Truck Tops

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Went to 3 local dealers looking at their top of the line truck caps and came out with 2 possibles. (Leonard came out to be the looser because of the big LEONARD decals across the rear hatch - I refuse to look like a billboard).

Does anyone have any comments, positive or negative, about either Century T-class caps or A. R. E. K Series? Both run about $1,375 with the Century being a little bit fancier with additional windows. Thanks

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Stan

2001 2500 SLT+ Quad Cab, 6 speed, ETH, 4X4, LWB, 3. 54 LSD Trailer Tow, Camper Special, 241HD, Tow Mirrors, Bright White

 

[Archive]

ISB
I have an ARE cap don't know the style number though that was bought in '96 and have had no problems. When I bought it it had the thickest (heavier?) top compared to the others at that time. Been sitting in the back yard since getting the 5er. almost 2 years ago.
Larry

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Ram Rod
'96 2500 club cab 5speed 4x4 3:54 pacbrake combo gauge and most all factory options
35' holiday rambler 5th wheel
on order: '01 3500 quad cab SLT+ white/agate 6 speed 4:10 posi camper/ towing packages towing mirrors etc. etc.

 

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ISB, I have a Raven high rise cap on my truck. Ordered the cap color matched to my truck. Paint was a perfect match. Cab extends higher than the truck cab, but slopes up from the back of the cab with a full width window in the slanted part of the roof. Came with interior light, built in third brake light, and dual locks on the rear door. These caps are maufactured by Glass-tite, and in my opinion look way nicer. Cap ran about $1500 tax and installation included. I looked at alot of caps. Good luck, -Glen

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1998 12 valve 2500 Quad Cab, A/T, 4. 10, Deep Amethyst, 4. 5" Skyjacker Double Flex lift kit, 36. 0"x14. 5"x16. 5" TSL Super Swamper radials on 16. 5"x9. 75" Weld Typhoons, Speedliner spray in liner, Raven high rise cap, J&J stainless steel Nerf-N-Steps

 

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I have a RAVEN cap as well and am happy with it. The only downside is that it is mighty heavy.

'93 W250

 

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Thanks for the responses on Raven, both here and via e-mail. I can't find them advertised in the Raleigh, NC yellow pages or on the web (all I get is dealers from other states). Does anyone have an 800 number for the manufacturing location or their home web site?

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Stan

2001 2500 SLT+ Quad Cab, 6 speed, ETH, 4X4, LWB, 3. 54 LSD Trailer Tow, Camper Special, 241HD, Tow Mirrors, Bright White

 

[Archive]

Stan, spent about six months looking at alot of toppers and ended up with the A. R. E.
CX series. recessed glass, no black bottons on the windows, roof high, and lifetime warranty Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!

 

[Archive]

I bought an ARE in 1995. Heavy fiberglass, solid warranty, good looks (no large logos, and follows the lines of the cab), painted to match. About $800 back in '95. No problems at all.

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Tim Barlow

 

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Today is decision day for the truck top. Yesterday was decision day for the running boards - went with the Putco Boss Stainless Steel for the cab and box (Auto Zone had the best price, approx. $180 less than Pep Boys).

Today is decision day for the truck top. It looks like both the A. R. E. and Raven brands are top of the line. Since there are apparently no local dealers for Raven, the decision is easy. Thanks for the feedback - it looks like the TDR members will 'make my truck'!

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Stan

2001 2500 SLT+ Quad Cab, 6 speed, ETH, 4X4, LWB, 3. 54 LSD Trailer Tow, Camper Special, 241HD, Tow Mirrors, Bright White

 

[Archive]

After comparing quite a few caps I've found LEER to be the one for my truck. It was the only one to truly fit the side contours of the cab, and the construction and paint/ stripe match were outstanding.
Good luck.

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'92 CUMMINS/DODGE 5SPD, 4WD 16cm2 turbo, mod. pump and injectors, max. flow exhaust, K&N... .
S. T. O. K. E. D. ... . accept no substitutions
www.turbodieselregister.com/memberimages/r0300343.jpg
www.turbodieselregister.com/memberimages/r0300341.jpg

 

[Archive]

I have a Century T-class and love it. The windows open easy and had no problems. It looks nice on the Rams. No matter what you get be sure to get the felt linning for the humid weather. If you go camping you don't want water dripping on you all night. .

'98 3500 4x4 qc isb TJM bumper/brush guard, warn winch, Hella 220 driving lights, Westin nerf bars, Ultra wheels, Century T-class shell, Sto-away carpet kit, power sliding rear window, custom two-tone leather seats, custom pin-stiping, Astra start remote starter, K&N air filter, and more to come...

 

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Well, I did it - ordered the A. R. E. Series K top on 2/29. Larry and 'Old School' sorry but you were too late. I think there are a number of good brands out there, hopefully I picked one of the best. My next purchases will be exhaust brake, brake controller, trailer hitch and HD receiver - I have some ideas on which brands/types to get but still have a week or two to make a final decision. Thanks to all the TDR members helping me to 'make my truck'.

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Stan

2001 2500 SLT+ Quad Cab, 6 speed, ETH, 4X4, LWB, 3. 54 LSD Trailer Tow, Camper Special, 241HD, Tow Mirrors, Bright White, Line-X Bedliner

 

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Stan, Just looked through my A. R. E. catolog and thats nice!! You'll enjoy it I'm sure #ad

Congrats! regards Pete