ARE camper shell lack of QC- - update!

[1945gpw]

I ordered a camper shell for my gladiator a few weeks ago and was super excited to get it installed yesterday. After they installed it I walk out to drive off and notice it didn’t come with the roof rail system that I ordered so they are going to contact ARE and see what happened. More than likely will order the parts and get installed in a few weeks. Ok not a big deal but an inconvenience after driving 2 hours one way for the install.
then after getting home I was able to take a closer look at it and it’s just a shame that the quality control isn’t what it should be on these. The paint match looks good but they didn't apply enough paint on one area so you can see primer coming through.
The rubber seals on the windows have several chunks missing so will need to be replaced and the front window is missing 4 screws that’s supposed to secure it to the shell.

currently waiting to hear back from the installer. I’m concerned they aren’t going to fix the paint since I accepted the top but fingers crossed they will fix everything

overall the top looks good but really disappointing you don't get what you pay for.Anyone else have similar issues with ARE and did they fix it for you?

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[rharr]

yeah that seems about right, mine wasn't as bad but ARE seems to trip on the last 10%.

Maybe they farm out Prison Labor to make these things.......

 

[Sigz]

Yeah ARE has taken a QC hit for sure.

I wish more folks knew and use Venterous Ozark bed toppers. The quality and features outweigh ARE by a mile.

 

[Bjeepz]

The Last Leer I bought new was the worse cap I'd ever owned when it came to the quality of the cuts inside and the rear window not lining up perfectly.

It's 2024, simple things just keep getting worse while the prices skyrocket. I bet the ppl making these caps don't make enough to have one, creates a great environment for careless work. Seems to be everywhere.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

That is pretty shoddy workmanship. And whoever installed it is on par for not mentioning the defects to you, before you drove there to pick it up.

 

[1945gpw]

Yeah ARE has taken a QC hit for sure.

I wish more folks knew and use Venterous Ozark bed toppers. The quality and features outweigh ARE by a mile.

I looked into them, should have given it a try. Oh well

 

[Craig Ruskaup]

I ordered a camper shell for my gladiator a few weeks ago and was super excited to get it installed yesterday. After they installed it I walk out to drive off and notice it didn’t come with the roof rail system that I ordered so they are going to contact ARE and see what happened. More than likely will order the parts and get installed in a few weeks. Ok not a big deal but an inconvenience after driving 2 hours one way for the install.
then after getting home I was able to take a closer look at it and it’s just a shame that the quality control isn’t what it should be on these. The paint match looks good but they didn't apply enough paint on one area so you can see primer coming through.
The rubber seals on the windows have several chunks missing so will need to be replaced and the front window is missing 4 screws that’s supposed to secure it to the shell.

currently waiting to hear back from the installer. I’m concerned they aren’t going to fix the paint since I accepted the top but fingers crossed they will fix everything

overall the top looks good but really disappointing you don't get what you pay for.Anyone else have similar issues with ARE and did they fix it for you?

I have practically a brand new white I would let go cheap!

 

[JCB350FL]

Yeah ARE has taken a QC hit for sure.

I wish more folks knew and use Venterous Ozark bed toppers. The quality and features outweigh ARE by a mile.

This is definitely good info. Have been thinking about getting a topper that matches the unpainted black top and had been leaning toward ARE. Need to take a closer look at the Ozark toppers.

 

[bd100]

If it were mine I'd just get a few slightly thicker screws and run them in. The seals appear to be at the bottom once the windows are closed so maybe they don't matter much. But you are right, quality is hit-or-miss, as it's hard for anyone anywhere to hire good help any more.

For what it's worth, I'm seeing quality problems in all kinds of other industries as well, blue and white-collar. Basically, I think the whole lockdown stuff a few years ago resulted in a lot of people getting sick, dying, retiring, moving, etc, and a lot of valuable institutional and trade knowledge has been lost.

 

[Sigz]

This is definitely good info. Have been thinking about getting a topper that matches the unpainted black top and had been leaning toward ARE. Need to take a closer look at the Ozark toppers.

Go with the Ozark!

 

[1945gpw]

If it were mine I'd just get a few slightly thicker screws and run them in. The seals appear to be at the bottom once the windows are closed so maybe they don't matter much. But you are right, quality is hit-or-miss, as it's hard for anyone anywhere to hire good help any more.

For what it's worth, I'm seeing quality problems in all kinds of other industries as well, blue and white-collar. Basically, I think the whole lockdown stuff a few years ago resulted in a lot of people getting sick, dying, retiring, moving, etc, and a lot of valuable institutional and trade knowledge has been lost.

yeah I wasn’t to worried about the seals or screws but combined with the paint issue and that I’m going to have to return for the rail system to get installed just compounds everything.. I’m hoping it all gets fixed without causing more issues or damage.

 

[1945gpw]

Go with the Ozark!

Can you post some more close up pictures of your top? I’m curious about the fit and finish of the windows and shell. Was there any QC issues with your being from a different manufacturer?

 

[Sigz]

Can you post some more close up pictures of your top? I’m curious about the fit and finish of the windows and shell. Was there any QC issues with your being from a different manufacturer?

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!

 

[RHugg01]

I ordered a camper shell for my gladiator a few weeks ago and was super excited to get it installed yesterday. After they installed it I walk out to drive off and notice it didn’t come with the roof rail system that I ordered so they are going to contact ARE and see what happened. More than likely will order the parts and get installed in a few weeks. Ok not a big deal but an inconvenience after driving 2 hours one way for the install.
then after getting home I was able to take a closer look at it and it’s just a shame that the quality control isn’t what it should be on these. The paint match looks good but they didn't apply enough paint on one area so you can see primer coming through.
The rubber seals on the windows have several chunks missing so will need to be replaced and the front window is missing 4 screws that’s supposed to secure it to the shell.

currently waiting to hear back from the installer. I’m concerned they aren’t going to fix the paint since I accepted the top but fingers crossed they will fix everything

overall the top looks good but really disappointing you don't get what you pay for.Anyone else have similar issues with ARE and did they fix it for you?

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.

 

[BennieD]

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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