Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
PRODUCT REVIEW The combination of side toolboxes, KargoMaster rack and BedSlide cargo tray make this setup very functional for the contractor who needs to keep tools and supplies organized and protected. COMMERCIAL COVER-UP U Upgrading to A R E' di t A.R.E.'s DCU truck cap By Larry Walton ontractors who need to carry a lot of tools and cargo to jobsites in their pickup often turn to bed caps for the added security and protection of items in the bed from the elements. A.R.E. (4are. com) is one of the premium cap manufacturers that strike a good balance between form and function. We set up one of my construction company's F-350 work pickups with an A.R.E.'s DCU Series cap to see how it stacks up to work in the commercial world. Ordering a truck cap from A.R.E. is not easy for the indecisive because the options are many. What is easy is using A.R.E.'s "Build Your DCU-Series" tool on their website where canopy height, toolbox configurations, window sizes, door types, lighting, ventilation, roof racks and several other options come into play. When you're done you can print out a list of the options you've chosen. We selected the cab-height model with the optional side toolboxes so smaller tools C 18 PROPICKUP Buyer's Guide 2012 df tl d items were readily d dil and frequently used it available instead of our having to climb into the bed. The low profile keeps the cap out of the wind as much as possible, aiding fuel economy. Our crew does a lot of work in rainy conditions in western Oregon, so we decided to go with the hatch-back lift, which replaces the tailgate. We'd never had this configuration on any of our pickups before, but it seemed like a good idea because the open door would provide awning-like protection from the rain while you are getting things out of the back of the pickup. The check boxes for the optional Kargo Master lumber rack and a contractor grade BedSlide were also marked as were the it b i l t h d to the i t unit being color matched t th OEM paint code and a sliding front window to match the back window of the Ford Super Crew. We also ordered as many interior lights as possible. One of the things we didn't anticipate was that the DCU design would not perfectly match the angles of the sidewalls the way that the CX Series truck cap does on another of our Super Duty Fords. This is a minor item, but worth noting. There are several quality features that make this a good choice for the contractor who needs to keep tools and supplies out of sight, protected from the weather and protected from unauthorized acquisition of the contents. OPTIONS ON TIM'S A.R.E. TRUCK CAP Height: 23 inches Color: Painted to match Rear Door: Hatchback lift with window Side Door Options: Standard full length Side Toolbox Options: Standard toolbox Side Toolbox Shelving Options: 9 Front Window Option: Clear mitered sliding window Lighting Option: 12 Ladder Rack Option: Kargo Master – Heavy Duty Rack System BedSlide Option: Contractor Grade – Heavy Duty