Thanks for doing an in depth comparison on these two toppers. I currently have a 2002 Ranger with an ARE that I’ve enjoyed for over 20 years. I’m looking at new pickups & toppers so this helps!
I just go mine a couple weeks ago and had a couple heavy downpours and no water got in. When power washing it there was small area where I get a little bit of water just a small space between the back door and the side rail but I can add a small bit of extra weather striping to alleviate that. The panels themselves you can tell are designed with keeping water out as they have lips that point out and probably also help with strength of panels. Love my GFC topper so far, only gripe is the keys/locks are a pain but supposedly that will get better as they get worn in. One huge advantage is that any future products they make they say will be backwords compatible and also any parts that get damage they can just replace the 1 part/panel as it can come apart into different pieces.
The trouble Ive found with ARE is trying to actually buy one. Ive been contacting them through their website twice, and twice through the dealer in the city I live in and 3 months later, no one has got back to me. Started looking elsewhere but my only options are Leer and ARE as Im not keen on the other big, bulky looking things that arent color matched to the vehicle.
Weight is a consideration as for my Ram 2500 it would be about 100 lbs more for Smartcap. Also customer support from RSI I have heard some horror strories but from GFC I have heard many good things and GFC topper if anything breaks/dents, etc it would be much easier to replace/fix due to the design. I would like the window between the cab to open on the GFC though, maybe future upgrade to replace that panel with opening window. Also crossbars on GFC may slighty get in way of getting things in/out from the side but even my larger bins fit through the middle of the cross bars.
@@dominica2765 I’m going with the go fast camper I was looking at the smart cap but it’s heavier and I heard the bolts get loose and you need to check them often.
What about heat and cold transfer?? I have an ARE Z series on my Tundra and it's carpeted - the aluminum is not as good an insulator as fiberglass and the carpeting.
ARE: $3600 GFC: $4000 USD
Thanks for doing an in depth comparison on these two toppers. I currently have a 2002 Ranger with an ARE that I’ve enjoyed for over 20 years. I’m looking at new pickups & toppers so this helps!
Right on
Background music is distracting. Would be nice to hear comparison to rsi smartcap. How was gfc for water leaks around panels and tailgate?
I just go mine a couple weeks ago and had a couple heavy downpours and no water got in. When power washing it there was small area where I get a little bit of water just a small space between the back door and the side rail but I can add a small bit of extra weather striping to alleviate that. The panels themselves you can tell are designed with keeping water out as they have lips that point out and probably also help with strength of panels. Love my GFC topper so far, only gripe is the keys/locks are a pain but supposedly that will get better as they get worn in. One huge advantage is that any future products they make they say will be backwords compatible and also any parts that get damage they can just replace the 1 part/panel as it can come apart into different pieces.
Good points. Thx
Wish you had some b-roll of video production packout and unloading. Great video though!
Thank you for the comparison video. This is exactly what I was looking for.
The trouble Ive found with ARE is trying to actually buy one. Ive been contacting them through their website twice, and twice through the dealer in the city I live in and 3 months later, no one has got back to me. Started looking elsewhere but my only options are Leer and ARE as Im not keen on the other big, bulky looking things that arent color matched to the vehicle.
Love the reviews!!!....Looking for a tent topper, if you guys get the chance please review Pack Out campers.
Similar to GFC but with more options.
Great suggestion!
Thanx!! Have an F150 and been searching for more video production "pickup" solutions.
Glad it helped!
The GFC is awesome but there isn’t an option for side windows and that takes it out of the running for me
The GFC costs Twice what the ARE does. Not exactly a comparable ?
Why did you choose a GFC topper vs an RSI smartcap? Any considerations- I am currently between these two
Weight is a consideration as for my Ram 2500 it would be about 100 lbs more for Smartcap. Also customer support from RSI I have heard some horror strories but from GFC I have heard many good things and GFC topper if anything breaks/dents, etc it would be much easier to replace/fix due to the design. I would like the window between the cab to open on the GFC though, maybe future upgrade to replace that panel with opening window. Also crossbars on GFC may slighty get in way of getting things in/out from the side but even my larger bins fit through the middle of the cross bars.
@@dominica2765What else do you know about the smart cab vs go fast camper to me the go fast camper is quite a bit lighter.
@@dominica2765 I’m going with the go fast camper I was looking at the smart cap but it’s heavier and I heard the bolts get loose and you need to check them often.
Good review, background music super annoying…
Sorry for that
Is that a Wiredhaired Pointing Griffon in the unfocused background?
indeed!
What model is the ARE?
What about heat and cold transfer?? I have an ARE Z series on my Tundra and it's carpeted - the aluminum is not as good an insulator as fiberglass and the carpeting.
How is dust on the GFC? Seems porous
What color did you put on the ARE? Looks matte
That’s an option you can select.
How’s the mpg I wonder 💭
Is there a Topper with expandable roof? (defender expandable roof topper in the EU)
I’d get an Alu Cab contour canopy before either of these two.
At how much more $$$?
@@eugeneenslow8563 it’s actually cheaper than both and higher quality.
AluCab is cheaper than the GFC and better
Word of the day must be functionality.
GFC looks nice. Just too expensive and way long lead time, too bad.
the guy is BSing it does not weigh 135 spec'd out the way he has it. and on that particular vehicle. liar