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ARE camper shell lack of QC- - update!

Wildtoad

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So in 2016 I order a Newmar motorhome with certain options. While still at the factory an associate who was there waiting on his, takes pictures of mine that just came off the assembly line. First thing I notice was no rear window I had ordered. Newmar apologizes and gives me a credit + . Upon delivery we notice the front bug/rock plastic shield shield looks bad so they have to replace it. First try they pull paint off the front so they have to repaint. Second try it still looks like crap. I'll move on... First time I have to run the furnace I notice a floor register was missing. Newmar has to send a schematic for the local tech to cut a hole for the register. Worked out well. All this for a $125k motorhome.

QC is lacking everywhere...

Fast forward to 2024 and I trade the MH for a smaller one, but again brand new but a different brand. Awning has a hole in it, theater seats missing parts, refrigerator has a damaged door, every water and gas connection leaks - barely hand tightened.

QC is lacking everywhere...

One thing in common for both is the Ford chassis' have been perfect.
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1945gpw

1945gpw

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I had zero trouble with my ARE topper. Paint is identical match as I gave them the paint code for the hard top. I have the built in toolbox on drivers side as well. Personally think ARE is best looking cover Looks like factory fit. Sorry you had issues but that happens in all things.
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I too think the ARE has the best appearance on the gladiator although looks like Ozark is pretty similar. My paint looks perfectly matched as well just looks like they missed the proper coverage in one area. Otherwise it looks great on the truck.
 
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1945gpw

1945gpw

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Sure - tomorrow will likely be better with the sun. What specific shots ya looking for?


And there really wasn't any issues with QC. The worst part about the Venturous Ozark brand is that the main website is lacking for communication purposes - aka the contact us/support was hard to reach at times by email. I actually had better support through their instagram page, thanks to my wife!
Im curious if they use the same manufacturer for their windows because to me it just looks like they flip or reverse how they install the side windows just to be slightly different from ARE maybe? Are they attached the same and such?

Also would like to see what the material looks like if there’s a spot to see it, not sure if yours is carpeted or not so maybe you can’t see.
What did you end up paying for it if you don’t mind me asking?
 
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1945gpw

1945gpw

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Although it only comes in one color (black) it will match the black removable tops very well. I found the canopy from Overland Vehicle Systems to be of very good quality. The price is also good at $2,499. The only drawback is it has to be assembled but a couple of people could do it in 2 or 3 hours. It's made of powder coated steel and seems very sturdy. I also have had no problem with leaks and in the PNW that's a biggie.

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These seem like nice tops for sure just not the style I was looking for.
 

Sigz

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Im curious if they use the same manufacturer for their windows because to me it just looks like they flip or reverse how they install the side windows just to be slightly different from ARE maybe? Are they attached the same and such?

Also would like to see what the material looks like if there’s a spot to see it, not sure if yours is carpeted or not so maybe you can’t see.
What did you end up paying for it if you don’t mind me asking?
Here’s a decent video on the type of material they use:



I’ll show ya tomorrow but my interior isn’t finished. I didn’t elect to go with carpet.

At the time of offering - I was given a promo offer which included the topper plus 2 options: I went with the black matte (yeah the standard color is whatever color your JT is and I figured the black would look better with my JT hard top which is black), and roof rack/cross bar system which is Thule brand and quite expensive if installed at a later time.

Total cost was a hair over $4k including tax. Mine was a bit more expensive because I elected to go with the flip up sides “windoors” verses the standard sliding windows (which wouldn’t be able to be opened from the exterior).

Here is a thread from here about this topper -

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/venturous-topper-installed.79782/
 

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RHugg01

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Here’s a decent video on the type of material they use:



I’ll show ya tomorrow but my interior isn’t finished. I didn’t elect to go with carpet.

At the time of offering - I was given a promo offer which included the topper plus 2 options: I went with the black matte (yeah the standard color is whatever color your JT is and I figured the black would look better with my JT hard top which is black), and roof rack/cross bar system which is Thule brand and quite expensive if installed at a later time.

Total cost was a hair over $4k including tax. Mine was a bit more expensive because I elected to go with the flip up sides “windoors” verses the standard sliding windows (which wouldn’t be able to be opened from the exterior).

Here is a thread from here about this topper -

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/venturous-topper-installed.79782/
Yes the Overland does not have side windows and being made of steel it is heavier than fiberglass or aluminum. It does come with roof rails for installing additional equipment like cross bars and other things like rooftop tents. I might have preferred side windows but I found I did not really miss them as I use some stick on wide angle mirrors on my side mirrors when I was towing anyway and got used to using that. I don't intend on sleeping in the truck bed as I tow a teardrop trailer.
 

Vtur

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My ARE rear door isn't level, left side edge is 3/8" higher. Front window isn't centered, and the bottom trimmed edges near the tail light are terrible. Definitely not worth over $3k.
 

Sandman 4x4

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I have learned to take as much time as needed to closely inspect any large purchases lately, especially RV’s Travel Trailers and truck camper/caps. While on the phone I politely let the salesman know that is what I will do upon arrival and before any paperwork is submitted. I will hold them responsible to correct everything before I sign on the bottom line
 

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My ARE rear door isn't level, left side edge is 3/8" higher. Front window isn't centered, and the bottom trimmed edges near the tail light are terrible. Definitely not worth over $3k.
Definitely not worth $3k. But that’s what they charge. I got mine used, waited months for a white one, but as soon as it appeared on marketplace I grabbed it. Saved a ton.
 

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Craig Ruskaup

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we had it on a new Jeep for display. New it was $4700 would sell for $3K has a bunch of extras including lights. It is White
And actually, the quality on this seems pretty good. Looks really nice
 

Craig Ruskaup

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How much weight can the ARE fiberglass caps carry on top?
it is the new CX Evolve. Can't find on website, I emailed them to find out. Shows a pic with two Kayaks on top. We are a dealer, and we paid $4700 cost with the accs we added
 
 







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