A.R.E. CX EVOLVE CAP installed

[rharr]

when i got my ARE a year ago, i was told the main delay was the big ice and snow storm that knocked out power to Texas (we won't talk about the root of why the power took so long to come back) and caused sever disruptions to the fiberglass and resin manufacturers in that state, which apparently supply the whole country. With limited raw materials to make caps and dealers still taking orders, ARE i would imagine created a self induced back log that they can't dig out of. Then combine that with no red blooded American wanting to do hard and dirty work any more in a crappy fiberglass plant (based on the quality of workmen ship) and the clamping down on hiring foreigners that are willing to do hard work for cheap, the fact that we are married to china and no matter what we build here there seems to be a few finish parts needed from them (locks, rails, clamps ect.) but can't get them shipped expeditiously because china is still on lock down. I can see why it takes so long.

This is the new world we live in, we made ourselves dependent on china and just in time manufacturing in pursuit of mass quantities and low prices, at least ARE is still on US soil.

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[AustinL911]

when i got my ARE a year ago, i was told the main delay was the big ice and snow storm that knocked out power to Texas (we won't talk about the root of why the power took so long to come back) and caused sever disruptions to the fiberglass and resin manufacturers in that state, which apparently supply the whole country. With limited raw materials to make caps and dealers still taking orders, ARE i would imagine created a self induced back log that they can't dig out of. Then combine that with no red blooded American wanting to do hard and dirty work any more in a crappy fiberglass plant (based on the quality of workmen ship) and the clamping down on hiring foreigners that are willing to do hard work for cheap, the fact that we are married to china and no matter what we build here there seems to be a few finish parts needed from them (locks, rails, clamps ect.) but can't get them shipped expeditiously because china is still on lock down. I can see why it takes so long.

This is the new world we live in, we made ourselves dependent on china and just in time manufacturing in pursuit of mass quantities and low prices, at least ARE is still on US soil.

Yup. Dealer told me yesterday that ARE has a backlog of 13,000 caps. However, they recently automated the window cutting process which I guess used to be pretty time consuming. Adding this robotic cutting has increased their production capacity by 60 caps per day. Doesn't sound like much but multiply that by 5 days a week, 20+ working days per month, etc. They will eventually get there.

 

[ckgjt]

Yup. Dealer told me yesterday that ARE has a backlog of 13,000 caps. However, they recently automated the window cutting process which I guess used to be pretty time consuming. Adding this robotic cutting has increased their production capacity by 60 caps per day. Doesn't sound like much but multiply that by 5 days a week, 20+ working days per month, etc. They will eventually get there.

...they probably went automated on the window cutting because they had to fix too many of Fred the window cutters mistakes. this cost them a whole new shell for me

 

[Alaskantinbender]

If your like me, you may have seen the white Gladiator with an ARE CX Classic topper advertised that looks awesome! Then you do a build and get the price and say: Yeah, that’s nice but way too expensive!” Well I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one anyway.

I ordered the CX Classic that had a 6 to 8 week build time and elected to pay $75 bucks for express deliver. The very next day my dealer called and said they had a new topper the CX Evolve. Basically the difference was a full glass rear window with keyless lock/unlock that works with the key fob. Since I paid too much money already, I figured what’s a few more bucks... So I bought an A.R.E. CX EVOLVE topper.

Three weeks later my topper arrived and got installed. This thing has all the options.

CX Evolve fiberglass cap - color matched $1995.03
Outdoorsman side vented windoors $270.12
Tilt front sliding window $81.60
12 volt interior light with dual rope lights w/prop switch $188.70
Clothes rod $23.46
Came with free carpet interior
Yakima Jetstream roof rack (had to take off to fit in garage) will add photos soon with them on. $418.20

It took a minute to grow on me, but I absolutely love the lockable rear cargo space. It’s like my JK with a ton of cargo room. I wanted to post this for anyone looking at these toppers. For me, I research the crap out of things before buying. Unfortunately there was not a lot out there on this forum or YouTube. So here you go!

Looks great, they can make a nice product. I have priced them twice last year with less options and they always seem to get over $4000 quick so I stopped looking. Just not worth the money to keep rain off the gear. I got a soft topper instead.

 

[WhyNotJeep]

My ARE CX Classic with headliner and sliding fold down front window came in at $2399, OTD. I passed on a lot of the options.

 

[Armsbearer]

After a short 12 week wait the top arrived! No visible quality issues, however there are several spots that need cleaning…excess glue, fiberglass dust, etc. I really like the extra space!

I like it. How much did the rear sag with the weight of the topper?

 

[GreenMan]

I like it. How much did the rear sag with the weight of the topper?

I didn’t measure it prior, however it haven’t noticed a change. I periodically look from different angles and degrees of slope with no real notice in sag.

 

[Armsbearer]

I didn’t measure it prior, however it haven’t noticed a change. I periodically look from different angles and degrees of slope with no real notice in sag.

Thanks.

 

[WhyNotJeep]

The ARE CX weighs about 165 pounds. Should not effect stance as some of the weight will be on the front.

 

[SC Doberman]

Installed yesterday. No complaints so far

 

[steelponycowboy]

I had my ARE with roof top tent for about 2 years. This March I got one of the new 4 Wheel Campers Project M campers and absolutely love it.

 

[BrawnyBen]

If your like me, you may have seen the white Gladiator with an ARE CX Classic topper advertised that looks awesome! Then you do a build and get the price and say: Yeah, that’s nice but way too expensive!” Well I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one anyway.

I ordered the CX Classic that had a 6 to 8 week build time and elected to pay $75 bucks for express deliver. The very next day my dealer called and said they had a new topper the CX Evolve. Basically the difference was a full glass rear window with keyless lock/unlock that works with the key fob. Since I paid too much money already, I figured what’s a few more bucks... So I bought an A.R.E. CX EVOLVE topper.

Three weeks later my topper arrived and got installed. This thing has all the options.

CX Evolve fiberglass cap - color matched $1995.03
Outdoorsman side vented windoors $270.12
Tilt front sliding window $81.60
12 volt interior light with dual rope lights w/prop switch $188.70
Clothes rod $23.46
Came with free carpet interior
Yakima Jetstream roof rack (had to take off to fit in garage) will add photos soon with them on. $418.20

It took a minute to grow on me, but I absolutely love the lockable rear cargo space. It’s like my JK with a ton of cargo room. I wanted to post this for anyone looking at these toppers. For me, I research the crap out of things before buying. Unfortunately there was not a lot out there on this forum or YouTube. So here you go!

I bought a used A.R.E. topper from a guy that didn't have the trail rail system so I had to remove the rails to clamp it on. Did you order these trail rail clamps special somewhere?

 

[Dejay]

No I did not order the trail rail clamps special. The ARE dealer installed it with the clamps. I would call your local ARE dealer, I’m sure you can order some from them. I purchased my topper from Leonard Truck Outfitters just outside Charlotte, NC. I’ve attached their number if you want to call them. Good luck.

 

[BrawnyBen]

No I did not order the trail rail clamps special. The ARE dealer installed it with the clamps. I would call your local ARE dealer, I’m sure you can order some from them. I purchased my topper from Leonard Truck Outfitters just outside Charlotte, NC. I’ve attached their number if you want to call them. Good luck.

thanks! appreciate it!

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