Truck Cap Accessories | Customize & Upgrade Your Topper
Our roof rack system transforms your truck cap into a heavy-duty cargo platform. Aircraft-grade aluminum construction supports up to 500 lbs of ladders, lumber, or kayaks without compromising your cap's weathertight seal. We engineered the mounting system to integrate directly with your cap's reinforced roof structure, eliminating the need for aftermarket drilling. Installation takes under an hour with basic hand tools.
The adjustable crossbar design fits every ARE cap model from Z-Series commercial toppers to CX-Series premium shells. Rubber-cushioned contact points protect both your cap finish and cargo from scratches during transport.
What's included with accessory bundles
Compatibility Across ARE Cap Models
Every accessory in our truck cap accessories lineup is engineered to fit the reinforced mounting points, wiring harnesses, and structural rails we build into Z-Series, CX-Series, and MX-Series caps. We machine roof rack brackets to mate with the internal roof bracing we install during cap assembly, so mounting hardware threads directly into pre-tapped anchor points rather than relying on clamps or adhesive pads. This factory-matched approach eliminates fitment gaps and preserves your cap’s structural warranty.
Our LED lighting kits plug into the same weatherproof connector harness we pre-wire into every cap for optional dome lights and bed outlets. If you ordered your cap without interior lighting, the connector is already there waiting under the headliner — you’re adding components to an existing electrical system rather than splicing into factory truck wiring. Ladder racks and tie-down tracks bolt to the extruded aluminum side rails we weld into the cap frame, using the same fastener spec and thread pitch as OEM cap hardware.
Installation & Required Tools
Roof Rack & Ladder Rack Setup
Roof rack installation requires a 1/2″ socket wrench, torque wrench, and basic hand tools. We include step-by-step photo instructions that walk through locating the four mounting points molded into your cap’s roof structure, threading the stainless bolts through reinforced grommets, and torquing fasteners to 35 ft-lbs. The entire process takes 45 to 60 minutes working alone. Crossbar spacing adjusts by loosening two thumbscrews per bar, sliding to the desired position, and re-tightening — no measuring required.
Side ladder racks mount to the external side rails visible along each cap edge. Each rack uses six bolts per side that thread into existing tapped holes in the rail extrusion. We mark the correct hole positions with color-coded tape in the instruction sheet. You’ll need a 7/16″ socket and a helper to hold the rack upright while you start the first two bolts. Total installation time runs about 90 minutes for the pair.
Material Construction & Weather Resistance
We build truck cap accessories from the same marine-grade aluminum, UV-stable plastics, and stainless hardware that go into our caps. Roof racks use 6061-T6 aluminum extrusions with a powder coat finish tested to 3000 hours of salt spray exposure without corrosion. Ladder rack uprights are Schedule 40 steel tube with a two-stage powder coat process: zinc-rich primer followed by a UV-resistant topcoat that resists chipping when ladders slide in and out daily.
LED lighting lenses are polycarbonate, the same impact-resistant material we use for cap windows. All electrical connectors carry an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning they survive submersion in three feet of water for 30 minutes — far beyond what rain or pressure washing will ever subject them to. Tie-down track aluminum is anodized after extrusion to create a hard oxide layer that won’t degrade from road salt or chemical exposure. Every rubber component — gaskets, cradle pads, vibration isolators — is EPDM synthetic rubber rated for -40°F to 140°F without cracking or losing flexibility.
Complete Your Cap Setup
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Common Questions About Truck Cap Accessories
Our accessories are engineered specifically for ARE cap models, using the reinforced mounting points, wiring harnesses, and structural rails we build into every cap during assembly. While some universal accessories like tie-down tracks may physically fit other brands' caps, we can only guarantee fitment, load ratings, and warranty coverage when installed on ARE products.
Roof racks and ladder racks rely on pre-tapped anchor points molded into our cap frames at precise locations. Those mounting points don't exist in the same positions on competitors' caps, so proper installation would require custom drilling that could compromise the cap's structural integrity and void its warranty.
Every accessory in our lineup is designed for DIY installation with basic hand tools. Roof racks, ladder racks, and tie-down tracks require only socket wrenches and a torque wrench. We include detailed photo instructions with torque specs and color-coded hardware. Most customers complete roof rack installation in under an hour.
LED lighting kits use plug-and-play connectors that snap into your cap's existing wiring harness — no cutting or splicing required. The magnetic mounting system lets you reposition lights without tools. If you're uncomfortable working with 12V electrical systems, any auto electrician can complete the installation in 15 minutes, but it's straightforward enough for most truck owners to handle.
An empty roof rack increases aerodynamic drag, typically reducing highway fuel economy by 1-2 MPG depending on truck model and driving speed. The impact is minimal at speeds under 55 MPH and more noticeable above 70 MPH. When loaded with cargo, wind resistance increases proportionally to the cargo's frontal area and height.
Handling changes are negligible with the rack empty. A fully loaded rack raises your truck's center of gravity slightly, which can increase body roll in sharp corners and extend braking distances on wet pavement. We recommend reducing highway speeds by 5-10 MPH when carrying maximum-rated loads on the roof, especially in crosswind conditions.
Tie-down tracks, carpeted bed liners, and side ladder racks all work with spray-in liners without modification. Tie-down tracks bolt through existing stake pocket holes, and the liner doesn't interfere with the mounting hardware. Carpeted liners sit on top of the spray-in coating and actually provide additional scratch protection for the liner itself.
Side ladder racks mount to the cap's exterior side rails, so bed liner type is irrelevant. Roof racks attach to the cap's roof structure, not the truck bed, so again no bed liner conflicts. The only consideration is ensuring your spray-in liner applicator left the stake pocket holes clear if you plan to use tie-down tracks — most professional installers mask those holes during application.
Aluminum roof racks and tie-down tracks require only occasional washing with car soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool that can scratch the powder coat finish. Inspect mounting bolts every six months and re-torque to spec if they've loosened from vibration. Apply a thin coat of silicone spray to tie-down track channels twice a year to keep T-bolts sliding smoothly.
LED lighting lenses wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Check electrical connections annually for corrosion — a small amount of dielectric grease on connector pins prevents oxidation in humid climates. Carpeted bed liners pull out in seconds for hosing; hang them vertically to dry in sunlight. Steel ladder racks benefit from a coat of car wax once a year to protect the powder coat from UV fade and minor scratches.
Roof racks, LED lighting, and ladder racks transfer easily if your new truck has the same ARE cap model or a compatible mounting system. The accessories bolt on and off without permanent modifications, so removal takes the same time as initial installation. If you're upgrading to a different cap model or brand, contact our support team to verify compatibility before transferring.
Tie-down tracks are truck-bed-specific, since they mount using stake pocket holes that vary in spacing between truck makes. Carpeted bed liners are laser-cut for specific truck models and bed lengths, so they won't fit a different truck unless it shares the exact bed dimensions. In both cases, the accessories stay with the truck rather than moving to a new vehicle. Most customers leave bed-mounted accessories in place and purchase new items sized for their upgraded truck.
Structural components — roof racks, ladder racks, tie-down tracks — carry a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers frame cracks, weld failures, and hardware breakage under normal use within rated load capacities. The powder coat finish is warranted for three years against UV fade, peeling, or corrosion.
LED lighting kits include a three-year electronics warranty covering LED pod failures, remote control malfunctions, and wiring harness defects. The magnetic mounts and lenses are covered for one year. Carpeted bed liners carry a two-year warranty against delamination, excessive wear, and UV degradation. Normal staining from use is not covered, but the carpet is warranted to withstand pressure washing without fiber loss or backing separation.