Finally got my A.R.E. cap installed. Overall I like the look of the cap but fit and finish not so much. What I really don't like is the fiberglass tail piece they added to the bottom of the window. I understand they need to do this to allow their caps to fit multiple trucks with different tailgates. What I don't like is how they finished it off. The underside is uneven with fiberglass strans still showing. The rubber gasket is deformed on the drivers side as well. I didn't notice while picking it up because the top side of that tailpiece was almost white and I had to get the installer out to correct / clean it. There were a few other small things that were all dealer not caring what he was doing things. I called the dealer when I got home. He said, they all come that way. Not much quality control in the cap industry.. Thinking that was BS I contacted A.R.E. directly. Got an email back saying sorry but that is the way their engineering department designed that piece. I had to ask for clarification that their engineering department designed this piece to have a deformed rubber gasket AND a partially unfinished underside with fiberglass strands showing... Still waiting to hear back.. Anyone looking into one of these caps.. be aware..

 

I got the z-series. its almost perfect.

I think the century line z series equiv is a step above the are z-series.

which someone would make a mid high z-series

my first choice was the spaceKap, but that was tripple the price.

 

Could you post a picture of the underside of your piece? I would like to send it to ARE for comparison. Thanks

 

Mike is carpeted from the factory

 

Got a Snug Top cap on mine. Tailpiece is nicely finished.

 

Thanks. That would make sense why mine looks the way it does. It’s missing the carpet. What year did you get yours?

 

Im ready to get a new topper and was going to try A.R.E..currently have a LEER on another truck. But seeing this is disappointing and I may change back to LEER or try Century ( same mfg )

 

Snug top is best construction, IMHO. They also are the least visually pleasing. Windows are too small and the angles don’t match the truck at all. They are the only brand with a rain gutter around the rear window.

 

I bought my truck in mar 2019 and bought the top new about 1 month later.

I think carpeting is an optional charge.....not a stock item.

definitely looks better with carpeting.

the carpet also accepts Velcro too...so Velcro curtains, accessory nets, etc.

 

Last year I chose a Century (very pleased with it), I went this route because the local dealer here has the most popular makes on display. On the ARE I too saw the blemished rear window piece and wasn't thrilled, the general quality was poor.

 

can you post some pic

agree that the century I was was top notch compared to ARE and LEER.

my ARE locks freeze up during the winter and I carry a battery operated air heater to thaw them out. Other than that, no complaints .

 

My ARE dealer inspected my Z topper before calling me and telling me it’s ready for install. Install, fit and finish was perfect. Zero complaints.





2020 Tremor and ARE Z topper

 

Can you post a picture of the underside of the fiberglass tail piece? I sent the picture speakerfritz provided along with mine back to A.R.E. and my dealers showing a side by side comparison. Haven't heard back from either. Would be great to send another.


My cap is carpeted. Dark grey headliner is now standard. Looks like it could be deleted if for some reason you don't want it.

 

No problems with mine, fit, finish and paint was all great. I was worried the UG paint wouldn't match but they nailed it. One thing that I agree with others about is the piece on back window that goes over tailgate is kinda flimsy and has up and down movement. Just have to make sure to pull down from corner of glass to start and other hand grab the handle to close, if that makes sense.

 

Can I ask you for the same? Looking for pictures of the underside of the tail piece.. Is yours carpeted or painted?
Thanks!