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

What model is that shell

 

Just pulled the trigger on a snugtop Xtra vision. Does anyone use the window boot? I've heard it always scratched the cab, is that true?

 

any one using theirs with a rtt? looking to switch away from rack to a topper

 

Snug top wasn't an option 11 years ago for me. In fact the 2nd gens were so new I had a longer than normal wait for a Leer and that was the only one I could find.

They may be better, but mine is reinforced for carrying gear on the top, 200 lbs IIRC. I paid about $900 and haven't had a single issue. The shell doesn't leak, but the Tacoma bed rails are funky and make it hard to get a complete seal at the front. But that is on Toyota, not the cap manufacturer.

 

For the last year I have wanted to kit out my Tacoma for overlanding, with an initial goal of spring 2020. I researched a little about toppers going into this project and had a pretty good idea of what I wanted, but was initially finding it difficult to find any topper to fit this model--let alone my ideal!
I recently got hired part time at a resort this winter, so I began combing online used sites in earnest. I eventually snagged this steal of a deal (very gently used SnugPro). The more I read about the brand, the more I am over the moon happy about my luck. I'm now looking into how to make this all-solid topper workable for climate control in a weekly weekend, all-weather overland camping setup. My goal is to have an initial "draft" ready to go by early December, and safe/warm in sub-freezing temps. All suggestions and redirections are appreciated. Thanks for the article!

 

I like the ARE because of their hinges, but what are your guys thoughts on the new RLD design topper?

https://www.rhinoadventuregear.com/...-3rd-gen-toyota-tacoma?variant=30492100755574

 

congrats on the awesome find!!

 

Who did you purchase from here in the Bay Area? How'd you swing free storage too!?

 

Tagged for more feedback.
Let's keep this topic active!!
3rd Gen responses preferred.

 

To you guys who have had toppers on your trucks for a while....any issue with the topper overhang making contact with the truck bed and scratching/chipping off the paint? I read somewhere that it has been an issue for some people.

 

Not on my tacoma (only had the shell on for a couple months), but my dad has had a Leer shell on his '03 F350 almost since day one. It's never contacted the cab of the truck either.

 

Leer 100XR since the truck was new, no rubbing or problems at all after 6.5 years.

 

Leer 100XR 4+ years no issues

 

I've had a 100XQ on my 2008 since 2009 and no issues other than it's not as water tight as it was when new. I think that's just because the tape between the cap and bed has moved a bit over the years. I can see it bunched up in the corner from the inside. I also replaced the glass lift cylinders a few years ago, but that was about a $50 expense and 10 minutes of my time.

 

ARE Z series on my Tacoma for 10+ years; no issues with it scratching the paint. Never heard of that as an issue; maybe just with cheaper caps that don't fit properly?

I didn't want this option, but when I shopped, the Leer dealer told me to not get the bellows that seals to the cab- scratches the cab's paint, doesn't seal well enough, etc. Anytime a dealer doesn't recommend an extra cost option, there are major issues.

Based on what I saw in 2009 when I shopped for a cap, there is a huge difference in quality in the lower cost caps vs the premium priced, top of line, Leer and ARE. You do get what you pay for. Maybe you don't need the top line cap, but they are much nicer than the lower level ones as far as cosmetics and features. And the premium caps are worth it if you are going to live in the back of the truck for weeks a year. The solid glass hatch with the bonded hinges is much nicer nicer, both in strength and cosmetics, than the aluminum framed lower cost models. I spent ~$2k for my cap in ~2010, a lot of $, but it was some of the best $ I've ever spent; I probably sleep in the back 4 weeks a year.

My cap is essentially water tight. As much as a truck can be. I live in the back for ~4 weeks a year and no water issues other than a few drops that sneak in from the hatch/tailgate. You do have to get it to seal right at the front of the bed, which may take some effort.

 

Have been extremely pleased with my Snugtop, found it gently used in Albuquerque, NM from another TW enthusiast picked it up for $400. He had a Prinsu rack and a Wedge RTT on it, I am running a UpTop Overland Bravo EX Rack and still deciding what wedge RTT I want to go with.

 

Glad you guys haven't had any issues...if I ever find the post I saw that had photos with that issue I'll be sure to post it here. Kind of irrelevant for me now tho, I decided to go with pop-up topper instead

 

Dudeeee. My god the service at All American Canopies is absolutely atrocious. I was there yesterday because I really wanted to look at a Snugtop and compare it to the ARE and they are the ONLY Snugtop dealer in Portland. I almost walked out on the salesman because I think he was stoned.

 

Ha, that pic is 8 years old now... Still rocking the 2014 with Leer canopy. No issues

 

I bought my ARE a month after I bought the truck in 2006. No issues. Cap still looks and functions perfectly. Paid about 2,100 and has the fold down front window, carpeted (a MUST have option), and a clothing hanger that folds out of the ceiling of the cap. The only option I wish I had is the fold up windows on the sides for easier access.