Truck Cap

[tx2sturgis]

What I mean by 'half-door' is that my tailgate remains, the top half has gas-assist to lift it up like a standard topper. 

They have a variety of door options:

http://www.4are.com/product/commercial_a...&ref=Local

Here's a guy who went with an expedition theme with his:

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/thread...0%9D-build

My thoughts:

The fiberglass toppers impress everyone else...they do look good....but the commercial topper impresses ME.

[Everyroadleadshome]

I like the commercial aluminum caps much better myself too. I had one on my f150 for 6 years when I was doing contracting work and they are just a really nice product. That one on the expedition forum looks great, guy did a really nice job.

[tx2sturgis]

Yeah the door...everything is a trade-off.

I kept the tailgate because I want a work surface when camped...plus a place to stand for access to the roof...its up there about 8 feet high. 

This also provides an outdoor cooking area and table.

Of course the downside is crawling in and out...but I did that in my van anyway. 

The swing door would be much easier to live with if you think you don't need the tailgate.

[tx2sturgis]

BTW, I should add that it took almost 3 weeks from ordering to delivery for this DCU, but I was told that the fiberglass tops are running 6 to 8 weeks lead time...

This was the delay at ARE, not the dealer. It just takes a while to make them to your specifications.

[tx2sturgis]

Boy that does look huge

Size matters!

lol...

[Scott7022]

Boy that does look huge


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That is what she said!!

Beat ya Bleep!!! 

LOL!

[OutdoorFT]

Guess its time to work lots of OT. Got to go shopping!
If I build one online and request a quote...how masny times will they (local dealer) blow up my phone after receiving estimate?

[weigh2ez]

I like your top.  The rack on top is a great idea.  I have a fiberglass top on my silverado that has windows that open so I can reach stuff without crawling in from the back.  Do you know if that's an option on the on one you have?

[OutdoorFT]

I like your top.  The rack on top is a great idea.  I have a fiberglass top on my silverado that has windows that open so I can reach stuff without crawling in from the back.  Do you know if that's an option on the on one you have?

I know you werent talking to me, but I noticed when building it, there were half a dozen or so options for side windows. I do believe one option is what youre looking for.

[tx2sturgis]

They call those 'windoors'....they usually have a window and open upward for access and an open air feeling. 

They are included in the base price with the ARE DCU cap, but you do get a small credit applied if you don't want them. 

Of course, you can have the windoors made without windows, or one side only, or TWO seperate windoors, on one side..or whatever your preference is. 

Here is the ARE DCU website:

http://www.4are.com/product/commercial_aluminum/?cp=dcu

Here is a website with the price lists online:

http://www.northwestoutlet.com/Topper-Lot.aspx

Keep in mind that these are not actually made for camping, so they don't have RV style interior door latches. You might want to closely scrutinize the door latches at the dealership before you place an order. 

They can be opened and closed from inside, but since they lock from the outside with a key, you have to manually operate the latch inside and physically move the lock rods. Then a visegrip will lock them in place to keep you secure. Or slide-bolt locks could be installed to secure the door from inside.

I keep a small 1/8" hex key handy inside, so that if someone did manage to secure the T-handle latch from outside, I can still loosen the lock rods from the mechanism and get out.