Leer 180 - Windoor vs. Windoor Slider option... opinions please!!

Hi Folks,

I'm looking at getting a Leer 180 shell for my 2012 ACLB Taco. I'd like to get some opinions (pro's & con's) about the Windoor and Windoor Slider options from some of you guys that may have them. I use my truck to hunt a lot in the fall. My hunting camp is 250 miles from the house, and I usually go up for a week or 2 at a time and have the truck pretty well loaded up w/ equipment & supplies. I like the the idea of being able to access the bed from the side windows vs. crawling over everything in the bed via the back door. So, I was wondering if you have found any con's (I guess the pro's are pretty obvious) with either of these window options. I already know I'll have to be mindful to keep my belt buckle from scratching the truck when reaching in

Appreciate any info you might have to offer.

Thanks,
YB

 

I like the option of being able to open the windoors, without having to open them on the hinge.

For me, we've got dogs that will ride in the bed, and only when there is a topper on the bed too. Being able to open the windows open for ventilation is a must-have for me.

My vote is to go with the added functionality.

 

My only concern with windoors is scratching the crap out of the sides of the box when accessing stuff from the cap .

This was a major issue for me when I had a crossbox style toolbox on my last truck .

 

Thanks Guys, appreciate the info.

YB

 

Pay the extra money for the windoors- get the screened sliding type windoors if you sleep in the back. I cheaped out when I bought my ARE and I kick myself for it all of the time. I have regular screened sliders but the windoors bring a lot more versatility to the table. They're stupid expensive to buy after the fact too.

I also wish I had gotten the fold down front slider window as it's next to impossible to clean the glass without taking off the shell (even with a regular slider front window); the fiberglass caps have some curve in the front which makes it hard to get anything in between for cleaning. If they didn't lose their value so fast I'd sell mine and buy a new model with the windoors and drop down front window.

 

Great point on the tilt out / fold down front sliding window , I love mine .

 

Thanks Guys. We have a cabin at our hunting camp so I don't plan to sleep in the bed, therefor, I'm leaning toward the solid glass Windoors.

I also have a question about the Thule Tracker II vs. the Aero model Roof Racks that Leer installs on their shells if anyone might know. My Leer dealer said that some people who have the Tracker II model have complained that they make a whistling noise (wind) due to the square design of the tubing on the top cross pieces. Have any of you guys heard mention of this?

I'm just trying to figure out if the extra cost for the Aero design model would provide any real benefit aside from asthetics.

Thanks again,
YB

 

My curbside windoor has been a God send and I found it on CL for $30! I use it all the time.

 

Here is mine. I love the flip up window.

I could not even imagine having to deal with sliders they would suck.

The best solution to the buckle problem is to just drink more beer and get a little beer belly then you don't have to worry about it.

Here is a pic of mine. I got the 180CC.

 

What he said! I camp out and sleep in the back of mine. I bought my Leer 100R (cab high) with removeable front slider, and flip up vented windoors on both sides. I have never regretted either of those options. I never have to climb into the bed to load or unload. Doesn't matter if I am making a dump run, going camping, or grocery shopping, it makes the bed as useable and accessable as it's going to get with the shell on. An the ventilation is perfect if you're going to sleep back there. Fully opened windoors is too much.

 

I got my 180 with the sliding windoors(they call it venting), fixed front slider, adventure package which includes overhead cargo net, two interior led dome lights, headliner. I have the Tracker II and have no issues with whistling noise. I think that's just a ploy to up sell to Aero. I think the only difference is a chrome vanity thing. They had a special where I got to choose one Thule attachment so I opted for the big mouth bike unit, which has been on "back order" for a month now. I haven't had a chance to camp in it yet but overall I'm very pleased with the options I selected. In my opinion the fold down front window isn't needed. I just make sure to wash both windows well when I put it on. I could see if you didn't take it off much, but I take mine on and off fairly frequently( I just back in a shed and hoist it off). As for the sliding(venting) windoors, I'm glad I got them, and I'm pretty sure my dog likes'em. Carefull they have reconfigured them. They weren't what I thought they were according to the brochure they had for me. And the website sucks to try to build your topper. But said and done I like'em. I also like the cargo net, I think it will come in handy when camping. Very glad I got the 180, wouldn't want any less headspace. I also asked them to leave more lip around the bottom edge, that way it hangs down as a drip edge over the bed rails. If thats confusing I can try to post a pic of what I mean. Turns out they can leave a longer leg as they just trim it off when it's formed. Helps keep driving rains/water from ever having a chance to get in and under the seal. My old A.R.E. leaked like a sieve along the bed rails and corners. Good luck.

 

Why wouldn't you get the tilt out front slider ? It's not that much more .

 

In all the years I've used toppers I've never said to myself, "Man I wish I could get that window cleaner." When I just spent $30k+ on the truck and $2k+ on the topper my budget and past life experiences told me I could do without spending the extra nickles.

 

I see . Well seeing as you take yours on and off as much as you say , I guess that works , my cap is on pretty much all the time and I'm glad I got the removeable slider .

 

That would be great if you could post a pic of that. Wow, I had no clue that they would even do that... that sounds like something I'd like to have done when I order mine.

Thanks for the info (and pic )

YB

 

Heres ma Leer.

 

I'll try to get a detail pic now. Might have to wait for day light. BRB.

 

I can't remember now, how much extra $ was the flip down slider?

 

Can't remember off hand , I'm certain it was less than $200

I'm going to check the Leer site

 

I have a ARE with vented sliding windoors.
I personally don't use the vents allot, although they are handy.

Whatever you do, as long as you are getting some sort of windoors you should be fine.
Makes me wonder what I did without them. Well worth the money and slight style hit to me.

Shawn.