Snugtop vs Leer vs A.R.E. -- verdict

Had a SnugTop on my '03 DCSB. Loved it except for cleaning the rear window. I prefer a flat glass panel. Cleaning the Snug Top in the winter with a handled brush/squeegee was difficult due to the protruding attachments and handle. On my '14 DCLB I went with a Leer that has a simple rear flat pane. Both fit the Tacoma perfectly; just easier to clean the Leer than the Snug Top...

 

I don't doubt the 15 - 20% difference with some dealers. I bought a Silver Mica (1E7) Century cab high shell; had them add the Leer stickers which they carry. (fit perfectly into the molded detents) The shells are identical and come out of the same factory. True. However, the color was not correct to my truck; 2014 Silver Sky (1D6) which is a darker silver. So, I sold the Century/Leer. Lost $100. (IMO lucky)
I just ordered a Leer 100R after getting a base quote of $1414. on the Century. The Leer base quote was $1350. Adding options makes no significant change; options are priced the same. Just one guy's experience.
Had a Snuggie on my 2003 DCSB. (above post is mine) Didn't like the curved rear window with the protrusions. Difficult to clean especially snow, mud, and rain as opposed to a flat glass w/o protrusions. I understand Snug now makes one with a flat pane rear glass. I then called our local Snug dealer. The quote on a basic Snug was $1586. To each his own... Seems like if you own one particular make you are obligated to slam others... I don't think there's much difference; they'll all hold whatever you want on the roof. All makes are pretty good; believe whatever tickles your fancy.

 

I would have loved to get a snug top but like mentioned they have no dealers on east coast

Stoopid Snugtop!!!


I have had a couple ARE's they are fine latest Tacoma has a Leer. Like style better than ARE closer to Snugtop color match could be better Do like my remote pop lock tailgate and rear window combo. Integrated Thule Rack system is cool too

 

I picked up a ARE and have been very happy. I lookied at the others, the dealer for those sucked here in the Bay area. My ARE dealer has been around forever, small family operated business, and have gone to him for wire issues with my last truck and he has taken cgood acre of me. On op of it, if I need to take it off for any reason such as hauling he takes it off and stores it free from me. Quality of the cover is excellent and have had no issues. Carpeted, dog screen and drop down front window.

 

A.R.E, No problems at all works very well.

 

I ended up buying the SnugTop Sport Hi-Liner. The price was just a tad higher than if I had gone with a Leer (I had a leer on my last truck - I had an ARE cap on the truck before that one) and I more satisfied with the SnugTop than I was with the Leer or the ARE.
That said, my vote is SnugTop.
Why? The SnugTop has more of a 'quality feel' to it.
Only time and use will tell if it does better than the Leer at keeping the bed dry but, based on looks/visual inspection alone, the integrated rubber shell and quality of the windows are superior to the Leer 180. I had to constantly adjust the alignment of the windoors on the leer and whenever it rained, water leaked into the bed.
I am not saying I would never buy a Leer top again - if I needed to save the $ and a Leer met that requirement, I would probably buy it and modify it.
On another note, the Sport Hi-Liner provides 42" of clearance from the floor of the truck bed to the ceiling of the camper shell.

 

What kind of issues did you have? They were outstanding with me. Ordered a Snugtop in 2012 prior to going on a camping trip, and it didn't come in on time to go on vacation. They threw on their demo and let me go on my way, and by the time I got back, my canopy had arrived. As for the OP's question, I used to have a couple of Gemtops, and really liked the metal models they used to offer, but they left the area and quit offering them. I looked at Leer and Snugtop, as well as a couple of others, and was sold on the Snugtop. I have been very happy with it, except I recently noticed I am getting some leaking around the brake light, and when I get some time I will need to look at that...

 

Awesome write up OP . Thank you for the great info. I have decided on the snugtop , cab hi or rebel. I like the rear door on the cab hi better.

 

IMHO, zero quality or strength difference in the three. Some difference in various pricing. I had a Snug on my '03 for years and now a Leer on my '14. Both are excellent shells. Leer is cheaper than a Snug. The myth that the Century is cheaper than a Leer is out there. (identical shells from the same factory; the only difference is the sticker label which you can easily swap out if you want to) The base price and accessories are the same price within 50 bucks here in Boise. It comes down to the dealer's pricing. The Century/Leer dealer here will order either and add either sticker in the little detent triangle...
My only preference is a flat rear window that's easier to clean in the winter than one with protruding attachments through the glass.
"To each his own". Haven't had an A.R.E. but have read the literature. Same materials... same shells.

 

I really wanted to go SnugTop, but seeing as they apparently don't think there's a market for camper shells east of Missouri, I went with ARE.

The ARE fits just fine. There's a small gap near the edges of the tailgate, but the gate itself has a small gap there, so it's not a knock. The only real issue I've encountered is some of the screws and rivets are unpainted metal and started to rust a little, but a quick shot of Plasti-Dip nipped that issue right away.

 

I got a SnugTop. I looked at Leer and ARE and thought SnugTop was better. When I had a question the Leer and ARE dealers pushed leaflets across the counter, the SnugTop (Truck Builders LLC, Lynnwood, WA highly recommended) dealer showed me real products.

 

COUGH
ARE,LEER,CENTURY .SNUG TOP,all are good shells ,cant go wrong with either,but to say snug tops are the best .no way, i have owned snug tops, an leers , i roll the leer way,1 inch thick honeycomb roof,BFD you gonna have a party up there? mine has the 1 piece rear window ,3 inch wide hinges.on reinforced mounts,doesn't need a rain gutter,over hangs the bed with 1 large rubber bulb to seal the bed [ has never leaked] removable front slider, an a key-less remote rear lock entry,great shell
as are the ARE, CENTURY,LEER
enjoy

 

Wanted a leer 100xq but couldnt find one used my color. Found this snugtop super sport topper with yakima roof racks used at a a.r.e dealer and decided to get it. Very happy with it. Only issue i had was that the 3rd brake light didnt work, ordered a new one though.

 

My dealer had Leers and Snugtops on the floor. Both brands are of equal quality. I chose the Leer XQ because I can open the windows in the rain without water getting in. I put my dogs back there.

 

so here's a question - my local dealer id trying to sell me on a Snugtop Rebel for my long bed, carpet head liner included, for $1599 b4 tax. can anyone tell me if this is a good price or not?

 

For a comp. here is what I'm getting from SnugTop this week.
Sport HiLiner-$1560
Headliner - 95
Folding FR Slidr-100
ProLock 65
Installation 50
------------------------
$1870 + tax.

 

I've got that same shell coming this week with Front Slider and ProLock.
I had an A R E MX on my 2010 and never liked the quality compared to my past SnugTop shells.
Can't wait to get it as I haul my road bikes and Tandem around and forgot what a hassel it is to be Shell-Less.

 

I've been the market for a shell and found this awesome video comparing all 3 of these brands! This video breaks down the quality of the shells! I now know which one I am getting! SNUGTOP! Hope this vid helps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olooWSgrrUE

 

The dude's a snugtop dealer and is comparing an almost new snugtop to ancient, basic leer and ARE. not exactly unbiased or apples to apples comparison.

http://www.azcampershells.com/index.html

 

How did you end up liking the leer? Torn between leer and snugtop.