ARE Canopies [Archive] - Expedition Portal

kcowyo

07-13-2006, 04:52 PM

I don't have an ARE topper, although I hear great things about them.

Food for thought, in the latest issue of Peterson's 4 Wheel Drive magazine, Fred Williams has a short feature on outfitting a truck for camping. He bought an ARE shell that features on the driver's side,two flip up solid panels to access a couple of shallow storage shelves. There is a regular sliding window on the passenger side for visibility. It allowed for use of 90% of the usual space with a bed and topper. Pretty trick like I've seen from some Aussie toppers.

It was a utility model, painted to match. And other than seeing little Freddie stand on his spare tire to reach the tailgate, the topper was the highlight of his outfit.

Just something to get you thinking in another direction - :box:

mountainpete

07-13-2006, 05:09 PM

I don't have an ARE, I have a Range Rider which is made here in Canada. While I love my Range Rider (it's strong, looks good and does everything I need), if I had to replace it I would replace it with an ARE.

The reason is pretty simple... I wanted to get Win-doors for the sides of my canopy. It's those flip-up side windows kcowyo mentioned. The problem is that most companies only sell Win-doors with solid glass windows. ARE is the only company I know of that sell a screened, sliding Win-door. It gives you the best of both worlds - easy access to the bed and ventilation for sleeping inside, a dog in the back, etc.

My 2 cents :D

mountainpete

07-13-2006, 05:11 PM

Just remembered that BajaTaco has a great write up on his ARE shell.

http://www.bajataco.com/Camper1.html

Win-doors are covered on the second page!

Nullifier

07-13-2006, 05:16 PM

IMO ARE toppers are of the best quality. I do not think you can find a better laminated glass topper only a different one. I have an ARE topper on my daily because loading boats and over loading racks is common with me. I needed a high quality strong topper to carry loads up top. I did alot of reasearch on topper construction and in '97 when I bought my ARE I felt it was the best. I am considering a topper for my taco and am looking at the ARB. I am definetly getting the side storage boxes if I get one. I have just not decided between Glass or Aluminum. I have run back from Minnesota to Florida 3 times with 5 canoes on the roof rack of the topper! 2 tandem canoes side by side strapped down, then 2x4's on top of the tandem with 3 solo canoes tied to those for some double decker fun. The Topper handled the wieght and stress no problem.

I run an MX series on the ranger and it has served me very well. A little higher roof which makes sleeping in the back easier and the sky light is nice too.

I priced a metal ARE unit with side boxes, rack, interior lights, liner and color matched @ $1400 a month ago. so it will be next year before I add one if I do.

asteffes

07-13-2006, 11:23 PM

Yes, get an ARE with win-doors and be happy.

BajaTaco

07-14-2006, 12:37 AM

Thanks for adding the link Pete. I have had my ARE for 2 1/2 years. I have the Mpulse model with an optional lifetime warranty. So far I am still loving it. :) The win-doors rock.

Grim Reaper

07-14-2006, 03:18 AM

A bunch of the service vehicles my company has are ARE equipped. I just put the metal service style on the truck I use sometimes. I really like it. A few of the trucks have the Fiberglass models with flip up side doors.

Mose of the other employees like the ARE's better then a couple of the other brands we have.

While I like how the Fiberglass models follows the contour of the truck nicely I really like the double door model that do away with the tail gate on the truck I use. Big reason is loading over the tailgate is a pain in the keister. Its also nice in that if can be operated easily one handed so when just tossing something in thats a little too bulky to lift over a closed gate its a lot easier.

The side doors are also larger. again makes it easier to get things in and out. A small RV window would be easy enough to add for use as a campers.

They are also easer to attach racks on. They have a load brace already built in.

I have been trying to get a full fiberglass liner style shell made by fibrebody http://www.brandfxbody.com/fibrebody/inserts.htm off one of the recently decommissioned trucks. It has a full length drawer the slides out the back. It also has a bed slide above that. Fully wired for lighting with switches at the doors. No driver side glass but we have several being decommissioned so I could swap the driver side door with a passengerside off another to get the window cut out. Its a standard size so I can easily sway screened sliders in.

The powers that be have for some reason decided that they will no longer sell employees the shells or the trucks. So far I haven't been able to get around it. Use to be no big deal. Couple Hundred bucks and they would sell them. :(

JMyerz

07-14-2006, 03:52 AM

Thanks for the info,

Out here in OR the ARE is also far less in price than a LEER or Snugtop. The CH model w/ liner, windoors and lifetime warranty is $1100!

I can't find the MPulse on their site anymore so I assume the CH is very similar, it looks as so.

J

Willman

07-14-2006, 04:03 AM

Thanks for adding the link Pete. I have had my ARE for 2 1/2 years. I have the Mpulse model with an optional lifetime warranty. So far I am still loving it. :) The win-doors rock.

Hey Baja...Would you think it would be to late to upgrade to the win-doors...or do they even sell those for a DC shell??

Willman

07-14-2006, 04:05 AM

ARE is are great shells!! Good looking and very high workmanship! If i were you and had the money...Don't go cheap...Get an ARE and you will never look back!!!

JMyerz

07-14-2006, 04:12 AM

ARE is are great shells!! Good looking and very high workmanship! If i were you and had the money...Don't go cheap...Get an ARE and you will never look back!!!

They are actually the cheapest option up here in Oregon, its crazy. I'm ordering mine tommorrow!

J

Willman

07-14-2006, 04:47 AM

They are actually the cheapest option up here in Oregon, its crazy. I'm ordering mine tommorrow!

J

With no tax....Go for it man!!! Mine costed about $1200 out the door! What are you paying?

Speaking of buying from Oregon, I just bought a ARB bumper from Wheelers!!! Thread coming soon!!

oly884

07-14-2006, 05:31 PM

I ran an ARE z-series for 2 years, and loved it. Just traded it for a new kayak and gear, but it cost $1600 new, so you've have a good deal.

The Swiss

09-27-2006, 02:36 PM

A.R.E. the cheapest? Here in GA, the A.R.E MX I think is $400 more than the Leer 180!!!!

BajaTaco

09-27-2006, 02:42 PM

Hey Baja...Would you think it would be to late to upgrade to the win-doors...or do they even sell those for a DC shell??

Sorry, I didn't catch this when you posted it Wil. I have no idea if you could upgrade to windoors or not, but it would be worth calling up ARE to find out if they would send you a set. You could install them yourself or have a local dealer do it.

mountainpete

09-27-2006, 03:42 PM

A.R.E. the cheapest? Here in GA, the A.R.E MX I think is $400 more than the Leer 180!!!!

Not the cheapest by any stretch. But you do get what you pay for - especially when it comes to the color matched paint.

The Swiss

09-27-2006, 04:38 PM

Not the cheapest by any stretch. But you do get what you pay for - especially when it comes to the color matched paint.A lot of things it comes down to personal preferance. Leer is a pretty well known manufacturer of tops. What makes ARE so much better in y'alls opinion?

Nullifier

09-27-2006, 04:45 PM

A lot of things it comes down to personal preferance. Leer is a pretty well known manufacturer of tops. What makes ARE so much better in y'alls opinion?

Leer and ARE are owned by the same parent company. So i guess allies in the topper world. I think both are good units. Personally when I bought mine I called both factories and got into some nuts and bolts coversations about the lamination and I felt ARE was using a better core material then leer. This may have changed in the past 9 years but i do not know.

mountainpete

09-27-2006, 05:19 PM

A lot of things it comes down to personal preferance. Leer is a pretty well known manufacturer of tops. What makes ARE so much better in y'alls opinion?

For me it's the options that are available with ARE versus Leer. Things like win-doors, Yakima racks, extra lights, etc, are designed better from ARE then Leer. Again, just my opinion :smilies27

I have also seen 3 year old Leers age less gracefully then ARE's, especially with the way the paint has faded. Can't comment on the strength aspect though - I have a feeling that most manufacturers are pretty similar at that price range.

robert

09-28-2006, 03:21 AM

I looked at Leers and AREs before buying my ARE- the difference in quality was very apparent. Supposedly there is more than one plant making the Leers and quality varies, but the ones I looked at had noticible flaws and thinner construction. On the other hand, I have a Leer tonneau cover that appears very well made (and I need to get it out the yard if you are interested :peepwall: )- not just saying that, it does seem very nicely made.

I wish I had gotten the fold down front glass and side windows now but I was being cheap at the time. I did install a Yakima rack with tracks that I like (excepting the Hulley Rollers which rotate when pushing a sea kayak forward- PITA).

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/IMGP1670.jpg

The Swiss

10-03-2006, 04:19 PM

BajaTaco

10-03-2006, 06:03 PM

I noticed that hardly anybody here has a mid-raise top on their truck. Everybody seams to prefer the low roof line. Why?
I'm looking at the Leer 180 and the ARE MX thinking that some extra head room or cargo volume might be welcome. Any major draw-backs?

For me, it was due to the added height. That is because I added a fairly tall roof rack configuration with a spare tire. On top of that, I sometimes haul a canoe. If you are not concerned with the final height (and added wind drag) using the taller campers, then they are definitely an advantage where more interior space (and headroom if you sleep inside) are concerned. Like most of the stuff we do, there are trade-offs for both versions.

The Swiss

10-03-2006, 10:13 PM

For me, it was due to the added height. That is because I added a fairly tall roof rack configuration with a spare tire. On top of that, I sometimes haul a canoe. If you are not concerned with the final height (and added wind drag) using the taller campers, then they are definitely an advantage where more interior space (and headroom if you sleep inside) are concerned. Like most of the stuff we do, there are trade-offs for both versions.Thanks for your reply. Happy to hear that in your opinion over all hight and wind drag are the only issues as I was aware of those disadvantages. (I actually wonder how much difference on the mpg a mid raise roof really makes) Just hoped there would not be anything else I overlooked, top too heavy for composit bead or whatever.

The final hight might just become a concern if I decided to move my Maggiolina from the trailer back to the vehicle. Other than that, I'm trying to keep my roof as "clean" as possible, for wind drag, wind noise and over all hight issues ... ;)

robert

10-04-2006, 01:52 AM

I had a higher roofline shell on my old Taco. It had better headroom for camping in, but I carry boats on top and it looks cleaner. The new Tacos gas mileage is already crappy enough so I didn't want to lower that either.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/Tacomaside.jpg

and that trucks untimely demise (the shell held up though)- I basically walked away from that wreck

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/Tacoma0005.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/Tacomawreck0003.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/Tacomawreck0004.jpg

The Swiss

10-04-2006, 12:45 PM

Robert,

Ouch, that hurts. What happened to your old Taco? Back on subject: Do you remember how much mpg you lost with your old Taco after installing the high top?

(BTW, gas consumption on my '06 is about where I expected it. I average about 19mpgs right now on mixed small town, interstate and Atlanta traffic)

robert

10-04-2006, 01:17 PM

A 17 year old kid (who had numerous run-ins with the law for crimes including alcohol and drug issues and should have been locked up at the time- stupid judges :mad: ) crossed the double yellow lines while speeding on a two lane road and hit me- I basically walked away; he died on scene still wearing his seatbelt.

I don't think I really lost any mileage with that 19995 Taco; it got around 18mpg around town and 20-21 on the highway. The new Taco got around 18 mixed driving (very low end of 18) with the tonneau cover and now gets right at 16mpg. The dealer says everything looks good and that's normal for the 4.0. I like the truck, but hate the gas mileage- ridiculous for a newer vehicle to get such poor numbers. :violent-smiley-031:

salsataco

12-14-2006, 01:27 AM

Robert, do you have any side views of your cap set up. I used to run a set of racks on the truck and another on the cap(on my 02), which allowed for a great configuration for carrying multiple boats, bikes, and a box. It looks like with the new body style it would not sit too level??? Also what make of ARE is that. I have in my fleet 2 14' rec kayaks, 5 whitewater boats, 3 mtn bikes, 15' canoe, and a Thule Evolution Box. I use YAKIMA racks because I like em! My other thought would be to go with the raised MX cap and try to put a basket on the front to level out the whole rack system. I could use soem help so if anyone has any ideas feel free to chime in. Thanks.

robert

12-14-2006, 04:54 PM

These are the only pictures I have handy; I can take some more if you need them. The shell is their CX series- it's not listed for the Tacoma on their website, but they do make it for them. I got the half sliding windows for better ventilation when camping or carrying the dogs. I really wish I had gotten the fold down front window and the hinged side windows.

The only thing I don't like about it so far is the cheesy light in the rear; it's battery operated (4AA batteries). I keep meaning to convert it to 12v but haven't gotten around to it. The bars are the 66" versions, any longer and they stick out enough to catch on stuff. You have to plan what you are carrying obviously; my biggest complaint about the whole thing is my Space Booster only opens on the right side and I would rather carry it on the left and put the kayak on the right.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/IMGP1707.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/P1010171.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/bajatacoma/P1010227.jpg

kcowyo

12-14-2006, 05:11 PM

Wow Robert, I hadn't seen the pics of your old truck. You are one lucky, lucky guy! And the HiPo always say they never have to unbuckle a dead guy....

So the Great State of Denial is in Tarheelia? Those two overlook pics are on the Blue Ridge Parkway for sure. Is the first one Lake Junaluska?

I think those are the first pics I've seen of your Tacoma, nice looking outfit!

rogersja63

12-14-2006, 06:01 PM

Here's my CH model ARE and as others have said the quality can't be beat-

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/DSC00348.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/DSC00346.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/DSC00343.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/DSC00340.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/TieingCanoeDown.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/DSC00365.jpg

Ryanmb21

12-14-2006, 06:46 PM

Wow that is a nice truck, love the pick with all the win-doors open!

robert

12-14-2006, 08:56 PM

Actually I'm in SC, but yeah, those pics were on the parkway outside Asheville. The lake is Lake Jocassee; I went paddling then headed up to see some friends. It was kinda funny being on the parkway with a 17' sea kayak; I actually had one person tell me that I had the wrong type of kayak for up there- doh (I also own a whitewater kayak).

The shell fits really well and blends with the truck lines beautifully- I'd recommend the side opening windows like rogers has though.

BajaTaco

12-14-2006, 09:26 PM

Here's my CH model ARE and as others have said the quality can't be beat-

Beautiful truck! I like what you are doing with it, very nice. Welcome to ExPo :ylsmoke:

salsataco

12-14-2006, 10:07 PM

rogersja63

12-14-2006, 10:54 PM

Beautiful truck! I like what you are doing with it, very nice. Welcome to ExPo :ylsmoke:

Thanks, definitely my style of 4 wheeling represented here.

rogersja63

12-14-2006, 11:17 PM

Thanks folks! This is such a wonderful forum.:clapsmile Roger do you have tracks mounted on your truck? Why did you go that route insted of just the regular feet. Also do you get any leak along the side if the CH since it does not come over the bed caps? Do these caps have a sufficient bulb seal or did you 2 use extra foam etc...? One last question. DO either of you wish you had gone with the raised MX version? Thanks.

Yep, mounted on the truck cab. I think it's a lot cleaner look, more versitile positioning of the bars, and I wasn't afraid to drill my roof.;)

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/YakimaRackonCab.jpg

No leaks along the sides because of the nice bulb seals but I do have a little leakage up in the front corners because of the way the new body style bed is designed. The front wall of the bed is about an inch lower than the sides, so sealing along the front is challenging. Although truth be told, I haven't tried to reseal it yet either. And nope, it took me long enough to appreciate the look of a shell in the first place (never had one before this) so there's no way I would like the raised MX version. There's plenty of room to sleep in mine and with the windoors the extra height would be wasted IMHO. Without the windoors it would be pretty useful though. Here's my crude attempt at a sleeping platform.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/StorageClosed.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3/rogersja63/StorageOpen.jpg

BajaTaco

12-15-2006, 12:22 AM

Here's my crude attempt at a sleeping platform...

That looks very familiar. Haven't I talked to you before? BTW, I would hardly call that "crude". That is awesome!

rogersja63

12-15-2006, 12:39 AM

That looks very familiar. Haven't I talked to you before? BTW, I would hardly call that "crude". That is awesome!

Thanks again. I think we have, maybe on TS or TTORA. That's where I've posted the pic's of the sleeping platform a while back. I don't spend much time over at TS anymore, mostly TTORA. But as my truck evolves into more of an expo type vehicle I've been lurking here a lot lately too. Great site you guys have here!

salsataco

12-15-2006, 01:18 AM

BajaTaco

12-15-2006, 02:07 AM

Go Jake! LOL

That looks pretty neat with the roof basket and the hi-top shell.

rogersja63

12-15-2006, 02:10 AM

I had some fun playing with photoshop. So here is my concept. I changed Rogers vehicle to look like mine. I thought it would be fun if my buddy Jake drove. No disrespect. Good thing is I got my better half to agree that we should put an ARB on the front. Roger do you have a lift? And what size tires are those? Please feel free to provide some direction. I would liek to be able to sleep in the back with a raised platform, but am a large 6'1". The flat cap is doable but tight. Thanks.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/salsataco/mxtruck2.jpg

None taken, pretty funny.:sombrero: Yes, I have SAW 2.5's w/700# coils on the front and my own combination of Trail Gear and ALCAN leafs on the back. Gives me about 2.5" up front and around 4" in the rear when it's empty. The truck sits level when my travel trailer is hooked up. Plus as heavy as the truck is, it will still flex to the bump stops when asked to. The tires are Remington Wide Brute 285/75R16's but I'm getting ready to replace them with some BFG AT 295/75R16's since I have the room and the horsepower. The guys at Marlin Crawler are swapping out my differential gears to a 4.56 ratio soon as well. I can barely sit up (all scrunched over) with my sleeping platform in there and I'm around 5'11". With the windoors though, I just roll in and out with some collapsable steps strapped to the tires.

Super Doody

01-06-2007, 04:39 AM

FYI sorry if I'm little off topic.

I have a sungtop campershel. ln terms of fit and design its probably the best out there because its a factory option for tacomas. Snug top worked with NUMMI to design it. I know because I know a few people who work there. I didn't have any ARE dealers around me so I had a choice between snug top or leer. Leer was cheap and flimsy and the sale guys told me they have more warranty problems with leers and their hardware. I'm happy with the construction with my snug top but the assymbly was done poorly with different size bolts and different torque rating for the bolts that hold the window. I noticed that there is an additional piece of fiberglass on roof for strength I believe.

It also came with carpet and light which were options for the leer. I ordered it with a flip down front window and rails for racks. I paid around $2100 OTD.

Someone told me that I can get wind doors installed for the side windows. But at least my screen window can slide open now but I still have to crawl in to grab the lever.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o215/saltytaco/PICT0268.jpg