Just Ordered My Leer 100xq

[Hunt1]

After moderate deliberation, I have decided on a Leer 100XQ cap for my extended cab/standard bed Sierra. After some internet research, I had narrowed my choices to three tops: A.R.E. Z-Series, Leer 100XL, and Leer 100XQ. I was leaning towards the 100XQ, but I wanted to visit both retailers before I made my final decision.

I went to my local A.R.E. dealer first. I was given a pretty good walk-around by the owner, using her personal vehicle ('06 Silvy) as the demonstrator. I left 20 minutes later, very unimpressed with what I'd seen, espescially for the price. I was quoted $2250 OTD for a Z-Series with a dome light, keyless entry, and a sliding/fold-out window. This also included the removal/replacement of my stock tailgate "spoiler" with a template-cut piece of adhesive backed spray liner to allow for the seal of the rear window to tailgate. The trim ring which wraps completely around the bottom edge of the cap where it meets the factory metal was probably the biggest turn-off to me; it is very cheap looking.

Next I visited my local Leer dealer. I left 20 minutes later after putting a deposit on a 100XQ. No cheap-looking trim ring surrounding the bottom rail, the 100XQ has a custom wrap around style that really looks like it belongs on the bed of this exact truck. No replacement of my factory "spoiler" because the window on the XQ mates to the top of the tailgate, rather than an overlapping/slam-shut type mechanism as with the 100XL, and A.R.E. Z-Series. I paid $2175 OTD for the XQ with keyless entry, and a boot which seals against the trucks rear window rather than against the sheet metal surrounding the rear window (a setup which the owner claims is the only way to go). In two weeks, I will have some pictures to post.

[Zembonez]

I have the 100 XQ and I love it!

[GPGuy]

Be sure to post some pictures.

[rmy660r]

I bought my Leer 100XL used about a year ago and it's holding up very good. Post pics when you get it.

[Blue2500CC]

Hunt,

 

I agree 100% with the ARE toppers, regardless of model. They have that trim at the bottom edge, and it just doesn't look that great.

 

We ended buying a Century Ultra. It came down to between the Leer and the Century, and liked the Century dealer better. I was told Century and Leer are owned by brothers. We seriously considered one of the upper models w/ the frameless windows, but when I was told there is an 80% chance of breaking the rear window if you have something stick out, we went with the framed window model.

 

Good luck, and maybe it will be in sooner than you expect! We ordered our's on Tuesday (week of Memorial Day), and got a call that Friday!

 

Chris

[Stevens03]

Congrats! I had an A.R.E Z-series on an S10 and loved it.

 

Post photos

[Zembonez]

This is a crappy pic, but here is my 100 XQ

 

[GPGuy]

This is a crappy pic, but here is my 100 XQ

 

Do you have the slider window on your cap?

[L29er]

i ordered a 100R (the cheaper model) and it will be here in a couple weeks, very nice topper considering its not the XL or XQ model., nice looking unit

[Zembonez]

Do you have the slider window on your cap?

Nope. Mine has a solid front glass.

[GPGuy]

Do you have the slider window on your cap?

Nope. Mine has a solid front glass.

 

Ok. Just curious but I guess it wouldn't matter as you have solid side glass too.

 

What I'm trying to find out is if you can still get a decent amount of air flow inside the truck through the rear slider if you have side windows on the cap.

[Zembonez]

Do you have the slider window on your cap?

Nope. Mine has a solid front glass.

 

Ok. Just curious but I guess it wouldn't matter as you have solid side glass too.

 

What I'm trying to find out is if you can still get a decent amount of air flow inside the truck through the rear slider if you have side windows on the cap.

 

The side windows pop out in the rear. If you had a slider in the front of the shell I guess there would be some airflow there. I haven't ever opened my side windows.

[GPGuy]

Do you have the slider window on your cap?

Nope. Mine has a solid front glass.

 

Ok. Just curious but I guess it wouldn't matter as you have solid side glass too.

 

What I'm trying to find out is if you can still get a decent amount of air flow inside the truck through the rear slider if you have side windows on the cap.

 

The side windows pop out in the rear. If you had a slider in the front of the shell I guess there would be some airflow there. I haven't ever opened my side windows.

 

Ah yes I do recall reading that on the leer site that those windows popped out. Your cap definitely has a nice clean look to it.

[Blue2500CC]

GP,

 

From what I was told, a front slider will let some air in, but it may be somewhat hotter air coming off the truck. Dealer also said the tip out windows like Zembonez has may not flow as much as a slider.

That was another reason we went with the entry model since we have dogs. They may not travel with us to much, but didn't wan't to take the chance and got the side windows that slide open.

 

But I must say I do like the look of the model Zembonez has better! They are sharp!

 

Chris

[Zembonez]

I like mine but it is strictly for secure dry cargo transport. I would not put a dog or anything else alive in there. You need the sliders on the sides for that.