I am thinking about getting an ARE Z series cap for my 2006 f350 cc lb. Does anyone have any experience with these?I had A Leer on my 04 f250 an was not totally happy with it. Also if anybody has any pictures of one That would be great.

Thanks
Brett Ferris

 

Leer? Did you say Lear?!?! Around here that's a swear word. I've heard nothing bad about ARE and nothing good about Lear (after I got mine, of course). My next one will be an ARE

 

Haven't had an ARE on this truck, but it will very shortly. I had a Z series on my last truck and it was great. Very well constructed, great fit and finish, lots of options, blah, blah, blah.

Haven't had the others, so can't really comment on them.

 

I have been very happy with my ARE on my 05 F250 FX4x4. In my opinion, the ARE makes the best looking cover - they are molded to match the hood. The mechanical aspects are very good also. I have not taken mine off yet (8 months of use), and that part looks a little difficult.

I have a friend with a new 06 and had a lowrider put on it by the dealer. It looks too flat on the bed (no molding).

ARE's tend to be a little pricey, but I would suggest you look around. I found pricing from $1100 to $1400 in a three state area around Arkansas, but then went to Kentucky and found one for less than $800.

Also, check the ARE site for a $50 coupon.

 

I have an ARE CX series cap with the lift up door that has the center (all glass) walk through door, fully carpeted, two drop down clothing hooks, drop down window in the front for cleaning, flush glass side windows. Fantastic product. They are made not far from where I live and I recently visited the factory ( Fearnly, Nevada). State of the art facility. Their ability to color match is spot on. And they only use Dupont paints and clear coats. ( Make damn sure of your paint code before ordering, Ford has some differnet numbers for the same color). Unlimited options to choose from. You can get the $50 off coupon from their website or if you are a Costco member just show them your card and you get the same deal. Worth every penny you pay.

 

Opps, should have said camper shell. Their CAPS have the best seal on the market. Good rams and locking system.

 

Thanks for all the info, I think I am going to go for the Z series. I am looking for a dealer now. The dealer in my area did not impress me when I was looking for a cap a few years ago. The place was very messy and when i walked in the two guys that worked there were sleeping. I had to make a bit of noise just to wake them up. Not the kind of people I want installing anything on my new truck. Anybody know any good dealers on the east coast. I live In NC, but will drive for a good price and good service. I have to break that new diesel in sometime.I did a search on ARE web site and found a few dealers. But nothing beats talking with people who have used a dealer before.

Thanks again,
Brett Ferris

 

ARE's are great and the fact that they are also made in Fernley, NV makes them even better!

 

I like the looks of mine. The paint matches perfect and the shine is great. It was about $1300. I do have 2 complaints. I have had to remove both side windows to fix leaks. They use very thin strips of sealant and they slowly shifted out of place. First one happened at about 14 months and second one a few months later. Also the latch loops for the rear window are plastic. After about a year and a half the latch cut completely through the loop. I would have expected better for the price, but from what I hear, some of the other brands really stink.