I did look through the sticky but it is really hard for me to tell anything so I am hoping someone that bought one recently and did all their research could help out. Basically, while I do prefer the look of the truck as is, I think it would be much more beneficial to me to have a cap on it rather than a tonneau. I like the idea of having a large, dry lockable space to use for camping trips, vacation, and high enough to be able to put bikes back there, possibly a dog, etc. So, in this case, since they all work for what I mentioned, I need to narrow it down to what looks nicest on the truck. I have read where it is a good idea to get the fold down front to be able to clean the rear window, so that is a good idea, along with the liner. But other than that, I see several models from Leer, SungTop, and ARE and I would like to know at least a little bit about what I am looking for before I go into a dealer. I do need to see them in person to help get a better idea, but before I go there, I would like some idea of what model to look for, what features, etc. What models/features do you guys think I should focus on when I go look at a dealer? I know there is one nearby that sells Leer/Snugtop and a separate ARE dealer a little farther away.
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Help with truck cap. There are too many choices!
- Thread starter dm6
- Start date
Rockcrawlindude
a rock crawlin’ dude
First, I looked at literally hundreds of pictures online of rams with toppers and did a few “build and price” online to see what models I could afford to look at
Then, I went to a dealer that had about 5 or 6 different toppers on display so I could see the latches and windows etc.
at the dealer I got to see the naked fiberglass (it’s whiteish) and decided That headliner was a must for me and I decided on my side windows then as well. I also decided on the one center latch out back.
Then, I went to a dealer that had about 5 or 6 different toppers on display so I could see the latches and windows etc.
at the dealer I got to see the naked fiberglass (it’s whiteish) and decided That headliner was a must for me and I decided on my side windows then as well. I also decided on the one center latch out back.
I did much the same and came to the same conclusion with the headliner, it was no longer optional. It got a bit easier for me once I decided I wanted a bit of extra headroom, less choices then to think about. I also looked at both the one center latch and the two side latches and went with the two side latches. Best to look at all that sort of stuff yourself too as you can see, two similarly very smart guys can look at the way the back window latches and go with dissimilar choices. 
Yep for ARE my dealer included the headliner in the base price. I would get it anyways. Softer if you bash your head, insulation/prevents condensation if you sleep back there.
I went with cab high, because i like the look better and the interior height would be enough. If I had a midsize truck, where the interior height is less, I might more aggressively consider a mid-hi.
I chose vented windoors. I liked the concept of ventilation (standard on. The sliding windows), for camping, or if I were to ever put the dog back there. However I also looked the concept of the lift up windoors. Now that I have had the windoors a couple months, I’m not sure how functional they are for me. The bed rail is so high on this truck, plus a couple inches above the rail , I cannot really reach in very well. However they are relatively cheap to be order vs retrofit is way more expensive. Plus if I ever need to reach the front of the bed when it’s totally filled with stuff, I can.
I went with single t-handle on the rear door. Dealer tried to sell me on double, since it’s a simpler system, more robust. But having to unlock and open 2 latches to unlock seems like more of a pain.
Idk, lots of options, think about how you plan to use it and decide what you think the best choices might be. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.
I went with cab high, because i like the look better and the interior height would be enough. If I had a midsize truck, where the interior height is less, I might more aggressively consider a mid-hi.
I chose vented windoors. I liked the concept of ventilation (standard on. The sliding windows), for camping, or if I were to ever put the dog back there. However I also looked the concept of the lift up windoors. Now that I have had the windoors a couple months, I’m not sure how functional they are for me. The bed rail is so high on this truck, plus a couple inches above the rail , I cannot really reach in very well. However they are relatively cheap to be order vs retrofit is way more expensive. Plus if I ever need to reach the front of the bed when it’s totally filled with stuff, I can.
I went with single t-handle on the rear door. Dealer tried to sell me on double, since it’s a simpler system, more robust. But having to unlock and open 2 latches to unlock seems like more of a pain.
Idk, lots of options, think about how you plan to use it and decide what you think the best choices might be. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.
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Rockcrawlindude
a rock crawlin’ dude
Poolmonkey
Well-Known Member
Ordered the same model Snugtop for the Powerwagon that I had on the Raptor for ten, it withstood all of that so figured plenty good. Specified a T handle instead the "upgrade" key entry, the sliding pet windows/screens and a solid front window.
Was hoping it would be here for next week's elk hunt because last month's deer hunt was a pita without one, but covid.
I never utilized the fold down front window to clean the Raptor's or the shell's, it was pretty useless trying to use the rearview mirror ...can't see anything through three tinted windows except headlights at night anyway.
Was hoping it would be here for next week's elk hunt because last month's deer hunt was a pita without one, but covid.
I never utilized the fold down front window to clean the Raptor's or the shell's, it was pretty useless trying to use the rearview mirror ...can't see anything through three tinted windows except headlights at night anyway.
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One other thing I thought of - On mine I also got the dog window coverings over the screens even though my dog rides in the back seat. I figured it is good if I ever did have the dogs back there and it also provides some additional protection to the screens from stuff moving around inside.
These are some great points. To start with, I was just thinking of how it looks from the exterior, something that looks pretty sleek like the truck does. I definitely just want cab height but as far how it looks, I guess that depends on the type of windows (frameless, etc.). I probably won't be camping back there because we have a trailer but who knows, maybe in a pinch someday. That is not a priority though, but I do imagine a dog riding back there so I guess something with screens/sliders would be best? And for latch..this is a truck that gets minimal usage so I won't be getting into the back much so I probably don't need power locks or anything like that. Whatever is most secure would be more important over convenience. I never thought about visibility though like someone mentioned. Is it really that bad to see out of the rear view window? I didn't think about tint either but like the idea of it being tinted to somewhat hide what may be in the back. I guess I will start looking at pictures online like someone suggested to get an idea of a model before I go into the dealer to see them in person. Good idea!
I find it OK using the rearview mirror through the 3 windows. During the day I can see traffic behind me well enough even though there is definitely some impact from the tints. At night, I like that the 3 windows reduce the intensity of headlights. Where it certainly impacts vision is at night when in reverse. But now that I have gotten used to having my first vehicle with a reverse camera, that does not bother me. I do find the tilt down front window to be great! I don't clean it often, maybe 2 or 3 times a year when it is needed. Also having it tilt down is great for cleaning out needles that find their way between the cab and cap. But I live and camp in Douglas Fir country. If you are in the desert or an urban area, you likely will not have that problem.
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Is it necessary to do that to put a cap on?
My installer said they could put it on even if I didn't change the light out but that they would have to move the cap back I have for 3/4 of an inch. He also said that he has heard caps bumping against the light on gravel roads if not installed far enough back. I didn't want to take a chance with water being able to get in along the frontage so because the cameras would be useless anyway oh, I just went ahead and got a cheap light on Amazon and put it in it's place.
Good point. Is it pretty easy to change? How does it affect the uconnect? Does it just not show the camera or give an error or something?
No errors. If you go to the cameras that you've unplugged you just got a black screen. It is an easy change to do. The only thing that concerned me was making sure that it was still water tight. So far as I had any problem.
So what is the consensus on sliding windows vs pop out for dogs?
Also, I know these have clamps that hold them down, but is that the best way? Do those loosen over time? Are some bolted and if so, do you have to drill into your side rails or do they bolt elsewhere?
Also, I know these have clamps that hold them down, but is that the best way? Do those loosen over time? Are some bolted and if so, do you have to drill into your side rails or do they bolt elsewhere?
I asked about bolting because I had bolted on my cap on my 2001 which I had for 20 years. The ARE installer told be that they do not bolt them because they have seen some that are bolted crack. Something about not having the needed flex when bolted. Did not make a lot of sense to me as when clamped the cap is held very much in place and I am not sure there would really be any more flex with clamps vs. bolts. Plus I had my 2001 bolted for 20 years and went on lots of very rough roads and no cracks. So I am not sure what my installer told me is valid but that is what they said.
Also on my 2001, I did drill through the cap rail and truck side rail. I had an 8 foot bed and put 6 bolts so I am pretty sure I froze any flex there would have been. The 2001 had a simple metal truck bed rail. The rail on my new truck is capped at least with plastic and I am not sure there is solid metal under that all the way around. You could look from underneath I guess to determine the best place for bolts if you go that way.
I have been on some rough and washboard gravel roads with the new truck and have checked the clamps a couple of times. They have/did not loosen up at all so far.