I have a 2006 F-150 XLT SCAB w/ Long Bed. It's got 38k and is dark blue with grey trim.
I am looking at an ARE cap and want it to throw some motorcycles in the back and possibly keep it in there for some time. I have a off-road KDX200 and am working on getting a sport bike like a CBR600RR. I will most likely only be putting the sport bike in the bed because I am looking at ARE's MX series that extends above cab high about 4"-5". The bike's overall height sits right at cab high so I wanted a couple extra inches to spare.

My questions are for those with ARE personal experiences:
-Compression boot: Does the compression boot for sealing off the space between the cap and rear of the cab of the truck leak? Does it ruin paint? Is it a bad option? Any good precautions/detterents to take to prevent any of these possible problems?

-Side windows: I'm thinking of getting the screen/vent windows that are designed without the outer seal showing around the window like the standard option windows. They are designed to look more sleek and like factory truck windows and the rearmost 1/4 of them cant out like the rear "wing" windows on the '98 model Ford trucks whereas the std windows in the caps are split and slide back opening the screen. Are the optional screen/vent windows problematic with leaking? Are they worth the $$ for the option?

-Top skylight window: On the MX series there is a "window" such as a skylight that can be seen from the front on top where it slopes up from cab height to the 4"-5" overall height. This can be a fake "window" and totally sealed with solid fiberglass, have no glass at all to even get that look, or be an actual "skylight" so to speak.... Any problems with these leaking as actual windows?

-Rear door: The top line Z series is only one to have different door with hinges not showing outside and different locking system. Can this be put on the different models? Is the door better in function and locking? It looks more sleek and a better looking handle and locking system...is it?

Thanks for any insight. Does anyone know where their made?
Thanks!!

 

google.com Type ARE truck caps in, and hit search. Should be the first one, and will probably give you the info on where they are made. You can go to google, and type ARE truck cap reviews, and probably find something there also.

 

Thanks ChargersFan but I've google'd them extensively and done some research at dealers and everything...I was just looking more for personal user opinions and experiences from the people here...

 

I've had several Leer and ARE. I like the ARE better, Mine is the Z series and works quite well. The compression boot will rub the paint on the cab, are you planning on taking the back window out of your truck for a pass thru? You get all of the noise and drafts if that is your plan. I have a slider in my cab along with a slider in the shell that folds down for cleaning between the cab and camper, no other way to clean windows without it. The hardware is great, back door has hefty hinges and the seals have held up well to the heat and sun, I live in San Diego and the truck rarely is garaged.

 

" The compression boot will rub the paint on the cab, are you planning on taking the back window out of your truck for a pass thru? You get all of the noise and drafts if that is your plan."

-Thanks for your reply. So you've had a cap with a compression boot before? I was not planning to take the window out, just thought it would be good in case I ever have a dog in the back or need to stick something really long all the way through into the cab....I also thought it would keep out draft noise between the cab and cap and just keep it clean and aerodynamic through there. Is it worth it at all? Are there ways to keep it from rubbing?

 

I had a leer on another truck of mine, but if I were to get a cap for my new one, I'd go with the A.R.E.

 

I suppose you could put some of the 3-m clear bra material that is currently being used as a vehicle paint protectant. Drafts, I think are a minum since the fit of these new tops is quite well. You will get more noise from the inside of the bed since it has no soundproofing at all. I have a bed rug that helps quite a lot but......
Since my shell window folds down and cab has a slider I can put something approx 12"wide thu into the cab.Just not a big fan of the boot. allows dirt and moisture to just sit there and do there evil deeds.