1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

A.R.E topper ISSUES 2018 tundra

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by Stewartderk, Mar 22, 2019.

  1. Mar 23, 2019 at 6:19 AM
    #31
    WrigglingWilly

    WrigglingWilly Well used Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2018
    Member:
    #17292
    Messages:
    534
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra 4x4 5.7 8.1bed
    LineX
    I had bought an unbranded fiber glass tonneau cover for $50 from a random stranger I delivered a pizza to for my old (but was new then) 2001 Ranger, and it fit better than your cap does, and I installed it myself in their driveway, mid delivery. My hackjob install went smoother than the OPs pro install, from the looks of it. I would be so pissed. Good luck OP!
     
  2. Mar 23, 2019 at 6:24 AM
    #32
    Spitfire

    Spitfire New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2017
    Member:
    #10302
    Messages:
    559
    Gender:
    Male
    Long Island
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Limited Trd off road
    Sometimes it depends on what # cap you get from the mold.. from what I've heard if you get a cap towards the end of the molds lifespan the quality goes down.. warped sides etc.
     
  3. Mar 23, 2019 at 6:28 AM
    #33
    Over the LINE

    Over the LINE New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3273
    Messages:
    641
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    2016 Limited CM 4 x 4
    Toytec -Duratrac -Expedition One-Fab Fours
    It took my dealer two tries to get my ARE right. They had to do a little fiberglass work at the tailgate corners. They also had to order a specific seal, not just use the generic version "we always use" to create enough space between top and truck bed. It would have rubbed badly otherwise.

    I had a Nissan Titan I tried a Leer top on and ended up getting a full refund because it would not fit without horrible rubbing at the cab end due to an engineering/mold problem. Went with ARE and it fit Nissan fine.
     
  4. Mar 23, 2019 at 8:52 AM
    #34
    monaco730

    monaco730 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2017
    Member:
    #7382
    Messages:
    948
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Vehicle:
    16 Inferno Tundra
    Fox shocks, TRD Exhaust, TRD grill, TRD shift knob, weathertech floor/bed liners, ARE topper, FrontRunnerOutfitters cargo rack, Relentless cargo bars, color matched front bumper/side mirrors, fuel wheels, nitto RGs, K&N intake
    That's my truck
     
  5. Mar 23, 2019 at 9:04 AM
    #35
    Stewartderk

    Stewartderk [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2019
    Member:
    #27970
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Vehicle:
    2018 tundra double cab
    None
    Yeah that’s the same reason I went with are. But like some have stated.... ARE has been sold a lot and the customer service and quality has went down the drain. They had to of known that my topper was off spec if they had any QC. I will be following up with them personally and the BB and attorney general office. I live in the state of Ohio where the facility is. It is business like this that puts a bad taste in a working mans mouth
     
    TomyTun likes this.
  6. Mar 23, 2019 at 9:17 AM
    #36
    mtTundra

    mtTundra New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2017
    Member:
    #10958
    Messages:
    405
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Bozeman MT
    Vehicle:
    2016 Platinum 4X4, 1997 Tacoma 4x4
    Longer list than the wife needs to know about....
    Thats too bad thank you for the heads up as ARE was on my list. guess I pony up the few extra bucks and go with the snugtop
     
    Stewartderk[OP] likes this.
  7. Mar 23, 2019 at 10:05 AM
    #37
    socal147

    socal147 None Specified

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2019
    Member:
    #24778
    Messages:
    83
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Patrick
    Oak Hills Commiefornia
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Tonka
    Stock is so temporary
    Thanks for the info op. I am in the market for a topper. Had a SnugTop. Zero issues. ARE is out of the running. I don't play the "Not Our Fault" game. Consider small claims court if you can't get resolution.

    PS also emailed ARE with a link to this thread. Informed them of my displeasure. Doubt they care but ....
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2019
    dak13, Tundyfundy and Stewartderk[OP] like this.
  8. Mar 23, 2019 at 10:33 AM
    #38
    TomyTun

    TomyTun New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    Member:
    #5016
    Messages:
    472
    Gender:
    Male
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Off Road, Crewmax, 5.7L Non-FFV
    None
    I posted this quote in another thread this week regarding companies who ignore quality or ignore taking care of customers when issues arise. “You can fire everyone one at a company including and up to the CEO simply but taking your business elsewhere.”
     
  9. Mar 23, 2019 at 10:37 AM
    #39
    TomyTun

    TomyTun New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    Member:
    #5016
    Messages:
    472
    Gender:
    Male
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Off Road, Crewmax, 5.7L Non-FFV
    None
    I went out and checked my shell, it is a very tight fit but looking underneath at the corners up by the bed, it’s not touching. I think the extra layer of tape is helping keep the shell from touching. I don’t do “off-roading” but do take my truck down gravel/washed out roads and that may be the only time it touches. It’s closer on the driver side than passenger. I can appreciate the OP’s pissed-off-ness, these caps aren’t cheap. I had a similar situation recently with Home Depot and a Samsung frig that had the compressor go bad after 90 days. I raised hell and wouldn’t quit. Finally got it fixed, $200 gift card out of HD and a nice food reimbursement check from Samsung.
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2019
    BTBAKER and Stewartderk[OP] like this.
  10. Mar 23, 2019 at 4:09 PM
    #40
    PeterB_Lost_Boy

    PeterB_Lost_Boy New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Member:
    #25614
    Messages:
    40
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black TRD Pro
    Wow, I was about to pull the trigger on an ARE z series but that ship looks to have sailed. Too bad, it was my preferred choice, but this is jacked up.
     
    plumber802 and Stewartderk[OP] like this.
  11. Mar 23, 2019 at 4:52 PM
    #41
    TomyTun

    TomyTun New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    Member:
    #5016
    Messages:
    472
    Gender:
    Male
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Off Road, Crewmax, 5.7L Non-FFV
    None
    You can ask your dealer what happens if the shells comes in and it’s not to spec, that way that kind of conversation is out of the way and he knows you ain’t playing if it’s not right.
     
    Stewartderk[OP] likes this.
  12. Mar 23, 2019 at 5:01 PM
    #42
    ProtoJ

    ProtoJ New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20207
    Messages:
    363
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Crewmax TRD Off-Road
    There are literally negative reviews on all topper brands. I would pick the most reputable topper shop that will stand by you regardless of the brand you chose. I’m confident the shop I picked would help me out in any situation.
     
  13. Mar 23, 2019 at 6:17 PM
    #43
    tundraforme

    tundraforme New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2018
    Member:
    #18917
    Messages:
    231
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Em
    Vancouver, BC
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD Off Road Quicksand
    not the greatest picture but I got the z series and went around and checked - there is no bowing, and it isn't touching anywhere. I'm going to take it back in next week and have them lift it to check, possibly add another layer of the tape, and put down the 3M clear tape around the edge of the bed
    DSC_0838.jpg
     
    Stewartderk[OP] likes this.
  14. Mar 23, 2019 at 8:15 PM
    #44
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    I think @Bailey had similar issues with his old topper and ended up line-X the top part of the bed.
     
  15. Mar 23, 2019 at 8:20 PM
    #45
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
  16. Mar 24, 2019 at 6:34 AM
    #46
    TomyTun

    TomyTun New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    Member:
    #5016
    Messages:
    472
    Gender:
    Male
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Off Road, Crewmax, 5.7L Non-FFV
    None
    I had the same thing done when my local shop line-x my bed too.
     
  17. Mar 24, 2019 at 7:28 AM
    #47
    Stewartderk

    Stewartderk [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2019
    Member:
    #27970
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Vehicle:
    2018 tundra double cab
    None
    What it came down to is the dealer was a small time dealer... he has to sell his toppers way cheaper than most just to get folks to make the drive and purchase. And he obviously didn’t stand by my side for shit. Holiday sales in new Paris ohio. And ARE didn’t want to do anything for me. I agree.. a reputable dealer would have stood by the customer bc your customers create your reputation. But I still feel that with the size of are, they should of made this right but in return wanted the dealer to eat the cost of the topper. So I told the dealer that it’s bullshit that are would do that too you. It’s all around a bad deal but this week I’m going to contact the BBB and attorney generals office. It’s all I can do.
     
    TomyTun likes this.
  18. Mar 24, 2019 at 8:37 AM
    #48
    acsubie

    acsubie New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2019
    Member:
    #26731
    Messages:
    80
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jose
    Vehicle:
    2018 Trd Sport
    Can you file complaint with CC company if you used that?
     
  19. Mar 24, 2019 at 1:55 PM
    #49
    Stewartderk

    Stewartderk [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2019
    Member:
    #27970
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Vehicle:
    2018 tundra double cab
    None
    What do you mean cc company ?
     
  20. Mar 24, 2019 at 2:02 PM
    #50
    acsubie

    acsubie New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2019
    Member:
    #26731
    Messages:
    80
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jose
    Vehicle:
    2018 Trd Sport
    Credit card
     
  21. Apr 6, 2019 at 5:10 PM
    #51
    Jpneely

    Jpneely New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2019
    Member:
    #28557
    Messages:
    201
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    White SR5 5.7
    My brother in law had the same issues with his rubbing and they wouldn't do anything to rectify it. He just lives with it now. He was pissed and threatened legal action without even a call back from leer
     
  22. Apr 10, 2019 at 10:48 PM
    #52
    salmonator

    salmonator New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2019
    Member:
    #24185
    Messages:
    104
    Gender:
    Male
    Tigard, OR
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra SR5 4x4 DC
    I just had a ARE V series installed a couple days ago. Its funny I read all the threads i could find and tried to research any problems with ARE and Leer, didn't see this one since I actually ordered mine before the OP posted.

    the rear corners hook in toward the front of the truck right at the canopy door frame/tailgate. When first installed it was about 1/8" clear. Then I came home and found this thread. Took it back to the dealer the next day and it was touching the paint front and rear, all 4 corners of the canopy, I hadnt thought of the foam compressing more.

    Dealer wasnt much help. the slid the cap to the rear so it cleared at the back and they couldnt acknowledge that both front corners were sitting on the paint. I had watched the install video posted in this thread, I asked the installer if they ever shim these up for clearance. He said no, never and asked why I would ask such a question. Wow.

    I took a look at a CX tundra canopy they had on a display rack and the rear corners were finished different, they didnt hook in toward the front, the end of the shell was perfect at 90 degrees parallel to the door, the edge didnt hook in like mine. It actually looked like the edge was cut off with a peanut grinder/cut off wheel. I could make the same cut on mine.

    I wound up borrowing the installers impact driver, removed the clamps and shimmed all four corners 1/4" at the clamps. After this weekend I will file down the hooks and a little on the very bottom of the front corners and I'm pretty sure it will fit nicely without shimming. For sure if I shim it slightly. Actually looks okay shimmed up 1/4" as it is.

    Dealer offered to do it with a flap disk on a drill. I declined. It wont take much effort with a simple bastard file, and you wont even be able to see it. I'd just get pissed if they didnt cut it right anyway.

    Sucks to have this hassle on 2k canopy. But long ago I ordered a CX model for my tacoma and it had fit issues as well, so did the replacement they ordered. I wound up changing the order to a V series which at that time sat direct on top of bed cap and didnt hang over at all - problem solved. I was happy with it and had it 10 years. Unfortunately all of the new canopies overhang the sides, everybody wants the look I guess.

    Overall I'm not too pissed, kind of expected some kind of issues. At least I caught it early enough that the paint damage isn't noticeable. I do think its a really nice looking canopy.

    I'll post a few photos before/after.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2019
  23. Apr 11, 2019 at 1:25 AM
    #53
    Patriot

    Patriot Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2014
    Member:
    #662
    Messages:
    2,436
    Gender:
    Male
    Western NC, “Boondocks”
    This has been discussed before on the forum.

    The bottom line is piss poor installs by any topper dealer with flunky installers will result in paint damage to your bed rails and toppers that leak. Not just ARE....any of them.

    I ordered a brand new ARE Z topper that I had installed on my 2014 Platinum when I purchased it brand new in 14. My ARE dealer even measured my CM bed. He said that it was his store policy so that if the topper I ordered did not fit for some reason he would ship it back. He found that by measuring the bed rails and sending the bed rails dimensions with the PO (purchase order), he rarely had to return a topper to ARE for a poor fit.

    I explained in detail to the installers that I did not want any paint rub issues and no leaks. So yes, I had to make dam sure they knew what I wanted.
    The installers did a good job especially on the topper front corners that are prone to leaks if not sealed properly. After the install, I checked the entire cap outside edge with a credit card and had no rubbing. Left the ARE dealer and went to a laser or brushless car wash and ran the truck through, no leaks.

    If you want a topper, find a dealer who will warranty his work, has good experienced installers and YOU put in writing that you want clearance between the topper and bed rails as to not cause paint damage. If the topper dealer can’t do this your at the wrong dealership, leave.

    Unfortunately many topper minimum wage installers don’t take pride in their work and don’t give a rats a#$ about your truck.....welcome to the new... MURICA.

    Over the years I have had several ARE toppers all very good quaility. My current ARE Z has been excellent in both fit and finish.
    Don’t pay until you inspect the entire new topper throughly for fit/finish, dings, clear coat and paint damage etc, and don’t leave the shop until you inspect and are satisfied with the complete install. Get in writing what your expectations are otherwise your gonna be riding on the “boo hoo my topper sucks bus”.

    FWIW...
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2019
    plumber802 likes this.
  24. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:26 AM
    #54
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

    Joined:
    May 11, 2018
    Member:
    #15231
    Messages:
    3,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited Crewmax - Traded In
    I’ve had 2 AREs and was very happy with both. Each was from a different installer and both installers did a good job. Only issue I had was a small leak on my 18 at the front of the bed where it’s lower and the dealer took care of it. No “it’s not our fault” hassle. No paint rubbing.

    Sounds like the OP got a bad dealer. Could happen with any brand.
     
    Patriot and Black Wolf like this.
  25. Apr 11, 2019 at 6:54 AM
    #55
    acsubie

    acsubie New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2019
    Member:
    #26731
    Messages:
    80
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jose
    Vehicle:
    2018 Trd Sport
    Well said! Unfortunately I didn’t inspect my too closely until I got home, 6 months later still waiting on a replacing inner window frame
     
    Patriot[QUOTED] likes this.
  26. Apr 11, 2019 at 7:04 AM
    #56
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Yep. SUBURBAN Toppers!
     
  27. Apr 11, 2019 at 7:07 AM
    #57
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Yep. My ARE was built in 08. Still fits perfect. No rubbing. I'm using 2 layers of seal tape.
    I've seen pics here of guys using no seal tape....you will get rubbing.
     
    Patriot likes this.
  28. Apr 11, 2019 at 8:26 AM
    #58
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Camper seal tape is your friend. $6 per roll for tape or $ hundreds for paint correction??
    [​IMG]
     
    Patriot likes this.
  29. Apr 11, 2019 at 9:20 AM
    #59
    Spitfire

    Spitfire New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2017
    Member:
    #10302
    Messages:
    559
    Gender:
    Male
    Long Island
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Limited Trd off road
    i will look into this stuff.. do you apply it to the bottom of the cap or sticky stuff to the bed rails? how many rolls did you need?
     
  30. Apr 11, 2019 at 9:21 AM
    #60
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Applies to bed rails. A roll has 30'.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top