SpaceKap vs ARE Truck Caps: Best Service Cap for Work Trucks?
Looking to cap your work truck for mobile service or contracting use? Two names that come up are SpaceKap and ARE. These brands serve very different markets — one is a commercial service cap, the other is a consumer/light-commercial cap. At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we carry SpaceKap service caps — here’s how they compare.
Brand Overview
SpaceKap Commercial Service Caps
SpaceKap is a commercial-grade modular service cap system designed for work trucks — not recreational use. SpaceKap caps feature walk-in rear access, insulated construction, interior lighting, locking side and rear doors, and fully customizable shelving and storage. They’re designed for tradespeople, service technicians, mobile equipment operators, and contractors who essentially need a mobile workshop in the bed of their truck.
ARE Truck Caps
ARE (Leer) is one of the largest manufacturers of pickup truck caps and tonneaus in North America. They offer a wide range of caps from recreational/lifestyle caps to their commercial DCU (Delivery/Cargo Unit) series. ARE caps are broadly available through dealerships and are a popular choice for light commercial and consumer buyers who need weatherproofing and security.
Comparison: SpaceKap vs ARE
| Feature | SpaceKap | ARE Commercial DCU |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Market | Commercial service, trades, contractors | Light commercial, consumer, delivery |
| Walk-In Access | Yes — stand-up or walk-in cab-high models | No — access through rear glass/door only |
| Insulation | Yes — insulated panels keep interior temperature-stable | Limited — not designed for temperature control |
| Interior Lighting | Standard LED interior lighting | Optional / model-dependent |
| Shelving System | Fully customizable modular shelving | Basic or none — customer installs aftermarket |
| Locking Security | Full locking on all doors | Locking rear door and side windows |
| Side Door Options | Multiple side and rear door configurations | Side access windows, limited door options |
| Durability | Heavy-duty fiberglass/composite — commercial rated | Good — composite/fiberglass consumer/light commercial |
| Build Quality | Commercial grade | Consumer to light commercial grade |
| Price | Higher — commercial investment | Lower to mid-range |
Pros and Cons
SpaceKap — Pros
- Walk-in rear access makes it a true mobile workshop
- Insulated panels protect tools and materials from Texas heat
- Fully customizable shelving and storage — organize exactly how your trade requires
- Commercial-grade construction built for years of daily contractor use
- Professional appearance that represents your business well on job sites
SpaceKap — Cons
- Higher upfront investment than standard consumer caps
- Not ideal if you use the truck bed for large payloads (cap limits bed access)
ARE Caps — Pros
- Widely available — easy to source through dealerships
- Lower price point — accessible for light commercial buyers
- Good weatherproofing for basic cargo protection
ARE Caps — Cons
- No walk-in access — not practical for full-time service use
- Limited insulation — tools and materials exposed to extreme Texas heat
- Basic interior — requires significant aftermarket additions for trade use
Who Should Choose SpaceKap?
SpaceKap is the right choice for professional tradespeople and service contractors — electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, pest control operators, telecommunications technicians, and anyone who lives out of their truck bed every day. If your truck is your mobile office, tool room, and job site supply station, the SpaceKap pays for itself in organization, efficiency, and professional image.
ARE is a solid choice for buyers who need basic weatherproofing and security at a lower price point — delivery use, occasional hauling, or light duty tasks where walk-in access isn’t critical.
SpaceKap at Star Truck Equipment — Wharton, TX
We’re an authorized SpaceKap dealer in Wharton, TX. We can help you spec and install the right SpaceKap configuration for your trade, truck model, and cab-to-axle measurement. We also carry service bodies if you want to compare service cap vs full service body options.
Call (979) 532-1486 to discuss your work truck setup with our team. We serve contractors and tradespeople across South Texas, Houston, Victoria, and the Gulf Coast.