For those shopping for a new cap

I just purchased a brand new A.R.E. Z series cap for close to $2400. Take a look at these pictures and beware that this is considered by A.R.E. to be acceptable quality. They refused to replace or repair the cap. Luckily my A.R.E. dealer is attempting to fix these issues. Very disappointed!

 

Wow, I would be furious if I paid that much for one with that sloppy work. I almost bought a cap but the price was too much to me.

 

Believe me, I am. I'll never buy another A.R.E. cap. I should have bought a Leer!

 

Smh... that is very disappointing... For that cash, I'm sure we all expect PERFECTION.

 

I also had serious problems with A.R.E. workmanship that caused the windows to leak. After the dealer replaced the windows several times, they said they would buy back the cap if A.R.E. did not agree to take it back. Fortunately I had been documenting all the problems with photos and videos and A.R.E. agreed to take the cap back.

 

He offered to give me a 100% refund including installation so I took it. Going to Leer tomorrow!

 

I am looking for a cap, and thanks for the insight. I have heard similar about ARE, and there is a thread about Leer like this too. Snugtop gets high marks - saw a youtube that does a side by side of all 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olooWSgrrUE

BTW if you are in or near NC and selling a LB snugtop PM me.

 

I am searching for a new topper and was considering the A.R.E. MX model until I saw this.
OP thanks for posting this thread, it led me to do some more research and this seems to be an ongoing issue with A.R.E. I hope you have better luck with Leer, I am leaning towards them and Century.

 

Unfortunately, it appears Snugtop has no dealers east of the Mississippi River, which greatly increases the shipping cost.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-snugtop-outback.317613

 

To be sure. Missouri is the farthest east dealership

 

video sure makes ARE look bad and Snugtop look top notch. Wish there was a closer dealer, St. Louis about 4 hours away. I would consider if it was really that much better than Leer.

 

Where are these built? If the are built in the USA then those workers need to be ashamed of that shoddy workmanship.

 

I had heard the same stories about poor workmanship across all these brands. I had seen it firsthand when I shopped and only accepted my Leer after an intense inspection.
You think putting together canopies is one of those jobs "Americans won't do anymore"?

 

I'd bet my lunch on it.

 

Guess when I get when I need to check it good. I checked out Snugtop website, you have to give your contact info for a quote, I got an email that said nothing but "$2200-$3115 price range" and link to their web site. I won't be traveling 4 hours for that little info. Proud of them at that price too!

 

Just call a dealer and ask for a price quote.

 

The market for canopies, like most things automotive, seems to be open to some negotiation. Don't forget to ask for a roof net, or sliding window, or $100, for example. Those things are offered as inducements...may as well ask.

 

This video is useless to me....how old are the shells he's comparing. If not recent, what has changed by each manufacture since these were produced. A real comparison would be three new shells...

 

I'm convinced it has to do if it was built on a Monday or a Friday, east wing or west wing. Even like electronics there seems to be a discrepancy on quality for many things. I as well would be pissed if I got a canopy and saw that too. Guess Leer it is. Don't really want to be spending upwards of $3K that's all.

 

Picked up a used Leer, I like the rear Glass on the ARE Z Series better but like the Leer without a moulding strip around the base & the fact it had rubber gasket moulding on it's base(didn't need gasket tape)