I’m looking to purchase an A.R.E. cap with a built in roof rack from the factory. Dynamic load capacity is around 200 lbs according to the manufacturer and around 500 lbs. static. I am planning on putting a roof top tent on top and a have heard most people don’t have any problems with stress cracking of the fiberglass caps. However my question is with wrap around awnings being fixed to the roof rack system. Since all of the weight of that awning is sitting on one side of the cap would that cause stress fractures? Does anyone have experience with this set up? A fiberglass truck cap with a permanently mounted awning. Thanks for your help!
Truck Cap Roof Rack capacities
- Thread starter rineair
- Start date
Mighty Dodge Ram
Explorer
I ran a cab-hi Snugtop with an awning, no tent but other gear up on top without drama. Same specs. Not sure about ARE though. IMO it’s the flexing of the canopy via the bed that causes the majority of the issues. On my short bed Dodge/ Snugtop it wasn’t an issue. With my longbed Chevy and taller Leer it’s definitely an issue.
Thanks for the reply. My bed is 6.5’ so not necessarily a long bed. Would be nice to make it able to come on and off easily. Just have to wait and see which one works best for my application. Appreciate your help!
Mighty Dodge Ram
Explorer
By making it easy to remove I assume you mean the awning and not the canopy. Many have brackets that allow easy install/removal. On my original ARB I used simple L-brackets from HD. My Batwing uses their own brackets. Proviso: the Batwing is considerably heavier than the ARB.
deserteagle56
Adventurer
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