Truck Cap vs. bed cover

[Dale B]

I did not have mine during the very hot months but IMO the temp back there was cooler than the truck itself. ARE glass is very dark and may have some heat/sun blocking properties. Because of this the back stays cooler than the front.

When I got my CX Revo I got the better side windows with a slider/opening with a screen. When you open the slider the screen automatically extends with the glass slider so it is a one shot operation. I got this on both sides so I could get cross ventilation. I also got the front window that tilts down with another sliding window so I have a lot of air options, but never used them yet.

The biggest issue with the Revo is both a plus and minus, depending on how you look at it. The glass is shaped to fit the large tailgate (with step for me) so it sticks out slightly from the topper to make its seal. While this works fine it would be an area that you would keep an eye on as this seal area is where I can see will need attention or replacing at some point. However, I find the fact that the glass is one piece and covers the entire tailgate so no water can work in that way, a benefit. Personally I like this and I can deal with the seal. You can see this in the pic.

Color match was dead on (Atlas Blue). Good luck with your decision.

Sharp looking truck. I am sold on the ARE with the curved back window. I just need to decide whether I need the vent in the side windows.

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[Dale B]

No issues for me ever with it getting too hot in the back and I’m in FL.

I like the sleeker looks without the vents or sliding windows on the sides. I guess that it is no different than an Expedition or Surburban.

 

[Samson16]

I’ve babied it for a year putting tarp down for any gardening stuff to keep the Bedrug pristine for travel. No longer lol. We’ll see how it cleans up.??‍

 

[Samson16]

Cleaned up pretty quick with a cordless blower, a broom, and a vacuum cleaner.

 

[Kodiak]

Sharp looking truck. I am sold on the ARE with the curved back window. I just need to decide whether I need the vent in the side windows.

When I was going over the options for the topper I looked at it this way. How much more would it cost me to add the benefits. I considered that if I ever needed to have an animal in the back, this would be a valuable option to have. Even though I do not have an animal to throw back there now, maybe I will in the future. Maybe I will sleep back there too if I ever get "put out".

I have kept every truck I have owned at least 10 years so I wanted to cover the bases now. The ARE topper is top notch IMO so they are not a cheap date to begin with. Overall it did not add much to the total and gave me a huge benefit in future if needed. I figured that could help with resale too if needed.

The clean flush look is outstanding so you cannot go wrong with the look, but even with the vent sliders the dark black glass looks great.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Dale B]

I would like to thank everyone for their advice, input, and words of wisdom. I believe that I now have the information that I was looking for to make an informed decision as to the direction that I will take with my F150. My truck went into production on 1/24/24, ahead of the scheduled 1/29/24 date. It is being built in Kansas City. I am hoping to get it by March.

You offered information on access and visibility as well as solutions and work arounds that are very helpful. I found a suggestion on another thread about a camera powered rearview mirror that might offer another solution to the visibility issue.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Kodiak]

I would like to thank everyone for their advice, input, and words of wisdom. I believe that I now have the information that I was looking for to make an informed decision as to the direction that I will take with my F150. My truck went into production on 1/24/24, ahead of the scheduled 1/29/24 date. It is being built in Kansas City. I am hoping to get it by March.

You offered information on access and visibility as well as solutions and work arounds that are very helpful. I found a suggestion on another thread about a camera powered rearview mirror that might offer another solution to the visibility issue.

Thank you for your help.

I recently installed a Wolfbox G900 as a dash cam digital rearview mirror addition with the ARE topper. I do not like the "low" angle like you would get from the licence plate and wanted the "high" view like you would get from the cargo bed camera if your truck came with that. Also having the camera up high lets you point if down a little and eliminate glare.

Originally I thought I would mount it on the top above the ARE brake light and drill a hole in the topper to run the cable inside. I also thought about mounting the rear camera on the inside of the back glass but the glass is very dark and I did not want the dimming it would give the camera. The back glass seal of the ARE is great and has multiple seals so I thought I would try to just attach it to the top of the back glass and run the cable inside and let the seal be enough. I loved the look the rear camera gave me up here and hoped this would work.

It worked extremely well IMO. You will see in the pictures that even with an all night downpour of rain, only a couple drops got into the back. This was outstanding and I have no problem leaving this setup as it is.

Another benefit of this camera was that you can see a car in the blind spot before and during the BLIS activation. It is not as good as side view if you turn on your blinker but this is fairly good as it is.

Good luck if you decide to go this route.

 

[Dale B]

I recently installed a Wolfbox G900 as a dash cam digital rearview mirror addition with the ARE topper. I do not like the "low" angle like you would get from the licence plate and wanted the "high" view like you would get from the cargo bed camera if your truck came with that. Also having the camera up high lets you point if down a little and eliminate glare.

Originally I thought I would mount it on the top above the ARE brake light and drill a hole in the topper to run the cable inside. I also thought about mounting the rear camera on the inside of the back glass but the glass is very dark and I did not want the dimming it would give the camera. The back glass seal of the ARE is great and has multiple seals so I thought I would try to just attach it to the top of the back glass and run the cable inside and let the seal be enough. I loved the look the rear camera gave me up here and hoped this would work.

It worked extremely well IMO. You will see in the pictures that even with an all night downpour of rain, only a couple dropped got into the back. This was outstanding and I have no problem leaving this setup as it is.

Another benefit of this camera was that you can see a car in the blind spot before and during the BLIS activation. It is not as good as side view if you turn on your blinker but this is fairly good as it is.

Good luck if you decide to go this route.

Thanks. Your photos are a big help. I wasn’t sure how to mount the camera. It looks like your mount prevents having to put a hole in the cap. I like it.

 

[Pantherburn]

I went with an ARE MX cap for the extra head room as I camp in my truck. Some people call it overlanding...
Every pickup I've owned I have put a cap on.

Nowadays it‘s bizarre to see a single cab truck. Dating myself… When I was growing up that’s all we had!

 

[Dale B]

Nowadays it‘s bizarre to see a single cab truck. Dating myself… When I was growing up that’s all we had!

I agree. I have had to order my RCSB F150. I couldn’t find one at the dealers or on the used market. Most of the other brands don’t even make them anymore.

 

[DansFord]

I have a RCSB on order which I plan to use as a daily driver. I have had trucks in the past, but never used one as a daily driver. My plan is to add a cab height truck cap rather than a bed cover to be able to carry things out of the wind and weather and use a trailer to carry things that won't fit under the truck cap. My daily drivers for the last twenty-six years have been two seaters, but they do have trunks, small ones. I don't see many regular cabs on the road and few with truck caps.

I thought that it would be a good idea to ask you truck guys your opinions before I spent the money for a truck cap. Any words of wisdom for a new truck guy?

I have owned 3 consecutive 1/2 ton trucks that have all had cab height caps and I wouldnt have it any other way. I have used trucks that had toono's [spelling, i know] and they were nothing but a pain in the ass, and if you add snow accumulation its worse. I also have a open trailer for those taller or messy loads. If it ever comes to it, I can always unhook the cap and suspend it in the garage ready to pull back in under it and remount.

 

[Bossharp]

The heavy aluminum one piece tonneau on my 06 SRT-10 Quad cab never leaked a drop of water which was important since I hauled PA and gear..But it fit my needs perfect. A full size ( or even high top) works better for most folks.

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

For me it’s a tonneau!

 

[Taylor425]

I recently installed a Wolfbox G900 as a dash cam digital rearview mirror addition with the ARE topper. I do not like the "low" angle like you would get from the licence plate and wanted the "high" view like you would get from the cargo bed camera if your truck came with that. Also having the camera up high lets you point if down a little and eliminate glare.

Originally I thought I would mount it on the top above the ARE brake light and drill a hole in the topper to run the cable inside. I also thought about mounting the rear camera on the inside of the back glass but the glass is very dark and I did not want the dimming it would give the camera. The back glass seal of the ARE is great and has multiple seals so I thought I would try to just attach it to the top of the back glass and run the cable inside and let the seal be enough. I loved the look the rear camera gave me up here and hoped this would work.

It worked extremely well IMO. You will see in the pictures that even with an all night downpour of rain, only a couple drops got into the back. This was outstanding and I have no problem leaving this setup as it is.

Another benefit of this camera was that you can see a car in the blind spot before and during the BLIS activation. It is not as good as side view if you turn on your blinker but this is fairly good as it is.

Good luck if you decide to go this route.

If you do not mind me asking how did you run the rear camera? My G600 just arrived today and im curious how everyone runs the rear camera to the rear of the truck cap. Did you have to order a longer cable for it as well?

 

[Kodiak]

If you do not mind me asking how did you run the rear camera? My G600 just arrived today and im curious how everyone runs the rear camera to the rear of the truck cap. Did you have to order a longer cable for it as well?

Wolfbox (and others) make a rear camera cable that is 33 feet long. I think the one that comes with the unit is like 20 feet. That 20 feet will not be long enough for the path I used. I actually saw a 50 foot one too but I used the 33 foot Wolfbox one and it was perfect.

There is a small audio company by me that I stop in and ask questions of periodically. Even if I am not buying anything they are always quick to help so I paid them to install the rear camera cable for me. $100 and they did an outstanding job. I could have done it myself but throwing these guys a bone was what I did.

They ran it from the mirror through the headliner (passenger side) and down the pillar to the rubber floor gromet and out of the truck. Under the truck to the bed and up to the rubber gromet on the front of the bed for access. It looks like they poked a hole in the rubber and pushed the cable through. It is sealed nice. I have all the excess in the bed. Once I determine where I want the camera on a more permanent basis, I will tidy up the cable. Right now it is just on the shelf on the side of the topper.

This 33 foot rear cable replacer (not extension) gives me plenty of cable to move the camera around if need be. It gives some extra length but not a lot. (I have the 145 inch wheel base) By being able to just run the cable along the seal of the back window I have a lot of flexibility. I could move the camera inside if I have something in the bed that I want to monitor and then just take another piece of mounting tape and put it back on the rear window when I am done.

The more I have used this digital rearview mirror the more I am shocked, shocked that Ford and every truck manufacturer does not make this a standard feature. Good luck and IMO the 33 foot replacement rear cable is the way to go if you are running the rear camera beyond the cab.

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