Help me choose which camper to travel to and buy Leer VS ARE

Hey guys.

I found two decent deals for a shell. Both shells require me to paint match. Which isnt a big deal.

1. Leer 100R I think. $ 700.00 which is 2hr and 41 min drive from me. Side windows dont fold they just slide and no roof rack. Cloth interior with keys to locks.

2. ARE x series. $ 400.00 and its 6 hrs and 10 min drive. Has carpet and power locks. windows fold out, sliding glass in the front and a cloths hanger built in.

Been looking up the differences between the two and seems to be that the leer 100r is stronger??

thanks for your advice.

 

Take the 6 hour drive. The $300 pays for the gas, You are going to kill the entire day anyway, and the options on the ARE make it a hands down winner.
Racks are easy to install yourself or any dealer will do it for you.

 

Does A.R.E x series have a data plate or anything?

guy says is specific for 2005-2014 tacoma I just want to make sure with a vin or something.

 

IMO ARE shells are some of the best made.

 

Both companies make solid products. I am partial to Leer. Had a 100xl now I have a 100xr. Not a single problem with with either. I love the xr. Sliding windows for air for the doggies & easy open hatch. Plus i got mine with a Thule rack for carrying boards, cargo, etc. In the end it's your money and your preference.

 

12 hrs round trip was about right. Nice Saturday out and if you get tired you can snooze in the back.

 

get a Snug Top

 

I like my LEER, but I'd make the longer drive

 

You could probably get away with measurements if a plate isn't there.
2nd gens are wider. Make sure it is for the correct cab. Regular cab caps do not sit the same as access or double cabs. There are rubbing issues up front. At least for Leer, can't speak for ARE.

 

Yeah I just dont want to drive 6 hrs to find out its for a 1st gen or an access cap. Ill have the guy measure it tomorrow.

 

My first gen had a ARE

My second has a LEER.

Both had windows with sliders and locks, but I found the ARE was better built. I would go ARE.

 

Well found out that the leer front window is fixed. That shell is out of the question for me now.

 

here is a late question, excluding this forum, how did you find one out of town? I'd love to buy used, but so far have only found one 1200 miles. If I don't find used this weekend, I'll probably go ahead an order a new Leer 100XL so I get it in before hunting season. Since looking at both local dealers, I only have one each of Leer or ARE, I've always liked both, but I've seen a lot of ARE with bad trim, shrunk gaskets, etc. as I've really been studying every one that passes me. I really want the 100XQ, but not enough air flow.

 

Be patient and keep checking. Bought my truck in Oct of 14 and picked up my shell last month. I knew one would come up sooner or later...

 

Thanks.. that's when I bought mine!