ARE vs LEER

Hey guys.
I am looking to get shell for my 08 taco, I just don’t know which brand to go with for the best value and best price. Do you guys have any suggestions or recommendations?

 

I know most leers go over the bed rails which, in my opinion, helps keep water out more efficiently.

 

My Leer is well built and well designed, but Leer customer service is non-existent. no experience with ARE

 

I vote Leer

 

The Leer looks a lot cleaner in my opinion (but I’m a little biased). Both can be found for less than $500 in great shape. Just search CL and Facebook market and you’ll find a deal.

Here’s my Leer 100XR

 

Just stick to your well known brands and you’ll be fine (Leer, ARE, SnugTop, etc)

 

No complaints with my Leer 100XR, it's been solid. No experience with ARE, but I wouldn't pass on one for the right price!

FWIW, I bought my shell used.

 

I have a Leer on my current truck which is 9 years old and still looks like new and no leaks. I previously had an ARE on my prior truck and after 4 years the paint started deteriorating. Both shells were very similar except for the paint failure. Because of that I’ll stick with Leer. The picture does not do it justice as the truck and shell was quite dirty.
Also just a suggestion, get a shell that is about 6 inches higher than the cab (like mine) not level with the cab. When you have to crawl around in the back of the truck the extra 6” makes a huge difference. And one last thing get it with the removable front window. If you don’t you won’t be able clean all of the glass between the cab and shell window.

 

ARE goes over the rails as well. Look at them closely then buy what you like. From reading the forums, all of them have had QC issues at various times so make sure whatever you get is right before you sign for it. Also, spring for whatever options you want up front as going back to add things like windoors is ridiculously expensive. I'd strongly recommend the drop down sliding front window so that you can clean the glass between the truck and the shell without removing the shell. I'd also go for screened slider windoors if you think you may ever camp out of the back.

 

I bought my truck used with an are cap... It has been great. No leaks, but i do need to replace the brake light.

I like how the lift gate has only one center latch instead of two at the corners. The carpeted interior is nice too. I wish it had a sliding front window, but it is cost prohibitive to add it now.

 

It looks like i will be going with ARE. I compared quotes of the shell i want with accessories between ARE & LEER and it looks like the better value is ARE. I was able to get a lot more out my money without having to pay so much.

 

But then again every dealer is different. I was able to find an ARE dealer here in town and they were really helpful and fair with their price. I called LEER but they didn’t help very much and I just felt like they were just trying empty my pockets. Other LEER dealers might be good. the ones here in Utah aren’t so great.

 

OP, have you purchased yet? If not, expand your search to include Raider and Century dealers. Both brands are the exact same shells as leer, made in the same factory. I was able to save a ton compared to the local leer place by buying from the raider dealer in Logan. The difference was around $500

 

I actually saw you post when I was purshasing the shell..I went with ARE here in Springville. ended up getting the MX shell with the tiltslider front window and fabric.i should be here in about 4 weeks can’t wait! I think they gave me a fair price and compared to leer they threw in the fabric for free.

 

Awesome! Let us see how it looks once you get it on!

 

Will do!

 

What do y’all think...

 

That is one good looking Tacoma!

 

Looks really good!

 

Looks Great.