Question on Camper Shells

I'm currently in the market for a camper top and I've been looking through the leer and A.R.E. Websites and finally narrowed it down to a Leer 100xr. or 100r Or an A.R.E. X series or CX series. If anyone wouldn't mind posting some pics of these specific ones that would be great. I know there's a forum for all this but I've dug through multiple ones and always seem to come up empty handed so if someone knows a better forum feel free to direct me! Thanks guys!

 

Have you read this thread?
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/13598-show-me-your-shell.html

 

I've got an ARE CX on my truck. Of the brands I looked at, including the Leer, the ARE had a noticeably better finish. Snugtops are harder to find and expensive on the east coast or I'd have gotten one of them. It's been on the truck now for going on nine years now and so far no real issues. I installed Yakima tracks the weekend after I got it and haven't pampered it.

I really really wish I'd gotten the drop down front window (I have the regular slider) and the Windoors, in fact I've thought several times about buying a new one with them.

Not the best picture but you get the idea.

 

I just ordered an ARE X-Series (with dropdown window and windoors!) for my 2015.

I've had an ARE Z-Series on my Ranger for 15 years - it has been a great shell. And no, it has not been pampered.

I can't speak for Leer, as I have never owned one, but ARE are a really well made product.

Go ARE's site (www.4are.com). They a picture of a Tacoma with an X-Series on the main X-Series page. They also have pictures of other model shells on various other trucks.

 

I have the ARE cx with windoor's, drop down/sliding front window, roof racks, led interior lights(dome and led strip), and carpet. No regrets here. I love it

 

I have an ARE CX series. The options on the shell are carpet liner, Fold down sliding front window, Slider side windows with pet screens, Rail system on top and led light bars on each side in the interior. I am perfectly happy with the shell. It has performed as expected and I like the look. The paint match is almost perfect, almost. In the right light you can see the white is slightly more "bright" than the rest of the truck, but most people would never notice.

 

ARE raised roof with a junkyard rack

 

I just bought a Leer 100XQ two days ago and already found the support at the dealer, Topper King of Clearwater FL, and Leer to be terrible. TERRIBLE. The glass came very scratched and they are ignoring me. Their immediate reaction is blame on my part.

Go with the A.R.E. or Snugtop.

 

I have an ARE CX on my 2010 . It has the sliders, carpet,interior lights, but not the folding window which would be nice. I have had a few of the ARE's and am very happy with them. The paint match is excellent, and the fit is as good as it could get. I would find exactly what you want, and then spend a couple weeks looking over Ebay and Craigslist for one. Even if you have to sacrifice an option, there are some really good deals to be had if you look. Mine was almost brand new, and I found it in a junk yard. The new cost would have been almost 2000.00 as it was, and I got it for 350.00 out the door, plus they threw in the clamps, and the front seal for it.

 

Bought my ARE Z series with carpet used from a member here for $800 couple of years ago, not sure how long he had it. Very happy with it. Back hatch sees regular use and has been without problems. Window continue to function properly, no leaks. Seems well built overall. Only issue is with the color match - looks slightly greenish. Not a big deal at $800 bucks but I'd have had a dealer repaint it if I was paying $2k new.

 

I'm from Clearwater and know Topper King well. They plain suck. Call Leer and complain. Get a contact email from them and cc: your contact at Topper King. They'll be forced to make it right under warranty.

I bought my Leer in Salt Lake City and my dealer, Sam T. Evans is excellent.

 

My Leer100 RCC is awesome

 

I priced an ARE CX last weekend and the local dealer wanted $1800 out the door. I had the same topper before on my 2005 Tacoma and paid $1200 in 2008. I found one today a few hours away on Craigslist for $200. I was quoted $500 to have it repainted to match my truck. With gas and purchasing a new 3Rd brake light I should be in for under $900. I would love to of just ordered a new one but just couldn't bring myself to spend that much money.

 

Great info all;

I am meeting a guy tommorrow to possibly purchase his LEER Cab high and have some questions:

1. He has a 2007 DC Long bed in silver, I have a 2012 DC Longbed in silver. Both Gen2s; did the silver color change between then? LEER is 1E7s paint code

2. I have the factory sliding bed rails with mounted at the top inside of my truck bed. Will those need to come off in order to clamp the shell to my truck?

3. His truck was in an accident, but he says the shell is in great shape, yet he has no photos. What should I be looking for as I check it out and fit it to my bed to ensure proper fit?

4. Any issues with leaking (I know all shells leak some) after removing a shell fitted from the factory to another truck bed?

I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

Darrell