Which Topper

Need new topper for long road trip, this forum has lots of opinions so let's hearwhat you think!

ARE Z Series




Options considering:

Base - 1899.00
Front fold down windoor - 79-90.00
Hanger - 25.00
Yakima System - 450.00
Carpet - standard
No side windoor option
Dealer discount - 2418.19 Out the door

Dealer is really cool, super nice guys.

LEER XR




Base - 1449.00
Front windoor - 100.00
Hanger - 50.00
Side windoors - 300.00
Thule rack system package - 700
(package includes carpet, gear net, power outlet, extra dome light and one other Thule accessory)
Discount coupon (no other discounts)- take off $75
Total - 2524 plus tax

Dealer is a douche

I like both of these set ups but I haven't made a decision so let's hear it...

 

Both good toppers. I have the Leer 100 XR and it's been great. Get the Thule roof rack rails installed when you order. That way they're covered under the factory warranty. You can always add the rack later.

 

I've owned several ARE caps and they have all been top quality no issues with paint match, chipping etc............... always a perfect fit too. You could find that ARE Z cheeper on your own. My local cap dealer wanted $1,500 with all the options you mentioned minus the yakima system.

 

I haven't purchased mine yet so I'll be interested to read the opinions.

 

I like SnugTop because of the sliding screens on the side windows.
Definitely get the front fold down window so you can clean the windows (truck rear & shell front).

 

That's a good point. I've seen the racks on eBay and CL used for half new so that might save a little...but then again I need them asap lol.

any advice on how to get them cheaper? I've been trying to work it but that's the best I've come up with and there are 2 dealers in the same basic area.

Only one ST dealer near me and I asked him for a quote with all the specs, never heard back.

Def need the front fold down slider, the Z doesn't come with the side slide fold downs and the 100XR does...

 

The side windoors are a nice option, so I voted Leer. I just bought the Leer 180 with sliding side windoors. I'd recommend the sliding side windoors for the extra ventilation. Here's a pic:

 

Whichever floats your boat. I went ARE and found passenger side flip up window on CL.

 

This might not help much, but I've been really happy with my SnugTop. Had an ARE before and liked it, but the fit and finish on the SnugTop is what I love the most about it..Plus the SnugTop was cheaper than the ARE..And both were under $400..Thanks to Craigslist!

 

I'm really happy with my LEER 100RCC commercial cap , reinforced roof to carry 400 lbs up top on the rack

 

I have been really happy with the leer 180cc with side fold windows.

After having the side fold window I would never want sliders.

 

I love my vented windoors. I have a snug top rebel. Its too bad the dealer sucks because they make a good shell. I am really pleased with mine. I wish I had gotten the reinforced roof so I could get a roof rack...
My local Leer dealer is a huge douche. I actually drove 300 miles one way to get my ST.

 

I have a similar set up on my LEER , but the window is completely removeable , awesome for keeping the back of the cab clean

 

Hmm , interesting

I actually prefer to have it right out of the way

 

Good post. I want a cap too for my AC.

 

XQ

 

LEER 100RCC

 

The reason I need this topper is I will be driving back from the East Coast to the West Coast so I don't have a lot of time to dk around with it too much.

I called the closest SnugTop dealer and they said because ST is on the West Coast it takes 4-8 weeks and additional freight, so those are def out of the question. The only other real option are the Jason Toppers, supposedly they only make one model for the 5' Taco bed and that's the Pace model.

It would be much easier to choose if the LEER or ARE were hands down cheaper or better in quality but judging by the voting it seems like the forum is split down the middle. Also, I don't seem to be able to find any dealer willing to cut their price like some of the comments on the forum. And, although I've seen some decent toppers on CL for sale at good prices, they don't have the built in rack rails and are the wrong color, both would take time to make right, which I don't have...

Looks like I will have to flip a coin soon lol.

 

I've got the Leer 100XQ on my Taco and as I'm completely satisfied with the fit, finish and especially the look, I voted Leer.

 

I had a Leer cap on a previous truck. it faded terribly after one year.I did maintain it properly. I went with an ARE this time.. Color match was perfect. it still looks new after 2 years.