Which Topper

Regular pay power wash works fine. The rear cab glass never gets dirty because the boot protects it, and if you want to clean it obviously you have access to it. The boot only covers about an inch outside of the cab around the rear window, so cleaning around it at a car wash is easy.

I spray between the cab and bed same as if there was no cap. Having a boot between cab and cap is something I've always done. A poor man's 4runner I guess.

 

Oh , Ok

I prefer the removable window myself

 

My final decision was to get the ARE Z.

I thought about waiting for a used one and painting it at Maaco but I need it asap, I wanted it color matched from the start, the fold-down front windoor, etc and I need the racks as well so it's a done deal.

Thanks to everyone who posted their opinions. Ultimately, I really researched everything I could on the different models and even ended up looking at several others including Jason, Century and Ranch.

Ultimately, the 2 highest quality I could find were the LEER and the ARE. However, I did find the newest Jason with the color matching bottom back piece very very nice but I didn't like the rubber pieces and the over all fit and finish was not as good as these 2 (the floor model wouldn't even close on one side lol). It's amazing when you really take the time to look at the different brands and models several times over what you start to notice.

Also, the comments about the LEER's fading and paint problems were validated on at least 12+ used toppers that I saw at different dealers. I swear the majority of the used LEER toppers had fading paint and it seemed like the ARE's were holding up better overall. I wouldn't have noticed if it hadn't been posted several times here and in other posts as well.

Finally, another of the main reasons I went with ARE was the fact that the guys at the ARE dealer were class acts and worked down the price for me and with no tax was a big +, took a lot of time to show me all the different features and changes in model years inside and out, etc. And the LEER dealer was one of those guys who every time you go in is acting like he's too busy to help anyone while he's shuffling papers and being a tool. He wouldn't work on the price with me at all (wanted to charge for installation where everyone else said it's free, etc), kept acting like it was an inconvenience to give me the price breakdowns for the misc options and models, not anyone you want to give your hard earned money to nor buy such an expensive product from.

I'll post a pic when I get it installed in 2 weeks...

 

i have snug top

 

I like the SnugTop too (had one on my gen1) and if I were home (on West Coast) this would have been a real option as well. However, for some reason, they take 4-8 weeks to order here per the local dealer, wtf?

 

Yeah, my Leer took 4 weeks to arrive.

 

Went with the ARE Z topper, side sliding windows, front fold down winddoor, carpet, hanger, dome light, single slam latch back window, Thule rack system, etc. Took exactly 2 weeks to the day from order, love it.



Couple of notes:

The single slam latch works awesome. My old topper had the 2 door handles and was a pain sometimes to close.

I like the added plastic guard piece on the back bottom. The older toppers just have a rubber seal that hangs down, this looks way better. However, the Jason topper actually has a color matched painted piece that I think even looks better. But there were a couple of issues that I didn't like as much on the Jason so didn't go with that one.

I like the back window better than the Leer and a couple of the other brands that have the 2 plastic hinges showing. Not a big deal really but was just one of the things I liked 'better' with the ARE, I think it looks cleaner.

The fit and finish is amazing. I saw several paint and finish flaws in other brands but this one and the floor sample at the dealer are immaculate.

The fold down front winddoor is killer. I don't know why they aren't standard on all toppers. Also, the window matches up almost perfect to the factory sliding window, a couple of the other topper brands actually don't line up which not only looks like crap imho, it could hinder someones viability.

The glass is super tinted and makes it very hard for someone to see into the bed. Great for security but makes the visibility out the back a lot poorer. Not a big deal for me as I am used to driving UHaul's using mirrors but just a point.

Thanks for everyone's input, made my decision easier and stoked with my purchase.

 

Nice looking cap

 

Thanks bud! Love it...

 

I must have a good dealer here in South Denver (A&A Toppers). I orderer a Snugtop Rebel for my 2012 SB and had it in 4 weeks. He let me swap the carpet liner for the Prolock (slam latch). That latch is one of the best features on it. The other is the full glass rear door. There is a rain gutter feature molded into the rear frame just under the brake light. I didn't see anything like that on the other brands. Nice when your sitting on the tailgate not getting rain down your back. I hit a tax sale in April where they covered the tax. I was out the door for $1499!

Since then I have drilled (measured 10 time drilled once ) and mounted Thule rain gutter feet for my tried and true collection of rack accessories. I was too cheap to pay for the Snugtop rail upgrade.

 

Bought a new CX because I always had faith in ARE. Did not catch (my dealer nor me) a significant defect on top that turned out to be a void in the molding process. I found it a week later and ARE took it back and repaired it vs. replace. Just does not seem right you pay $1,400 and now I have a repaired four week old "new" topper. If I or my dealer would have caught it when it was installed I would not have accepted it, nor paid for it, unless it was replaced. ARE is a good topper and I started purchasing them when they were one of the few out there that warranted off road use. LEER has come a long way and would also be a good chaoice. Just INSPECT!

 

Looked at Snugtop, ARE, and Leer. Chose the Leer 100XR for looks, options, and price. Very happy with how it turned out.