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

00Silverado4x4 · February 12, 2013

I had an A.R.E. on my previous Sonoma and drove around Alaska for 2.5 years with it. I got it used so it was a couple years older when I got it. It held up great even in the negative degree temps up there. Like others have said, I think either of them will work great for you. Just make sure you get the model you want and don't compromise.

Mich4x4 · February 12, 2013

Thanks Mark... Researching now... Trying to figure out what I "need" and what I can live without.

tanked_darren · February 12, 2013

I got a leer one option to get for sure is a dome light.

Sent from my Nokia 5190 using Tapatalk 2

brantjs · February 13, 2013

Like I said, the ARE was awesome. It didn't have any problems with shifting and I hunted with the truck on some pretty crappy dirt roads with no issues. Personally I have no interest in the frameless glass. From driving around it seems that those are more fragile, and more expensive to replace in the event it would break. I don't know how much of an issue it really is as long as you are reasonably careful. If you plan on taking your cap off at all have the foam seal tape applied to the cap and not the bed of your truck. I don't know if you plan on lifting your truck or not, but I know with my 2500 at stock height I have no intention of lifting my 17 ft square tail Grumman canoe on top of the truck. I bought this instead: http://www.amazon.com/Lund-601021-Hitch-Truck-Extender/dp/B001P2HWC6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1360716633&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=Leer+bed+extender. Works great for canoe, lumber, etc and I don't have to lift over my head.

Blue2500CC · February 13, 2013

Mich4x4,

Do you have a Century dealer close by? We have been happy with ours so far (almost 3yrs).

As for the frames/framless rear window: Do you ever plan on stopping by HD or Lowes and hauling a few somewhat longer pieces of lumber home? If so, and you need to leave the rear window/door open some, get the framed model!!! I was told when I was trying to decide between the 2 that the frameless can & will break fairly easy in that situation. And is EXPENSIVE to replace!

Mich4x4 · February 14, 2013

Definitely getting the dome light.... Leaning towards the framed rear glass as well with dual locking handles.

The shops that sell the ARE caps also sell the century caps. I am planning on checking out the century brand as well.

My canoe is a Wenonah made in Minnesota. It is 16 or 17 feet and weighs 67 pounds. It is made of a polymer called "royalex" or something like that. I have no problems lifting and carrying it alone.

Thanks!!

lryfer · February 15, 2013

I just went through this. Looked at Leer Snugtop ARE ETC in Washington State. Have dogs to haul around as well as the main reason to put canopy on truck.

Get dog screens so the dogs will not tear out the bug screens.

I had a Leer before and the center handle option did not work with the dogs. There were cables gonig to the side latches and the dogs would climb on back window area to look out and popped out one side or the other. Never both sides. So now i have the canopy with the handles on the sides so no issues.

Large windows to allow for air. Front sliding window as well.