A.R.E. Camper Shells

[saguaro]

Bought a Ram 1500 Classic with an 8 ft. bed recently. Went to a local dealership and had them install an A.R.E. camper shell. After installation I immediately discovered the handle to the back flap was so tight I could barely turn it with all my strength (and I was a small college linebacker). Next I learned that the same problem existed with all three sliding windows, in particular the one at the front behind the cab. It took the local shop an hour and a half to fix the rear handle so it opened as easily as the ones on the side. As for the jammed up sliding windows I was told they would loosen up with use. Really? I doubt it. When I got home I applied Vaseline to the slides but that didn't help. Next I tried WD-40 which helped enough I can now open all three windows without throwing my back out but they are all still ridiculously tight. How did these problems get by quality control at the A.R.E. factory? Or do they even have quality control? Another question; why is there no way to lock the back flap from the inside? Has not occurred to A.R.E. that some of their customers would be using their camper shell to camp in (who could have guessed?)and perhaps would like to lock the rear flap so that any unsavory character who happens by during the wee hours cannot stroll over and open the shell to find you sleeping in there? This camper shell is good looking and feels solid but it looks to me like A.R.E. is not paying much attention to their product.

[GAR2]

saguaro wrote:
Bought a Ram 1500 Classic with an 8 ft. bed recently. Went to a local dealership and had them install an A.R.E. camper shell. After installation I immediately discovered the handle to the back flap was so tight I could barely turn it with all my strength (and I was a small college linebacker). Next I learned that the same problem existed with all three sliding windows, in particular the one at the front behind the cab. It took the local shop an hour and a half to fix the rear handle so it opened as easily as the ones on the side. As for the jammed up sliding windows I was told they would loosen up with use. Really? I doubt it. When I got home I applied Vaseline to the slides but that didn't help. Next I tried WD-40 which helped enough I can now open all three windows without throwing my back out but they are all still ridiculously tight. How did these problems get by quality control at the A.R.E. factory? Or do they even have quality control? Another question; why is there no way to lock the back flap from the inside? Has not occurred to A.R.E. that some of their customers would be using their camper shell to camp in (who could have guessed?)and perhaps would like to lock the rear flap so that any unsavory character who happens by during the wee hours cannot stroll over and open the shell to find you sleeping in there? This camper shell is good looking and feels solid but it looks to me like A.R.E. is not paying much attention to their product.

Somethings I take away from your post and comments: I bought my topper used so I would expect to have to do repairs and needed TLC, but if buying new
you are correct, everything should be in perfect working order..... a manufacturer or dealer warranty issue

My Leer topper does not lock from the inside, and I’m not sure I would want to, but it has an aluminum frame around the glass so adding a hasp would be no big deal.

There are many solo hunters/campers/fisherman using toppers and there has been for decades. Slide in T/C’s have gotten stupid high in price for what they are, and I won’t buy something yet I can’t put under roof when not using.

Also, X2 on either lithium spray or graphite bases lubricant like Lock Ease for the handle locks......WD40 is a poor choice, once it dries out it has no lubrication benefits


Good Luck

[Bionic_Man]

I’ve had 3 ARE toppers. It was happy with all of them for including my current one.

Sorry you are having trouble but I agree you’d be more likely to receive satisfaction by contacting your dealer than ranting here.

[CharlesinGA]

A little bit of bending, filing, or adjusting should free up the latch on the back glass (I take it is has one handle to latch both sides). There is probably some way to pin the latches with small hitch pins on lanyards to secure the latches from the inside. I have a Leer 8ft topper/cap/whatever you call it, and have never opened the windows. Truck is used to pull a travel trailer and back is loaded with griddle, patio mats, directors chairs, and a cheap 10x10 pop up gazebo.

They have not been called "camper shells" since the '70's that I know of but that used to be a cheap way of camping, but usually cold and damp.

Charles

[mkirsch]

In reality most people WANT the latches to be tight so the windows don't rattle and pop open going down the road. Rarely if ever does anyone open the windows.

In reality very few people camp in their "bed toppers" or "caps" depending on where you are. In my area they're called "caps." I've never seen them called "camper"-anything except here. It's also a liability to have them lock from the inside, for that odd kid that locks themselves in and refuses to come out.

In short, that's how they come from the factory.

[dedmiston]

Moved from Class B.

[shelbyfv]

saguaro wrote:
Another question; why is there no way to lock the back flap from the inside? Has not occurred to A.R.E. that some of their customers would be using their camper shell to camp in (who could have guessed?)and perhaps would like to lock the rear flap so that any unsavory character who happens by during the wee hours cannot stroll over and open the shell to find you sleeping in there?

Actually, these are marketed as "bed caps" and most buyers are unlikely to be trying to "camp" in them. Nevertheless, you should be able to figure a way to block the mechanism from inside. Also, silicone spray might be a better choice than WD40 for the sliding parts.

[Busdriver]

A R E is located in ohio

[Gooma]

Go back to the dealer. That's all the help anyone here can give you.

[nickthehunter]

This sounds like you are addressing your issue to people that can’t change a thing or answer any of your question. For better results, maybe you should be talking to A.R.E.