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A.R.E. Truck Caps

A.R.E. truck caps that turn your bed into a locked, weather-tight space

ARE truck caps, also written A.R.E., are hard camper shells that enclose the entire bed, giving you a fully sealed, lockable space that stands at cab height instead of a low lid over the rails. A.R.E. builds premium caps, and we currently stock one line from them: the Ascend Truck Cap, a lightweight aluminum-framed cap fit for the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, and the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500. If you want your gear locked, dry, and out of sight under a standing-height roof, this is the product page for you.

A truck cap is different from a tonneau cover, and the difference matters before you buy. A tonneau cover is a low-profile lid that seals the bed at rail height and keeps the truck's flatter look. A cap like the Ascend rises to roughly cab height, so it encloses the full bed volume. That gives you room for taller cargo, work tools standing upright, dogs riding covered, or a weather-tight base for camping. You give up the low-slung profile and you pay more, but you gain a small enclosed cargo room on the back of your truck.

A.R.E. caps sit at a premium price point, and the Ascend starts around $4,800, so we will be straight with you. If you mostly want to cover groceries, keep the bed dry on a commute, or hide a few tools, a tonneau cover is the cheaper, simpler call. The Ascend is built for owners who need the full enclosed, secure, standing-height space and want it light enough not to weigh the truck down. Call or text us before you order so we can confirm the cap fits your exact truck and bed.

How to choose your A.R.E. cap

  • Want a lightweight capThe Ascend uses an aluminum frame, so it adds the enclosure without the weight of a heavy fiberglass shell.
  • Drive a Tacoma, F-150, or 1500The Ascend is verified to fit the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500.
  • Need full bed securityA locked, fully enclosed cap keeps tools, gear, and cargo out of sight and out of the weather.
  • Building for camping or dogsThe standing-height enclosure gives you a dry, covered space for sleeping setups or hauling dogs.
  • On a tight budgetIf you want a low lid for a commute or light cargo, a tonneau cover costs far less than a cap. Tell us and we will point you there.

Key capabilities

  • Full bed enclosureEncloses the whole bed at cab height for taller cargo and a sealed, covered space.
  • Aluminum-framed buildLightweight aluminum keeps the cap strong without loading down the truck like heavier shells.
  • Lockable and weather-tightSeals out rain and dust and locks down so your gear stays dry and secure.
  • Backed by the manufacturer warrantyThe Ascend ships covered by the A.R.E. manufacturer warranty for added peace of mind.

Ideal for

  • Owners who want a fully enclosed, lockable bed
  • Campers needing a dry, covered base
  • Tradespeople hauling tools and gear
  • Truck owners hauling dogs covered

Compare the lineup

ProductStyleMaterialLockingStand-out
A.R.E. Ascend Truck Cap Hard truck cap / camper shell Aluminum frame, lightweight Lockable, weather-tight enclosure Full standing-height bed enclosure that stays light; fits Tacoma, F-150, Silverado/Sierra 1500

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Why shop with Truck Bed Barn

  • Free shippingOn every truck accessory in the catalog.
  • Free fitment checkText or call before you buy. We verify fitment to your exact truck.
  • Fast shipping1 to 7 business days from manufacturer warehouses across the US.
  • Real person on the phoneCall or text and reach someone who actually knows this gear, not a call center.
  • Full manufacturer warrantyBacked by each brand's factory warranty, honored through Truck Bed Barn.

Frequently asked questions

What are A.R.E. truck caps and how are they different from a tonneau cover?
A.R.E. truck caps are hard camper shells that enclose the entire bed at roughly cab height, creating a sealed, lockable cargo space. A tonneau cover is a low lid that seals the bed at rail height and keeps the truck's flatter look. Choose a cap when you need full enclosure, standing-height room, and maximum weather protection rather than a low profile.
Which trucks does the A.R.E. Ascend fit?
The Ascend Truck Cap is verified to fit the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, and the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500. Fitment also depends on your exact bed length and configuration. Call or text us before you order and we will confirm the cap matches your specific truck for free.
Why is the A.R.E. Ascend so much more expensive than a tonneau cover?
The Ascend starts around $4,800 because it is a full camper shell, not a lid. You are buying a complete standing-height enclosure with an aluminum frame, locking access, and weather sealing across the whole bed. A tonneau cover only covers the top of the bed, so if you only need a basic lid, a cover will cost far less.
Is the Ascend heavy since it covers the whole bed?
No, the Ascend is built on a lightweight aluminum frame specifically to keep weight down. Many caps use heavier fiberglass construction, which adds load to the truck. The aluminum build gives you the full enclosure while staying lighter, which is one of the main reasons owners pick this line.
Who should not buy an A.R.E. cap?
If you mostly want to cover groceries, keep cargo dry on a commute, or hide a few tools, a cap is more than you need and a tonneau cover is the better value. Caps also raise the height of your truck and change its look, which not every owner wants. Buy the Ascend when you genuinely need a fully enclosed, lockable, standing-height bed for work, camping, dogs, or maximum security.