ARE DCU cap or similar

[reverse01134]

I'm planning a new camper setup on a new Tundra double cab 6.5' bed. I really like that ARE DCU offers full vertical door options.

26" height seems like a sweet spot where it gives a bit more headroom than cab height ones, without sticking out too much. My plan is to build a low bench inside the cap for seating, which will also slide out to become a bed platform. Do you think 26" height on Tundra would work well with low bench setup for seating? I believe the Tundra bed depth is ~20", so the total interior height would be about 46", minus ~1" for frame thickness.

For reference - I'm 5' 6" and I had no problem sitting on Helinox chair one (~10" seat height) inside a canopy camper on a Jeep Gladiator, with the rooftop tent part closed. The ceiling under the tent was slightly higher than the cab height to allow clearance between the cab and the tent overhang. The ARE 26" height seems to offer similar headroom which could work for my height but I'd love to hear second opinions.

Also, I've heard some concerns about ARE quality going downhill recently. I'm open to suggestions for alternatives that offer vertical door options. Are there any companies that make caps with a straight rectangular shape instead of sloped sides?

 

[Shawn686]

I have been doing this for years on multiple trucks.

There are a few things you are going to want:

1) barn doors, game changing, once you use something with them you will not go back.
2) if you go over cab height (which you should do), you want to get one that is sloped on the front. Reduces wind noise incredibly
3) check heavy duty truck dealers for used ones, they can be had for approx ~$900. Especially if you are near any oil and gas sites or logging etc.

I dont know that I would buy one new, they are simply just priced to high for what you get in my opinion. As for the quality, I can only comment on the older ones as I have not gotten one that was newer that 5 years old. The older ones are good quality, I off road, haul and abuse them with no issues over the years,

As for what height is best for you I would suggest deciding on what your bench set up is going to be and how high that will be. Then sit on it with you mattress, bedding and what ever. Then measure from the ground to the top of your head and add a 6 inches or so.

That should give a good bare minimum for the height for the bed floor you will need/want. You are going to want to be able to sit fully up on the bench at a minimum. Any less and it is going to be super uncomfortable and you will not want to use it. Been there done that.

I have own 4 different ones over the years, and my current one is on its second truck. Hope that helps

Shawn

 

[reverse01134]

I have been doing this for years on multiple trucks.

There are a few things you are going to want:

1) barn doors, game changing, once you use something with them you will not go back.
2) if you go over cab height (which you should do), you want to get one that is sloped on the front. Reduces wind noise incredibly
3) check heavy duty truck dealers for used ones, they can be had for approx ~$900. Especially if you are near any oil and gas sites or logging etc.

I dont know that I would buy one new, they are simply just priced to high for what you get in my opinion. As for the quality, I can only comment on the older ones as I have not gotten one that was newer that 5 years old. The older ones are good quality, I off road, haul and abuse them with no issues over the years,

As for what height is best for you I would suggest deciding on what your bench set up is going to be and how high that will be. Then sit on it with you mattress, bedding and what ever. Then measure from the ground to the top of your head and add a 6 inches or so.

That should give a good bare minimum for the height for the bed floor you will need/want. You are going to want to be able to sit fully up on the bench at a minimum. Any less and it is going to be super uncomfortable and you will not want to use it. Been there done that.

I have own 4 different ones over the years, and my current one is on its second truck. Hope that helps

Shawn

Shawn - thank you for sharing your experience. I couldn't find any used ones for new Tundra online, and the chances of finding one locally seem pretty slim but I'll call around. Based on your suggestions, I'm leaning towards 29" height.

 

[chet6.7]

Caravan may make a straight side, it may be an option with ARE. I have the sloped front on my ARE with the ladder rack. I noticed the bugs didn't hit the front of the camper, they hit the ladder bars, I wish I would have not gotten the sloped front. I added a cab mounted cargo rack, that changed the aero. I posted some pictures years ago, I will see if I can find them.
https://forum.expeditionportal.com/attachments/dscn0412-jpg.517551/

https://forum.expeditionportal.com/attachments/p1010913-jpg.295245/

https://forum.expeditionportal.com/attachments/p1010912-jpg.295246/

 

[Shawn686]

Shawn - thank you for sharing your experience. I couldn't find any used ones for new Tundra online, and the chances of finding one locally seem pretty slim but I'll call around. Based on your suggestions, I'm leaning towards 29" height.

No problem

With used ones you are going to have to go by the measurements, and you will probably find one that is close. You are also going to have too either call the dealer or swing by as well. II have found that they usually don't advertise them.

If you look close at my pic above you can see a 4 inch gap between the cab and the topper. I just filled the gap with a folded piece of diamond plate.

I have never had an issue with the gap. I actually prefer it now, gives me a place to put drinks etc while I open the doors, lol.

And as above, I agree, if you are going to have a roof rack the sloped topper is not super critical.

Shawn