What is the favorite cab height shell / cap / topper for a 2012 F150 screw?

Just ordered my 2012 FX2 and want to order a cap for it soon. My last truck had a leer but it leaks and the fit around the bed was pretty poor. I'm leaning ARE z series right now...

Suggestions?

 

I prefer cab-height, which is 26" with the ARE DCU commercial series (if memory serves).

The AREs are definitely a quality product.

 

I think the best kept secret in fiberglass toppers is the Century Crown model. They don't list it on their website, but it is available through any Century dealer.

It's (the Crown model) identical to their Ultra model, with the exception of the paint warranty.....the Ultra has a 5 year paint/finish warranty (and you pay an extra $200-$300 for it), where as the Crown model has a 2 year paint/finish warranty. One would think that they are finished/painted differently, or with different materials, but a friend who works for Century tells me that the only difference between the two is the decal they put on the back glass (Ultra or Crown AND the $200-$300 price difference).

Another thing to consider is the type of windows in the topper you decide on...there are "flat" windows, and "compound curved" rear windows/lids......There is a significant price difference (like double) in cost if you ever have to replace any of the "compound curve" windows/lids versus the flat windows.

About two weeks ago I had a new Crown model installed on my truck (2011 F150), and was pretty impressed with how they are built with integral seals, molded into the topper where it sits on the bed rails. I opted to put an extra seal across the front of the bed because of the "step down" between it and the side rails. I also ordered mine with the interior carpet, and front slider options....total cost with install and wiring, was right at $1,000.

This is the third Century topper I've owned, and have never had an issue with any of them.

Something else to consider when installing a topper on these new trucks....you're likely going to want to seal the holes and seams in the bed, at least if you're intent is to keep the bed contents dry. The 2011 and 2012 Ford trucks have LOTS of drainage designed into the beds...and driving in rain, or snow will result in a good amount of water in the bed if you don't seal all the holes/seams. I used nearly a full caulking tube of silicon to seal the seams and holes in the bed.

 

Another premium quality topper is the SnugTop in either the Supersport or XtraVision lines. No-frame rear window, marine carpet lining and contours that look factory-designed to compliment the truck's lines. Never had any leaks, no squeeking, or any other problems worth noting. Check out their website @ www.snugtop.com to see if they agree with your tastes.

 

I recently ordered a Z Seeries for my 2011 FX4, this will be my second ARE Z Series cap.

First cap on my 02 F250 held up well, replaced props and most door latch hardware after 6-7 years.

I used ARE website and contacted three different dealers in my area, I saw quite a bit of difference in pricing.

Pricing was a little cheaper than LEER/Jason

ARE is ISO Certified, this helped make up my mind

FYI-I asked dealer what a replacement rear door would cost for the Z series, in case I ever broke one- only 700.00 for door assembly.

 

I have an Eagle Maverick (Eagle-Quality Fiberglass Products) on my 06 F150. They are made in Plymouth, IN and are well built. It's the second truck that I have had an Eagle cap on. They are strong and I have not had any leaks with either cap. ARE is also an excellent choice for quality. A friend of mine has had a couple of Leer caps and he hasn't been that happy with the quality of either one. Both had water leaks and he's had problems with both having the rear glass door open up from bumps in the highway. He finally fixed that by bolting the cap down and making longer latches for it. The only options I had on my cap were the fold in front window for cleaning purposes and LED high mount brake light. The Maverick sits 4" above the cab. It cost just under $1000 when I bought it 4 years ago.

 

Last time the problem I ran into were there were surprisingly few dealers around Raleigh for anything but Leer or ARE. Snugtop doesn't list a dealer anywhere in NC.

 

Too bad, though I've heard that both Leer and ARE are also good quality tops and pretty good-looking besides. I just have had very good luck with my Snugtop, and was hoping they were available in your general area. If either Leer or ARE make something you like pretty well, I would go with it.
Best of luck in your search!

 

I've had my Leer 100R with toolboxes on the sides for three years on my Screw. I've never had a problem with leaks or anything else.

 

I wanted barn doors so GemTop was the only choice in a cab high model. I think Snug top and ARE are a little better quality.

 

anybody got any pictures of some toppers on say a short box crew cab??
thinking about getting one for my new truck but the wife doesn't like the looks so maybe some pictures will help

 

My last topper was one of the Century T Class (high rise in the back), and both my Wife and Daughter referred to as a "Grandpa Look'in" truck.

While neither of them are thrilled with any kind of topper, they tell me that the new cab height one looks "OK".