A.R.E. Truck Caps Reviews
These A.R.E. truck caps reviews come from 74 owner posts on 17 truck forums, from 2010 to 2026. We sorted each one by what the owner said, not by what we think of the caps.
Owners like how A.R.E. caps hold up and how well the paint matches. The complaints cluster around leaks and installs, and the dealer comes up again and again as the deciding factor.
74owner posts, sorted by what the owner said
What A.R.E. Owners Praise
It lasts
Long-term owners report years without trouble: seven years on a Tacoma, a cap on a 2000 F-150 still going, three trouble-free years on a Z Series.
The paint matches
Shadow Black on a Ranger came out “perfect”, and a former seller of both brands rated A.R.E. paint above Leer’s.
Warranty claims get honored
Rear struts were replaced free after three years, and a leaking CX Revo window was fixed with a loaner cap provided.
Seven years with zero issues on a 2000 Tacoma.
brantjs, GM-Trucks, Feb 2013
Rear window struts started failing after three years and were replaced free under the 5-year prop warranty. Only the cap’s serial number was needed.
Jeb536, F150Gen14, Oct 2025
A former seller of both brands found A.R.E. paint better than Leer’s.
kenny_r, GM-Trucks, Nov 2019
MX installed in August, stored outside, used on trails and lived in for a week. Bone dry.
lynskynbnd, F150Gen14, Oct 2022
Common A.R.E. Cap Complaints
Leaks
The most-discussed problem, usually at the front corners or the bed-rail seal. Most owners blame the install, and several report the same leaks with Leer and SnugTop caps.
Install mistakes
Misaligned caps, uneven cuts, paint rubbed off the bedsides and brake light wiring faults. All of these trace back to the dealer.
Fit and finish
Several 2020s owners say finishing has slipped: unpainted brackets, torn headliners, a weatherstrip coming loose on day one.
Leaked at the mount, with unpainted rear door brackets that rusted and a torn headliner. Took a partial refund instead of a return.
Gampy164, Tacoma4G, Jun 2025
Cap installed visibly crooked. Other members blamed the dealer and told him to go to A.R.E.
charwest, Ranger5G, Jun 2020
About half a cup of water gets in at the front corners in car washes, but the windoors are useful.
Maverickman74, Maverick Truck Club, Nov 2023
Dealer install left a ring of paint rub on the bedside, and the keyless lock failed.
ExcelWizard, FordTremor, Sep 2024
Check These Before You Leave the Dealer
Every item comes from a problem an owner found after driving home. They’re all easier to fix while the truck is still at the dealer.
- The cap sits straight and even with the cab, side to side
- Front corners are sealed with no gaps
- No paint rub where the clamps meet the bedsides
- The third brake light works and sets off no trailer warnings
- Door gaps are even and the weatherstrip is fully seated
- Headliner is complete and window gaskets fit
- Keyless entry, if fitted, works from the fob
How Long A.R.E. Caps Take to Arrive
Every A.R.E. cap is built to order, so expect weeks, not days. These are the waits owners reported, by year.
What the Press Says About A.R.E. Caps
Most coverage is product news built from A.R.E.’s own announcements. One hands-on review stands out.
Off-Road.com, Feb 2015
Tested an Overland cap on rough desert trails. No creaks, dust and cold stayed out, and the color matched. The downsides it noted: caps are built to order and take several weeks, and a cap limits hauling tall loads like dirt bikes.
- Work Truck Online, 2018: launch of the CX Revo and CX Evolve
- ForConstructionPros, 2017: DCU Max with a .063 in. aluminum skin
- Plastics News, 2024: A.R.E.’s Ohio plant expansion
- THE SHOP, 2026: RealTruck, A.R.E.’s owner, buys a financially strained LEER Group
A.R.E. Truck Caps Reviews FAQ
Are A.R.E. truck caps worth it?
Most owners we read think so. They’re built to order, painted to match and backed by lifetime body coverage. The risk is the install, so pick a dealer with good local reviews.
Do A.R.E. caps leak?
Some do, mostly at the front corners or the bed seal. Owners usually trace it to the install, and several had leaks fixed under warranty.
Is A.R.E. better than Leer?
Owners split. Some prefer A.R.E. latches, hinges and paint; others rate Leer’s fit and finish higher. Both now belong to RealTruck. Compare A.R.E. vs Leer.
Have A.R.E. caps been recalled?
We found no NHTSA recall that names A.R.E. caps. Check NHTSA’s recall search with your truck’s details to be sure.