Install of digital rearview mirror (Wolfbox G900Pro) with a shell truck cap (ARE V Series)

[zookeeper]

Canopy: ARE V Series
I had a hard tonneau cover with my previous Maverick, but with passengers and longer trips, space gets tight. If I do need to haul something taller, I'm banking on the 360 cameras on my new Maverick to help me maneuver a utility trailer.

Why the ARE V Series Shell?

• Straight roof line: I have an old home with a short garage. A mid rise with roof rack would not be able to fit. With the V shell, I’ve got enough room to get my truck on a QuickJack and do things like swap in my winter tires and change the oil.
• Side bed access: I wanted to minimize the times I’d have to crawl into the bed and grab something in the front of the bed. This is the only short shell that has the windoors (windows that tilt open). I really wanted sliding windoors (windows that tilt and slide open) but that’s not an option.

Why not the ARE V?

• Quality: I knew what I was getting into based on other reviews. Luckily my issues aren’t nearly as bad, but still disappointing to see overtorqued screws, nicks in the rubber.
• Pricing: It’s ridiculous how much these things cost and why I scoffed at getting one originally. Go used if you can find one.
• Autolock: This has a T-handle and rod on the back to secure. Unfortunately, autolocking mechanisms are designed for cables that you see in Leers.

Mirror: Wolfbox G900Pro
I was looking for a digital rear-view mirror that allowed me to see shorter vehicles that were behind me and also front/rear dash cam capabilities. The rear tilt window on the ARE canopy has just enough of a bottom border that I could barely see some cars that were a car length or less behind me.

Why the G900 Pro?

• Adjustable front camera: You can angle the rearview mirror largely independently of the front camera. Since their screen protector is terrible, I angle the mirror in a way that minimizes glare. The front camera is still able to get a good field of view.
• Higher res rear camera: Other reviews have said this rear camera is better than competitors. Others have talked about just using this rear camera with another mirror.
• Voice control: It's easy to switch between front and rear cameras. Much easier to navigate while driving than the 360 cameras. Of note, the 3 camera version does not have voice control for the 3rd camera.

Why not the G900 Pro?

• A bit big: I wish there was a 10" version so it blocks less of your windshield. I do a head bob when making turns to make sure nothing's hiding behind there.
• Pricing: It's on the expensive end. The sale price seems to change quite often.
• Hit or miss on responsiveness: They're here and on Facebook. Sometimes they respond, sometimes they don't. I emailed and never got a response. Not much of a manual.
  • ETA: While you'll see Wolfbox reached out here, it was a waste of time. It took multiple DMs and emails and ultimately I was troubleshooting their email issues. Here's to hoping the mirror lasts and I don't need customer service.
• G-sensor: Not a usable feature and too sensitive even on the lowest sensitivity setting.
• Glare: This hasn't been an issue for me because I have tinted windows and the shell in the back. Skip the Wolfbox screen protector. The other reviews are correct in that it bubbles terribly. I've put on many screen protectors before and this is one of the worst.
• GPS: It often doesn't get signal so you're stuck with it saying 0 mph and an empty compass indicator. Would be better if it just displayed when it got a signal. I debate with turning it off altogether.

Mirror Install
I started with the rear camera to figure out how much cable I needed to mount the camera inside the rear tilt window. I wanted the cable to pass behind the storage cubby back into the cab. I followed this video to remove the plastic to access a spot to pass the cable into the cab. I used a fishing wire to get the cable to the back.

In the cabin, I ran the cable under the passenger side trim to avoid the airbags in the headliner and up the A pillar to the mirror. I opted for a harness from Etsy to tap into the mirror light and so far haven’t had any issues. I’m holding on to the hardwiring kit just in case.

All in all, expensive purchases but has worked out well for what I needed. I hope this helps those considering investing in a shell!

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[Maverick123]

Great looking rig, and nice writeup

OK maybe these are dumb questions, but here goes:
- on the Lariats you can simply hit the camera button to get "any speed, no timeout" digital rear view on the screen. What's the advantage of the digital rearview mirror?
- could you put your kayak upside-down and a bit further forward, so the bow curves down along the roof slope? I wonder if the aero would be better

 

[zookeeper]

Great questions.

I did try to just roll with the 360 cameras. I drive in heavy traffic areas so the quick glance to the rear view mirror is helpful to make sure I can actually stop at a yellow or red light without getting rear ended. A bonus is having the map up the whole time when I'm driving in an area I'm not familiar with.

If there was a steering wheel button to view the cameras, I think I'd be fine. It's too easy to accidentally hit the wrong button. I replaced the head unit on my Honda Fit, which already has a camera button on the stalk but you could also reprogram all the steering wheel buttons. I don't have a forscan setup to figure out if that's possible so went the more direct route.

For the kayak, I've been mostly doing shorter local trips so aero doesn't make much of a difference and loading right side up is a little faster. I'm heading out on a longer trip today with two kayaks on top so we'll flip them upside down to be more aero. The main thing when doing that is to be careful about the mount points. Mine are pretty close to the start of the hulls which are reinforced.

 

[Maverick123]

Thanks for the answers. Is the cap painted with bed liner? I like how it almost matches the plastic trim around it. Color-matched roof-level caps have a tendency to make Mavericks look like SUVs, but leaving it black avoids that

 

[grandpa_disney]

Nice Rig!

I also got an A.R.E. cap, but my windows open. I did not spring for the headliner, which was a mistake. The interior is pretty rough. I also went with Black on my Silver truck, but was unable to get flat black and had to settle for shiny. Did not want to look like Yet Another SUV. Cap does fit well and I am pretty happy with it.

I do agree it is expensive for what it is. I also had to wait for 4 months for delivery.

I use it to haul my 2 labs around so I needed windows that would open, otherwise I might have gone with Leer. My truck is a 24 XLT hybrid and has a drop in bedliner. The liner is pretty slippery, so I put in a rubber bed mat that has much better traction. I had to cut it down a bit since the drop in liner takes up some space.. Also added a ramp since my girls are getting on in years.

Believe it or not there is a Black lab next to the yellow one in the pic!

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Nice Rig!

I also got an A.R.E. cap, but my windows open. I did not spring for the headliner, which was a mistake. The interior is pretty rough. I also went with Black on my Silver truck, but was unable to get flat black and had to settle for shiny. Did not want to look like Yet Another SUV. Cap does fit well and I am pretty happy with it.

I do agree it is expensive for what it is. I also had to wait for 4 months for delivery.

I use it to haul my 2 labs around so I needed windows that would open, otherwise I might have gone with Leer. My truck is a 24 XLT hybrid and has a drop in bedliner. The liner is pretty slippery, so I put in a rubber bed mat that has much better traction. I had to cut it down a bit since the drop in liner takes up some space.. Also added a ramp since my girls are getting on in years.

Believe it or not there is a Black lab next to the yellow one in the pic!

They're too old to take a jump?!

 

[grandpa_disney]

They're too old to take a jump?!

They are 10 years old. The yellow does not have any issues jumping up or down. The Black One has a little problem jumping up. The ramp makes it easier for them both to get out.

 

[zookeeper]

Is the cap painted with bed liner? I like how it almost matches the plastic trim around it. Color-matched roof-level caps have a tendency to make Mavericks look like SUVs, but leaving it black avoids that

Yea it's ARE's version of a bedliner called OTR. I liked this look because of what you said and helps with resale value if I ever decide to move on from it. It does cost extra but ARE was running a promo at the time I was ordering.

ARE has some rule about only using colors for your vehicle. So my black options were the gloss black that our trucks come in or OTR. Leer lets you pick from more colors so I had read you can do a Jeep matte black which is an even better match to the trim.

I also got an A.R.E. cap, but my windows open...I use it to haul my 2 labs around so I needed windows that would open, otherwise I might have gone with Leer.

Larger caps have an option that both swing and slide open, which is great for dogs and bed access. My spoiled dog rides in the back seat, but in a pinch and cooler weather, I can use the tilt down slider window I got at the front.

I did not spring for the headliner, which was a mistake. The interior is pretty rough.

Yea I read that headliner can shed fiberglass so opted for a headliner. I did read you can get it added later or DIY so you might consider that.

 

[Mldavis]

Grandpa Disney, would you please share information on your ramp? My 13 year old chocolate lab is starting to need help.
Thanks

 

[grandpa_disney]

Grandpa Disney, would you please share information on your ramp? My 13 year old chocolate lab is starting to need help.
Thanks

Sure. I got it off of Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FF9RBTDF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

There are tons of options, so I rolled the dice and got this one. Pretty happy with it.

 

[grandpa_disney]

Yea it's ARE's version of a bedliner called OTR. I liked this look because of what you said and helps with resale value if I ever decide to move on from it. It does cost extra but ARE was running a promo at the time I was ordering.

ARE has some rule about only using colors for your vehicle. So my black options were the gloss black that our trucks come in or OTR. Leer lets you pick from more colors so I had read you can do a Jeep matte black which is an even better match to the trim.



Larger caps have an option that both swing and slide open, which is great for dogs and bed access. My spoiled dog rides in the back seat, but in a pinch and cooler weather, I can use the tilt down slider window I got at the front.



Yea I read that headliner can shed fiberglass so opted for a headliner. I did read you can get it added later or DIY so you might consider that.

I plan on a DIY project. I was really surprised that the inside was so unfinished. I did not get to see one before I ordered it. Only thing I regret. That and the cost .

 

[Mldavis]

Sure. I got it off of Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FF9RBTDF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

There are tons of options, so I rolled the dice and got this one. Pretty happy with it.

Lil Bit and I thank you.

 

[WOLFBOX]

Canopy: ARE V Series
I had a hard tonneau cover with my previous Maverick, but with passengers and longer trips, space gets tight. If I do need to haul something taller, I'm banking on the 360 cameras on my new Maverick to help me maneuver a utility trailer.

Why the ARE V Series Shell?

• Straight roof line: I have an old home with a short garage. A mid rise with roof rack would not be able to fit. With the V shell, I’ve got enough room to get my truck on a QuickJack and do things like swap in my winter tires and change the oil.
• Side bed access: I wanted to minimize the times I’d have to crawl into the bed and grab something in the front of the bed. This is the only short shell that has the windoors (windows that tilt open). I really wanted sliding windoors (windows that tilt and slide open) but that’s not an option.

Why not the ARE V?

• Quality: I knew what I was getting into based on other reviews. Luckily my issues aren’t nearly as bad, but still disappointing to see overtorqued screws, nicks in the rubber.
• Pricing: It’s ridiculous how much these things cost and why I scoffed at getting one originally. Go used if you can find one.
• Autolock: This has a T-handle and rod on the back to secure. Unfortunately, autolocking mechanisms are designed for cables that you see in Leers.

Mirror: Wolfbox G900Pro
I was looking for a digital rear-view mirror that allowed me to see shorter vehicles that were behind me and also front/rear dash cam capabilities. The rear tilt window on the ARE canopy has just enough of a bottom border that I could barely see some cars that were a car length or less behind me.

Why the G900 Pro?

• Adjustable front camera: You can angle the rearview mirror largely independently of the front camera. Since their screen protector is terrible, I angle the mirror in a way that minimizes glare. The front camera is still able to get a good field of view.
• Higher res rear camera: Other reviews have said this rear camera is better than competitors. Others have talked about just using this rear camera with another mirror.
• Voice control: It's easy to switch between front and rear cameras. Much easier to navigate while driving than the 360 cameras. Of note, the 3 camera version does not have voice control for the 3rd camera.

Why not the G900 Pro?

• A bit big: I wish there was a 10" version so it blocks less of your windshield. I do a head bob when making turns to make sure nothing's hiding behind there.
• Pricing: It's on the expensive end. The sale price seems to change quite often.
• Hit or miss on responsiveness: They're here and on Facebook. Sometimes they respond, sometimes they don't. I emailed and never got a response. Not much of a manual.
• G-sensor: Not a usable feature and too sensitive even on the lowest sensitivity setting.
• Glare: This hasn't been an issue for me because I have tinted windows and the shell in the back. Skip the Wolfbox screen protector. The other reviews are correct in that it bubbles terribly. I've put on many screen protectors before and this is one of the worst.
• GPS: It often doesn't get signal so you're stuck with it saying 0 mph and an empty compass indicator. Would be better if it just displayed when it got a signal. I debate with turning it off altogether.

Mirror Install
I started with the rear camera to figure out how much cable I needed to mount the camera inside the rear tilt window. I wanted the cable to pass behind the storage cubby back into the cab. I followed this video to remove the plastic to access a spot to pass the cable into the cab. I used a fishing wire to get the cable to the back.

In the cabin, I ran the cable under the passenger side trim to avoid the airbags in the headliner and up the A pillar to the mirror. I opted for a harness from Etsy to tap into the mirror light and so far haven’t had any issues. I’m holding on to the hardwiring kit just in case.

All in all, expensive purchases but has worked out well for what I needed. I hope this helps those considering investing in a shell!

Hi my dear friend, thanks for your support. Your share and feedback mean a lot to us. Can you please check your inbox and get back to me? We can figure something out.

 

[JimG1127]

I have a '24 XLT Hybrid with the ARE V cap. I think its great. I have twice the lockable storage capacity compared to a Mav with a tonneau cover. It did cost a little over $3000. Not a cheap option. It is painted Atlas blue like my truck. I think it looks factory. If people think it is an SUV I couldn't care less. I'm surprised more pickup truck owners don't go for the caps instead of the tonneau covers.

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