A.R.E. CX Evolve questions

[danimal2000]

After much research, including these forums, i think i decided on the CX Evolve topper. I really liked the SmartCap too, but i felt the profile/lines were a bit off, it seemed a little bit futuristic angle-y box-y (yes those are words). The lines on the A.R.E. just look perfect and most people seem pretty happy with their functionality.

Some questions to you current Evolve owners:

1. Dealer I spoke with was trying to convince me to get the roof rack saying it would be much cheaper than if I added one later on. I'm not sure I'll want the rack, but i think I'd like the tracks only so that i have the option down the road to add a rack/crossbars if I want. Thoughts here?
2. Window options: I definitely want the side windows flip-up and slider as my dogs will also ride back there. The front window though, I think slide-only is sufficient, and I can't really see why have a flip-down front window if i have the hard top on the cab. Just wondering if I'm missing something.
3. Key-fob option: Anyone who has it, can you explain how/what works there? Says it uses the truck key fob, is this just for the rear window? Is keyed entry for rear and side windows still a separate key?
4. Mounting: it seems it can be mounted either with or without trail rail system. Thoughts here? should i consider getting the trail rail system and mounting that way? Is there much difference? Asking because of question5 below....
5. Ease of install/uninstall: I don't think I intend to have this cap on full time. Mostly on summer road trips, towing a camper and bringing the pups. Outside of these trips, I may want to take the cap off and store it. Is this a bad idea?


I'm expecting 3300-3500ish range when the dealer comes back with quote. If anyone wants to share their price on similar options as I'm considering, would appreciate that too. basically the options I'm looking at: OTR spray, side window flip up and slider, front window slider, key fob, roof tracks only....not sure yet on whether i want to do rope lights as well

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[AXISJT]

I know there have been a few people on here with some quality issues with the A.R.E so you may want to look them up just to see what u should look out for but seems like most people love them.

 

[The White Rabbit]

Definitely the best looking top when color matched IMHO. What I originally wanted until digging around on here and for versatility sake I have my eye set on the RSI. Will either wrap it or get it painted. Color match is something I can not do without.

 

[Sonoran_Mohavey]

For sure do the rope lights and side windows that flip. Only need a slider up front and bars are fine dont let them convince you to get a rack you dont want. Had two seperate ARE toppers on my Sierra and loved them both!

 

[Tanners Owner]

The drop down front window is good for cleaning the area between the cab and canopy- especially nice feature in the PNW where the dampness has a habit of growing green grunge in dark places- something to consider.

I went with a RLD canopy and am very happy with it thus far. It too has the broad side openings, sliding side windows.

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