Interested in getting a bed cap, currently considering ARE and Leer........Any recommendations?

 

I had an ARE with electric lock on my 2006. It was great with the exception of having to remove it to tow my fifth wheel camper or gooseneck trailer. Then it was a PITA. Had the ARE fit my 2011 (thank you semi-worthless tailgate step for that one) I would still be using it.

When I ordered the 2011 Ford was offering a soft cover for a reasonable price so I figured I would give it a shot. For my use the soft cover is a good compromise since it only takes about 15 seconds to roll it up and secure it when I need an open bed. The downside is when it snows in the winter, I have to stay on top of brushing the snow off or it really stretches the cover. Also if the truck is sitting anywhere near level rain doesn't drain off of it real well.

 

I was going to post this question as I get closer to ordering. Have had caps on all my trucks and will with this one as well.

I think my current one is a centruy. I hate the way weather gets into the locks and makes them unusable after a time.............

 

I've had Leers on my last three trucks. They've gotten progressively better (or more accurately, they've had progressively fewer annoying problems).

I think the current one is an XL-100. Not the top of their line, but not bad. I got the optional removable front window, so I can finally wash the space between the cab and the topper.

Also had Thule rails installed on the top. There were times with the last two where I wished I had rails on top. So far I haven't used the rails I now have. Figures.

The only problem it has is the glue they used on the plastic ledge attached to the bottom of the window to cover the popout on the tailgate isn't quite up to staying stuck in place during an Arizona summer. Aside from that, it's the best fitting topper I've ever owned.


Joe

 

I recommend ARE. This is my second and I haven't had any issues with either one.

 

How about some pictures? I am going to get one.....last one was a Leer might go with ARE this time......what i would like to see are pictures of a pearl white truck with a cap. My truck is that color with the light brown two-tone on the rockers and I am considering getting the top in the light brown color....... Need to find someone to photoshop it onto my truck!

 

Sorry, I must have misread. It looks like you are looking for an actual cap and not a hard cover. At any rate, when it comes to caps, it is pretty hard to beat Leer in quality and performance. Price is an altogether different subject. I loved the Leer that I had on my Toyota pickup a few years back.

 

Yeah, actually like the LEER 122 and I think the equivelant ARE is the TW....Thank guys for the input.

 

I had a Leer 180 on my 2010 SD. I got the Wilderness package with it, dual 12v hardwired lights, a tip-out/slider front window, and the regular screened 50/50 side windows. That was a pretty nice cap. The only gripe I had with it is the T handle locks would freeze up in the winter. The truck before that I had a Leer 700 hard tonneu and it was pretty good too. It wasn't anything fancy but it did have a head liner.

I think I am going to go with another Leer 180 on the 2011 next round. I got an Extang Full Tilt fabric tonneu for now. It was less expensive than a big cap to get my bed under cover until I can do a cap, and it also gives me a lot more versatility than the cap does as I can completely open the bed. That will come in handy - I can haul loose materials (dirt/mulch) and bed-mounted hitches and not have to work too hard. The hard cap will be another thing to consider - if I know I am going to haul anything I can pull the cap off and put the tonneu back on, for however long that may be. The caps also act like campers - that's a big plus in my book That is also another reason I went with the 180 last time - more head room (and it worked GREAT).

In getting another cap I will go without the full wilderness package next time. I don't need the gun box and it takes up head room. So everything but the gun box on the next one

 

Thanks to advice from fz1dave, I ended up getting an ARE cap. The fit and finish as well as the color match was excellent and the totally clean rear window (i.e. no exposed hardware) really stands out. I added a Bed-Rug to complete the whole set-up and now my truck bed looks as plush as the back of my old Excursion. My friend has the same truck as me, but in white. He went for a top end Leer XL-100 for a couple hundred dollars less. The Leer is good, but the overall finish is not quite as good as the ARE in both of our opinions.

I don't have any good pics of the cap, right now, but will try to post some up when I get home.

 

Nice, I hope they can match the Tuxedo Black..........................

 

I have a Snugtop Supersport on the Tundra and have been very happy so went with the same on the F-350. If anything they have improved since '06.

 

Here's another angle, I don't have any closer. The color match is excellent. (White Platinum)

 

What is the electric lock on the ARE? Will check out the web site.

Wonder how long I will have to wait for Autumn Red after waiting for the truck availability?

 

Any of you guys care to post what prices you are paying for your cab high canopy?

Thanks