Hard Topper pros/cons

I have a Raider Vagabond Elite (which is the exact same shell as a leer 100xr.
1. I haven't noticed a change in mpg, but my cap is only cab high.
2. I haven't removed this one yet, but on my last truck I ended up removing it once a year or so. Not too hard, just need a helper or two and a place to store it. Maybe takes 15 minutes or so.
4. I teach rescue courses for a living, so I have a load of gear in the back at least a couple days a week. The covered lockable storage is invaluable. Other than that, dogs and/or camping gear are in there quite a bit.
5. Depends on what you're hauling in there. The shell by itself doesn't necessitate it. For my uses, I'm planning on doing sumosprings sometime this spring.
6. Mine was 2200 with folding front window, sliding windoors on both sides (super useful, I'd recommend at least one), led light, carpet, and roof rack tracks.

Edit to add: I've been pretty happy with this one. If you end up shopping for Leer at all, check for Century and Raider dealers too. I saved a bunch by going with Raider, even though it's the same thing

 

Going all the way back to college every truck I’ve owned had a topper. In college it was a neccessity because I moved so often and everything I owned had to fit in the vehicle. Post-college I worked on the Oregon coast and relied on the topper to keep things out of the rain. That one was a lightweight aluminum shell that was fairly easy for one person to put on / take off so during firewood season it was usually off. Even after leaving OR I just got into the habit of having a topper to keep things secure and out of the weather.

For me a topper has been more convenience than hinderance. Tho I do have a small utility trailer for hauling around ATVs, bikes or other objects that don’t fit under the topper.

 

I went with a Leer topper (legend series) based off of price and what I am going to use it for. Love the added security, ability to keep the dogs in it (Husky and German Shepherd have too much hair to be in the cab), and camping. MPGs have not been noticeably affected and ride height seems to be level now with this on. Removal will probably not happen to be honest, I will just borrow a friend or my dad's truck if I need to move a fridge. Total cost was $1374.58 after tax installed, which was cheaper than Century and about $400 cheaper than ARE. Super nice being able to keep my hunting clothing, boots, and bow all back there and still have space in the rear seats for people and the baby come August (that is the argument that I convinced the wife that the topper was a good buy).

 

1. I see no affect on MPG and am averaging around 18.9 mpg over the last 23,000 miles with a Leer 100 XR, Prinsu Cabrac and fully build drawer system totaling ~350 lbs constant load. I am stock outside of these mods.
2. It is not a hassle to remove the topper with two people however I have only done it once. I also have a friend with a trailer and unlimited access
3. I put it in my garage for the day.
4. My motivator for the cap was camping and dry storage. My GF and I sleep in the back some nights if we roll into a site late. Its also a great place to put my dog when she gets all yucked up.
5. I have Sumo Springs and love them!
6. Leer 100XR, front removable/sliding window, passenger and driver side windoors, thule tracks and dark tint on all windows. $2550 OTD. Best money I have spent on the truck!

 

$1300!!!??? How? Is that just a base model with no options? Options seem to kill ya. The base CX is $1700 but windoors, lights, roof tracks (not full rack) add about $700.

I'll look into the legend series as that's more what I wanted to pay. Still want a rack eventually.

 

Yes the Legend is the Leer base series, they do not even advertise it on their website. The topper is completely base (although it has everything I need) with sliding glass windows with screens. I do not know how much the option to add a roof rack would be, as I did not ask my dealer.

 

I tested the rear end drop of stock suspension a while back using a large ice chest filled with water and then added several 5 gallon buckets one at a time filled with water and added a 5 gallon bucket of paint.

With more than 600 pounds (~660 pounds?) of water mostly centered over the rear axle and back, the rear end dropped at least or a little over 1.5 inches.

So I figured about 1/2 inch drop per 200 pounds of weight.