A.R.E., Leer & SnugTop Truck Cap Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video we will compare truck cap models between industry leaders A.R.E., Leer, and SnugTop. All caps were manufactured for a 2015 Ford F-150 for a fair comparison. Cap models featured: A.R.E. Z-series, Leer 100XL, and SnugTop SuperSport.
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On my last truck I had an ARE and after 4 years the glue/adhesives wore out allowing the shell to begin separating and coming apart. I contacted ARE, sent them pictures, and got a profuse apology from them. A few days later they gave me a brand new replacement. Customer service par excellence!!!!!!!
That is great customer service, but I hear so many people having the exact opposite experience. I want to buy ARE (best design for my truck) but the fit and finish issues is a dealbreaker.
Thanks for sharing!
Wow, not only you sell them, but you give an honest reviews of their pros and cons of your product. God bless your business.
He’s a salesman. You’re a pushover.
Just a heads up I recently bought (12/2020) a Leer 180 for my new F-150 and it has a continuous piano hinge along the top of the rear window, not two cheesy ones as in this video. Very happy with this Leer
I just sold my 2003 Tundra with the ARE shell with full walk-in door. I had both the truck with the shell (from close to day one). The shell looked and worked like new right up until I sold it. I just bought a new 2020 Tundra and will be putting a new ARE shell on this summer. I’m sold on ARE’s quality and appearance. I’ve owned Snug Tops before and I know ARE beats it hands down, but have never owned a Leer. All good products, but you can tell the workmanship of the ARE is superior.
i thought straight-up honesty was long gone...you sir have restored my faith...i have a good mind to drive out there to make my purchase...thank you!!!
I have an A.R.E. CX series cap on my 2005 Colorado that I use as my work truck, I bought the cap a little over a year ago and it has seen daily use. It has a Yakima roof rack that has seen daily use as well hauling a variety of loads, I have a rack that straps to the cab to support long loads also. It has performed very well, and I have been very happy with it. I like the looks of the Z series better, but wanted a framed back window because of the way I use my truck. Carpet liner is a must in my opinion.
To be fari, you should use the Leer 100XQ. That is their top of the line cap, which has carpet interior and heavier door hinges. Apples to apples
+LYNN ARNETT Lynn the 100xq has a different type side window its not the same, the whole window flips out not just the rear like on the 100xl
You lost me at A.R.E. customer service being great. However, this is still a useful video for some visual comparisons for someone x-shopping these models/brands. Thank you!
I have a Leer 180 on my 2014 Tacoma.... happy with it for the most part.... no problems... solid build and quality....but as noted in the video the hinges do look to be the weak point.... noticed it right from the day I purchased it. Would go with a Leer again on my next truck but will now consider an ARE based on this video. Thank you!
I've had Snug Top and Leer on different Tacomas. The Leer has a particularly weak hinge system as described. Repeated rear window use pulled one of the piston brackets out of the fibreglass shell. The dealer just shrugged and said "they aren't meant to be used that much".
ARE for me next time.
Thanks for the video. You forgot to mention A.R.E. are 4 pieces glued together with epoxy. A fairly important piece of information.
actually they used to have aluminum rails on some model the front wall and sides are 1 piece not glued together and since 2014 all the shells are 1 peice front sides and rear door opening come out of the mold as 1 peice, tha video is a 2015 f-150 and is a 1 piece parts as are all others built after 2014 and if you order one that has aluminum rails its for an older model year, Thanks for your in put
Justin, I have been supporting Leer for the past 5 trucks that have had shells on them. However, after my most recent experience with the most expensive "high end" Leer shell for my 2014 Ram, I am shopping around and considering A.R.E. because of the poor workmanship of the Leer. The overhang and flushness of the shell has destroyed the paint on my truck which has me here researching alternative options, not wanting to ever buy another Leer shell for any of my future trucks, or recommend them to my other truck enthusiasts.
Best comp video out there!! To bad Im not near vacaville would have ordered through you guys! Thanks for the solid comparison and the wearies of shell shock..not to mention sticker shock. Thanks again
I bought a Snug Top shell for my Dodge Ram and a few months later when it rained noticed the front window leaked. So I took it back to the dealer who told me Snug Top had used a defective window and had since began using a new window that didn't leak but I would have to pay a couple of hundred dollars to have the new window installed. I contacted Snug Top customer service but instead of taking responsibility for manufacturing a defective product they basically said it was my tuff luck. I'm about to buy another truck. Guess which shell I won't be buying?
Thx for that...bye snug top
Finally an informative and detailed explanation of the pros and cons. You made up my mind. I was sold on the beefy hinge. I hate when products are under engineered forsaking quality for price.
Wow!! Thanks, Kevin!! It's pretty obvious , from your info., that "A.R.E.", makes the nicest toppers!!....
WHAT I HATE' Is the FKN price tags. CAP companies are doing drugs or have over priced homes to pay for. A working class, blue collar man wants to buy one,but not the fun prices they are asking, or better at demanding. SAVE your money buy a small trailer.
No its not a cartel everybody pays different amounts mainly based on freight and volume we have one price on each model, The only way price would vary is if there was a price increase, And you waited 3 months between the time you got a price and when you decided to order it.
Sometimes I wonder who is on drugs ?
That should never happen-first the dealer should properly identify the year make and model of the truck and the model of shell you are looking for, What I do is take a few minutes explain the different model and give window of cost for instance $1400.00 to $2200.00 installed plus tax and options,seems to work well thanks for your input I appreciate it, Kevin
vacavalleytruck you charge to install?
standard install is included-if you add lights or other options there can be a charge
It would be great if you became a dealer for RSI truck toppers: they are painted stainless steel with "windoors" on the sides, they have a great strength and good looks!
RSI have problems too. Search TH-cam for "RSI smart cap problems" and watch that first video.
I just bought a 2012 Nissan Titan, and I WANT/NEED one of these, for this truck!...
Our ARE MX leaks at the tailgate like a spigot!! ARE couldn’t resolve the issue and suggested I deal with our dealer and our dealer told us that “no canopy is watertight and that they all leak and that if I wanted to ensure my truck items remain dry to use Rubbermaid storage bins!”
I’ve had our canopy for a year and a half and every rain fall precipitates leaking. Issue unresolved!!
Good luck...beware!!
That is ridiculous. I have had 2 Leer 122's in the last 22 years and neither ever leaked.
When driving down a dusty road, which one has the tightest fitting back window. On my Leers there was always a small gap on either side of the back window, so the fine duct would coat everything in the bed of my trucks...
My 2009 ARE has peeling clear coat. Is that covered under warranty?
Thank you for showing everyone these.
So 4 years later is your opinion the same?
why are shells so expensive?
I am in the market, how about a updated comparison. I have a 2024 Nissan Frontier Pro4X 5' bed
I just had an RSI Smartcap installed on my 2021 Ranger Lariat FX4. Beats the socks off of these standard type of canopies in the video.
What would you say after having it for a year? I heard they have ton of issues also
@@ia6980 I'm happy with it to this day.
what sucks about Ford super crews , is that 5 foot 6 inch bed will only fit someone that tall or shorter to sleep in
Great vid! Thanks so much for the comparison!
I have the ARE Z on an 08 F150. I have had The latch fail twice and the replacements are hard to get. Have to drive forty miles one way to order from a dealer then go again and pick them up when they come in. Why can I not just order from ARE and have delivered to my door. I sourced my own repair part this last time [ third fail] and it has lasted almost a year. Looks great fits great but the latches suck.
give me a call 707-447-9905 Kevin vaca valley truck
I appreciate the comparison, but what about the prices? Shouldn't a comparison also give the price difference? It was it intentionally left out?
Had the worst experience with Leer. It leaked from day one went back to dealer 3 times and once to factory with leak never repaired
Where was the leak located?
Shell was aluminum and leaked at screws that went through roof I couldn’t tighten the ones under the roof rack and neither did the factory as it was returned to them for repairs taking over 30 days and still leaked. Other then that problem it’s a nice cap now over 20 years old on back of tacoma work truck @@danielhochhausen1634
The cool thing about these Camper shells definitely looks like an SUV For sure
Why did you not talk about the two best ones at the bottom rack. The side opening Windows are very interesting.
Which is more secure on the rear tailgate door, a center latch or two latches?
Do any of them use stainless steel metal hardware to avoid corrosion???
100xl isn’t Leers top. 100XQ
Good video! 👍🏼
Great review. I was a fan of LEER, but now it is A.R.E. :-) Best regards from Denmark, the land of vikings
Thanks for helping me make a better decision.
Although ARE has an inferior mounting system to both snugtop and leer.
Thank you sir, this was a helpful video, I will be going with the ARE Z I like the hidden hinges and seamless glass
The Leer XQ also has an even more seamless glass appearance ( which you cannot slide open, only tilt open a couple inches) hidden hinges and comes with a liner stock, but I found a ARE Z new used for 700 that matchs my paint. I doubt I will find a Leer XQ at that value!
I had an 2001 Tundra w/a Leer shell. It had the same hinge as the ARE, so be sure your providing the complete story. I don't think the Leer you showed was their top model, which comes with the same hinge as the ARE. I'm about to invest in a new shell for my RAM 1500 & will consider ARE alongside Leer.
I think if you check a current shell you will see a different hinge, These are all for 2015 ford f-150 super crews and you tundra was built 16 years ago, About not being the same model this are-leer and snug top are all compatible models I appreciate your feed back Thanks Kevin
Nice video I learn a lot and I know which one I'm going to definitely be looking @.A R E that was a good video👍🏻
Good vid. Thanks. Been looking for something like this.
Thanks for the quick overview, really useful :)
Excellent video, thank you for posting this.
Thanks Jeff
Fantastic description. Thanks so much for the information.
The Snug Top is a Premium grade camper shell, expensive and solid, well made.
The Leer is Good overall, well made and a Nation wide supplier of Tops
The A.R.E is Junk! Very Flimsy and they "Glue" the base rail to the hull, weak and comes apart quite often.
I'm researching tops now for a new F150. I have a Jason on my older F150. FWIW.....there is a TH-cam out there of an A.R.E. leaking water at the back window into the bed of the truck when it opens up.
What about roof racks for these brands and starting price?
I have a Leer, sadly it wasnt the "proper" fit for my truck. gmc sonoma. My lock on it was rusted. how can I replace that? Also, what can i place between the cap and back window to close the wrong fit cap. ?? apparently a window boot? but is there a way to give the "blend together" look? I thought a cap was great, til someone stole my stuff. I need to lock it all down asap :( .
Some truck shells are built from stainless steel, some are aluminum, some are fiberglass. I have a gladiator and are looking for a shell.
Thanks so much for making this video!
Great video thank you for putting this together
shit, i wished i lived near this guy, this is where i want to buy a shell from.
Which one is the one in center lower row?
W H Y is this video still on youtube?This is 5 plus years old and so is everybody's design
I saw your video, I’m looking for a top for my 2011 Silverado 2500hd 6&1/2 foot bed. Any idea where I can find one?
You want a badass shell? Take a look at RLD Design.
If I already have an existing Roll&Lock cover, can these canopy shell added on top or the Roll&Lock will have to be rid of? Thank you
My SnugTop topper has 2 sliding windows with plastic slides, and a front drop open window. The slides melted and now the windows wont open. My dealer didn't know how to fix it. The cheap frame in front with the drop down window is broken and the latches will not close. Don't buy SnugTop!!!
Buenas tardes me interesa para una Toyota Tacoma 2024 trd 4puertas mexicana gracias
thanks, you sold me on the A.R.E!
Good deal Im sure you will be happy.
Can you help me to find the window for my leer cap?
This is a great video, very helpful, thank you.
Your welcome
How much would one of these have cost back in the late 90’s. Ranch.
They're all made of fiberglass - except for those made from aluminum... ;-)
Well done, thank you!!! Blessings!!!
This was helpful. Thank You.
Beautiful
looks great.....
very nice review. have you heard of Ranch brand?
do you have for 2019 long bed tacoma
Thank you for this information !!
Where are you? I'm in riverside county.
Between Sacramento and San Francisco on highway 80
Really excellent! Thank you.
I have a 97 sungtop no problems just change shocks only 5 times
Make sure they are putting the shocks on right,they always go with stainless shaft down
Only five times. hahaha Clean your shocks more often. The dust and dirt ruins them quick.
thank you
thanks
Best cap video out there! Thank you!
Thanks
Nice review
I just want know the address. Thanks.
Hello! We are located at 1240 Callen Street, Vacaville, CA.
Good explanation.
awesome video thanks!
I had a 1986 toyota pickup log beed haw mash for aluminum camper shell for this truck
I've got a truck Nissan patrol pickup model 2016
Do you have a model cap fit to my car.
Are you in the United states ? The patrol is and armada type SUV ?
pongan direccion y precios gracias
How much please ?
I have a ford sport trac exeplorer limited .I am not paying 27 hundred for a shell for my truck.
Thanks 🙏. I have a 2018 Snugtop on my 6’ Toyo off-road. What’s the weight limit? Can I put a tent on top? Thanks
I am Totally Disappointed, Bad Quality. The Handle gets cracked every winter, The side window fell off and I called A.R.E. and they sended me to another company. What a Shame!
How much start
They start at $2200.00 installed plus tax
No! They are all not the same.
The Leer 100XQ is much better than the Leer 100XL.
JUST PURCHASED AN ARE FOR MY 2017 SUPER DUTY. THE PAINT FINNISH IS FULL OF DUST NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL , BAD PAINT JOBS, THE REST OF THE CAP SEEMS OKAY.
How can you buy a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer with tires bearings and springs for the same price as a little fiberglass camper shell? Camper shells are way overpriced for what you get.
Leer
Leer customer service sucks the worst but the caps are nice
does a 2006 tacoma shell fit a 2015 model?
They changed the body 2 years ago I think sometimes they will fit just not perfectly, all you can do is give it a try, let me know Thanks
Frank A the body style for the Tacoma is 05-15 so yes this guy is an idiot.
At the time I replied I wasn't sure if the body changed in 2015 OR 2016 that does not make me an idiot it makes not wanting to give the false information. It is nice to know there are still experts out there.
Down votes are butthurt snugtop owners who caps have leaked and damaged their beds. lol
Why not just save time and say A.R.E.