Leer 100XR or A.R.E. CX topper?

I just went through a ton of research on this, and came back with........They're both about the same. So get a good local installer that gives you a fair price. Get the windoors. Also unless you've 100% decided on flat I think the midrise looks great on the long bed when you have a lift and bigger tires so consider the ARE MX or the Leer 180. A little extra room when sleeping in the bed too.

I went with the ARE MX. The price installed was right around $2600 for basically all the options. Hopefully it comes in in the next week or two, and I'll post pics. You can't go wrong with the 100 or the CX either though. They both really flow well with the lines of the truck.

BTW with MGM I would probably get the ARE with the OTR paint option. I have BBP so I went with body color, but on gray the OTR (seems like it's basically Raptor lining it) looks pretty damn good and might give you more options if you decide to sell it in the future.

 

The 100XR

 

I finally got my CX installed yesterday. Haven't taken pics yet but really happy. One thing to mention is the ARE vented windoors are different from leer and open more and don’t have a vertical line running down the middle. I got all the options I wanted carpet, light, vented windoors both sides, fold down front window, Yakima rails aero bars etc. came out really nice. Install went welll it rained like crazy yesterday afternoon and last night and not a drop of water. I would have preferred the leer removable front window over the ARE fold down, but the windoor vents mattered more and I like the fit/look of the ARE better it doesn’t sit down as far on the bedsides. I don’t think you could go wrong with either though. I was right at $2600 OTD but drove 2.5 hours each way to get that price. It would have been $1000 more from quotes from Chicago area dealers.

 

I'm looking at an identical cap and you're right... they're asking $3,600. You got a great deal. Guess I'll have to keep looking around.

 

ARE CX with Frontrunner rack on my Pro for your reference.

 

I know this post is pretty old. But just for future reference in case anyone come across this while searching. The tracks installed on these shells are interchangeable. Both brand’s mounts work with either track. I have a leer shell with Thule tracks, and mounted my old Yakima towers and bars to them no problem.

 

Which place did you go to? I am also in Chicago area looking to buy a topper, and the local quotes are coming in around $3200+ for one with less options than you had.

 

The customer service of my local ARE dealer is what made the difference for me.

 

I talked to all the dealers up here for the various brands. They were all in the same ballpark for the options I wanted $3200-$3600 snugtop was highest. I finally found this place nearly by accident, they posted a great price on a used top on Craigslist for a 2nd gen and so I decided to get a quote from them.

I went all the way down near Ducator, IL. Brown’s Truck accessories. Mike Brown helped me out. It was worth the drive, they took like 3 hours to install and it shows in the application of the foam weatherproofing and silicone work. They did a great job and I’m very happy with it. I added my own net to the interior using hardware from Amazon.

$12 Sydien 10Pcs M6x1mm Silver Pitch Female Thread 304 Stainless Steel Ring Lifting Eye Nut

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GQXT5NM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

these fit perfectly to the roof rack bolts for the net.

$17 Branded Boards Heavy Duty Bushcraft Stainless Steel Carabiner Spring Snap Clip Link Hooks. 200-500lb Load. 2, 6 & 12 Packs (5cm-12-pack)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B086HT6H9N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Attaching net to hardware above

ABN Cargo Net with Fasteners and Hardware, 24 x 45in (Stretches to 60in Long) – Trailer, SUV, Motorcycle, ATV, Roof

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IIPP3M8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Net

 

ARE has a better hinge than leer
The products are almost identical but i like the ARE hinge better, seems like it will last forever

All i will say is i got the v series and wish i got a reinforced one so i could mount an rtt


obligatory photo with shell

 

Thanks for the info! I'll check them out!

 

I have had 2 ARE Caps.... Current one is a Z series
~color matched to my trucks by the paint code.... match is perfect
~neither leaked..... suspect leaks may occur if installer doesn't use silicone sealant between the cap and the bed rail.
~Get the windoors (i don't have them but wish I did~biggest regret).
~Power lock on rear hatch is very convenient
~get the carpet lining option inside of the cap (not necessarily the carpet for the bed, but cap)
~no issues with bed rails due to weight, but I did add bed stiffeners because I plan to mount a simple roof rack

Caps are great, very versatile.....

 

I didnt get mine carpeted because i wanted to be able to hose it out from tome to time but i didnt realize how the raw fiberglass would be so scratchy

If i didnt it again i think id get the carpet

 

I’ve had both in the last week. I did not like the leer. ARE is the way to go.

What I like about the ARE:
The fit
The looks
The rear latch. (Easy to wrap a strap/ bungee around when you’re hauling stuff and want the door shut)
The rubber/ plastic trim around the edging
The fact that the rear door fold up and out of the way. (The leer door wasn’t even close to opening as much).

 

I like the neatly fitted windows on the Century.

 

What did that Century cost you?

 

Looking at taking this route. Are you still happy with the CX-HD? Does the rear door close up solid? Thanks and nice truck!

 

Thanks. The topper is still functioning perfectly - everything closes solid. I have ZERO regrets about buying it.

 

Thanks. It’s been a long path, but I think I’m going to order one.

 

I had the leer cap, sold it cause I couldn’t get my dirt bike or atv in the bed. Should have never sold it and got a trailer instead..