ARE or LEER?

I was considering a used cap. I decided against it. On my way to order a new one now.

Any options on which might be better?
The LEER a 100 R is 2861.00 and ships in 3-4 weeks. The ARE is a Contour 4 and is around 2700.00 and ships in 5-6 weeks. Both have the same added features.

I would rather get it as soon as possible, but I'm willing to wait an extra couple of weeks if I'm getting a better product.

All in put is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

Had a Leer and had no problems with it. Never had an ARE but I am sure they are just fine as well. I would ask both dealers if they have experience installing on a Tacoma and getting them sealed up. That might be what would sway me.

 

I've had 2 ARE's and now I have a Leer 100RCC. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I'd probably go with the closest dealer in case you run into a warranty issue.

 

We'd all like to think that if that question was posed to a dealer they'd answer truthfully but I doubt that they would.

Maybe I should ask here, is a Tacoma any more difficult to seal than any other truck? My 2011 Tacoma (with a Z series ARE) leaked just about as much as my other trucks over the years that had Leer or Century caps. My new truck will get a ARE later this summer.........

 

Yes.
I pulled the bulkhead, removed the end plugs, sealed them with RTV, put down a line of RTV under the bulkhead and re-installed it. Then pulled the rail caps, put down 2 lines of RTV and filled the 6 threaded holes and reinstalled rail caps. Then I used butyl tape to fill the front corner gaps; both sides of the plastic rail cap. I made little tootsie rolls with the tape and kept cramming them in there and packing it tight with a nail head. It was a pain. I had the cap installed 2 days later. Also got Mike's cubby cap covers and sealed tailgate (ESI kit) and those 3" gaps in front of tailgate (black RTV).

 

Go with the “most professional “ dealer. Both products are good choices, both have issues, the dealer is key.

 

This is how I used butyl tape in the front corners. It doesn't show the gap underneath the rail cap overhang (also crammed butyl tape in there). So far, so good.

 

Yes. My Leer shell had no leaks. The Tacoma bed on the other hand...that's what can be frustrating at times. I got mine sealed well doing similar to what is explained above.

 

I didn't realize that the installer needed to lift up the back of the drivers side rail cap to access wires. Luckily, I had just put RTV under the rail caps 2 days earlier, and it wasn't cured yet. The installer was amused. Maybe try to time your trip to the installer so they let you put down RTV after they tap into the wire?..
Again, a good installer/dealer is key.

 

I had a 2002 Dodge Ram Diesel and I had no problems with the Leer Top that I put on that truck when I bought 18 years ago. My Grandson grew up with us and always liked the Dodge. He got the Dodge and the Leer just before he started college for auto tech. Both are good quality caps and I don't think you would go wrong with either.

 

I got the leer cap. Thanks for the input , wish I would of got them to seal the box a bit better but it's pretty good. I told the dealer I was worried about the box leaking and pointed out where and they put some of that black putty stuff before they installed it. They also gave me 2 rolls of the black putty stuff so I should be fine. Il just stuff any leaky spots with a tootsie roll of that and a nail.

 

I went through the same dilemma and basically just price shopped around and spoke to multiple dealers. Ended up purchasing an ARE because of the dealer reviews and how helpful they were during the process.

 

Four things that shouldn't leak. Your house roof, your tent, your condom and your truck cap.

 

I've had a Leer on my Tacoma since new in 2007. I bought one for my F150 in 2016. I suppose ARE is probably just as good, but there is a Leer dealer close by. Not an ARE dealer. Talk to both, buy the one with the features you like at the price you want to pay.

I'm happy with the most basic version. The one on my Tacoma has no options. I did get the removeable front window on the one for the Ford and highly advise doing so. Makes it a lot easier to clean the back truck window and front cap window. I have to loosen the clamps once or twice a year and slide the cap back a few inches to do so with the Tacoma.

Never had a single issue with either cap. The Tacoma is hard to get a good seal between the cap and bed, but that ain't the cap's problem. I get a few drops of water during a rain, but with the corrugated floorboard the water stays in the channels and anything in the truck sits up above the water so I've never gotten anything wet. The bed design on the Ford works better. Never a drop of water in the 4 years it has been on