell me all about the top and to bring it back if i ever have an issue. Guess that goes to show you that all these dealers arent the same. I shopped around too myself. I actually could've got my ARE about $150 cheaper if i would've drove to Myrtle Beach, but after i wouldve spent gas and time, just decided to by local here in town. Best of luck with which ever route you go. Both brands do the same thing, go with your gut.

 

@Heeler13 do you have a pic of your cx installed. Just got a price in Hickory for 1959 + tax installed. That with the headliner, drop down front slider and LED strip down the center. I originally was looking at a V because I wasn't sure which door would lock up tighter. Looks like the only difference between them

 

Disregard @Heeler13 I found your pics. How do you like the standard rear door ? Do you have one or two t-handles? Any regrets not going with the CX?

 

No regrets. Really like it. 1 T-handle. My old Leer had 2 handles and i personally did not like it.

 

Anyone with a crew max looking for a deal I just posted this on the craigslist thread in buy and sell. Not mine, but looks like a smoking deal. Most would have to have it painted but because of the rare color it is should be able to negotiate a better price.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/craigslist-finds.477/page-40

 

I don't own a Tundra but I'm a Tech and Love working on them. Installed this Century Shell the other day on this beautiful Tundra.

 

Welcome. What other brands do you install and what are your thoughts reference fit, finish, and potential issues.

 

Waited 16 years to get a Tundra. My last truck was a 2003 Tacoma that I had for 16 years and money was tight so got a cheapy aluminum cap. I knew when i finally got my Tundra I wanted a cap without windows because I never really needed them and I think it looks better without windows. Leer's only model without windows still had the outline where the window should be and it looked odd. So ARE had one and I like it.

 

Honestly the only Caps I have installed are made by Century. I really can't speak on any other brands but Century makes a real good product. Paint is always on point. All the add-ons they offer are nice. Very easy install.

 

What line of work are you in to have that many clearance lights and reflective tape on your truck?

 

Ha, I got into telecommunications in 1978 and retired from it over 3 years ago. But, before that I drove tractor trailers from age 19 to 25 and got the light/reflector fever back then and never lost it. I gt a lot of compliments at Christmas time!

 

What kind of cap is that, thanks

 

Ranch Premier.

 

Representing Cavalry Blue, 2019...A.R.E. Z-series with the Yakima rack, e-lock, drop front slider, LED rope lights, 12v power strip, Bedrug, and whatnot. Used to have an A.R.E. Tonneau on my 2008 Super White which I loved, but needed a little more room for camper stuff.

 

By camper stuff I mean...

 

I have the same racks as you and I get a little better gas mileage with them on! I bought the truck 7-months ago and checked gas mileage with racks on and then took them off and stored them in the bed and checked MPG. Put the racks back on last week and checking again. Better or same MPG at some speeds but speeds I get noticeably better mileage!

 

Looks great. Love that color.

 

I think I'm getting better mileage but assume it's the cap. Now one thing that did drive me nuts was the whistle it made around 65 - 70 mph. Like LOUD. I thought the Jetstream bars weren't supposed to do that. I bought that fairing hoping it would help and it made a huge difference, mostly unnoticeable now even with the back window down. Bought both the 46" and the 52", and the 52" was a bad fit. 46" sits perfectly between the towers. If you have these bars (I think they'll fit the others too) this was a great purchase.

 

First addition to the new truck. Next is racks, lift, and some better wheels.

ARE CX
Headliner, pd sliding front window, windoors, roof tracks.

 

Your rack tracks, do the go right to the very back by the window? A tiny bit of the end caps on mine hang off a bit. Didn’t do that on my taco but it was a 6.5’ box.

 

I don't have tracks. My towers are bolted to the top. I set the rear as far back as I could so I can lean things against the rack and slide them up without touching the shell.

 

Here is my cap. ARE Overland series.
Like it so far.