A.R.E MX Camper Shell
By DChenster (3/24/2005)
Well, the Undercover Tonnueau cover serves very well, but for the functionality of Camping or moving cargo, it just doesn't hold enough cargo or as a good sleeping quarter function. There are a lot option on how to increase the volume of the truck bed; soft cover, hard cover, or aluminum camper shell, but at end, the fiberglass camper shell seems to be the best choice. Then There are choices of manufactures, types of campers shell, and what basic design and function it will be using for. Since this is a lot bigger purchase than my previous Tonnueau, so there are a list made to find the one camper shell that will do the job.
Companies that was considered:
Leer - Not too interest in the style. There are reports of shell warp
Snug Top - was really considered due to short distance near factory to get low price, but after some forum user reported that certain Tundra model doesn't fit, and quality is not up to the par.
Innovation - shell warp, paint matching
A.R.E. - There are some report of paint miss matching and some issue with window fit.
After all those choice, the people mostly recommend A.R.E. due to better quality and better fit, and Therefore there is a decision for the ARE MX Camper shell, and only option that was added in this campers hell is the flip down front window. So after 3 weeks, the shell was arrived & installed.
Look from the side
Look, look, it's big window
There are 6 clamps to hold everything down
that's the inside window
The left side panel can be opened with mesh screen
The Front window flip down
That's the window nab
Flip down the clip
Flip up the clip
The rear window up.
There are more internal pictures taken after I put in the Bed Rug.
UPDATE: 4/21/2006
I find there are a small discrepancy from left to right side of the mounts, which I had confirm with Shell Country that it's minor and won't disrupt the operation of the shell. I also need to tighten up the mounting bracket, which it's normal due to shifting the shell & I didn't use the loctite for the screw, but rest of them is great.
Opinion
Before I ordered the camper shell, I went to the Shell Country to get some info. which I was helped by Jim & Ronny, and they are very helpful, they explained & answered most of my questions. Anyway long story short, I decide on A.R.E MX series due to the quality and what kind space it offers me. I didn't order the door because it's 800 dollar option and after a while, it won't fit as good. plus if the glass on the door is broken, that's 500 dollar for replacement. A.R.E is a little pricier than Snug top, leer, innovation, or others, but I think it's should be worth it. I haven't try to do some off road or camping test, but seems the clamps will hold and it's great. It is installed with 6 clamps, and looks great with gray linear, especially I installed the Bed Rug, which it has the same color scheme.
Excellent:
Large Space
Paint match
Excellent thick lining
very strong, and good surface & solid
nice sliding window
Custom to match
only 190 lbs
able to add more racks
Free 12 volt lights
Not so Excellent:
Price somewhat expensive comparison to others
take about 4 weeks
There are a lot more wind noise due to the extra height
a little shaky due to not directly on the frame
a little more option will be better.
missing one screw for the front window (most likely a installer error)
a little off on the window sealing & rubbers.
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