New A.R.E. CX Classic on 6' XL

[NJSalt23]

Finally added a cap to my '23 XL 4x4 work mule. So the kit is almost complete -- new tires (continental TerrainContact 256/75R16, aftermarket sliding rear window, and A.R.E. CX Classic to match OEM Shadow Black. Need amber fog lamps to replace the non-existent factory slots, and a roof rack.​

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[9zero1790]

looks sharp! the paint matches perfectly.

 

[Lostsoul]

Looks good. I ordered an ARE MX about 2 weeks ago. I added the windoors, head liner, removable or tilt front window (non opening), dome light, and roof rack.
4k plus tax...OUCH!

I was pulling my hair out trying to decide what cap to buy and from whom. There are literally hundreds of people complaining on youtube and forums (from all makes) that all the cap brands have quality and leaking issues.

Now my big question is: what is the "30 foot harness" all about. The shop said they would wire the brake light but it would flash with the turn signal. I said "no you wont either". I went over that you need to access the chimsel to wire in the brake controller, and maybe they could use that wire too. ( I have not wired the brake controller yet). They said nope but they could use the "30 foot harness" and it costs 50. They really did not know where it connected, but so and so would wire it in. I also told them that the truck had separate brake and turn signal lights, but they did not believe me..
but, at least I got the order in.
I called back the other day and talked to some asshole who insisted that they would do the wiring and I could not wire my own truck. I tried to cancel the order but they said nope.

The reason I went with ARE and not Leer was that they told me ARE was much easier to deal with for parts and other issues....

good luck with the cap.

 

[paval3]

Looks good. I ordered an ARE MX about 2 weeks ago. I added the windoors, head liner, removable or tilt front window (non opening), dome light, and roof rack.
4k plus tax...OUCH!

I was pulling my hair out trying to decide what cap to buy and from whom. There are literally hundreds of people complaining on youtube and forums (from all makes) that all the cap brands have quality and leaking issues.

Now my big question is: what is the "30 foot harness" all about. The shop said they would wire the brake light but it would flash with the turn signal. I said "no you wont either". I went over that you need to access the chimsel to wire in the brake controller, and maybe they could use that wire too. ( I have not wired the brake controller yet). They said nope but they could use the "30 foot harness" and it costs 50. They really did not know where it connected, but so and so would wire it in. I also told them that the truck had separate brake and turn signal lights, but they did not believe me..
but, at least I got the order in.
I called back the other day and talked to some asshole who insisted that they would do the wiring and I could not wire my own truck. I tried to cancel the order but they said nope.

The reason I went with ARE and not Leer was that they told me ARE was much easier to deal with for parts and other issues....

good luck with the cap.

I forget the exact wording of the legal stuff, but if our people even help set the cap on the customer's truck and don't make sure the cap's rear brake light is operable, we could be held liable if that failure resulted in an accident. So yes, when the cap is installed, we hook up the brake light. Don't ask me the specifics because I'm not an installer, but I know a harness is used.... we don't charge for installation on a new cap purchase.

 

[ThatsAMonkey]

I've been up in the air with a cap, mostly a mid so I have a bit of head room to use it for a over night sleeper. Thought about purchasing a decked system and placing a pad on the top. So give or take these caps are running around $3-4k with the 6ft beds?

I like the sleek look of the ARE cap nonetheless.

 

[Bkboyes]

This is my 2019 with the ARE classic in shadow black.

 

[paval3]

They really did not know where it connected, but so and so would wire it in. I also told them that the truck had separate brake and turn signal lights, but they did not believe me..
but, at least I got the order in.
I called back the other day and talked to some asshole who insisted that they would do the wiring and I could not wire my own truck. I tried to cancel the order but they said nope.

I just quickly asked our installer, he said new Rangers have separate brake/turn signal tail lights. So you are correct.

He started giving me our stock part number of the harness he uses, but I didn't write it down since our inventory part number would be of no use to you or your dealer. I know if purchased seperately retail it sells for about $39.

 

[NJSalt23]

I came across a leak around the forward sliding window on the new CX. I'll be calling my installer tmrw to discuss it with him - so far his service has been very good, and I expect a resolution from him via A.R.E. I don't expect this to be a "big deal" repair or warranty issue, but I want it noted with the manufacturer.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Looks good Jeff - I have the same cap/topper/canopy on my Shadow Black SuperCab so, yeah, great choice. ?

I installed a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform up top. They have both served me well for years - I hope the same for you.

 

[NJSalt23]

Duke - Thanks for sharing. I'll be looking into the Rhino platform as soon as I get the cap issue resolved.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

The platform rack is awesome.

Most platform setups have three layers:

1. Legs
2. Crossbars
3. Platform Rack

Some have four:

1. Track Mounts
2. Legs
3. Crossbars
4. Platform Rack

The Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform has crossbars built into it. This allows you to skip the crossbars and mount the platform directly to the legs for a very low profile.

I explained my setup in another thread…

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/racks-on-truck-caps.7570/post-191282

Good Luck getting it all put together.

 

[Lostsoul]

I just quickly asked our installer, he said new Rangers have separate brake/turn signal tail lights. So you are correct.

He started giving me our stock part number of the harness he uses, but I didn't write it down since our inventory part number would be of no use to you or your dealer. I know if purchased seperately retail it sells for about $39.

Hi Val.

Thanks for the responses. Sorry I took a while to respond. I am having vision problems.
I am trying to find the best way to figure this out. There are 3 ways to get to the brake signal.
1, directly from the rear light. Remove the assembly and use a scotch lock on the brake light wire. This is the easiest, I guess, but also uses a connector that cuts into the wire. I am thinking of doing this and hooking up a wire for the dealer to hook into.
2, from the chmsl. A wire connects to the third brake light wire and connects to whatever needs that signal. This is the way ford connects the brake controller to the brake light. It seems outrageously stupid. You have to take apart interior trim all the way from under the driver to the head liner at the third brake light. Instructions come with the Ford brake controller. I have to do this when I install the brake controller. I was wondering if I could add a wire for the brake light on the cap.
3, There is a fuse block. BCM fuseblock is what it is called. Ford wiring diagrams show which wire is for the brake light. Other members have discussed taking off a wire from this to use for the brake controller. I dont know if anyone has actually done it. Responses on the forum are slow to none for me.

4 ??? the harness. This "harness" is a mystical object since I can not find out where is connects. I ordered it, for $50, with my ARE topper. The dealer is evasive and arrogant and I cant get a hold of ARE. If I had the harness, I would wire it in.

I wish I could get answers.

Nothing personal, but that old insurance line has no value. They used it at the place I worked and we had 17 year old kids assembling bikes that went 150 MPH.

I am the opposite of a know-it-all. I want to know everything. I worked as a mechanic for 10 years and am quite proficient with wiring. I am a bit behind with new vehicles. I also know that there are plenty of guys who do some shitty work and will not let them work on my truck.

If you can get any more info about that harness, I would really appreciate it. Specifically, where does it connect?

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