Shells - Leer 100r vs ARE CX vs Leer 100XL

I've decided that I want a cap/shell/topper. Thats the only decision i seem to be able to make and its killing me. The more i read the more i'm up in the air. In my area ARE and LEER are prevalent. Think i've narrowed down to the Leer 100R, Leer100xl, and the ARE CX. Having a hard time comparing them in a meaningful way, and its an absolute bitch that you can't price these things out without being on the phone with somebody, just makes it hard to compare and prioritize. How would you guys do this comparison between the three and what are distinguishing features that you love or hate about what you've got/had, lessons learned?

 

Not on your list but I have the LEER 100XR, basically the same model as the 100R but with a different back window. Love it. We just had a few days of serious rain in the Bay Area and no leaks at all. Only thing I wish I had gotten was the rear window that slides down for easier cleaning. Other than that no complaints

 

how much more was it in price?

 

I think about 100-150 more? I forget. The advantage of the 100R though is the 2 latches. If one breaks you still have the other. If my single (middle) latch breaks there really is no backup. The window is more "sleek" looking though FWIW.

 

whats ya'lls though process on lights on the inside of the caps, does 12v make it a pain in the ass to use when the truck isn't running OR a pain in the ass to remove the cap?

 

I have the CX series shell and love the thing! I have an led rope light and a dome light attached to the roof. They are wired to the battery and I do have to have the truck running to use them. I used them multiple times and never regretted it. It would to nice to have lighting to use when the truck isn't running. I'm just going to add a simple led battery light next summer.

 

Although not dealing specifically with the models you listed, you might want to peruse: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/258264-snugtop-vs-leer-vs-r-e-verdict.html

 

One of the big areas (for me) between the two caps is the finish at the bottom of the cap - the Leer doesn't have a finishing strip at the base of the cap, the ARE does. I had a Leer on my old Nissan Frontier, and I didn't care for the look. The ARE CX looks better in the transition between the bed and the cap. BTW, I have the ARE CX on order and will have it on Saturday. My dealer had one in stock (wrong color) and actually set it on my truck to show me how it looked - I ordered it that day.

 

Got my MX installed yesterday, I think it looks nice.

 

I tried to be fair and research the Leer and ARE in my area. They were close in price. The Leer dealer would not negotiate in any way, whereas the ARE place would. I had good luck with the ARE on my 2002 Taco, and I decided to go with the ARE CX for my 2013. Fit and finish are great. Make sure you look into the reputation of the place you're buying it from.

Here's mine....

 

I have an ARE on my 2002 with 171K miles. Has held up well. No difference in paint between Truck and Cap. The fold down window is a wortwhile option no matter what brand you get. The interior light has a quick disconnect plug so no problem if you want to remove the cap. Mine is wired so the parking lights need to be on for the light to work.

 

Nope...mine is hot wired so it works when I want (key in or out of ignition).
LED (Leer 100XR)
I also added a cheap 8" LED strip inline with the OEM (Amazon). Great lighting.

Mine was installed with a quick disconnect. So if I remove the shell...just disconnect it. Works with my upper third break light on the shell also.