3rd Gen A.R.E. vs Leer/Century

That’s definitely noticeable. I mean, most people wouldn’t ever notice, but once you see it…

 

These replies all make me think my gut feeling is right. Anyone got anything bad to say about Leer or Century caps?

 

Well, no ones ever called me Clark before. LOL I had been saving for a new truck for several years and was about to pull the trigger when Toyota unveiled the Army Green Pro. It took me another year of hounding my dealer until it was mine. I call it my "mid life crisis". A top of the line Toyota deserves a top of the line shell.
My best advice is do your research here to learn about the prep work you need to do to the bed to avoid leaks (bed stiffeners /silicone caulk/ tailgate gasket). Also, find a dealer/installer that you can trust. The two closest to me had bad reputations , so I chose to drive out of state. FYI, if you get a Leer shell that is carpet lined, it matches the Bedrug bed liner. Afterward, I took out the front window and installed a gasket to cab. Now, I just leave the cab rear window open all the time.

 

Lol, it’s a funny line from the movie Christmas vacation, I always think it’s a funny way to say something is nice. I’ve been reading up on sealing under the bed caps, and sealing the front notches, I’ll have to search to figure out the best tailgate gasket.

I was also dead set on AG last fall when I bought, but I couldn’t find a Pro or an OR with leather, so I’m in a Sport. I figure over the next few, I’ll get my cap, some wheels and tires, maybe a small lift, I’ll get it how I want it. I’m definitely mid life, but it wasn’t my crisis, I very much daydream about going all out with bumpers and winch, or buying a convertible!

 

I got an ARE CX classic about a month ago. The paint match is good and the bottom edge is straight on mine. I don't know if ARE's quality is any better recently, or maybe I just got lucky with those things. At the price point of the Leer, I'd probably also consider the RSI SmartCap.

 

I ended up ordering a Leer 100XR, on Friday. I spent a ton of time calling around to Century and Leer dealers, and found that I could get into a Century for about $150 more than a Leer. When I told my local Leer dealer the prices I found on Century, he matched it. So he knocked almost $500 off his original price.

 

ARE quality has certainly drifted over the years. Had a really high quality one on a '93... the one I had built in '21 had MANY flaws

 

What kind of gasket did you use? Where does it touch the cab of the truck, on the window or body?

 

I asked this in another thread, but didn't get an answer. I'm curious as well.

 

I remember when the shells came with a gasket attached to them. Those didn’t last long because they sealed up to the body of the pickup and as the bed and cab flexed while driving the gasket rubbed their way through the paint and primer down to bare metal. My dad that in his truck and quickly pulled it when he started to see the damage.

 

Got my ARE CX for a nearly-new (used) at $1,300 in “almost” & “Clark’s best attempt at” Barcelona Red. Seemed like a fine deal. Squished window sill screws, minor fit issues, sliding windows that are so cheap…Would be annoyed if it cost twice as much. But feel happy with what it cost me.

 

I found a RV supply website. Don't remember where, that's been 4 years ago. I believe its a 4" bulb seal gasket with a clip. When I removed the front window of my Leer shell, there was a metal flange that allowed me to attach the gasket to. The gasket had some metal inside the rubber clip that just allowed me to clamp it down to the metal flange with some pliers. The gasket hits the truck mostly on the window. If I were doing it again, I would get a smaller bulb gasket. The 4" is too long. On the top and bottom it bends out and on the sides it bends in. During a heavy rain I'll get a slight drip down the cab window from the bulb direction transition. This does not get in anywhere, it just drains out at the bottom where both ends of the gasket meet.

 

I had a '86 Toyota Pickup that had that on the shell because the ones with front windows were more expensive. After 330k+ miles and 15 years, I discovered the bare metal under the rubber, but NO rust. It was a straight hard rubber piece that hit the cab. The modern bulb seal gasket rubber is much softer and flexible. I'm 4 years into one and it hasn't damaged.

 

Thanks so much to everyone for all the helpful information in this thread. I'm currently deciding between A.R.E. and LEER, and based on the feedback here, I'm leaning towards LEER because of its better fitment. This forum is a real goldmine!

 

I think the only difference between the century and the Lear 100r is with the side windows. I like the Lear 100R with the two levers for the rear window hatch. The 100 r back window hatch is recessed in such a way that I think looks better than the more expensive single hatch models. Also, when shopping around for these things, I don't recommend loading up on a bunch of expensive accessories. I will say, once you get one of these camper shells you probably will never go back to not having one.

 

The Leer is the better looking of the caps as far as fitment. I bought a Ranch cap because of the price. Love it, fits nice and seems to be very water resistant. Back windows could have been a little more streamlined but for under $2k new fully carpeted compared to over $3300 for the nearest compatible i can live with it.....Be prepared for sag in the back. I did rear Sumo Spings the next day

 

I second or third the Leer 100XQ

 

Does anyone know the stationary weight limit for Leer caps? I'm ordering the Leer 100 XR for my truck and plan to install a rooftop tent for camping on top. Leer website is not very helpful.