Let's See Your Caps

When I was looking for mine I came across a couple other builders of this type of topper. Leer is the first one that comes to mind. The other two I stumbled across are on the west coast but I would imagine they could ship. Tradesman toppers doesn’t have much of a website but there is a long thread over on Tacoma world with many customers giving input.
The other one I was really interested in was Caravan Campers out of Reno. Very well built but they use steel. I don’t think they offer a wedge though.
I also toyed with a fiberglass slide in contractor topper like a Spacekap or a Tufport. just tossing out a few other options.

 

I hang mine from the ceiling in my garage. The tie down straps work well to lift it off. Just walk it up to the ceiling a few inches at a time. Side to side. The windoors do help me here too but I have friends who simply slide the 2x4 under the cap on the back of the truck.

 

Question for those who hang their caps from the garage ceiling, are the roof racks a safe lifting point? Believe my roof rack tracks have 5 mounting bolts each with the large circular twist cap nuts. Does it put too much stress on the fiberglass?

 

I don't think that would be a problem. These things only weigh about 200 pounds or less. I hang mine from the window frame......

 

Alas, according to the most recent posts in that thread, Tradesman is no longer in business, so I think an ARE DCU is still my best option for a wedge. Still wondering about the possibility of a custom height wedge and/or a wedge built with DCU Max or Diamond Edition for added strength.

Also, maybe I was using the wrong word in describing Suburban Toppers as a "builder". Curious about the relationship between ARE and their "dealers". Does the dealer (e.g., Suburban Toppers) actually build the cap to fit a specific truck using ARE parts and specifications, or do dealers receive them fully built by ARE?

 

ARE builds the caps. The dealers do not. Think of the dealers like a car lot for toppers. You can order the model you want with whatever options and then it is built by ARE in their own facilities and then shipped to the dealer.

 

Damn, I guess that means I don't have much of a chance at finding a dealer who can get me that DCU Max wedge.

Anyone know of other manufacturers out there who've filled the custom cap gap left by Tradesman's closure?

 

This is Leer 100XR. I planned to order the ARE CXHD but Leer offers full front window removable. It is nice to have the front window removed and Tundra rear window rolled down so I can access the bed from the cab.

 

Reach out to the dealers in your area with your questions you might be surprised. I got some options that weren't listed on the standard options list. ARE might be willing to build you what you want, or pretty close. It might be just a matter of finding a good dealer that wants to take the time to get you what you want. I went 250 miles to find that dealer. Good luck!

 

This looks great. I just bought a 2023 short cab, 6.5' bed. I am interested in something just like this. Are the roof racks removable?

 

Thanks. Yes, the roof racks are removable. They are Thule square bars and come with the keys to prevent thief from stealing them.

 

I just ordered one. Four weeks out.

 

This suggests that the lead time on building a new shell should be about the same regardless of which dealer you buy it through. Is that correct? Was told by one dealer that I'm currently looking at 8-10 weeks. Wondering if that'll be the same all over.

 

I ordered a Leer Friday, and was told four weeks.

 

Do you have any photos of the front window and how it removes?

 

I will take pictures of front window removed and rear Tundra window rolled down. The front window removal is very easy and it takes about 30 seconds to do it. Just unlock 2 latches, fold down, and remove.

 

Here are the pictures.

 

@Suprafantx, I can see where that would come in handy!

 

After hearing back from a couple of local dealers that ARE wouldn't build a custom wedge, I reached out directly to ARE today and got the same response. Decided to ask Suburban Toppers anyway, but they also said they've had no luck with this sort of customization through ARE. So that leaves me to choose between one of their standard wedges and a 23"-36" wedge from Century, but I've seen some reports that their build quality isn't quite up to ARE's level, which as I understand it is already kinda hit or miss.

Anyone have experience with Century commercial caps, or other manufacturers who'll do similar customization?

 

Not commercial caps but I have purchased 2 fiberglass caps from Century. Quality was good on my 1st but left somethings to be desired. I went through and tightened all the screws and checked all the seals. It seemed liked they cared more about the 1 off caps than their high runners which seemed odd to me. My 2nd cap was a 1 off midrise and that was spot on quality wise.

 

What cap is this?
Thanks

 

My Leer was installed today. I happy with it. For options I got roof racks, side "Windoors", and the fold down slider . I was talked into a battery operated dome light, which will be fine.

 

ARE 26-32” wedge aluminum contractor topper

 

Just ordered a Snugtop Rebel with windoors, 4-6 weeks out, $3,300 plus tax

 

how did the tint on the cap match up to the factory back window tint.

 

ARE CX

 

Nice setup!
What bars are you using on the track rails? I like that profile

 

I honestly didn't notice. I will have a look when I go out to the shop.

 

that’s the front runner load bar canopy kit.

 

Is it worth the cost?