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What's your budget? And what options do you want? A big option a lot of people over look is a fold down/removable front window so you can clean the glass, so I always recommend that to people.
Personally I've only ever considered 2 brands, ARE and Leer. I'm sure other people will chime in with some other brands, but I don't think you can go wrong with either of those. They are on the more expensive end, though. I had a Leer on my 04, and went right back with one on my '15. If you go fiberglass, make sure you get one with a lifetime structural/finish warranty.
FWIW, my Leer 100XQ (their highest end model) with the options I wanted ran me about $3100. Install/wiring at most places runs $100-$150.
+ on ARE and Leer. I think ARE's are just a little better and I've owned both. Currently running a Leer just because I got a deal on it used. I think Leonard owns Leer now. You can get options on these, like interior carpeting, lighting, roof rails, lift open side windows, etc.
I like having a sliding window with screens on either side. Great for when we take a trip and have the dogs in back. Also - while not the most stylish in some people's opinion, I love the extra high cap on my CCLB. It is so nice to load things without having to crawl around in there. Mine is fiberglass and came with my truck - I have no idea what it cost new.
pay now or pay later. been down the CTC, Leer, and A.R.E road. tried 3 caps and the only one that did not leak was the A.R.E with walking door. A.R.E. caps over hang the bed edges so that helps with leak prevention and the walkin door replaces the tailgate which is another source of water leaks.
My A.R.E is the highest top made and is uniform across the top.....great for the rack that was installed.
check craigslisit, you can get a used on for 1/4 to 1/3 of the price of a new one if you are willing to do some driving. saved two thousand dollars on mine.
pay now or pay later. been down the CTC, Leer, and A.R.E road. tried 3 caps and the only one that did not leak was the A.R.E with walking door. A.R.E. caps over hang the bed edges so that helps with leak prevention and the walkin door replaces the tailgate which is another source of water leaks.
My A.R.E is the highest top made and is uniform across the top.....great for the rack that was installed.
check craigslisit, you can get a used on for 1/4 to 1/3 of the price of a new one if you are willing to do some driving. saved two thousand dollars on mine.
Leer's higher end models curl over the bedrails. I had mine for 10 years and I didn't have any leaks. To be 100% honest, I did have mine replaced under warranty because the roof started bowing in. I have no idea why, but it definitely wasn't due to misuse. The dealer said they had only ever seen that on 1 other Leer. That's why I recommend buying new, and getting one with a lifetime warranty.
Originally Posted by emarkm
Thanks for the help. It looks like its coming down to the LeerXQ or the ARE Z series.
Another gotta have option is getting the rear hatch wired to work with your power locks and key fob.
I have had a leer on an 2001 f150 and loved it. My 2004 f250 came with a unicover on it. Both caps had the sliding side windows the Leer leaked but the Unicover windows are not leaking. Both caps have had the aluminum framed rear window. The newer all glass windows definitely are better. I would definitely would have the window and tailgate wired for power locks. One other thing to add is the light switch on the gas shock that would turn on a whole lot of led lights.
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