A.R.E. V Series Truck Cap installed

[prsncat]

Thank you. Is the last photo a Maverick? If so, then I'm thinking you swapped out the clamps for the bolts. Nonetheless, the cab looks like a good fit for the Maverick. Many thanks for taking the time to post your experience and answer questions.

Yes. The last picture is a shot down the left side of the same shell in the other pictures.

I posted it in response to the conversation about clamps versus bolts. This picture shows that I chose to have the shell bolted to the bed on my 2023 Ford Maverick.

The A.R.E. cab high shell on the 2005 Ford Ranger parked next to the Maverick is also bolted to the bed. You can see the bed of the Ranger peeking out on the top picture.

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[Dad]

Yes. The last picture is a shot down the left side of the same shell in the other pictures.

I posted it in response to the conversation about clamps versus bolts. This picture shows that I chose to have the shell bolted to the bed on my 2023 Ford Maverick.

The A.R.E. cab high shell on the 2005 Ford Ranger parked next to the Maverick is also bolted to the bed. You can see the bed of the Ranger peeking out on the top picture.

Yeah, the other pics didn't look like a Maverick which prompted my question. Thanks for the clarification. I thinking clamping initially is a smart move to make sure all fits the way you want or if your prone to remove the shell often.

 

[prsncat]

Yeah, the other pics didn't look like a Maverick which prompted my question. Thanks for the clarification. I thinking clamping initially is a smart move to make sure all fits the way you want or if your prone to remove the shell often.

I agree. My shell was clamped at first. Then, I saw pictures of the HPR MX-series and realized it was mounted closer to the cab. I took mine back to Fuller Truck Accessories & Camper Shells in Fullerton, California and had them move the shell closer to the cab. I also asked them to bolt it on instead of using the clamps.

Consequently, I completely agree that you should clamp it first. Bolting it on is a personal preference.

I sure do like the look of the V-series and the Leer over the mid-rise. Yet, I am glad I went with the mid-rise since I have needed the additional height several times.

 

[Dad]

I agree. My shell was clamped at first. Then, I saw pictures of the HPR MX-series and realized it was mounted closer to the cab. I took mine back to Fuller Truck Accessories & Camper Shells in Fullerton, California and had them move the shell closer to the cab. I also asked them to bolt it on instead of using the clamps.

Consequently, I completely agree that you should clamp it first. Bolting it on is a personal preference.

I sure do like the look of the V-series and the Leer over the mid-rise. Yet, I am glad I went with the mid-rise since I have needed the additional height several times.

And there it is . . . a great example for using the clamps first. Thanks.

 

[tkammen270]

1/1/24 Update!

It leaks! I am having water get in from the seal on the front of the cap near the cab. It looks like they used three layers of quarter inch foam and it is not working. I'm going to contact them again and show some videos and pictures.

You can see in my photo about an inch of water collects in between the rear window and the front of the cap. I know me running a hose isn't rain but if the truck sits out in a heavy storm I bet a bunch of water would collect there. I am really hoping we can solve this issue. I want to add a bed rug but I don't want it to get soaked.

 

[Maverickman74]

Given what mine experiences in car washes its not great. Leaks from rain are minimal by comparison. I personally dont think it will ever seal enough at the front rail. My solution that I have yet to try is form a piece of 2-3" thick foam that fits the gap at the top of the cab tightly and fills the void preventing water from running in. Basically i think for a Maverick cap to be 99.9% waterproof it will have to be sealed against the cab of the truck and at the rail providing a double layer of protection.

I just havent found the right piece of foam on island yet to try it out. I do have a boogie board I was thinking of cutting up to try, just havent done it yet.

 

[HoverDivine]

Really nice looking rig! I like that topper. I had one when I was in college. I used the heck out of it. Very useful, especially when hauling drunk people home from a party. Easy cleanup!

 

[Cg1856]

I wonder if that top make little camper.
leave tailgate down maybe screen or some harder sides.
maybe Something put together whey you get to the camp site.

 

[thev8man]

I ordered this on November 24th from Suburban Caps in Suffern, NY. The lead time was 4 to 6 weeks and I received the call it was ready on December 19th. I had it installed on December 23rd and it only took about 50 minutes. Fitment is great and Suburban Caps was great to work with. With the options and paint match it came out to just under 2800.00 with tax.

This is my first time owning a truck with a cap. I ordered this with the sliding windows and a grey head liner. No other options. If I did it again I would try to get one with a keyless lock for the rear window. I am hoping there's a retrofit kit available. I would also add roof rails to get some tie down points on the ceiling. I really want to put a net on the ceiling for storage.

Booyah
I like it, the price is a bit rough though

 

[tkammen270]

I bought some new seals and new clamps. This weekend my buddy and I plan on removing the cap and resealing it. I want to move it close to the cab as well.

 

[m5040]

Have you noticed any change in the fuel economy?

 

[tkammen270]

Have you noticed any change in the fuel economy?

I haven't noticed a change with city mpg but there was a change with highway mpg. I did a trip from NJ to Maine this past weekend and I averaged 32MPG. That's the best fuel mileage I have gotten from the truck.

 

[tom_tucker]

1/1/24 Update!

It leaks! I am having water get in from the seal on the front of the cap near the cab. It looks like they used three layers of quarter inch foam and it is not working. I'm going to contact them again and show some videos and pictures.

You can see in my photo about an inch of water collects in between the rear window and the front of the cap. I know me running a hose isn't rain but if the truck sits out in a heavy storm I bet a bunch of water would collect there. I am really hoping we can solve this issue. I want to add a bed rug but I don't want it to get soaked.

Of course it leaks. It leaks like a screen door boat. Here's the quick, easy and cheap solution to keep 99% of the rain out. Also, put some putty in that indent on the bed rail on both sides (near the cab). I think you already saw this. Also, I sealed the tailgate.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...er-shell-installed-w-photos.33022/post-640117

 

[tkammen270]

Of course it leaks. It leaks like a screen door boat. Here's the quick, easy and cheap solution to keep 99% of the rain out. Also, put some putty in that indent on the bed rail on both sides (near the cab). I think you already saw this. Also, I sealed the tailgate.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...er-shell-installed-w-photos.33022/post-640117

I did see what you did. It's a great idea. I am thinking of doing the same. My buddy thought about putting a seal on the side of the cap so it would seal with the end of the cab. The seal with the PPF on top would keep all the water out. My truck is ceramic coated so I need to buff that off to get the PPF to stick on the roof.

 

[tom_tucker]

I did see what you did. It's a great idea. I am thinking of doing the same. My buddy thought about putting a seal on the side of the cap so it would seal with the end of the cab. The seal with the PPF on top would keep all the water out. My truck is ceramic coated so I need to buff that off to get the PPF to stick on the roof.

The fiberglass contact surface of the cap is rough on the underside, so it doesn't seal well. I took it back once (waste of time), they just add another layer of tape. No change in the leak. I put butyl putty to smooth out the fiberglass contact surface (front seal) and put putty in those 2 side channels. Still leaked badly but improved a little bit.

Mine is pretty much flush to the cab on the sides, not much left to seal with the top sealed 4" down both sides. I'll call it an air gap. No fogging, I don't know if that's due to the tiny air gap remaining or not. Really happy with the PPF seal beyond the slight cosmetic downgrade.

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