Showing off my new ARE aluminum cap, toolbox and camping setup.

My first post on the forum.

Here is my '17 SR 2.7 5-speed that I am outfitting for camping/hunting/fishing trips.

I selected an ARE aluminum topper with "full visibility" windows and the roof rack. Awesome topper. I feel that the full length windows offer much better visibility than most fiberglass caps. This one came with sliding windows and mosquito netting, which is perfect. The roof rack is sized to hold full sheets of plywood perfectly. I highly recommend this topper. I rarely ever see aluminum ones on new trucks. I paid about $1300 installed for this one.

I added a Pack Rat 308-5 drawer style tool box. The height of the toolbox matches the wheel humps almost perfectly. My sleeping deck is made of three 2' sections of 3/4" plywood, with padding and carpet added. Each piece is 56 1/2" wide, and will just rest on the raised edge around the inside of the bed. I just set them in place one at a time, and they turned out to be perfectly supported.

So far, this is the best truck I have ever owned. Not one shred of buyer's remorse. I have gotten a solid 21 mpg on every tank so far. All of my previous 4x4's have been 1980's models, so I even like the sluggish acceleration of the 4 cylinder engine. Fast 4wd trucks have never felt right to me. It feels pretty much like driving a slightly underpowered '80s or early '90s 4x4. My only gripe is that 1st and reverse are too tall. It really jackrabbits when you let the clutch out all the way. I think a 4x4 should have a very short first gear so you can ease out on the clutch and just creep forward.

 

Nice setup

 

That's a working mans Taco!

 

Nice. I've thought about getting an aluminum camper. I kinda like the old man look. Good looking setup.

Now you just need a fly rod, some fly's, and an old yellow handled Case Peanut pocket knife.

 

Nice truck and I agree about the gearing. I would be happy if first and reverse were at least the same gear ratio. I cannot for the life of me understand why they made the reverse gear so tall.

 

A knife like the yeller fella.

 

No Case knives, but I do have several Opinels and several fly rods.

 

Excellent!

 

How much weight will the roof rack hold?

 

Good looking cap, as well as being low-cost and functional.

I was pleased to discover that ARE makes an aluminum cap. As soon as my TRD Sport arrives, I'll be going out shopping for an aluminum canopy. Bought my last 2 at an independent canopy retailer in Marysville, WA that manufactures its own (I think) aluminum top. Now I'll have 2 to compare. Because I take the canopy off for 7-8 months of the year, with some put-on's / take-off's out of season, I need a canopy that is light enough for my wife and me to handle (we're both "senior citizens" with not much upper body strength left). If I planned to leave the cap on year around, would get a Leer, SnugTop, ARE -- color-matching and in fiberglass.

 

Nice Setup

 

Nice digs! Who needs a winnebagel....

 

@New York Bozo

 

I purchased the slightly taller Pack Rat last year (338-5) that thing is a beast, love it. Had to cut down one of the long dividers for a little more room for certain things. Nothing like taking an angle grinder to a brand new $1300 toolbox.

 

New York Bozo- have been looking for just this cap for my 2nd gen AC---- could only find with ARE the DCU series. on their website they showed the 'economy' model but it wasn't an option for my truck when trying to build it. can you shed any light on this? which model is yours? thanks!

 

Nice looking truck and setup

 

Bought a very similar aluminum canopy from Canopy World, here in W Washington -- front and side sliding windows, mesh screen in the side sliders, carpet-lined. Had to have it slightly customized, as the standard model was too high for my garage. Think I was told it weighed in at 120 lbs. As described, it cost $767 + $73 in sales tax, installed. Wasn't interested in a rack, so never priced one. Not sure what all the differences are between the ARE and the one I bought, but sure like the price difference.

 

Awesome. I have that knife but didn't know who made it. I inherited it from my granddad but all the letters were worn off. The blade has been honed so often it arches upward. I don't use it but it brings back fond memories of him sitting in the shade whittling with it and telling me stories when I was a kid.