Truck Cap/topper A.R.E vs. Leer - your thoughts?

Mich4x4 · February 11, 2013

Looking at caps/toppers for my 2010 Short Bed Silverado. Looking at the ARE v-series and The comparable Leer. Those that have experiences with caps, what is your opinion? I have heard good and bad things about both. Researching so I don't make a poor $1500-1800 decision. I am not interested in all the bells and whistles. Just a basic, fiberglass, color matched cap of high quality that is not going to crack or split in a few years. I want to deal with a company that offers a warranty and stand behind it. I will be using the cap./topper for hunting and fishing. Lock is important as is ventilation for my dog.

I would like the following:

- Sliding side windows with screens

- Rails to mount Yakima roof rack

- Double rear locking handles? is there any advantage to the single center handle?

Photos... thoughts.... Opinions... all welcome.

Any thing else you would recommend?

Thanks

Jeff

Shaners · February 11, 2013

I have always had Leer caps on my trucks mainly because I have a dealer in my town that has great prices. I think they are both good caps and you will be happy with either one.

kstruckcountry · February 11, 2013

Both are good. A.R.E. has one (CX series) that you can order with all the options you're talking about, even the Yakima rack. I really want a topper for my truck but I can't justify the money. I wish I could find a decent one used.

Mich4x4 · February 11, 2013

I have always had Leer caps on my trucks mainly because I have a dealer in my town that has great prices. I think they are both good caps and you will be happy with either one.

Thanks!! Both the dealers closest to me have stopped carrying Leer. One said that Leer stopped using them as a Vendor, and the other said ARE is superior (Go figure, the only sell ARE) Anyone else???

Mich4x4 · February 11, 2013

Both are good. A.R.E. has one (CX series) that you can order with all the options you're talking about, even the Yakima rack. I really want a topper for my truck but I can't justify the money. I wish I could find a decent one used.

Yeah... I hear ya.. They are not cheap!! I already have the Yakima cross bars, feet and wind deflector, just looking for the rails that the feet mount to. Local Dealer quoted me the following:

A.R.E V series Fiberglass cap with sliding windows and screens $1219.00

Rack rails to mount Yakima feet and crossbars $149.00

Two handles with locks on rear gate $20.00

So, just for the above I am looking at $1388.00 plus tax!!! NOT CHEAP! This is for the Basic ARE cap with minimal options. I have not priced a Leer as of yet.

Volucris · February 11, 2013

I've had both Leer and and ARE. Neither one cracked and they both stood up well over time. The paint on the Leer faded. They both leaked where the cap joins the truck bed. Based on the paint fading I would get an ARE

I had the double rear handle on the ARE and the cap I have now (Raider). I like that better

I use yakima quick rails and quick-n-easies for my rack system

http://yakima.com/shop/rack-systems/permanent-installation/side-loader

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=3200&pdeptid=1379

You can just bolt a 2x4 or 1x3 steel tube to the quick-n-easys, and then whatever you need to the 2x4 or steel bar. I use it to carry windsurfers, bikes, kayaks, hang gliders, lumber, whatever. Works great and never cracked the cap.

Which reminds me, I remember the fiberglass on the ARE being sligthly thicker where I drilled through for the rails, but I never had a structural problem with the Leer

Mich4x4 · February 11, 2013

I've had both Leer and and ARE. Neither one cracked and they both stood up well over time. The paint on the Leer faded. They both leaked where the cap joins the truck bed. Based on the paint fading I would get an ARE

I had the double rear handle on the ARE and the cap I have now (Raider). I like that better

I use yakima quick rails and quick-n-easies for my rack system

http://yakima.com/sh...ion/side-loader

http://www.nrsweb.co...00&pdeptid=1379

You can just bolt a 2x4 or 1x3 steel tube to the quick-n-easys, and then whatever you need to the 2x4 or steel bar. I use it to carry windsurfers, bikes, kayaks, hang gliders, lumber, whatever. Works great and never cracked the cap.

Which reminds me, I remember the fiberglass on the ARE being sligthly thicker where I drilled through for the rails, but I never had a structural problem with the Leer

This helps... Thank you so much...

Spurshot · February 11, 2013

Mich,

I have had SnugTops on the last few trucks. They are the top of the line IMO. But, I understand if you are sticking with your proposed brands.

I have hunting dogs and have come to some conclusions since I bought my Snugtop Super Sport topper.

1) large sliding side windows would be on my list. That eliminates the model I currently own. I'd have to step down a couple notches in models to get the large sliders.

2) I'd put some type of theft proof screen like expanded metal or such, with the screen to prevent someone from cutting the screen and stealing either my valuable dogs or anything else in the bed when the windows are open for the dogs and left unattended.

3) I like the single center lock, but not the one that is always locked and you need a key to open the hatch everytime it is closed. The Snugtop SuperSport came with this type of lock and I had to have the dealer try a couple different locks off of cheaper model toppers to get me what I wanted. I wanted a latch that could be left unlocked, but latched to drive around. I'm a bird hunter and many times I want to close the hatch but leave it unlocked. The original latch was locked all the time. Close it with your keys in your hunting vest and you're locked out of everything. You'd be breaking very expensive windows in your topper to get in (I know first hand). Make sure you get the type of lock that fits your needs.

4) check the roof reinforcement. Snugtops have a thick section in the roof that you can actually walk on. I've had 3-4 people on the roof of my Snugtop. Ask ARE and Leer if they have enough strength for that or whatever you intend to put on it.

Spurshot · February 11, 2013

Here's my topper

I think it looks zoomie, but I'd probably get a high rise like the MX series ARE or equivalent on my next topper. The reason is that I have these gun drawers in there. They are 10" high and that limits the height of a dog box I can put in there or anything else.

cparks555 · February 11, 2013

I've wanted one for awhile now, I just can't get over how expensive they are though. I keep checking CL without any luck so far.

brantjs · February 11, 2013

I want to put a new topper on mine, but the cost is holding me up. I priced it out with my dealer and it would be around $1500 for a very basic ARE unit (solid folding front window, sliding side windows, and dual rear locks, no roof rack because it's too tall already). I had an ARE on my last truck (2000 tacoma) and it held up awesome. I had the yakima rack option, flip up front window (great to be able to clean it once it's on the truck), sliding side windows, the dual rear handle locks, and a 12v cargo light that I had wired direct to the battery. I had absolutely zero issues with it during the 7 years I owned it (bought new). From what I could find, most of the brands are pretty similar at that price range, and what is available is more whatever is distributed in your region than a better/worse scenario. I used to take the topper off from time to time and I could back into my garage and suspend it by the roof rack (probably not advised, but never hurt anything).

03blackz71 · February 12, 2013

I had a leer cap my 02 truck and had the top of the line version. I really liked it and had no issues with it. My current truck has an ARE z-series cap on it. It came on the truck when I bought it. I really like the cap but the only thing I don't like is it has a weird latch to open the glass with. Other than that I like the fit and look of it.

Mich4x4 · February 12, 2013

Spurshot... Very nice looking truck and cap (Mine is red also:). Problem with the Snugtop is that the closest dealer is in IL and I am in MI. I too run a German shorthair Pointer on Ruffed grouse here in MI. Mostly in the upper peninsula. I really like your gun storage box. Mind if I ask where you got it? I have a very similar drawer system that I built out of wood. Right side Drawer holds the guns and the other side holds my hunting stuff, ammo, whistles, headlamps etc. Has served me well for many years but yours looks bullet proof!!

Back on Topic. I am stuck with ARE or Leer. I have two ARE dealers close to me. The Leer dealer is about 40 min away.

I get what you are saying about the automatic locking handle. I don't want anything like that. I actually prefer the dual handles that do not lock unless I lock them. That is what I had on my old truck and it worked fine.

I definitely want something that is tough. I use a truck for its intended purpose and not as a luxury highway cruiser. Some of my hunting areas are deep in the North woods down muddy logging roads. I know installation has a lot to do with it, but I am wondering about cracking, shifting, and mounting systems. For those that have had both, does the Leer and the ARE have similar mounting systems?

What about framed rear glass vs unframed? The cheaper models seem to have framed rear glass and the more expensive models have unframed glass.

as I said, I already have the entire Yakima roof rack assembly. I just need the optional rails that the cap dealer installs on the cap. The roof rack is essential. I have a 16 foot canoe that I use for trout fishing trips that goes on the rack.

I know what you guys are saying about price. I am not a rich man and these caps are EXPENSIVE!!

Thanks!!!

Jeff.

Shaners · February 12, 2013

Here is a picture of my old truck with its 7 year old Leer. It still looked great when I sold it.

Mich4x4 · February 12, 2013

Here is a picture of my old truck with its 7 year old Leer. It still looked great when I sold it.

Looks good....unfortunately Leer is out of the question for me. The dealer I thought was 40 minutes away no longer sells leer as well. There used to be several dealers in the area that sold leer. Now there are none! The guy I talked to on the phone today said Leer was impossible to deal with from a warranty standpoint. So, I guess I am looking at ARE or one of the other brands (Astro, century). Trying to figure out what the difference is between the ARE CX series and the V series. They look exactly the same. It appears the CX may have more expensive flush mounted glass or something... I have not got a quote on the CX series yet, but may just to see....