A.R.E topper ISSUES 2018 tundra

This is a photo of the “hook” at the door/tailgate that is on my canopy but wasn’t on the CX canopy at dealers lot. You can see the interference pretty easy, no way this is going to sit all the way down without hitting the paint.

 

Something definitely doesn't look right...

 

I concur. Most folks seem pretty favorable toward Snugtop, but my experience was anything but good. Horrible fit/finish on the front window (sharp metal shavings sticking out), leaked like a sieve from the rear brake light area, and the regional sales guy arguing with me about my satisfaction with the top after it having been sent back twice to the factory. Sure looked nice, though.

 

I prefer applying to the bottom edge of the topper. If you choose to remove your topper some of the topper insulation tape an be a PIA to remove. Just another option.

 

Correction....it's best to apply it to the shell but can't hurt anything by applying it to the bed rails.

 

I picked up a 13 year old ARE V series shell for my 2002. It doesn't rub/touch the paint anywhere but the build quality is pretty bad. If I ever fork out the big bucks for a new one I doubt I could go with ARE. I'm sorry to hear it damaged your paint.

 

My 14 had the same issues with the ARE canopy on it. Very disappointing. I sold the 14 and now I have a Snugtop on my 2007, and have no issues. That said I bought a canopy that does not overlap the sides this time, I like them better anyway.

 

Better that way.

 

Try replacing the A.R.E. with a Leer and see if that corrects the paint rubbing issues.

 

The smart thing to do no matter what brand is to check fitment at the installation place before you drive off. Any decent place wouldn't let you drive off with a dicked up topper and fitment...just sayin..

 

I'm having the same rubbing issues as the op of this thread. I purchased the truck used with the shell and the damage was already done. I almost didn't buy the truck because of damage done to the paint. Mine is a leer 100xl. The previous owner purchased it brand new & paint matched for around $2500. My damage is at the rear bed corners and across the length of the tailgate. I think I'm going to have them do a small strip/thin layer of line-x or similar to remedy the paint situation (I want to keep the factory bed caps). I'm also going to do some filing to the shell get a better fitand finish. I'm open to other ideas or suggestions....

 

Yikes. That's a bummer. I think line-x would be a good solution. Let us know how much that costs. My ARE topper initially had a good fit, but after time, offroading, carrying weight on the racks, it started shifting and rubbing. I just replaced the seal with a larger one made by Extruded Solutions, and it helped a ton. It sits perfect at the moment with no rubbing anywhere. The original seal was just flattened like beef jerky. Not sure what it looked like when it was fresh. I also applied some 3M paint protection film in the trouble spots after touching them up.

Depending on what your seal looks like, I would think a new and better one would help some. I did the Super Cap seal XL with the front rail seal.
https://extrudedsolutions.com/TruckCapSeals.html

 

If nothing else, this thread has been helpful to make people aware of potential rubbing issues that may arise with ANY brand topper. I'm waiting to find a deal on Craigslist for a decent used topper, I think I will make sure to double up on the foam tape and make sure that the corners fit without rubbing.

 

I have been looking for a topper and was set on the ARE MX Series, as I will be camping from the back of my truck when in bear country. However, I am a little worried because this is not the first instance where I have read of multiple fitment issues. I am in North Dakota and the nearest SnugTop is in Oklahoma (out of the question), Leer wouldn't be too far and also one of the top dealers in the country, and the ARE dealer is one of the top in the country as well and located in Montana...where truck toppers are extremely common on pick ups. I do mostly believe it comes down to dealer reputation, skill, and service capability.
Now, I am going to back track a little and ask about SoftTopper. I say back track because I wanted a hard top to add a buffer zone from bears. Which run-ins really aren't too common, but when they happen it really isn't much fun...depending on the outcome I guess.
So who has or recommends SoftTopper??
The ARE dealer is Rocky Mountain Toppers and are supposed to be pretty top notch.

 

LOVE the pac rack drawer/rifle set up!

 

Anyone with an ARE for a crewmax that has rack tracks....
Do yours extend slightly past the end curve of the shell? My Tacoma wasn’t like this and I ordered the exact same shell just for a tundra.

 

I would say that is an incorrect install. I don't think they should go over like that. I did not install mine like that.

 

Mine does not, I will take pictures for you if you want to see

 

It came from the factory that way now I’m mad lol

 

Yes please. I’m going to take it back to the company so would love pictures to show others aren’t like that

 

That's a "oh crap we ordered the wrong length tracks but we are gonna save money and sneak these on and hope the customer doesn't notice" job

 

I'm at work and this is all I have stored here but you can see the rails end way before the end of the cap. I'm actually trying to think up something to put on the end so I don't scrape my paddleboard when I have the cross bars/lock up there. I'll take more in the daylight tomorrow

 

That’s perfect thanks! Ya I just called the place it was installed and they said it’s wrong

 

Perfect! Let me know if you still want/need pics.

 

What system you using for your paddle boards and what paddle boards. I actually race them professionally lol. Might be able to give you some ideas

 

thanks! i have this https://lockrackus.com/ with two touring boards. i have a lift and i'm only 5'9" which normally isnt an issue but it is for this!

 

If someone has a second, can you measure how far apart your rack rails are please. My Prinsu is like 1.5” too narrow so now I’m thinking maybe they put them too far apart as well.

Thanks for all the responses. Helped a lot! Would never have caught it if it was for this forum!

 

I use to have a full size cargo van that was lifted 2” that i travelled in for races. It had racks on top and then I had the Yakima sup pups. So it was super tall but I got boards up by feeding them from the back. If you have an extra bar you can make a roller. Put the bar as far back as possible and add one of the cheap round bar pads or even a pool noodle. It will act as a roller. Put the nose of the board on that, shimmy your hands back on the board and then feed the board forward on the “roller” onto the rack.

Just one option

 

man that is shitty QC..for the price they charge for those toppers..it should be spotless

 

Thanks! That is kinda what I was thinking of doing, but haven't had time to get up there and work it out yet. I have a civic, which was my only vehicle before the Tundra, and it was SO MUCH easier to load onto that thing. haha. I will go out and measure now