ARE Caps

For those that have had them in the past or current, what is your opinion of the brand over others? I have a Leer dealer in town but have been drawn to an ARE dealer that’s just a little further down the road. Leaning towards CX series currently with headliner (it’s free for Sept) and removable slider window. My main need for the cap is to keep stuff dry for road trips and will be useful during all my hunting and fishing adventures as well. Would love to see pictures of ARE caps on everyone’s trucks.

 

I have the ARE overland. This is my 2nd one. My other was on my old 2010 Tundra. It did leak initially at the front, but that was a Toyota problem as the top of the bed isn’t the same height in the front. The dealer fixed it though. No leaks now.

Make sure you get all the upgrades you want. I tried to save money the first time, but this time I got the lights and side window and am glad I did.

 

I like mine a lot. No issues with it. Got mine used. It's now around 9 yrs old and still in decent condition. Build quality seems to be pretty good. The guy I bought mine from said it sat on a trailer for over 4 years out in the elements. It needed some spiffing up. I really like it.

 

Looks good with the textured board. I really can’t see myself needing any other options you’ve mentioned so I think I’m good there but appreciate the advice.

 

What model do you have? Is it the CX?

 

I own the CX model with all the extras. Really like the cap. Mine does leak but I feel it's the bed rails not being even. Going to get it reset again, possibly talk to Toyota about seeing if they can fix the bed.
I really like the cap and all the features, use it all the time.

 

Looks good! What’s the deal with the Toyota bed rails causing leaks? Does it have to do anything with how the cap is installed?

 

No I had my ARE dealer install the cap. I feel the top cap on the bed rail is uneven not allowing for a water tight seal. Getting a bit annoying but shit happens. It’s my truck not the cap.

 

I have the CX with the side windows, it's 2 years old, a good shell, but the thing leaks right at the front where the bed is lower, need to get it reset, just no time.

 

For the leak, the top of the sides of the bed are different heights. The front is a little lower, so even though they put a foam piece in there it doesn’t seal good. All caps would have his problem. They put some butyl tape on mine and no leaks since.

 

Try some butyl tape on the outside edges. That worked for me.

 

Will do, thank you

 

Looking Sharp!

 

I have the z series with the dual led strips and locking mechinism. No compliants so far.

 

Thank you sir

 

I have a century (same as leer) and love it. Whatever brand you get do yourself a favor and upgrade to side windoors.

 

I have the Z series. Ordered it from a dealer. I considered used but couldn't find an exact match. In my opinion they are overpriced for what they are. Only problem I had with mine is a leaky rear window but I fixed that with a bead of silicone. The water drainage design is not good.

 

OP, i've owned both ARE (v series) and Leer (100r & XQ models)..
Honestly i prefer the Leer. Just my preferance. The ARE seemed a shade off, but i still lived with it. Also the ARE customer service wasnt too great. I did pay a little more for the Leer shells, but my local Leer dealer is great and build time was super quick (2 1/2 weeks) and the fitment just seemed a little better. In the end they are close competitors, but if i buy another shell used or new, it will be a Leer. Just my .02

 

Thanks. I’m kinda in the opposite boat, my ARE dealer, who’s about 25 minute drive compare to Leer of 15 minutes, seems to have better reviews for service after the sale. He used to sell Leer but dropped them, I won’t get into all that.

 

I hear ya. I think alot of it does come down to your local dealers and how well they work with customers. I was in the same boat as you years ago when i started looking at different shells. I dont think ARE is a terrible product, i just seemed to do better with Leer. Best of luck on whatever you pick.

 

I’m like 90% sold on the CX model over the Z series. It’s hard to argue the Z series is the best looking in the AREA offerings, but my concern with it is airflow and how much height you lose at the back end with those nice big hinges and the way the shell slants down. I’ll have my dog in the back as well as dead animals and feel like airflow needs to be at the top over looks for my current needs. My neighbor has a Leer 100R with the standard T handles. I’m a fan of the one-hand operation on the CX model over the 100R.

 

I cant speak much on the CX model, as i never owned one, but i haven't heard many complaints on them (other than the typical front corner water leaks where top mounts on bed). Its a good top for function/travel/hunting.

 

I’ll be sure to mention this when I take my truck in for the install. My ARE dealer has been in the business for 30 years so I’m leaning on his knowledge of proper install and knowing a thing or two about tundras and issues that have come up in the past in hopes he has a solution. Specifically if these caps don’t sit right allowing water to leak. Sounds like it can be fixed if don’t right during the install process.

 

Couple things to consider.. I have a century and this is what swayed me.. century/leer offer a completely removable front window, are only folds down.. during the warmer months I just keep it out and works great with the rear window that rolls down of the tundra.. century/leer offers the frameless window with the models that have the windoors.. it looks much better imo. Are only offers a frameless with the z series. Those dont give much ventilation or access like the windoors do.. like my century ultra sport with the windoors and removable front window

 

When I went back to get the leak fixed, the salesperson I was talking to wasn’t there. I went back to talk to the techs and explain again that I have a leak, and their first question was - do you have a Toyota? Seems to be common but fixable especially if the installer knows about the issue.

 

I got the fold down front window, but removable is much better. Had a leer years ago and liked that option.

 

I had a Leer on My Gen 1 Tundra, worked fine. I bought a Leer for my 2009 Titan and they ended up taking it back and giving me a refund because it flat out did not fit and after a trip back to the factory they could not fix the fitment issue. I bought an ARE for the Titan and I went with an ARE on the Gen 3 Tundra. I highly recommend the side opening windows and the roof rack. I included photos of my fire extinguisher and Maglite mounts. The Maglite lights up the entire inside of the cap. The mounts are just painted 1" x 4" epoxied in place.

 

Very happy with my ARE “Z”. I ordered it from ARE without the trim moulding/piece between the topper and bed rail for a cleaner “lines” finish. I also like the rear glass hinge and locking mechanism in the rear door. I have owned a few ARE toppers, they have a tough clear coat in my experience. But then again I garage my Tundra which keeps it looking new.
FWIW



No transition strip where topper meets the bed rail. You can order it this way from ARE.

 

Thanks for everyone chiming in. I ordered my ARE CX series today. Came with free carpet and only option I added was on the rear window. I got the fold down slider. 5-7 week lead times. Just a hair under $2k OTD. I feel good about my purchase.