First major addition - New ARE Z2 Topper

[TheAvo]

I've had the truck for a month now.
So far, I've added WeatherTech floor mats, which are a must, LineX in the bed, and tinted windows.
This week, I added an A.R.E. Z2 topper.
Love the topper with the keyless entry. I can unlock the topper with my truck key fob.

Next up is a roof rack, probably from Trailrax, and a cargo rack on the topper.

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[Dingus83]

Looks great!

 

[superj]

Nice!

 

[Richie]

Look nice. How heavy is that topper, and do you know how much it made the rear end squat?

 

[Richie]

Also, what are they using to hold the topper onto the bed? I’m guessing some kind of C-clamp but would you mind sharing some pics?

 

[ShadowDragon24]

Nice. I got the A.R.E. CX Classic ordered for my 25 xlt with just roof rails, I want to get a are assend or go rhino basket up there.

I know wiring harnesss are gunna be different. but how did they tap the brake and dome lights?

I want to order the leer 7pin harness, so I have a plug and play solution. Instead of cutting and splicing into a brand new harness for the upfitter. I dont mind splicing on older vehicles, but this is my first new, and first warranty. Im getting all jummper harnesses for head lights, and looking for tail jumpers so I can do all my tapping on those instead.

 

[mp4965@1090]

I've had the truck for a month now.
So far, I've added WeatherTech floor mats, which are a must, LineX in the bed, and tinted windows.
This week, I added an A.R.E. Z2 topper.
Love the topper with the keyless entry. I can unlock the topper with my truck key fob.

Next up is a roof rack, probably from Trailrax, and a cargo rack on the topper.

 

[mp4965@1090]

Looks great! We’re the plastic side rails removed and the z2 set on the base bed rails?

 

[LDHunter]

I just got on the ARE website and the MSRP for that topper is $4299 which is more than my budget can stand. Standard option is painted to match your truck though which is pretty expensive. I think I figured out that it weighs about 180 pounds if what I'm reading is correct.

I have a 12ft V-nose covered cargo trailer I only paid $3000 for and it can haul a huge amount of stuff including the fact that it can serve as a primitive camper since it's wired for electric. The RR can quite easily haul that so I'll pass on a camper top for that much.

 

[TheAvo]

The topper is a few hundred pounds, I don't know exactly how much.
It removed some of the rake, for sure. Yes, C-clamps are used to hold it down, four total.
This is my 3rd ARE topper on my 3rd truck. You want to add this before any suspension work if you want to level things out.
I've used tonneau covers and love the Diamond brand, but I do a lot of hunting and camping, and I need as much space as I can get in the bed, and the topper is the only way to achieve that.
I live in Denver, Colorado, and we have a reseller called Suburban Toppers, who did the install. I don't know what wiring harness they used, but it's usually a wiring harness adapter that plugs into the existing wiring of the truck. The topper also has two LED light strips, so I can load at 3:00 AM when I am hitting the trail during hunting season.

 

[TheAvo]

Nice. I got the A.R.E. CX Classic ordered for my 25 xlt with just roof rails, I want to get a are assend or go rhino basket up there.

I know wiring harnesss are gunna be different. but how did they tap the brake and dome lights?

I want to order the leer 7pin harness, so I have a plug and play solution. Instead of cutting and splicing into a brand new harness for the upfitter. I dont mind splicing on older vehicles, but this is my first new, and first warranty. Im getting all jummper harnesses for head lights, and looking for tail jumpers so I can do all my tapping on those instead.

Do not splice. You can get after market wiring harness adapters that just plug into the existing wiring.

 

[TheAvo]

I just got on the ARE website and the MSRP for that topper is $4299 which is more than my budget can stand. Standard option is painted to match your truck though which is pretty expensive. I think I figured out that it weighs about 180 pounds if what I'm reading is correct.

I have a 12ft V-nose covered cargo trailer I only paid $3000 for and it can haul a huge amount of stuff including the fact that it can serve as a primitive camper since it's wired for electric. The RR can quite easily haul that so I'll pass on a camper top for that much.

The cargo trailers are brilliant. ARE also has the CX Classic, which is a lot cheaper if you need a good-looking and functional topper.

 

[TheAvo]

Looks great! We’re the plastic side rails removed and the z2 set on the base bed rails?

No, just those weird, small rectangular pieces that were on the bed rail.

 

[Stu x 4]

Enjoy the ARE topper. I too have one from Suburban Toppers and Dan was a joy to work with. Mp4965@1990 - plastic rails stayed on. There is/was a shim kit for the removeable tabs as noted by TheAvo
Again, enjoy the topper.... love mine!

 

[ShadowDragon24]

Do not splice. You can get after market wiring harness adapters that just plug into the existing wiring.

I tried searching for them, but I cant find them. I know putco has them for the tailgate bar they are selling on ford accessories, but thats 620 plus tax for blis/led tails.... I cant find the just the taillight jumpers, so next option was the leer 7pin trailer pass through harness and just put my own ends on it.

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